Dear Clients, Families, and Team, As we approach the festive season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year we’ve shared. At West Coast Homecare, our mission has always been to enrich the health and well-being of people, by providing personalised in-home care and support services. We have continued to grow alongside our community, and partner with people to access the right care at the right time. Our amazing team provide local friendly care with dignity, compassion, and respect—and this year, thanks to your trust and support, we’ve continued to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. Christmas is a season of gratitude and togetherness, and a time to reflect on those we cherish and those we deeply miss.” To our clients and their families, thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. To our amazing, dedicated team, your commitment and kindness are the heart of everything we do. You have gone above and beyond to ensure that every individual receives the care they deserve. As CEO, there is no greater reward than hearing stories of satisfaction and appreciation when I meet with people at our Conversations - Consumer Engagement forums. As we look forward to the New Year, we remain focused on enhancing our services, embracing innovation, and continuing to build a community where everyone feels valued and supported. On behalf of the entire team, I wish you a joyful Christmas and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year. May 2026 bring peace, happiness, and new opportunities for us all. Warm Regards, Deanne Hartwig Eyre Peninsula Autumn 2023 | Communique Eyre Peninsula Summer 25-26 Message from the CEO Holiday Opening Hours During the Christmas and New Year period our office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm for Port Lincoln and 9:00am to 4:30pm for Tumby Bay, Cummins and Cleve. All offices will be closed on these dates: Thursday 25th and Friday 26th December 2025 and Thursday 1st January 2026. If you require assistance during the time, please call: AFTER HOURS PHONE: 0427 822 177 FOR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PHONE: 000
CONVERSATIONS 2 You are invited to join our Aged Care Consumer Advisory Body Consumer advisory bodies can help fix problems and improve your care. They give you a way to talk about care and service quality with others and share this with your provider’s governing board. Consumer advisory bodies are important because they: • Look at the quality of care and services you and others receive. • Find and communicate consumers’ needs and issues. • Provide opportunities for improvement. Consumer advisory bodies need people like you! Members from all backgrounds are welcome to join; diversity means that all consumers are represented. If you or someone you know wants to join the Consumer Advisory Body committee, call West Coast Homecare on 8682 2177. How to make a Whistleblower Disclosure Any concerns about unsafe, unlawful or unethical behaviour can be reported confidentially or anonymously. West Coast Homecare will not disadvantage anyone who raises a concern in good faith. We encourage you to speak with us as early as possible. Phone 8682 2177 or request to meet with a Senior Officer or the Quality & Compliance Officer. If you wish to escalate the matter, you may also contact the Quality & Compliance Officer or a Manager at the Port Lincoln Office on 8682 2177. Other ways to make a whistleblower report: Post: Compliance, West Coast Homecare, PO Box 881, Port Lincoln SA 5606 Email: compliance@westcoasthomecare.com.au Website: www.westcoasthomecare.com (confidential online form) In person: Place your report in the red house letterbox at reception Reports may be anonymous and will be treated confidentially. For more information, please visit our website. Feeling connected to others is an important part of wellbeing. As a service provider, we’re here to support you to take part in activities that build confidence, skills, and meaningful relationships — all in ways that match your interests and goals. How We Help You Build Social Connections Your Support Coordinator will help you understand how to use your funding, and our role as your service provider is to help you take part in the activities that matter to you. Depending on the supports in your plan, we can assist you to: • Explore community activities that match your interests • Attend events, classes, or programs with the right level of support • Build independence in social and community settings • Provide support to connect with local groups or clubs Supporting Participation Through Innovative and Creative Options Many participants enjoy activities that help them meet new people or strengthen existing connections. We can support you to access a wide range of community-based opportunities, for example: • Cooking classes, book clubs, or creative workshops • Sports groups, fitness activities, or outdoor recreation • Volunteer roles or community projects • Local events, cultural activities, or festivals • Short courses or learning opportunities that build confidence and social skills These activities can support communication skills, build independence, and feel more connected to your community. What Matters Most: Your Comfort, Your Interests, Your Goals Each persons’ social goals are different. Some people enjoy large group activities, while others prefer quieter one-on-one support or small gatherings. Our team partners with you and your Support Coordinator to access the activities ofo your choice. We’re Here to Support Your Participation Journey Our role is to enable you to explore or re-kindle social opportunities, strengthen your connections, and take part in community life in ways that build your wellbeing. Social Connection and Community Participation
3 Welcome to the team! We are thrilled to have you on board, brining your skills and passion to enhance the livers of people who receive care from West Coast Homecare. Here’s to a long journey of making a positive impact together! Welcome to the Team Employee Spotlight Name: Linda Symonds Start date: April 2022 Job title: Home Care Coordinator Location: Cummins Brief overview of your role: Meet with valued members of our Community in Cummins to coordinate services and equipment to ensure people remain in their own homes safely and independently for longer. What drew you to this role and how did you get started in this field: Trained in Aged Care working long term in Residential Care, previous experience managing Day Centre and providing Leisure and Lifestyle to the older people. This enabled me to combine my knowledge, and work with people with disability while also working in the pharmacy. For the past 40 years I’ve had more than 1 job at a time. I felt aged care and disability was the natural progression and journey for myself. I believe the experience I have gained during the past 15 years plus has enabled me to see all aspects of aged care and disability. The knowledge I have gained has enabled me to provide the best care and opportunities for consumers in Cummins and the greater region. Coordinating services and equipment through my role with West Coast Homecare aims to keep folks at home safe and independent for longer. I find this career rewarding and satisfying as it enables people to reside at home with family, pets and maintains the routines they are accustomed to is fantastic. What is your favourite part about your job and why: Meeting consumers, have them share their stories, listening to their life values, the hard times & sometimes the most vulnerable is a privilege. The sharing of moments and memories, I feel is very precious and I do feel honoured to be able to work so closely with Consumers. What are 3 fun facts about you: 1. Pork is my favourite 2. Love fresh flowers – always brightens up a room and makes you feel good 3. Don’t mind ripping a skid in the paddock when hubby’s not looking! Port Lincoln Emma Williams Executive Assistant Zoe Kooistra Domestic Assistance Worker Abhishek Chaudhary Quality and Compliance Coordinator Rhiannon Bowley Community Support Worker (casual) Tamara Bell Community Care Worker Fiona Ford Community Support Worker (casual) Janie Pichler Community Support Worker (casual) Michelle Warburton Community Support Worker (casual) Patricia Hodgins Customer Service and Administration Officer Rick Steen Community Support Worker (casual) Phoebe Porter Community Care Worker (School Based Trainee) Mary Pearson Home Care Coordinator Enrolled Nurse Lisa Ditrich Home Care Coordinator Jordan Goldsmith Home Care Programs – Scheduling and Digital Systems Coordinator Mary Clark Home Care Coordinator Registered Nurse Tumby Bay Michelle Williams Community Care Worker Bree Sexton Home Care Coordinator Enrolled Nurse Abraham DeVries Community Support Worker (casual) Allyson Tipping Community Care Worker (casual) Emily Sinclair Customer Service and Administration Officer Cummins Jennifer Godfrey Community Care Worker (casual) Kylie Hamilton Community Support Worker (casual) Cleve Kelsey Schmucker Community Care Worker (casual)
CONVERSATIONS 4 Aged Care Update – What You Need to Know Big changes have arrived in aged care with the new Aged Care Act 2024 and the Support at Home program, designed to make care safer, fairer, and more person focused. Rights-Based Aged Care • Statement of Rights is now law: · Independence, autonomy, and dignity · Safe, high-quality care · Freedom to speak up without fear • Supported decision-making: Older people can appoint “registered supporters” to help with care decisions. • Stronger whistleblower protections and an independent Complaints Commissioner. The Aged Care Code of Conduct Under the Aged Care Act 2024, the Aged Care Code of Conduct sets clear standards for how aged care providers, their staff, and governing persons must behave when delivering care. Its purpose is simple: to keep you safe, respected, and supported. What does the Code guarantee? • You have the right to dignity, respect, and personal choice. • Your care must be delivered safely and competently. • Your privacy must be protected. • Providers and workers must act with honesty, integrity, and transparency. • All care must be free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, and sexual misconduct. The 8 key requirements include: 1. Respect your rights to freedom of expression and decision-making. 2. Treat you with dignity and value your diversity. 3. Respect your privacy. 4. Deliver care safely and with skill. 5. Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency. 6. Raise and act on concerns promptly. 7. Provide carefree from harm, abuse, and misconduct. 8. Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to abuse or neglect. If you ever feel these standards are not met, you can speak with West Coast Homecare or contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or visit www.agedcarequality.gov.au. Support at Home Program • Replaces Home Care Packages and shortterm programs. • Eight funding levels for ongoing care (instead of four). • Three short-term pathways: · Restorative Care (up to 12 weeks) · End-of-Life Care (last 3 months of life) · Assistive Technology & Home Modifications • Quarterly budgets for flexibility and transparency. • Commonwealth Home Support Program will transition by July 2027. For more information about the Support at Home Program contact your Home Care Partner or go online www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-athome
5 Strengthened Quality Standards • Seven updated standards now apply, including a new focus on Food and Nutrition. • Stronger emphasis on safety, dignity, and person-centred care. Provider Obligations • All providers must register under the new Act and must comply with: · Strengthened Quality Standards · Aged Care Code of Conduct · New prudential and financial rules • Continuous compliance: audits can occur anytime. • Stronger penalties for breaches; directors held personally accountable. What This Means for Clients • Easier access to services through a single assessment system. • More choice and flexibility in care options. • Greater transparency in costs and rights. • Stronger protections for safety, dignity, and decision-making.
CONVERSATIONS 6 PUZZLES & GAMES Solutions on back page.
7 CITRUS TURKEY BREAST SERVED WITH THYME INFUSED VEG Method Step 1 Preheat oven to 180 °C. Line one baking tray with baking paper. Place baby potatoes and carrots on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Roast, for 30 minutes or until golden and tender. Step 2 Meanwhile, lightly spray a large non-stick frying pan with olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add turkey breast and cook for 5-6 minutes each side or until cooked through. Remove from the pan. Step 3 Add the ginger to the pan and cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Add the zest, lemon juice, honey and orange juice. Simmer, stirring, for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Return turkey to the pan and cook, turning to coat in the sauce, for one minute. Step 4 Serve turkey with roasted potatoes and carrots. Ingredients • 8 baby potatoes, whole • 12 baby carrots, whole • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • Spray olive oil • 450 g skinless turkey breast (4 x 125 g steaks), fat trimmed • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated • 2 teaspoons lemon zest • 2 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 tablespoon honey • ¼ cup fresh orange juice Method Step 1 Cut nectarines into quarters, remove stones. Place over base of a large shallow ovenproof dish. Drizzle with golden syrup. Cover with foil. Bake in 180 °C oven (fan-forced) for 35 minutes, or until fruit is tender when tested with the tip of a sharp knife. Step 2 Meanwhile, to make crumble, place all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir until well combined and crumbly. Step 3 Remove foil covering from baked nectarines. Scatter over raspberries and sprinkle with crumble. Return to oven for 15-20 minutes or until crumble is golden brown. Step 4 Serve warm with yoghurt. SUMMER FRUITS GINGERBREAD CRUMBLE Ingredients • 6 (850 g) nectarines, cut into wedges • 1 tablespoon golden syrup • 125 g punnet raspberries • ⅔ cup reduced fat plain Greek yoghurt, to serve Crumble • ⅓ cup wholemeal plain flour • ⅓ cup quick oats • ⅓ cup flaked almonds • 2 tablespoons raw sugar • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon golden syrup RECIPES Recipes sourced from the Heart Foundation www.heartfoundation.org.au/recipes
CONVERSATIONS 8 OFFICE LOCATIONS West Coast Homecare is committed to supporting small rural communities on Eyre Peninsula, our office locations and opening hours are: Head Office Port Lincoln 56 St Andrews Tce Phone: 8682 2177 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm Tumby Bay 3 Spencer Street Phone: 8682 2177 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm Cummins 58 Bruce Terrace Phone: 0438 163 641 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4.30pm Cleve 27A Main Street Phone: 8682 2177 Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm SQUARE-FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM-SQUARE Join us on Facebook and Instagram westcoasthomecare.com Puzzles & Games Solutions Crossword Solution Spot the Difference Solution Two in a Row Solution Find a Word Solution How to give feedback, complaints or suggestions Any feedback, complaints and or suggestions can be submitted anonymously however If you would like a reply, we will require your name and contact details. No one will be victimised or discriminated against for providing feedback or complaints to West Coast Homecare or Complaints Commissioner. We encourage you to bring your concerns or suggestions to our attention in the first instance. Phone 8682 2177 or meet with your Care Partner initially, who will be happy to assist you to understand information. If you wish to discuss the matter further, you may speak with: • Phone the Program Manager at the Port Lincoln Office on 8682 2177. Other ways to submit your comments: • Post to: Feedback at West Coast Homecare, PO Box 881 Port Lincoln SA 5606. • Email: feedback@westcoasthomecare.com. • Website: www.westcoasthomecare.com and leave an online comment. • Visit: The local office and post your feedback into the red house letterbox in the reception. For more information, please visit our website. westcoasthomecare.com
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