"count us in'" project macpherson smith stawell social inclusion coordinator...

"Count Us In'" Project Macpherson Smith Stawell Social Inclusion Coordinator JMcCracken

Social Inclusion, Respect & Dignity for Aged Care Residents

Macpherson Smith Nursing Home

“Count Us In” Project

Social Inclusion

"Count Us In'" Project Social Inclusion Coordinator JMcC

What is Social Inclusion A socially inclusive society is defined as

One where all people feel valued Their differences are respected Their basic needs are met so They can live in dignity

Residents were thrilled to have Stawell Secondary College students help them with their mosaic art work for the Sensory Garden whilst on a visit to Macpherson Smith. Staff from SSC and MSNH look on, everyone having a chat and a laugh together, young and older enjoying each other’s company. This photo is a classic example of how being included makes everyone happy.


Values that underpin Social Inclusion Everyone Is Ready

None of us has to pass a test or meet a set of criteria before we can be included

Everyone Needs Support Sometimes some of us need more support than others

Everyone Can Communicate Not using words doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to

say Everyone Can Contribute

We need to recognize, encourage and value each person’s contribution – including our own

Together We Are Better We are not dreaming of a world where everyone is like us –

difference is our most important renewable resource


Social Inclusion

A “Smile” A “Hello” A “Hug”

These are all things that include people and make them happy

SRH 150th Anniversary


“Count Us In” A Social inclusion project for high care residents Stawell Regional Health’s government grant for a project to

identify opportunities for greater social inclusion for residents at Macpherson Smith Aged Care Facility..... All people are valued, their differences respected, their basic needs met &

are able to live their lives with dignity. Stawell Regional Health feels that everyone needs to be supported, feel

included, regardless of age or ability. Staff are working hard to ensure that Macpherson Smith Nursing Home

Residents have increased social inclusion and that they remain engaged with their community.

Pictured promoting the social inclusion program for residents at Macpherson Smith Nursing Home are L-R Relatives of Residents - Robyn Dunn, Veronica Naeher and Joy McCracken - Social Inclusion Co-ordinator for Stawell Regional Health


Residents Socializing in Stawell Stawell Regional Health &

Macpherson Smith Nursing Home Are working together to…..

Identify and action barriers to social inclusion for Residents

Ensure good outcomes for everyone, bringing community members to Residents is essential

Provide regular social contact & activities that enhance Resident’s quality of life & sense of inclusion in everyday living.


Social & Community Inclusion Social Inclusion,

Community Inclusion, Social Connectedness, There has been a

cultural shift at Macpherson Smith Nursing Home and staff through education sessions, focus group forums and reading information brochures available.

Without thinking, staff have become more inclusive and are more aware of the importance and benefits of activities out in the community and also in-house for resident’s happiness and quality of life.


Same Name…Different Address Sometimes some

of us need: More support than

others But none of us has

to pass a test or Meet a set of

criteria Before we can be

included

Photo consent forms for Joycey & John through Sonja

Stawell Secondary College Students, Chaplain & Teacher in Charge of

Curriculum, meet with Residents & Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator Sonja &

Social Inclusion Coordinator Joy


Macpherson Smith Residents & Bennett Centre participants

Macpherson Smith staff & Volunteers work with Bennett Activity Centre Staff & volunteers to create a social atmosphere where everyone feels “at home”, cared for and included as part of a group

This Centre helps people stay independent and it also Helps people to be socially & physically active Promotes activities that assist in maintaining inclusion

in the community Works toward removing any barriers to attend Values and listens to everyone’s ideas and respects

their rightsThank you Bennett Centre staff for your friendly inclusion and

welcoming manner to Residents


Bennett Centre forCommunity Activities

Interaction for Macpherson Smith Nursing Home Residents with Bennett Day Centre participants

Residents have been invited to join with Bennett Centre participants & the community attending at Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Party on May 26th

Big cups of tea, lovely cakes and lots of chat, Residents especially enjoy this day at the Bennett Centre

An inclusive day for all with everyone helping to raise awareness & funds for breast cancer research


Simple But Effective Methods to Make Residents Happier

New tablecloths & place mats on tables Residents have been sitting & having their meals with news table

cloths & place mats, all different colours & imaginative salt & pepper shakers

This simple act has made the dining areas “just like home” according to residents, relatives, volunteers & staff.

This has in turn somehow encouraged staff to sit & chat with Residents, creating a more inclusive meal time for all.

Excellent comments have been made about this homely innovation and has led to Residents being more talkative at meal times , eating their meals & looking happier & brighter.


“Count Us In” Project Committee meet to discuss how coordination of Social Inclusion program for Macpherson Smith is progressing.

Smiles all round as boxes were ticked for assessment, by DOH & DHS

Design and production of social inclusion DL brochure and poster

Educating community, businesses, community groups, staff, volunteers, family and friends for residents.

Importance of media releases to inform community about benefits

Community being Involved Externally & Internally

Project fostering team work & creating atmosphere of inclusion amongst staff, volunteers, family, friends and residents.

Cultural shift occurring with ongoing encouragement & support for staff

“Count Us In” Social Inclusion Committee meets with DOH & DHS

Stawell Regional Health “Count Us In” Project Committee Claire Letts, Enid, Robyn Leslie, Joy McCracken & Sonja Whelan meet with

DHS Gillian Dickson-Hughes & Margaret Summers


Pet Therapy for ResidentsAlert and ready for our daily rounds, making residents feel happy and included. We have had our shots, are washed, brushed and ready for the day. Some residents need more attention than others and we are happy to make more than one visit to them.


Caring & Sharing in the Community “Home is where the

Heart is” This quilt was made especially for

Macpherson Smith Residents by “Twisted Threads” Needlework Group of Stawell.

Pauline from “Twisted Threads” had decided to make this quilt for Macpherson Smith to remind them of their childhood memories living on farms or visiting farms with their relatives, the fun, hard work, and community spirit.

I am sure residents will enjoy it as much as Pauline and the other members of her group enjoyed making it.

A special thank you Pauline and the rest of the “Twisted Threads’ Needlework Group, residents really love looking at it and remembering days gone by.


Our Sensory Garden At Home in Our Sensory Garden Macpherson Smith’s Continuity of Care & Inclusion

Stawell Regional Health hospital auxiliary made up of community people has generously donated funds toward the development of a sensory garden for residents.

A working party comprising; nursing staff, community members &auxiliary members, residents and relatives, the engineering and maintenance department, was formed and many meetings held to plan garden design and choose plants & shrubs, fountain and gazebo feature.

Residents & everyone who visits the garden are able to experiences nature’s five traditional sensory modes: sight, smell, touch, taste & sound.

Our Residents are already enjoying the Sensory Garden’s wonderful area of colour and movement, texture & smell.


Plants for Sensory Garden Residents visit the Nursery to

help pick plants for Sensory Garden

Residents enjoyed their visit to the Nursery and were really happy that they were included in choosing plants for their garden which everyone will enjoy and they can watch their special choice grow.

Now officially opened, this lovely garden area is a shining example of inclusion externally & internally as residents can interact outside in the garden with family, staff, volunteers and other residents or just sit and watch the lovely scene from inside and enjoy the colours & movement.

Photo consent forms for Dawn, Residents & Nola to come


Our Sensory Garden Opening A Beautiful Sunny Day 26th

March 2010 Resident Joyce cuts the

official ribbon.A gathering of Residents, their Family

Members, Friends, Community Visitors, Staff, Yzettes Auxiliary members, Stawell Regional Health CEO & Board Members, tour our wonderful new sensory garden.

The sensory garden is officially opened and Resident Joyce cuts the ribbon.

This lovely area, a shining example of inclusion externally & internally as residents can interact outside in the garden or view the lovely scene from inside and enjoy.

Residents express love of “their” garden with different comments & smiles of happiness.

It is my “little bit of heaven” says one resident.


Men’s Shed Participation at Stawell’s

Men's Shed Has improved confidence

and wellbeing of residents taking part in or just watching activities

Residents have been working on special projects with assistance from Men’s Shed members

Increased community awareness of the benefits of social inclusion, means we are seeing a positive shift in community attitudes and behavior towards people in aged residential care due to interaction at Mens Shed

Men’s Shed Committee, Stawell Regional Health Board Chair Karen Douglas, Joy McCracken- Social Inclusion

Project Co-coordinator, & Men’s Shed Committee David Begg, Michael Gavin & Brian Winters

Photo consent forms for Karen Douglas, Men’s Shed Committee & Claude Smith


Men’s Shed – Graeme’s Project Resident Graeme works

on his Project at Men’s Shed for Macpherson Smith Prior to moving to

Macpherson Smith Nursing Home Graeme was working on restoring a canoe at Men’s shed.

Due to ill health Graeme was unable to continue working on his project and Men’s Shed members finished his canoe.

When he visited Men’s Shed he was very happy to see the finished product and pleased he had been included in their everyday activities.

MSNH Resident Graeme works on his project

Photo consent form to come through Sonja for Graeme


Memory Board for Residents

Memory Board made at Men’s Shed by Graeme

His confidence has risen so much that he has been able to once again be part of Men’s Shed activities & enjoy a cuppa and a chat with everyone when he takes a break from the project he is now working on


Men’s Shed practices Inclusion Stawell Men’s Shed

members making their Shed more inclusive and accessible

Members have been working on fitting a ramp for wheelchair access, men’s & ladies toilets & a wheelchair accessible toilet for their complex

The toilet block was donated by the Shed’s owners he could see the need especially for older people, other groups in the area also have access.

Stawell Regional Health held a special function to reflect on member’ work achieved.

Mens Shed Members David, Mick Gavin & Brian Winters working on the toilet block which includes wheelchair access toilets. Very thoughtful & inclusive for Macpherson Smith residents who visit & take part in their activities with support from their members.


Cato Park – Fishing & A Walk Cato Park is just

across the road from Macpherson Smith

On Sunny Days Staff & Volunteers take residents for a walk and picnic.

Some residents through a line in, with assistance, and try their hand at fishing.


Ballroom Dancing at Macpherson Smith Champion Ballroom Dancers

visit Residents and provide memories and music they loved when they were young. The swish of taffeta in a waltz, a favorite song, tuxedos & pretty jewelry -one is sure to strike a chord with residents watching.

Resident Muriel joins in the dancing with Neil, happy and included, her big smile tells a happy story. What a wonderful way to move to music and relive happy memories.

Thanks to our wonderful Ballroom Dancers who so readily volunteer their time.

Resident Muriel leads volunteer Neil in Ball Room Dancing, other residents are included and watch and enjoy the music and movement.


Friendship & Fellowship Uniting Church includes

Residents Every month Macpherson

Smith Residents are invited to the Uniting Church Hall for lunch, fellowship & light entertainment, other community members attend and everyone has a chat.

Residents who have been regular Church goers enjoy this opportunity to be included and

enjoy an activity which has been a normal part of their everyday life. They enjoy lunch, singing & music and being included in the community.

Resident Trevor & Norma, Sonya - Lifestyle & Leisure Coordinator, Jean from Uniting Church, Joy – Social Inclusion Coordinator all enjoy a meal and chat together, whilst waiting for the afternoon’s entertainment to commence – It is Piano & Singing Today.


Caring & Giving- Uniting Church Every fortnight, Uniting Church

ladies come and sing to Residents supported by piano playing. Residents look forward to being included in this activity and sing-a-long. Song notes are always provided for residents with staff & volunteers singing along.

Every other fortnight, Uniting Church ladies come and provide a Church service, with hymns, songs of praise and this day includes lovely casual interaction with Residents and Uniting Church ladies, staff & volunteers.

Susan Pearse, New Minister at the Uniting Church in Stawell, has visited Residents and is taking a keen interest in their lifestyle, and inclusion in the community. Susan took part in inaugural Memorial Services for past Residents led by Uniting Church Volunteer Ladies Group


Trust “Is a two-way Gift” This community connection

program is a “two-way Gift. The Students give their time & interest & the Residents feel the community is interested in & values them.

The Residents give the Students the privilege of sharing their journey with them.

For the Resident whose story is being recorded it’s an escape from their illness.

The Student’s role in reminiscing & writing with Residents will really be both an important therapeutic and inclusive one.


Staff Knowledge & Our Community Working with our

Community and all its networks, assists & enhances the dedicated work our staff are already engaged in with residents.

This continuing interaction promotes cultural change , broader interaction and knowledge of the benefits of social inclusion.


Informing Staff Social Inclusion, Respect &

Dignity for Aged Care Residents

Staff feel informed through focus groups, presentations, posters and brochures, Snappy Logan Competition and Feedback Survey

Residents and their families have benefited and everyone feels more included, happy and integrated.

A cultural shift has occurred with ongoing encouragement & support for staff from Macpherson Smith Manager, Social Inclusion Coordinator & Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator


Staff Education & Inclusion Assistance for social activity interaction

A Volunteer was not available to assist Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator, so without thinking staff member volunteered her assistance, thus showing a cultural shift in attitude in staff. Valuable in-roads for Residents everyday living and their inclusion in our outside Community occurred.

The Staff member was amazed at Resident’s reactions when they were taken out and about, talking about places they knew and where people lived. How lovely parks and views were, a first hand view of inclusion and its importance and how happy residents were for staff.

This was a wonderful “off the cuff” opportunity to educate staff member to see first hand the benefits for Residents and be able to pass on to other staff members how a “drive out” in the community lifts the spirits of Residents and make them feel included in everyday life.


Community Connections Program

Stawell Secondary College and Macpherson Smith Nursing Home

Building Strong bonds Reminiscing & Writing – Residents & Students interacting School Choir singing to Residents in-house School Band playing to Residents in-house Students performing “Romeo & Juliet” for Residents in-house Wonderful creative, artistic and cultural interaction between

Residents & School Students

Stawell Secondary College School Students interact with Sonya – Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator & Resident Joyce.


Why Stories Are Important For Residents &

Students Therapeutic benefits &

power of stories Re-membering Learning more about life

& relationships. Stawell Secondary

College students meet with Social Inclusion Coordinator to talk about how to be inclusive and interactive with residents during story telling.


The Power of Stories Stawell Secondary College students & Macpherson

Smith Residents Community Connections Program Stories can be powerful and empowering and show Residents that Life is still valuable and

Their Lives have been interesting & meaningful Reminiscing & Writing – Residents with Students Students take time out from their usual school time

to participate in this program and include Residents in chatting and story writing. They catch up their subjects in their own time.

This is a wonderful educational experience connecting young students with our aged care residents


Positive Outcomes through Stories

Connecting Residents & Students Students receiving “unconditional positive regard”

from Residents Students learn about themselves Opportunity for Students to care and give support to

Residents Students respect for older people grows


Residents & StudentsBenefit from Interaction Residents develop

connections with students and build trust with each other

Residents feel valued, acknowledged & recognized as people first, not defined by age or disability

Growing interaction & dialogue between residents & young students provides opportunities for exchange of stories and ideas in an evolving atmosphere of trust and friendship

Macpherson Smith Resident Maree and Stawell Secondary College Student Kim

work together on a Memory Book as part of SSC & MSNH Community Connections

Program- Reminiscing & Writing


Reminiscing & Writing Residents reminiscing

about their life and telling their story will be a luxury for them to have another person’s undivided attention.

The form each Story takes will be very much the choice of the Resident telling it to the students and will become a wonderful written gift for family members.

Staff , volunteers and family members discuss the benefits of students interacting with residents in the community connections program story telling


Memories are Important We encourage residents with visits from

family, friends, volunteers and chats with staff to remember happy times that they have shared with others.

Simple things like …A word, A Song, A Photograph, A Reading from an old Newspaper, A Piece of Music are all things that can stir a memory, these activities are included in our Leisure & Lifestyle Program by Sonja and her group of volunteers.


“Romeo & Juliet” for Residents Stawell Secondary

College & Macpherson Smith Nursing Home Community Connections Program

Stawell Secondary College are Rehearsing Romeo & Juliet for their end of year Celebrations Students have auditioned for

roles in Romeo & Juliet and have started rehearsals.

They will bring a modern day version of this well known Shakespearean play to our Residents including them in a colorful scene of drama & art in November.

Thanks SSC for this wonderful activity for our residents

Romeo & Juliet


Afternoon Tea Down the Street Residents have a cuppa,

a laugh & a chat With assistance from

staff, volunteers, the community bus & our leisure & lifestyle coordinator residents are able to have afternoon tea down the street

Everyone looks very relaxed, smiles all round.

A lovely afternoon out


Line Dancing at the Senior Citizens Centre

Line dancing at the Senior Citizen’s Centre is a new & inclusive activity.

Members are very welcoming and residents listen to the music and watch the dancing

One residents joins in and has a lovely time, she practices at home for the next session with staff members & resident

This activity is a good distraction for early mornings

Residents and staff get in the swing of music with residents.

Thanks go to the Senior Citizen's members for including residents in their activities


Linked & Loved Laughter is a tranquillizer

with no side effects and the smiles on these residents faces tell it all

Celebrating birthdays with family & friends

Visits from young relatives bring joy

The smooth velvet texture of a visiting horse brings back many memories and a smile to this resident’s face


Threads of Love Grampians Goodwill Group….. Our volunteer outreach group

Focuses on providing knitted or crocheted lap rugs or blankets for Macpherson Smith Aged Care Residents from community members.

These gifts knitted with love bring joy to a Resident and brighten up their life and show people care for them


Residents, Relatives get Together Monthly Residents &

Relatives Meetings give residents and family members time to share a joke and have a chat

Being able to be part of and be included with other resident’s family members and their conversations is very important to those who have little or no family visiting them

Residents and a family member take a break from Relatives & Residents meeting to have a cuppa & a chat.


Residents & Relatives Meetings Staff, Relatives & Residents

meet on a monthly basis and one of the purposes of these meetings is to talk about how to increase social inclusion activities & programs for Residents at Macpherson Smith Nursing Home.

Afternoon Tea after a Residents & Relatives Meeting, having a chat.

Enjoying the moment & everyone looking happy & included. Smiles say it all.

Look for recent photos on Sonja’s discs

Resident Joyce & Social Inclusion Coordinator Joy McCracken chat about inclusion brochure. David Rule, President - Residents & Relatives Committee, Robyn Leslie – Manager Macpherson Smith and Relatives Bernice & Owen Rose enjoy a joke & cuppa together.


Leisure & Lifestyle

Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator Sonja, staff and support staff at Macpherson Smith help provide regular social contact & activities that enhance our Resident’s quality of life and sense of inclusion in everday living in Macpherson Smith and out in our Community


Leisure & Lifestyle Activities

Time for our daily crossword

Keeps minds active & stimulated

Macpherson Smith Manager & one of our volunteers gets assistance from a very enthusiastic resident


Celebrations & Activities Special days and special

occasion are always celebrated at Macpherson Smith

Leisure & Lifestyle coordinator Sonja always ensure residents are involved and included in celebrating Birthday parties Christmas St Patrick's Day Halloween Australia Day Melbourne Cup Football especially Grand

Final Day AND more


Social Inclusion Community Activities Program Stawell Regional Health &

Macpherson Smith….. Have formed a unified Community connection partnership

and Social Inclusion Program for Residents

Which will ….. Continually seek

opportunities & access to appropriate social

community activities Encouragement

involvement for Greater social inclusion for

residents internally and externally in the community

Stawell Secondary College students & staff discuss social inclusion activities program with Macpherson Smith staff


Increased Social Inclusion Staff interacting with Residents…..Lifestyle & Leisure

Coordinator Sonja said she was able to take spontaneous photos of staff member doing resident’s nails and putting on polish. A feel good inclusion moment for resident and staff member who thought about how good resident would feel with this interaction.

Staff are talking to residents more about what is happening at home, football…who is playing well, who is on top the ladder, the weather and community happenings and community happenings.


Our Volunteers Volunteers at Macpherson

Smith are a vital part of the continuing success of our activities program

Sitting & reminiscing with residents brings joy

Special outings for lunch and afternoon tea down the street

Walks around Cato Park and fishing on a sunny day

Ballroom dancers drop in & display their fancy footwork

Sing-a-longs & Crosswords, Special occasion activities,

fish & chips night includes all residents.


Remembering Residents Memorial Services

for Residents Macpherson Smith in

partnership with the Uniting Church are now holding Memorial Services for Residents who have passed.

Held monthly, Memorial Services give residents, staff & volunteers the opportunity to remember and join together and quietly reflect.

For residents it may be the answer to a question about a friend they haven’t seen for a while.

"Count Us In'" Social Inclusion Coordinator JMcCracken April 2010

Acknowledgements Stawell Regional Health would like to thank the following for their

participation in the “Count Us In” Social Inclusion Project. Social Inclusion Committee: Claire Letts–Director Clinical Services, Enid Smith-

Deputy Director Clinical Services, Robyn Leslie-NUM Macpherson Smith Nursing Home, Jenny Priest-ANUM Macpherson Smith, Suzy McQueen-Administration Macpherson Smith, Sonja Whelan –Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator & Joy McCracken-Social Inclusion Coordinator, John Tiddy-Official Photographer.

All Macpherson Smith Staff members & Macpherson Smith Volunteers Stawell Regional Health Hospital Auxiliary Stawell Secondary College Staff & Students Grampians Community Health, Stawell Mens Shed, Uniting Church of Stawell Bennett Day Centre Staff Our Community in Stawell Stawell Historical Society Residents & Relatives Committee & President David Rule Family & Friends of Relatives at Macpherson Smith

Thank you everyone, for being interested and willing to listen and talk about the “Count Us In” Project. You have all had an impact by being receptive and helping in

promote the benefits of social inclusion for Residents in our Community.

Stawell Regional Health & Macpherson Smith Nursing HomePh: Joy McCracken 5358 8502 or Claire Letts 5358 8500

"count us in'" project macpherson smith stawell social inclusion coordinator...

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