Meet Michelle, our dedicated Lifestyle Team Leader

Michelle is a Mid North Coast local and has been a key member of our team for the last five years. Originally a Preschool Teacher, she started at Vincent Court as a Carer but dreamt of using her creative talents and bubbly personality to create a rewarding lifestyle program for residents.

What does it take to be a Lifestyle Team Leader?

It takes compassion, empathy and a very caring nature. You also need to be very organised and a team player because all staff contribute to making sure residents are happy.

How do you design the lifestyle program? 

It’s driven by what the residents like to do. We ensure there are plenty of opportunities for enjoyment, purpose and meaning, and connections to loved ones and the wider community. We include a mix of calendar days, bus trips, concerts, physical and mental exercises, craft and games, and cooking to name a few.

How do you support residents’ individual interests?

It’s our goal to help each resident continue doing the things they’ve always loved – we just make sure they’re supported to do so safely. Keeping them active and engaged is at the heart of our approach to lifestyle.

What do you love most about your role?

I love bringing joy to people every day. Seeing residents light up when they enjoy an activity is amazing, but most of all I love seeing them laugh. It means the world to me.

At Vincent Court, team members like Michelle are passionate about making a positive difference to residents’ lives.

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

4 tips to start the conversation about aged care 

Bringing up the topic of residential aged care with your elderly parents can be one we’d rather avoid. It’s natural to want your aging parents to continue living in their own home for as long as possible. But, if you’ve noticed a change in their mobility lately, or that they’re starting to find everyday tasks a bit more challenging, a move into an aged care community might be a safer option for them. 

So, what’s the best way to raise the subject? Here are four tips to help you start a positive conversation about aged care: 

 
1. Do some research first. 

Before you raise the topic, find out about residential aged care communities in their local area. Contact them to take a tour and compile a list of what you liked or disliked about each one.  

 
2. Pick the best moment and location. 

Choose a time when you won’t be interrupted and when your loved one seems receptive and calm. The setting is also important – choose somewhere private and on neutral ground so they don’t feel ambushed. Consider options such as a scenic car drive or a quiet park bench with a view. 

 
3. Choose your language carefully. 

Rather than leading with an emotional statement like, ‘I don’t think it’s safe for you to live at home anymore’, try something that conveys you’re in this together. A softer question, such as ‘If you’re starting to find daily tasks a bit harder, what other options could we investigate?’ might be better received. Ask them how they feel about their future, listen without interrupting and keep looking at things from their perspective. 

4. Be prepared for an emotional response or a shut down. 

Your elderly parent might feel scared or even shocked at the prospect of leaving their own home. They might resist talking about it altogether, or respond with negativity. Remind them how much you want them to live their best life possible, and that talking through options together is a way of forward planning to keep them safe and healthy. If you feel the conversation isn’t going well, consider trying again another time, or even engaging help from their GP or health practitioner. 

If you’re ready to start looking at aged care options for your parent, contact our friendly Admissions Team.

Understanding the costs of residential aged care

Our community is designed to support seniors who reach a stage when they can no longer live independently at home. For some, this may happen gradually over time, while for others it may happen suddenly due to an accident or illness.   

  

In this article we explain the two areas of aged care costs: the cost to enter aged care (called a ‘refundable accommodation payment’ or RAD) and the on-going daily fees.   

  

Before you read on there are 4 things you should know:   

  

  1. Our Admissions Team is here to help and support you through this journey. We understand it can be stressful. Please call us with any questions.  
     
  1. Our community operates under the Aged Care Act which regulates the costs of living in residential aged care. Our cost structure is simple, transparent, and consistent with the fees and charges of all other aged care communities in Australia.  
     
  1. The Government provides assistance to aged care residents who cannot afford to pay for their own care. The exact amount of support your loved one may be eligible for will be based on their income and assets as determined by Services Australia.  
     
  1. Residential aged care has no hidden costs or exit fees when a resident leaves. Apart from the costs outlined on the following page, residents are only required to pay for their personal items and expenses such as medication, medical and allied health appointments, clothing, personal care items and hairdressing.  

 
Cost 1: Accommodation payment 

Residents contribute towards their accommodation and daily care through a schedule of accommodation and care payments outlined below. A resident’s aged care suite is secured through an accommodation payment that is fully refundable and Government guaranteed.  

There are 4 payment options you can choose from:  

Option 1:  Fully refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) 

This is a once-off lump sum payment that is refunded in full when the resident leaves. There are no exit fees deducted from this deposit.  

Option 2: Daily accommodation payment (DAP)  

You can choose not to pay an upfront RAD and pay an interest charge each month instead. This fee is calculated daily based on the amount of the unpaid RAD. The interest rate used to calculate a Daily Accommodation Payment is called the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR). This is set by the Government and reviewed quarterly. These payments are not refundable.  

Option 3:  A combination of RAD and DAP  

Residents can choose to pay a combination of a part RAD and part DAP, for example, a deposit (RAD) and a daily payment (DAP) on the unpaid amount. Only the RAD lump sum deposit is refundable when the resident leaves. 

Option 4: Government supplement  

The Government may provide assistance to cover the cost of your accommodation payment based on an income and assets assessment that will determine if you qualify for full Government support, or will be required to contribute towards your accommodation in one of 3 options: 

  • A refundable accommodation contribution (similar to a RAD but capped at the lump sum equivalent of Government supplement rates) 
  • A daily accommodation contribution (similar to a DAP but capped at Government supplement rates) 
  • A combination of a RAC and DAC of your choosing 

Cost 2: Set Daily Care Fees  

A basic daily care fee  

This fee is paid by all residents to cover living expenses such as meals, laundry, personal and nursing care and electricity. This fee is set by the Government and is standard in every Australian aged care facility. It is currently set at 85% of the pension and is adjusted each March and September in line with changes to the Age Pension.   

A means-tested daily care fee (MTCF) 

This is an additional contribution towards the cost of a resident’s daily care. The amount of this fee is determined by a resident’s income and assets assessment.  It is reviewed quarterly and may vary over time if a resident’s income, assets or cost of care change. There are annual and lifetime caps that apply to the MTCF.  

To estimate the amount your loved one may be asked to pay towards their care, visit www.myagedcare.gov.au, use their ‘fee estimator’ and complete the form. Some families also seek advice from a Financial Planner. 

For more information, download our Aged Care Guide.  

5 steps to placing your loved one in aged care

Residential aged care is designed to support seniors who reach a stage when they can no longer live independently at home. For some, this may happen gradually over time, while for others it may happen suddenly due to an accident or illness. Often, the best way to receive consistent support is to live in a residential aged care community.  

If you think it might be time to consider aged care for your loved one, we’re here to support you.  

It’s helpful to gain an understanding of how entry into aged care works, what support will be provided to your loved one, and how much it will cost. Here are the 5 steps to get started. You can also find other helpful resources on our website. 

Step 1: Get an Aged Care Assessment 

To find out if your loved one is eligible for permanent or respite aged care, arrange an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You can book an appointment through My Aged Care (visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422). Hospitals and doctors can also provide a referral. 

Step 2: Understanding the costs 

Read our simple guide to aged care fees in our Aged Care Guide. To estimate the amount your loved one may be asked to pay towards their care, visit www.myagedcare.gov.au, search for ‘Fee Estimator’ and complete the form. You can also seek advice from a Financial Planner. 

Step 3: Take a tour 

Prepare a shortlist of suitable aged care communities and tour them to compare.  

Step 4: Apply to your preferred aged care community 

Arrange a meeting with a Care Leader at your preferred community. To apply for a residential aged care position, you’ll need to bring documents including a current ACAT, an income and assets form, and Power of Attorney instructions. Our Admissions Team can help you with the application process. 

Step 5: Complete a Resident Agreement 

Once your loved one has been offered a place in a community and wishes to accept it, a Resident Agreement will need to be signed before they move in. 

If you have a question or need assistance with any of these steps, contact our Admissions Team.

Fostering intergenerational connections at Vincent Court

The St Paul’s College Year 11 and 12 students undertaking their school-based traineeship at Vincent Court are coming along in leaps and bounds! These impressive students will complete their studies with a Certificate III in Individual Support, and they are loving their hands-on learning experience in our community.  

Five of the students have already secured part-time employment at Vincent Court and say that this initiative has given them a head start on their future careers. But perhaps equally important is the special opportunity it’s given them to form rewarding connections with residents.  

Student Shelby said, “Spending time with the residents is so lovely. We’re learning valuable clinical skills from our supervisors but we’re also getting to know these older Australians which is really special.”  

The enthusiasm the students have for the learning experience and the deep respect they show residents has been noticed by everyone at Vincent Court.  

Residential Services Manager, Kylie Bonney, says the initiative is a win-win for the students and the residents.  

“This program is showing students how valuable a career in aged care can be, plus it’s giving residents the opportunity to interact with a younger generation, and they just love it,” she said.  

“The residents get so excited when they know the students are coming. They’ve formed a deep bond with them,” Kylie commented.  

Most of the students, including Emily, are planning on continuing their education after they finish Year 12. “I want to go to university to become a Registered Nurse. I think I’ll choose to continue Nursing in aged care sector because I love it so much,” she said. 
 

To find out more about how this initiative is helping local students and Vincent Court, contact our us by calling (02) 6562 6062 or emailing info@vincentcourt.org.au 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We can feel the excitement of Christmas building here at Vincent Court. There’s so much to love about this time of year! Our whole community is busy getting ready to embrace those treasured Christmas traditions that make the festive season special for everyone.

To get us all in the spirit, residents have been decorating the trees in each household, baking Christmas biscuits, and creating beautiful hand-made Christmas cards for their families. We’re all looking forward to our bus trips to see the amazing Christmas lights around Kempsey, and of course coming together for our resident Christmas party on 15th December.

Residents and visitors can join our special Christmas Church services, including Mass every Thursday and an ecumenical service on Wednesday 14th December, and interested residents can also attend Christmas Eve Mass at All Saints Church in Kempsey.

At Vincent Court, we love supporting residents to continue their connections with loved ones, especially at this time of year. We encourage family and friends to come and share some time together in our many welcoming outdoor spaces.

Please note that visiting protocols are subject to the latest COVID-19 guidelines issued by NSW Health. Please phone (02) 6562 6062 for information about any visitor restrictions or screening requirements.

To find out more about how Vincent Court supports residents to continue doing the things they love, call our friendly admissions team on (02) 6562 6062.

When to use respite care for your loved one

Respite care in a residential aged care community can be a safe, short-term solution for families or partners caring for an elderly loved one. At Vincent Court, we care for respite guests with low care, high care and memory care needs. Guests can join us for a week or two at a time, or longer if needed.

The Australian Government subsidises the cost of respite care for eligible residents for up to 63 days in a financial year, making this an affordable option for families.

Respite guests receive expert care 24/7, and access the same support, lifestyle program, and meal service as permanent residents.

Here are some of the times when respite care can provide you with the trusted support you and your loved one need:

1. When you need a break from your carer role

Relax and recharge with peace of mind that your loved one will enjoy companionship, fun times and personalised care.

2. Following a hospital stay

Your loved can recuperate and recover with expert 24/7 care and all meals and housekeeping provided.

3. When you’re on holiday

Head away on a holiday knowing your loved one will be looked after with tailored support in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

4. When they need emergency care

Respite is an ideal option if your loved one has had an accident, injury or illness, and they need dedicated, ‘round-the-clock care in a hurry.

5. To trial what living in one of our communities is like

Your loved one can experience what it’s like to live at Vincent Court before considering a more permanent move.

Respite guests enjoy all the support and services that permanent residents access, including:

  • 24/7 tailored care from our dedicated team of Carers and on-site Nurses
  • A private, light-filled suite with plenty of space for personal belongings
  • A full, country-style meal service (including morning and afternoon tea), plus all-day access to snacks and drinks. Respite guests can choose when and where they enjoy their meals.
  • Daily housekeeping, laundry and room service
  • Access to our full activity schedule, indoor and outdoor shared spaces and on-site hairdressing salon
  • Pastoral support and on-site Church services

To find out more about respite care, download our Respite Guide, or contact our friendly admissions team by calling (02) 6562 6062 or emailing info@vincentcourt.org.au

Our favourite Gingerbread recipe – with a twist

Who doesn’t love yummy little Gingerbread men at Christmas time? This is our Head Chef’s favourite Gingerbread recipe that Apollo Care residents and visitors will be enjoying in each of our communities this festive season.

For something different, we love pairing these Gingerbreads with a French-inspired syrup. It’s delicious drizzled over the biscuits and definitely adds a fancy touch to this Christmas classic.

Here’s the recipe so you can try at home:

Gingerbread (makes 24)

Ingredients

580g plain flour

3 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp salt

175g softened butter

175g caster sugar

2 eggs

2 tbsp orange juice

1/2 cup molasses

Sugar to dust

Method

1. Cream butter and sugar together.

2. Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

3. Add eggs, orange juice and molasses to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

4. Slowly add the dry mixture and stir until it comes together as a dough.

5. Roll the mixture on a floured bench with a rolling pin to a consistent thickness of approx. 0.5cm.

6. Use a cookie cutter to make gingerbread-shaped biscuits and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper, then dust with sugar.

7. Bake at 175 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

8. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with piped icing

Pain D’Epice Syrup

Ingredients

125g Sugar

500ml water

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

1 star anise

1 cardamom pod

Small pinch ground cloves

Small pinch ground nutmeg

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.

2. Keep simmering until syrup has reduced to desired consistency, then remove star anise and cardamon pod from the mixture.

3. Allow to cool and then serve syrup as a drizzle or dipping sauce with the Gingerbreads.

Supporting residents to live their way with grace and dignity  

You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your loved one will be expertly looked after and supported in our welcoming community that has been designed to feel like home.  

Vincent Court is divided into seven households to offer a more personal and home-like living experience. Each household shares a kitchenette, lounge and dining room. Each resident enjoys the privacy of their own suite complete with ensuite. There’s plenty of room for treasured and familiar belongings, and family and friends are encouraged to visit.  

Our flexible approach to home-made meals means residents can choose when and where they eat, and our beautiful outdoor courtyards offer the simple pleasures of a backyard, with chooks, veggie patches and flower beds. There are also many shared spaces where residents can come together to share a meal or a chat, as well as enjoying sitting outside in our gardens.  
 

We focus on helping residents feel welcome, cared for and comfortable by understanding their specific needs and developing a personalised care and support plan.  

Daily care and lifestyle support  

  • Nursing care – a registered nurse is on-site 24 hours a day.  
  • Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, showering, dressing and mobility along with medication.  
  • Freshly made, dietician-approved meals (including morning and afternoon tea), as well as all-day access to fruit, sandwiches and snacks. Dietary requirements and cultural needs are catered for.  
  • A range of activities and outings that provide companionship and connection to the community. Residents can choose to be as involved as they like.  
  • Daily housekeeping, laundry and room service.  

Specialist care  

  • Dementia Care: Residents with dementia live in our standard aged care suites and those needing emotional care live in our secure memory support unit. Care is person centred and delivered with respect and kindness.  
  • High Care: Vincent Court delivers high care, supported by a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day. This includes palliative care and recovery from injury or illness.  

On-site facilities   

  • A large activities room, complete with a kitchen, piano and billiards table.  
  • A hairdressing salon, coffee shop and men’s workshop.  
  • Close ties to the Macleay Valley Catholic Parish. Regular services are held in our on-site chapel and private pastoral visits are available. 

Our Admissions Team is here to help and support you through this journey. Please call us with any questions.  
 

For more information, download our Aged Care Guide.  

Careers Night showcases flexible career opportunities in aged care

Vincent Court Careers Night - Macleay Valley Parish Hall on Tuesday 29 November 5pm - 7pm.

Vincent Court Aged Care Community is holding a Careers Night at Macleay Valley Parish Hall, Kempsey, Tuesday 29 November to encourage locals to explore the career pathways available in this in-demand industry.

The event, held at the Macleay Valley Parish Hall in Kempsey, promises to be an informative evening for job seekers of all ages and backgrounds.

Vincent Court Residential Services Manager, Kylie Bonney, says that aged care offers a fulfilling and stable career with lots of day-to-day variety.

“At Vincent Court, our team loves supporting residents to live their best life. It’s an honour to build close relationships with older Australians and their families,” said Kylie.

According to Kylie, the Careers Night will appeal to anyone who’s interested in jobs in Nursing, Care, Hospitality or Cleaning.

“We also want to talk to those looking to re-enter the workforce after a break, those who want to explore a new career in aged care, or school leavers looking for a vocational career pathway”, she said.

Rosanne Watson from TAFE Kempsey will be in attendance with information and advice on how people can undertake a Certificate III in Individual Support while learning on-the-job at Vincent Court.

At this informal information session, interested jobseekers can ask questions and hear inspiring stories from people who love working in aged care. They’ll have the opportunity to meet Kylie Bonney, Vincent Court Clinical Nurse Paige Bellenger (pictured), members of the Vincent Court Lifestyle & Administrations Teams, and TAFE & High School Students completing their Cert III at Vincent Court.

Anyone is welcome to come along to the Vincent Court Careers Night on Tuesday 29 November from 5pm – 7pm at the Macleay Valley Parish Hall, 52-58 Marsh St, Kempsey.

For more information call (02) 6562 6062.