Meet Rex, who’s always welcoming family for visits

We love helping residents stay connected with their loved ones.

Since moving to Vincent Court, Rex has filled his private suite with his favourite belongings and made some firm friends. But it’s being able to welcome family whenever he likes that really makes him feel at home.

His daughter, Beth, agrees. “It’s great that we can visit anytime. My brother works long hours, so it suits him to come in the evening and he’ll often bring his dog who loves a pat from Dad. Mum visits all the time, but especially enjoys coming to have lunch with him after Church on Sunday. This was always their routine, and she loves keeping this going.

“I visit regularly too and we like sitting together in his room playing cards and sharing the sweets he’s won at Bingo!

“I’ve got to know the staff very well, and as a Physio, I really notice the person-centred care Dad receives here. The staff are gentle, kind and respectful. It’s wonderful to see the special bond they’ve formed with him.”

Rex says he’s very happy to call Vincent Court home. “The way I’m looked after here, well, you just couldn’t ask for anything better. And having my wife and children come and visit me all the time is wonderful. They’re a part of me.”

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on
(02) 6562 6062.

For the last four years, Baily, has been an integral member of the Vincent Court Care Team. His calm manner and easy-going approach endear him to residents and their families, and he especially loves helping residents in our Memory Support Household.

What do you think makes Vincent Court so special?

It’s vibrant and lively at Vincent Court. Everyone knows each other and gets along so well that it’s like one big family. The residents genuinely enjoy being here and it’s just a pleasure to be a part of this community that has become so important to Kempsey.

How do you make a positive difference to residents?

A big focus of mine is finding opportunities to have one-on-one time with residents. This might be helping them with a gardening activity, reading to them or just having a great conversation. This is how I form bonds with the residents, and it’s so rewarding finding out about their

stories and their individual personalities.

What do you love most about what you do?

I really enjoy caring for residents with high-care or memory-support needs. Although this can be challenging at times, I love using my experience to find ways to connect with them and help keep them calm, content and happy.

At Vincent Court, we love supporting residents to live their way, with dignity.

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on
(02) 6562 6062.

2023: Vincent Court’s Year in Review

Our care:

• The latest Resident Experience survey results reported that 76% of residents rated their quality of life at Vincent Court as ‘Excellent’, a 25% increase from last quarter
• Awarded highest possible accreditation by the Australian Government’s Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
• Staff rosters optimised to ensure every resident receives more one-on-one care

Our team:

• Work Rite culture program reported a 35% increase in staff wellbeing, achievement, connection and performance
• Permanent staff numbers have increased, reducing our need for temporary staff
• Our first intake of school-based Trainees completed their qualification, with two now permanently employed at Vincent Court

Our community:

• By the end of 2023, 18 of our private suites will have been refurbished, with plans for further renovations to come

All of these achievements mean we have been able to welcome more locals, and our community has become an even better place to live and work.

We love supporting residents to live their way. For Irene, this means building her own daily routine that balances quiet time with social activities.

How do you like to spend your day?

I prefer having my own quiet time in the mornings, so I enjoy having breakfast in my room. Then a bit later, I usually socialise with some of my neighbours and join in the activities. I have my lunch and dinner in the dining room, and often sit in the courtyard and feed the birds. I love that I can design my own day.

What else do you enjoy doing at Vincent Court?

Since moving here, I’ve been inspired by the other residents to take up knitting and crocheting again. I’ve been making things like hand towels and tissue boxes which I donate as prizes for the raffles we hold here. It’s very rewarding knowing I’m helping raise money for charity.

How do the staff support you?

They help me by sourcing some of the patterns and supplies for my craft projects, and they’re always ready to assist me with anything I need.

Why does Vincent Court feel like home to you?

I feel very settled here. I just feel this is where I should be. My room is full of my favourite photos and ornaments which makes it homely.

At Vincent Court, we love supporting residents like Irene to feel like they belong. To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 6562 6062.

Vincent Court is proud to be part of the Apollo Care Alliance that beat a field of over 200 submissions from 15 countries to win two major awards at the prestigious 11th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2023 in Singapore.

Distinguished judges from the UK, Finland, Japan, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand awarded Apollo Care Innovation of the Year (Productivity) for organisational efficiencies and delivery of quality care. Apollo Care was also a finalist in two other categories – Operator of the Year (Residential Aged Care) and Innovation of the Year (Caregiver Model).

Accepting the award, Apollo Care’s CEO Stephen Becsi OAM said, “We took our new aged care industry model to an international stage and showed that it works for everyone – residents, their families, care workers, vendors and investors.”

“Apollo Care invests in innovation to make aged care better for residents and staff. 

“We strengthen each of our community’s care and operations through enhanced productivity, efficiency, compliance and, most importantly, resident experience,” Mr Becsi explained.

“At Vincent Court, for example, residents and staff are enjoying the benefits of a range of improvements and upgrades, including a cutting-edge cloud-based IT system, new hand-held mobile devices for every care worker, and a progressive clinical governance system that has seen the community achieve the maximum three-year accreditation by the Australian Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Resident suites, common spaces and gardens are also being upgraded.

“It’s important to us that aged care services are sustained in regional areas, so locals needing residential care can stay connected to their community where they feel they belong,” said Mr Becsi.

Since commencing in 2020, Apollo Care has acquired seven communities and is in advanced negotiations to acquire a further six. This makes Apollo Care one of Australia’s fastest growing aged care providers.

Apollo Care was built from the ground up by a team of four industry veterans with a cumulative 85 years’ experience. In addition to Stephen Becsi, formerly CEO of Bethanie, WA’s largest NFP provider, Apollo Care’s leadership team comprises Barry Ashcroft, former CEO of Domain Aged Care, now Opal; Kylie Radburn, former National Care Governance Manager at Aveo; and John Young, a leading equity capital specialist.

“Our collective experience and ability to innovate are also crucial to addressing the tight labour market in Australia,” says Mr Becsi. “Attracting and retaining staff is a significant challenge and we’re constantly investing in our workforce. This includes measuring job satisfaction and productivity across the organisation via our proprietary dashboard,” said Mr Becsi.

To find out more about Vincent Court, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 6562 6062.

Manager, Alan Pretty (right), Care Manager, Paige Bellenger, and resident Maurie with the Certificate of Accreditation

Our aged care community in the Mid North Coast is leading the way in the provision of quality resident-centered care.

Vincent Court in Kempsey was recently awarded the highest possible accreditation by the Australian Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Following a thorough independent audit by the Commission, Vincent Court achieved three-years’ accreditation based on meeting or exceeding all eight Aged Care Quality Standards.

Alan Pretty, who has recently joined Vincent Court as the new Residential Service Manager, says that this achievement is testament to the dedication of all team members in putting residents first.

“I’m incredibly impressed at how our team works together to support residents to live their best life,” said Alan.

“Every day, I see staff across our Nursing and Care teams, Lifestyle, and Food and Environmental Services doing whatever they can to make residents feel at home in our welcoming community.

“They are able to do this by gaining a deep understanding of each residents’ personal preferences and lifestyle choices, in addition to their specific care needs.”

Alan takes over from the previous Manager, Kylie Bonney, who has moved into a new Workforce Governance Officer role with Vincent Court’s operator, Apollo Care.

“I’m excited to build on the real sense of community and care that Kylie was so instrumental in fostering at Vincent Court,” Alan reported.

“We’re known for delivering exceptional clinical care, a meaningful Lifestyle Program and a true culture of caring that puts residents first. Residents and their families deserve no less than this, and I know they have confidence in our community.

“As part of the national Apollo Care Alliance, Vincent Court will also continue to benefit from a multi-faceted investment program that includes best-practice governance, an award-winning culture program, leading cloud-based technology and refurbishments.

“Our 12 newly refurbished suites will be supplemented by an additional six suites later this year, along with more environmental upgrades and enhancements.

“All of these positive changes will further strengthen our position as a leading aged care community on the Mid North Coast,” said Alan.

For more information, or to book a tour of our community, call our friendly team on (02) 6562 6062.

Residents at Vincent Court Aged Care Community were treated to a visit from two very special Golden Retrievers recently.

These two gentle animals, called Roby and Flo, spent the morning administering pats, hugs and cuddles to residents who were all delighted to receive them!

Ruby and Flo are part of Team Golden Oldies, a charity near South West Rocks that adopts senior retrievers if their owners become unable to continue caring for them. Founded by Lisa Domeny, Team Golden Oldies provides these retrievers with a safe and happy second chance as rescue pets, and she was thrilled to share the love and joy at Vincent Court.

Vincent Court’s Lifestyle Team Leader, Michelle, said the visit from Roby and Flow was a real highlight for residents and staff.

“Seeing the residents’ smiles as they interacted with the dogs was so wonderful. They just lit up. It was a really enjoyable morning,” said Michelle.

“It’s widely known that pet therapy delivers many positive benefits to elderly people, so we love finding opportunities for residents to engage with animals like these gorgeous dogs.

“They were very well-behaved and calm and seemed very happy with all the attention!”

“Pets can provide comfort, boost mood and lower stress levels, and many residents here have always owned their own pets. We certainly saw some lovely connections and the residents thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

“We’d be happy to welcome Team Golden Oldies back to our community any time!”

To find out more about Vincent Court, call our friendly team at Vincent Court on (02) 6562 6062.

Designing our Lifestyle Program takes careful consideration, creative thinking and lots of input from residents.

Each month, our Lifestyle Team plans a wide range of activities and outings to cater for different interests, and also different abilities or conditions, including dementia.

Residents with advanced dementia and high-level care needs are encouraged to participate in the program as much as they like. All activities are modified to be dementia-appropriate, following best-practice research. Some of these modifications include using simple visual and verbal cues, keeping noise to a minimum, and using personal items to spark reminiscing.

One activity that’s very popular is the Painting Group where residents, including some from our dementia support household, gather to follow team leader, Michelle, paint a canvas. Art therapy is known to provide people living with dementia with enjoyment, a sense of accomplishment, and an opportunity for self-expression.

This is certainly the case for Mary who becomes so absorbed in painting, she finds it hard to stop!

“It’s wonderful to see how much joy painting gives to Mary,’ said Michelle. ‘She attends every session and I often have to remind her when it’s lunch time as she just wants to keep going. Her paintings are so detailed and she proudly displays them all in her room. I love that we can facilitate this interest for her.”

At Vincent Court, we love supporting residents to participate in activities they find enjoyable and meaningful.

To find out more about Vincent Court, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 6562 6062.