Let’s talk about Caring in Partnership
As a leader in aged care services throughout the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid Coast regions, our staff at Anglican Care have the privilege of working in partnership with many wonderful carers.
Supporting carers
We recognise that when we work together with family, friends, medical and allied health professionals, we all make a difference to the lives of those entrusted to our care. Whether our services are provided within one of our Residential Homes or in the Community as part of our Home Life programs, we aim to support and complement the ongoing role of other carers.
Often family and friends may not recognise themselves as carers. They offer their time and energy to provide physical and emotional support simply because of their relationship with someone that they love or because they feel responsible for their wellbeing.
Carers come from all walks of life and can include partners, parents, sons and daughters, siblings, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours. It is quite likely that we will all take on the role of a carer, or require care, at some point in our life.
The role of a carer can be very rewarding. It can provide a great sense of satisfaction when you receive appreciation and recognition for improving someone’s quality of life. It can strengthen family bonds and friendships, by providing personal growth and a deeper understanding of relationships. However, it can also be an exhausting and challenging role. Carers often find that they need to make personal sacrifices that affect their social and financial opportunities. Over time, there can be a physical and emotional toll that will impact on their own health and wellbeing and their relationships with other family members.
Wellbeing initiatives
As a provider of contemporary, high quality services, we aspire to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for our residents and consumers. Our focus is on our Customers, which includes the broader group of their carers. We recognise the hard work and responsibility of being a carer and the stress and strain that they may experience. Our services and support programs are designed to assist carers and provide them with a well earned break. This may include our wellbeing initiatives available through our Respite and Day Therapy Centres, Home Care support or short term Residential Respite. And when there may be need for greater assistance, we can provide 24 hour nursing care in the comfortable and friendly environment of our Homes.
We recognise the important contribution that carers make. Our services do not entirely replace their role, but rather, we are able to ease the burden of doing this alone. We aim to sustain carers in their caring relationships by doing more of the “heavy lifting” so to speak, or by filling any gaps that may help carers to continue the valuable work that they do.
Collaborative approach
Staff will consult with our residents, consumers and their carers when developing care plans. It is a collaborative process that ensures everyone has an opportunity to contribute. The care that we provide is designed to be as individual as you and will take into account the support provided by other carers. Input and feedback is encouraged, particularly when there is a change in the needs of our residents and consumers, or their carers. Our Resident Liaison Officers and Care Advisors are the first point of contact and their role provides ongoing practical and emotional support to our residents, consumers and their carers.
We certainly understand the rewards of being a carer and the value of working in collaborative partnerships. Our staff get the same sense of satisfaction when people say, “Thank you – we really appreciate all that you do.”