This year is Baptistcare's 40th anniversary and we are encouraging each of our facilities and programmes to organise an event some time during the year with a 1970's theme. We'll be sending out packs to all areas to help you in planning this event.
In the week commencing March 26 we will be launching our Baptistcare Recognition Awards. This will be a very important part of our 40th anniversary year, because these inaugural awards will be presented at a special gala dinner on September 7.
During the week of the 26th we would like you to hold a morning tea or some opportunity at each Baptistcare facility and programme to launch the awards and make people aware of how they can participate.
There will be six awards, five that are based around our Baptistcare values and one other which is the CEO's award for leadership and advocacy.
This is a year to celebrate. Let's do that by recognising our colleagues who are putting Baptistcare's values into practice in their day to day work.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Are you listening?
Yesterday was our organisational orientation at Margaret River. I am always impressed at the way our people embrace the Baptistcare values and yesterday was no exception with staff there from Mirrambeena (Margaret River), William Carey Court (Busselton) and Hand in Hand South West.
I was challenged again at the thought that being able to contribute to someone's life involves really listening to them - to understand what makes them tick.
Keep up the good work!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Acknowledging chaplaincy
This week I attended the annual dedication service for aged care chaplains. About 30 chaplains, working for aged care organisations in WA, gathered for a special service to acknowledge and support their work.
All of Baptistcare's 11 chaplains (see picture above) from the Perth metropolitan area, Rockingham and Mandurah, Manjimup, Busselton and Margaret River, Albany and Brookton attended the dedication service.
Chaplains serve a unique and significant role within Baptistcare.
They play an important part in helping us to fulfil the holistic nature of our mission, that is to achieve the spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
One of the unique aspects of chaplaincy that differs from much of the traditional services within the aged and community services, is the ministry of presence. While much of what we do is "doing", the chaplain can make a difference in people's lives by "being".
They are able to offer the peace and presence of God by being with people in times of grief and hardship, listening to people's hurts, their anger, their fears and their doubts, not necessarily answering their questions, but giving them permission to share their innermost thoughts.
To those who serve as chaplains and pastoral carers within Baptistcare, including those volunteers who support the chaplains in their role, we thank you.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
What are your regrets?
As we get older it isn't unusual to look back on our lives and consider the great things that have happened to us, and at the same time ponder those things that we wish hadn't occurred.
As an organisation that supports people who have many years behind them, it is helpful for us to understand those regrets and help people (as well as ourselves) deal with these regrets so that we may live the rest of our lives in hope rather than regret.
An article from the UK Guardian tells of the work done by an Australian nurse who recorded the most common regrets of the dying. There weren't too many surprises.
Wednesday 1 February 2012 11.49
A palliative nurse has recorded the top five regrets of the dying. There was no mention of more sex or bungee jumps. A palliative nurse who has counselled the dying in their last days has revealed the most common regrets we have at the end of our lives. And among the top, from men in particular, is 'I wish I hadn't worked so hard'.
Bronnie Ware is an Australian nurse who spent several years working in palliative care, caring for patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives. She recorded their dying epiphanies in a blog called Inspiration and Chai, which gathered so much attention that she put her observations into a book called The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.
Ware writes of the phenomenal clarity of vision that people gain at the end of their lives, and how we might learn from their wisdom. "When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently," she says, "common themes surfaced again and again."
Here are the top five regrets of the dying, as witnessed by Ware:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it."
2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
"This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence."
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
"Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result."
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
"Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying."
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
"This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again."
Susie Steiner
guardian.co.uk,
As an organisation that supports people who have many years behind them, it is helpful for us to understand those regrets and help people (as well as ourselves) deal with these regrets so that we may live the rest of our lives in hope rather than regret.
An article from the UK Guardian tells of the work done by an Australian nurse who recorded the most common regrets of the dying. There weren't too many surprises.
Wednesday 1 February 2012 11.49
A palliative nurse has recorded the top five regrets of the dying. There was no mention of more sex or bungee jumps. A palliative nurse who has counselled the dying in their last days has revealed the most common regrets we have at the end of our lives. And among the top, from men in particular, is 'I wish I hadn't worked so hard'.
Bronnie Ware is an Australian nurse who spent several years working in palliative care, caring for patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives. She recorded their dying epiphanies in a blog called Inspiration and Chai, which gathered so much attention that she put her observations into a book called The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.
Ware writes of the phenomenal clarity of vision that people gain at the end of their lives, and how we might learn from their wisdom. "When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently," she says, "common themes surfaced again and again."
Here are the top five regrets of the dying, as witnessed by Ware:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it."
2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
"This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret, but as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence."
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
"Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result."
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
"Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying."
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
"This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content, when deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again."
Susie Steiner
guardian.co.uk,
Monday, January 30, 2012
Positive stories from Australia Day
Last week we saw disturbing scenes on TV of Aboriginal activists clashing with political leaders on Australia Day. The scenes have created much discussion, and I sense that while people felt uneasy about what saw they also struggled to know to respond.
Since Baptistcare is seeking to implement policies on inclusion it is useful for us to have these discussions in a way that is constructive to everyone concerned, and helps us to think clearly about the issues.
With this in mind, I have been given permission to re-print the following letter from the CEO of Reconciliation Australia.
Reconciliation Australia understands and cannot ignore the level of frustration that exists in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We do not condone violence or aggression. Respect is core to what we believe in.
Our role is to ensure a focus on the positive stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, on the progress that is being made and on the promotion of working together in a constructive and respectful manner.
On Australia Day eve Reconciliation Australia hosted a breakfast for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Non-Indigenous Australian of the Year finalists. It was a wonderful event and a great opportunity to meet these inspirational people and to hear firsthand their stories. These figures are important for reconciliation. Not only do they inspire the nation but they inspire individuals.
This year’s Senior Australian of the Year winner, Laurie Baymarrwangga is an amazing women who has been doing incredible work for her people by preserving her culture and keeping it alive for future generations to share. It was very moving to watch her story being relayed at the Awards ceremony in her own language and being narrated by a fantastic emerging young leader, Karla McGrath.
On Australian Day I attended the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony. The formalities of the ceremony was a mark of how far we have come: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands flags being raised along with the Australian flag; Aunty Agnes Shea welcoming everyone to Ngunnawal country; Adam Gilchrist, the Prime Minister and the Governor General all paying their respects to the traditional owners and the First peoples of Australia. These acts of inclusiveness and recognition have been demonstrated throughout many Australia Day ceremonies. The inclusion of the “Welcome to Country” at all citizenship ceremonies is a key action from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s RAP.
These simple but important actions are testament to the progress that is being made and change that is happening, but we acknowledge that a lot more still needs to continue. We all know reconciliation is a big process and there is no single strand. The outcomes we are witnessing through our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) partners and their commitment to opportunities and actions that go to the heart of overcoming employment, education and health inequality are also signs of the change that is happening.
We thank you all for your role in facilitating and advancing this positive change. I hope that you continue to hold these positive images front and centre as you go about your important work.
Leah Armstrong
Chief Executive Officer
Reconciliation Australia
Since Baptistcare is seeking to implement policies on inclusion it is useful for us to have these discussions in a way that is constructive to everyone concerned, and helps us to think clearly about the issues.
With this in mind, I have been given permission to re-print the following letter from the CEO of Reconciliation Australia.
Reconciliation Australia understands and cannot ignore the level of frustration that exists in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We do not condone violence or aggression. Respect is core to what we believe in.
Our role is to ensure a focus on the positive stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, on the progress that is being made and on the promotion of working together in a constructive and respectful manner.
On Australia Day eve Reconciliation Australia hosted a breakfast for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Non-Indigenous Australian of the Year finalists. It was a wonderful event and a great opportunity to meet these inspirational people and to hear firsthand their stories. These figures are important for reconciliation. Not only do they inspire the nation but they inspire individuals.
This year’s Senior Australian of the Year winner, Laurie Baymarrwangga is an amazing women who has been doing incredible work for her people by preserving her culture and keeping it alive for future generations to share. It was very moving to watch her story being relayed at the Awards ceremony in her own language and being narrated by a fantastic emerging young leader, Karla McGrath.
On Australian Day I attended the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony. The formalities of the ceremony was a mark of how far we have come: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands flags being raised along with the Australian flag; Aunty Agnes Shea welcoming everyone to Ngunnawal country; Adam Gilchrist, the Prime Minister and the Governor General all paying their respects to the traditional owners and the First peoples of Australia. These acts of inclusiveness and recognition have been demonstrated throughout many Australia Day ceremonies. The inclusion of the “Welcome to Country” at all citizenship ceremonies is a key action from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s RAP.
These simple but important actions are testament to the progress that is being made and change that is happening, but we acknowledge that a lot more still needs to continue. We all know reconciliation is a big process and there is no single strand. The outcomes we are witnessing through our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) partners and their commitment to opportunities and actions that go to the heart of overcoming employment, education and health inequality are also signs of the change that is happening.
We thank you all for your role in facilitating and advancing this positive change. I hope that you continue to hold these positive images front and centre as you go about your important work.
Leah Armstrong
Chief Executive Officer
Reconciliation Australia
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Most people I know ...
Most people I know think that I'm crazy. That song became the biggest hit of Australian band, Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs in early 1972, and has to be one of the classics of Australian rock.
That was the year Baptistcare was formed. Yes, we're 40 years old this year and some people may have thought the people who formed what was then known as the Baptist Homes Board were crazy, but would be surprised at what Baptistcare has become.
We now employ around 1400 people providing residential aged care in Salter Point, Gwelup, Mundaring, Lesmurdie, Byford, Rockingham, Manjimup, Busselton, Margaret River, Albany and Brookton, and community aged care across the metropolitan area, Peel, and around country WA. We provide services to people with disabilities from offices in Welshpool, Geraldton, Mandurah, Bunbury and Narrogin, covering many regional towns and communities from those centres. We also provide mental health services from offices in Geraldton and Narrogin, reaching communities such as Kalbarri, Wagin, Katanning, and Kojonup. Counselling services are provided in a number of locations in the metropolitan area.
Call us crazy, but 40 years on Baptistcare is seeking to transform and enrich lives in many different ways. If you are a part of this incredible team or have been a part of it in the last 40 years, we thankyou for your contribution.
That was the year Baptistcare was formed. Yes, we're 40 years old this year and some people may have thought the people who formed what was then known as the Baptist Homes Board were crazy, but would be surprised at what Baptistcare has become.
We now employ around 1400 people providing residential aged care in Salter Point, Gwelup, Mundaring, Lesmurdie, Byford, Rockingham, Manjimup, Busselton, Margaret River, Albany and Brookton, and community aged care across the metropolitan area, Peel, and around country WA. We provide services to people with disabilities from offices in Welshpool, Geraldton, Mandurah, Bunbury and Narrogin, covering many regional towns and communities from those centres. We also provide mental health services from offices in Geraldton and Narrogin, reaching communities such as Kalbarri, Wagin, Katanning, and Kojonup. Counselling services are provided in a number of locations in the metropolitan area.
Call us crazy, but 40 years on Baptistcare is seeking to transform and enrich lives in many different ways. If you are a part of this incredible team or have been a part of it in the last 40 years, we thankyou for your contribution.
Monday, January 9, 2012
1972 - American Pie and Baptist Homes
I’m back from holidays and looking backwards, as well as forwards.
Although it was released late in 1971, as the year started in 1972, Don McLean’s song American Pie was coming onto the charts as a number one song that was eventually polled by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America as the fifth greatest song of the 20th century.
Forty years on American Pie still plays on some radio stations.
The same year a group of people from some Baptist churches in WA got together to form the Baptist Homes Board. The inaugural meeting was held on August 2, 1972 and those present were Mr L.A.Watson, President, Messrs H.R.Smith, A.V.Austin, R.Turner, F.Mitchell, Dr B.Worsam and the General Secretary of the Baptist Union of WA.
Forty years on Baptistcare now employs around 1400 people across the southern half of WA and is a significant provider of services to older West Australians, to people with disabilities, and to people affected by mental illness.
This year at Baptistcare we will celebrate our 40th anniversary and we are planning a range of activities including a major event in September when we will launch our annual recognition awards.
We invite you to watch out for the range of events that will be held during this year and to celebrate our 40th birthday with us.
Although it was released late in 1971, as the year started in 1972, Don McLean’s song American Pie was coming onto the charts as a number one song that was eventually polled by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America as the fifth greatest song of the 20th century.
Forty years on American Pie still plays on some radio stations.
The same year a group of people from some Baptist churches in WA got together to form the Baptist Homes Board. The inaugural meeting was held on August 2, 1972 and those present were Mr L.A.Watson, President, Messrs H.R.Smith, A.V.Austin, R.Turner, F.Mitchell, Dr B.Worsam and the General Secretary of the Baptist Union of WA.
Forty years on Baptistcare now employs around 1400 people across the southern half of WA and is a significant provider of services to older West Australians, to people with disabilities, and to people affected by mental illness.
This year at Baptistcare we will celebrate our 40th anniversary and we are planning a range of activities including a major event in September when we will launch our annual recognition awards.
We invite you to watch out for the range of events that will be held during this year and to celebrate our 40th birthday with us.
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