Directory of Western Sydney Services for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
The updated Directory of Western Sydney Services for CHSP is now available. Services include Home Support, Health Care and Medical Equipment for Hire, Dementia Support & Respite Care Services, Day Care Programs / Centre Based Respite Services, Carer Support Services, Social Support / Neighbour Aid Services, Food Services, and Transport Services.
Invitation to attend Round Table discussion for CEOs
Your Side is inviting CEOs of aged care services in the region to attend a Round Table discussion about how to navigate system changes due to the aged care reforms. The round table will take place on 13 April 2022 from 9.00am to 12.30pm.
Trauma Support for the Aged Care Sector Following a Disaster
Phoenix Australia has free, accessible and expert resources to support the community as well as workers on the ground during disasters including the recent floodings. Resources include tip sheets, booklets, videos, and therapy toolkits to cope with anxiety, anger, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use. There are also resources for helping older adults following a disaster, in Chinese, Vietnamese and Arabic.
Resources – Phoenix Australia Disaster Mental Health Hub
Older adults may be more at risk when disasters occur
Helping older adults after disaster – TRADITIONAL CHINESE
Helping older adults after disaster – SIMPLIFIED CHINESE
Helping older adults after disaster – VIETNAMESE
Helping older adults after disaster – ARABIC
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) Wellbeing Check for In-Home and Community Aged Care Services
For those concerned about the wellbeing of clients during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent extreme weather events, OPAN has a dedicated support line available for older people which aims to ensure that older Australians are safe, healthy and have access to services they need. Clients can receive wellbeing call-backs, either by registering themselves or by giving consent for a service provider to do so on their behalf. The service is complementary to the work already being done by providers. They can be reached on 1800 700 600.
Health Promotion Service for Older People (HPSOP): Health Education Sessions
The Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association of NSW Inc (CPSA) is hosting various free online sessions for older people throughout April. Topics include Arthritis Management, Falls Prevention, Oral Health Care, Medicine Management, Diabetes Awareness, and more.
Talk To Us First Free Aged Care Advocacy Training
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) have free training available to anyone in contact with older people, including aged care workers, and paid and unpaid carers. This program is designed to educate and support providers and professionals in understanding the role of aged care advocacy and supporting older people, their families and representatives. This program will help providers and professionals to meet the Aged Care Quality Standards 6 ensuring older people feel safe, encouraged, and supported to give feedback or make a complaint. You can do the training at your own pace, and there is a quiz and feedback form. Participants also receive a certificate of completion.
STARS Training – Cultural Competency & Trauma Informed Care for Older People from Refugee Background
The Skills Training and Resource Service (STARS) has an opportunity available cultural competency and trauma-informed care when working with older people. This training is free for CHSP staff and volunteers, with priority of access given to CHSP service volunteers in the Canterbury-Bankstown and Inner West LGAs.
Have Your Say: New Accommodation Design Standards for Residential Aged Care
The Australian Government wants to hear from senior Australians, families, carers and advocates on key elements of aged care accommodation design including: accessibility, dementia-friendly design, suitable for diverse populations, safe design standards, and standards that support innovation. The survey will take around 10-15 minutes and can be found online. Otherwise, a hard copy can be sent to you if requested by calling 1800 318 209. You can also stay informed of other ways to contribute through the Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub. The survey will be open until 20 April 2022.
Have Your Say: Aged Care Workforce Industry Council’s Project to Design the Future Structure of the Australian Aged Care Workforce
The Aged Care Workforce Industry Council is looking for feedback which will help to design a workforce structure that will enable the delivery of quality care, as part of the implementation of A Matter of Care – Australia’s Aged Care Workforce Strategy. This project will examine career pathways enable growth and development of workforce skills, and help to deliver models of care which holistically address the physical, social and emotional needs of older people.
Complete survey
Read A Matter of Care – Australia’s Aged Care Workforce Strategy
Registrations Now Open: Healthy And Active for Life Online Program
The Healthy and Active for Life Online Program is now open for registration for next term. The 10-week program is delivered by NSW Health and is aimed at people 60 years and over, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 45 years and over. This program includes exercise videos, information and resources on healthy eating and lifestyle, and weekly support and follow-up by a trained phone coach. Registrations close on 18 April 2022, and the program begins on 25 April 2022.
Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) Clubs in Western Sydney
The ASCCA is the national peak body for seniors technology, training and advocacy. There are a number of clubs across Western Sydney which have members who act as tutors or trainers to teach them specific computer applications at their own pace. Currently there are clubs in the LGAs of Canterbury-Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, The Hills, Liverpool, Penrith, Blue Mountains, and Parramatta. If there is not a club nearby, a new one may be established by individuals or groups interested in starting one.
3Bridges Training: Fee Free* Courses for Aged Care Workers
3Bridges has fee free training available for aged care workers (pending eligibility requirements). Courses will cover ageing support, disability and home and community.
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support
CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability
CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support
More courses from 3Bridges
Monitoring Heart Health in 30 Seconds: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Trial
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition where the heart beats with an abnormal rhythm. AF is increasingly common in Australia, affecting people over 75 years of age more frequently than other age groups. People with AF are typically asymptomatic, although they may experience feeling breathless or lightheaded, a racing heart (palpitations) and chest discomfort. If not diagnosed and treated correctly, this can result in significant health problems, including stroke. AF is detected using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and early detection and management through anticoagulation can significantly reduce the negative impacts of this condition on your health. Recent advances in handheld technologies have allowed at home screening with small handheld ECG machines to be used to effectively detect AF. Utilising mobile technologies to monitor heart health reduced the overall impact of AF on patients’ lives through continued medical appointments and on-site monitoring.
A Research project is currently being conducted by The University of Sydney is supplying small handheld ECG devices to eligible people for daily (30 second) at-home screening of AF. Their results will be interpreted by qualified trained researchers to screen and detect this significant heart condition. If you are over 75+, have not previously been diagnosed with AF, have a smartphone, and would like to find out more about monitoring your heart health at home, please contact warc.af@sydney.edu.au or Mason Burns on 0466 055 962.
WSCF Affordable Translation Services
Western Sydney Community Forum offers a trusted document translation service for small and large organisations and businesses. We use NAATI-accredited translators with expertise in translating a range of documents to assist with your service delivery, from simple brochures to complex and sensitive publications. Members can access this service at a subsidised cost.
For more information, contact info@wscf.org.au.
Useful links
My Aged Care consumer resources
The My Aged Care website features a range of resources for you to share with consumers about how to get started with My Aged Care.
These resources include new case study videos for:
- people who speak other languages
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- You can view or download all of these resources from the My Aged Care website.
Directory of Western Sydney Services for Commonwealth Home Support Program
The updated Directory of Western Sydney Services for Commonwealth Home Support Program is now available.
Please contact Sora Machida, Multicultural Access Project Officer
Ph: 8838 2173 Sora.Machida@health.nsw.gov.au
Free guide: Adding value to governance in aged care
The Governance Institute of Australia has refreshed their free guide, ‘Adding value to governance in aged care’ to help providers manage their governance responsibilities.
The free guide addresses a broad range of issues including:
- the role of governance and a director
- the unique challenges facing the sector
- factors to consider before taking a board position
- issues the board should consider when appointing a new member
- the relationship between the board and management
- risk management
- interaction with stakeholders.
Western Sydney Community Forum Tailored Services
Tailored solutions: We work one-on-one with community-focused agencies and groups, providing tailored solutions to assist in tackling specific priorities – whether it’s about service delivery or your business operations. Our qualified team has a wide range of multidisciplinary experience, enabling us to match you with the right person for the job.
Customised training: WSCF has a long history of providing industry development opportunities. We understand the human services industry that you work in and we have designed specific training programs to meet those specific needs. Training can be customised and delivered at a venue of your choosing.
What we Offer
Our team can deliver training customised to your situation, including but not limited to:
- Governance
- Marketing and branding
- Leadership
- Tender writing
- Measurement and evaluation
In-house facilitation
Our experienced facilitators draw on proven approaches to achieve results. Some areas of speciality include:
- Visioning and value-based sessions
- Strategic and business planning
- Design thinking workshops to build new ideas
- Project planning and development
- Complex negotiations, mergers and partnerships
- Review and evaluation sessions
- Public or community meetings
Contact us
Tell us where a facilitated outcome might assist you. We can customise our approach to suit your needs. We also offer design services, for your reports, flyers, publications.
WSCF members are entitled to subsidised services