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AGEING WELL HISTORY Short-Term Restorative Care Programs DO YOU NEED A HAND TO GET BACK ON YOUR FEET? If you are over 65 and have had an accident, injury or illness, a Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program with BCR Communities can have you feeling like yourself again. Government funded through My Aged Care, the tailored program coordinates a team of specialists to help restore your health, strength and independence and prevent functional decline. Our experienced care experts will help you identify the areas you need support and what you would like to achieve. They will then find the relevant Allied Health specialists and create a program that is unique to you. Over eight weeks we will coordinate with these specialists to deliver the program in either the comfort of your own home or out in the community. What could my package include? Occupational therapy Physiotherapy Exercise physiology Social work Podiatry Daily living aids Home modification Dietary advice Optometry Registered Nursing Speech therapy Audiology Pharmacy Dental hygiene Osteopathy Psychology Assistance in the home like cooking, cleaning and personal care How long can I receive STRC for? You can receive short-term restorative care for periods up to eight weeks, twice in any 12 month period. Can I receive STRC if I already receive HCP or CHSP? You will not be eligible to receive short-term restorative care if you already receive a Home Care Package. You can still access the program if you receive support from CHSP but only if the services received from STRC are different and complimentary. "The STRC program with BBCR was absolutely wonderful, it included physiotherapy twice a week and an occupational therapist came to the house and gave me special equipment to use in the kitchen. It really made a difference to my overall mobility and well-being." JOSEPHINE

AGEING WELL HISTORY BCR Communities Social Groups SPEND THE DAY WITH FRIENDS It’s time to get out of the house, have fun and spend time with your friends. The activities change every week – we might stay indoors for games, trivia or an art session or get in the bus and explore our stunning coastline or try a new café. While the activities may differ from week to week, what doesn’t change is the companionship, the conversation and something delicious for lunch! Click the buttons below to see the latest Social Group Activity Calendars. As of May 2024, we have a calendar for south Shoalhaven and one for north Shoalhaven. ​ November Calendar (south) November Calendar (north) Dec/Jan Calendar (south) Dec/Jan Calendar (north) SUBMIT THANK YOU, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH. Contact BCR today to find out more about joining our social groups Weekly Social Groups BCR Communities has a varied calendar of social activities throughout the week including day trips, lunches out, special events, walking groups, trivia, games, art, music and more. ​ ​ Making friends the easy way It is harder to keep socially connected as we age, friends and family move away or health problems make it more difficult to get out of the house. BCR Communities Social Groups makes regularly meeting up with friends simple and fun, with transport available to pick you up and drop you home. Join our online social community for connection every day of the week We know that sometimes it can be difficult to leave the house to catch-up with friends, meet new friends or simply share common interests with others. There are many reasons any one of us can become socially isolated. That’s why BCR has created the BCR Communities App. Think of it as an online, or digital, Town Square - a place to meet others and get connected. You might already be a part of a social app like Facebook, or you might be completely new to online communities – either way this App is for you! ​ You can download the BCR Communities App onto your iPhone, Android Phone, iPad or Tablet. You can even access it on your computer. Once you join BCR Communities, you will be able to take part in online discussions, share information, join interest groups – for example, the Gardening Group or the Walking Group, and take a look at our Community Connects Calendar for upcoming events and activities. Most importantly, you will be able to connect with people and make new friends. ​ If this is of interest to you, but you think you might need help let us know and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist! Join BCR Communities "I haven’t been in the Wednesday Social Group for very long but I’m so glad I joined because they are a lovely group. It is great to be out of the house and meeting new people. I used to be a nurse so I’ve always been drawn to being around people." WILMA

NDIS HISTORY NDIS Supports NDIS Work, Life & Training NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports

AGEING WELL HISTORY Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) HELPING YOU STAY INDEPENDENT Are you over 65 and interested in joining some social activities in the community, or perhaps you just need a little extra help around the home? ​ Did you know there is Government funding available through My Aged Care to support you? If you are approved for funding for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), your care team at BCR Communities will work with you to develop an individualised plan to keep you socially connected, happy and healthy while living in your own home. Some of the many ways we can support you include: Cooking Cleaning Garden maintenance Home maintenance Shopping Social activities ​ Wellness programs Keeping fit Personal care Medication support Transport Companionship Why Choose BCR Communities for In-Home Support? COMMUNITY Personalised care Our team takes the time to understand your goals, lifestyle and values so that we can create a personalised plan that is just for you. COMMUNITY Consistent quality care You will be supported by a team of people from your local community who are experienced, caring and committed to providing the best quality support. COMMUNITY We are truly local BCR Communities was created for locals by locals and nobody understands the communities of the Shoalhaven and Illawarra better than we do. COMMUNITY We are flexible and responsive We understand that your needs and goals may change over time so we will regularly review your plan to ensure you are always living the best life possible. COMMUNITY We put people first As a community-led, not-for-profit organisation, our mission is to partner with our communities to provide person-centred services for all. COMMUNITY We are inclusive We welcome people from across our communities and celebrate the diversity they bring to our organisation. SUBMIT THANK YOU, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH. Contact BCR today to find out more about how we can support you at home Values Based Care Plans The BCR Communities difference is that we really get to know you before creating a plan of support. We use ExSitu , an innovative and award-winning app designed to provide the highest level of values-based care. ​ We are moving from filling in complicated or confusing forms so you can sit in the comfort or your own home with a BCR Communities care staff member and answer ExSitu’s simple card-based questions. ​ The app will help you to identify what is important to you, what gives you joy, and how we might support you to live your best possible life. By establishing your core values and lifestyle desires, ExSitu can generate a values-based care plan that is truly personalised for you. More about ExSitu What is the Commonwealth Home Support Program? The Commonwealth Home Support Program or CHSP is funding provided by the Government to help older Australians get more out of life. CHSP is designed to deliver low-level support. The focus is on supporting you to retain your independence rather than doing things for you. As your needs change or grow more complex, you may need to move to a Home Care Package. ​ Our Home Care Packages ​ To apply for CHSP funding you need to contact My Aged Care. You can register your interest by calling 1800 200 422 or going to the website myagedcare.gov.au. You will then be contacted by an Aged Care Assessment Service who will assess the services you need. If you are approved for CHSP you will then be able to choose a registered service provider like BCR Communities. My Aged Care Am I eligible for CHSP? Eligibility for the CHSP is based on your age and your support needs. CHSP could be what you need if you are: having a little difficulty with everyday tasks need some support to continue to live independently in your community looking for ways to support your health and well-being 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) Schedule of fees “Everyone at BCR Communities has just been so helpful. They make you feel like you are important to them. A lot of groups make you feel like you are just a number but not them. It actually makes me tearful when I think about how lovely they are.” VERA

MAKE A DONATION HISTORY Love where you live? Make a donation Since we began in 1991, BCR Communities has flourished because of the generosity and kindness of our community.Since we began in 1991, BCR Communities has flourished because of the generosity and kindness of our community. Your donation will support: Hundreds of seniors in our communities to remain living happy and healthy lives in their own homes. Our Community Services team to continue to respond to the needs of our communities by delivering emergency food relief, flexible programs, workshops, activities and events. Our Home Maintenance Program to keep ensuring seniors stay safe at home. Our fun and engaging social groups to continue combatting loneliness and fostering friendships Carers to have much needed respite with our carer support options Children and teens to learn, be creative, have fun and connect to culture People with disability to be supported to achieve their goals Our Community Radio station BBCR 92.7FM to keep playing great music and connecting the Bay & Basin Donate Now Help us make a difference First Name Last Name Email Donate in the name of Donate Thank you for your donation!

AGEING WELL HISTORY Carer Support At BCR Communities we understand that while caring for someone is rewarding, it can also sometimes feel overwhelming and isolating. It is important to look after your own health and wellbeing and also be informed about what help is available to you as a carer. BCR centre based respite BCR Communities offers a small day-centre respite group tailored specifically for people living with dementia. The group meets every Monday from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the BCR Communities Paradise Cottage located at 16 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point. ​ Our experienced staff provide care that is responsive and empathetic and aim to promote well-being with meaningful and fun activities. Morning tea and lunch is provided and clients feel supported in a comfortable and safe environment. BCR Carer Support Group BCR Communities Carer Support Group meets once a month on a Thursday afternoon for a cuppa and a chat. It is a relaxed and friendly environment where everybody has the opportunity to share their experiences, discuss challenges and support others. The meetings are currently held once a month at the Day Respite Cottage, 16 Sanctuary Point Road, from 1pm to 3pm . There is no cost and all carers are welcome. Dates for 2024 : 17 October 21 November 19 December Other carer support Serviced by the Australian Government, the Carer Gateway provides emotional, practical and financial support for carers. Find out about counselling, tips and advice, peer support groups, financial help, coaching, emergency respite and other government support programs. 1800 422 737 Find out more Dementia Support Australia represents the 487,500 Australians living with dementia and their almost 1.6 million Australians carers. The website has resources, information, links to counselling, the latest research and events. There is also a free national dementia helpline which you can call any time. 1800 699 799 Find out more "I love my husband and want to care for him but as his dementia progresses, I’m spending more and more time at home alone with him. While my friends and family are sympathetic they really don’t understand what I’m going through like the other carers in the support group. It is so good to know that others are going through the same thing and get their advice and support. We also have a chat and a laugh together which helps." CARER SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER

ARIIA GRANT HISTORY The Regional Provider Blueprint for Developing a Values-Based Culture and Values-Driven Care Plans through Engagement, Empowerment and Technology BCR Communities, along with our partners ExSitu, University of Wollongong (UOW) and CarersNSW, secured an ARIIA grant to generate a regional provider blueprint for developing a values-based culture and values-driven care plans through engagement, empowerment and technology. . The Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) grant was created to support the aged care sector by providing funding that can be used to build increased workforce capability and capacity. They are especially focussed on funding projects that address areas like dementia care, mental health and wellbeing, and social isolation. BCR Communities uses values-based care plans which put the client firmly at the centre of their own decision-making and wellbeing. Using technology developed by ExSitu, our clients are provided with a simple tool that can be used to create their individualised hierarchy of values. Clients use online card sorting to identify their most important values and goals, with the information transferable into documents like support plans and Advance Care Directives. ​ BELOW IS THE PROJECT'S BLUEPRINT SUMMARY Blueprint Summary BCR Communities was awarded a grant through the Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) program to deliver a Regional Provider Blueprint based on our values-based care program. The aim of the Blueprint is to share the learnings from our ARIIA project, so that as a sector, we can lead the change towards a values-based model of care. The aim of the ARIIA project was to test our assumptions that, with positive values-driven culture, and a commitment to empowerment and simple, efficient technologies, we could operationalise care processes to support human rights so those we care for can make their own decisions in alignment with their individual values. The results we were hoping to achieve through the research findings, and implementation of new processes and technology, was to increase meaningful social connection and reduce social isolation through the development and delivery of services which were aligned to an understanding of each person’s values and wishes. The key challenge explored was the balance we needed to strike as an aged care provider to: Support a person’s right to dignity of risk in the context of their right to self determination Uphold our responsibilities in relation to duty of care. Create a clear transparent process to navigate the potential conflict between dignity of risk and duty of care and align that to each person’s individual values. Methods used in this research project included the review of previously developed BCR in-home care client personas, client surveys, focus groups, regular project review meetings, and individual and group consultation sessions with key stakeholders including BCR Executive and Care Managers, Care Staff, BCR Clients and research partner representative from Carers NSW, University of Wollongong, Autonomy First Lawyers and technology partner ExSitu. Using a participatory research, research-to-action approach (Cornwall, 1995) the project team progressively consulted and communicated with key BCR stakeholders on challenges, opportunities, findings, and actions through regular meetings, and also communicated the outcomes of internal changes and key findings through client and staff newsletters. As a result of this project, our key findings include that: •social connections can be improved within communities through simplified and efficient engagement, training and referral processes values-based technologies can be used effectively to address our three key challenges working collaboratively with values-driven organisations creates opportunities to positively impact older people by focussing on supported decision-making practices. This project identifies opportunities to further this research and create sector wide change by professionalising key roles and improving supported decision-making practice. By progressing this research, we aim to improve models of care and the experience of older people by expanding providers understanding and delivery of rights-based decision making practice. Click here for the full report ARIIA Blueprint

AGEING WELL HISTORY Day Respite Cottage Situated in beautiful, tranquil Sanctuary Point in the Shoalhaven, BCR Communities' Day Respite Cottage is the perfect location for a day away. We offer a small day-centre respite group tailored specifically for people living with dementia. The group meets every Monday from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Day Respite Cottage located at 16 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point. ​ Our experienced staff provide care that is responsive and empathetic and aim to promote well-being with meaningful and fun activities. Morning tea and home-cooked lunch is provided and clients feel supported in a comfortable and safe environment. . Carers can have time to relax and recharge at home knowing the person they care for is safe, well-supported and enjoying a range of activities during their day. ​ Our people Our professional and experienced care workers will provide ongoing assistance with daily care needs, prepare delicious home-cooked meals and engage clients in a program of activities based around the clients own interests and hobbies. Individually tailored programs Our care team really take the time to get to know the clients and their carers before tailoring a program for their stay. By finding out about daily routines, what they enjoy to eat and their favourite activities and interests, we can ensure our clients feel safe and secure during their day at the cottage. This also gives carers and families peace of mind. Being next door to the BCR Communities Activities Hub means we have access to an art and music studio, a wood working shed, extensive vegetable and flower gardens and even some friendly chooks! The Cottage also has a range of fun outdoor and indoor games. The details To be eligible to be part of the group at the Day Respite Cottage, you must have a carer and be approved through My Aged Care for Day Respite. Please call 1300 222 748 or email info@bbcri.com.au to find out more “I know Mum will be well looked after when she is at the Cottage and the time apart gives me a chance to meet up with friends, spend time with my daughters and grandkids, and get things done around the house - it's a chance for me to rest and reset.” VICKI

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES BCR Activities Hub A SUPPORTIVE, FRIENDLY AND INCLUSIVE SPACE IN BEAUTIFUL SANCTUARY POINT With workshops, enrichment gardens, a community radio station, live performance space and music and art studios, there is usually a lot happening at the BCR Activities Hub. It is a place where, supported by our amazing team of volunteers, people from all parts of the community can come together to participate in activities, join in events or work on meaningful projects with the aim of helping others. 1/1 At the BCR Activities Hub you might... Learn a new skill Make new friends and social connections Grow fresh produce in the community enrichment gardens Broadcast your own radio program Be involved in intergenerational workshops Build toys and play equipment for local kids Discover a new passion like pottery or playing in a band Help with practical projects that support seniors to stay living in their homes Feel connected to your community Improve your health and well-being “I am a retired builder and joiner, so when I come to the Activities Hub I can keep using my skills and continue to do what I love doing. We do a lot of projects that help our community and I’ve met a lot of good blokes. I also met a very lovely lady here and we get on really well – all we seem to do is laugh!” WAYNE

NDIS HISTORY Do you have an NDIS plan? BCR COMMUNITIES IS YOUR LOCAL NDIS PROVIDER Whether your goal is working towards getting a job, living independently, learning new skills, socialising and making friends or just having fun, BCR Communities can support you to achieve it. We take the time to really understand your interests, dreams and goals before tailoring a support plan that is just for you. Here are just some examples of how we can support you to achieve your goals JOIN THE WORKFORCE Goal: Join the workforce We can give you the support you need to learn specific employment skills like time-management, working safely (WHS), travel training and communication skills. IMPROVE HEALTH & WELLBEING Goal: Improve my health and wellbeing We can help you discover activities which will improve your fitness and have you feeling fantastic. It might be bushwalking, dancing, bowling or swimming.. GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY Goal: Give back to my community At the BCR Activities Hub you can work with our volunteers and staff on many projects that give back to our community. MAKE NEW FRIENDS Goal: Make new friends You will meet lots of new people at the BCR Activities Hub and we can also support you to join fun activities, social groups and events in the community. INCREASE INDEPENDENCE Goal: Increase my independence BCR can support you to build the skills you need for daily living. Learn how to cook, mow the lawn, stick to a budget or use public transport. LEARN A NEW SKILL Goal: Learn a new skill From getting your L plates to playing music or hosting your own radio show, if there is a skill you want to learn, we can support you to master it. SUBMIT THANK YOU, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH. Contact BCR today to find out more about our NDIS supports "I am learning to play the guitar, plant in the garden, make things with wood, catch a fish and cook my own lunch on the BBQ. Next I want to learn the drums!" JESSE

AGEING WELL HISTORY Home Care Packages STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY AT HOME A BCR Communities Home Care Package (HCP) will give you the support you need to keep living independently in your own home and socially connected to your local community. Home Care Packages are designed for those with more complex or intensive care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) can provide. Once you have been assigned your government-subsidised Home Care Package through My Aged Care, your experienced BCR Communities care team will work with you and your support network to create a personalised program based on your values, lifestyle, needs and goals. A BCR Home Care Package can support you with: Individualised supports: based around your interests and preferred activities Personal services: aimed to assist you with any personal care needs you may have Shopping: making sure you have all you need to generate healthy meals at home Meal preparation: assisting you to prepare or have delivered fresh and nutritious meals Transport: helping you get to medical or other essential appointments Declutter and packing: helping keep your house safe, tidy and organised In-home respite: keeping you company when your carer has other commitments Minor home modifications and equipment: so you can stay independent in your home Allied Health support: to assist with maintaining independence in your home Why Choose BCR Communities for In-Home Support? COMMUNITY Personalised Care Our team takes the time to understand your goals, lifestyle and values so that we can create a personalised plan that is just for you. COMMUNITY Consistent quality care You will be supported by a team of people from your local community who are experienced, caring and committed to providing the best quality support. COMMUNITY We are truly local BCR Communities was created for locals by locals and nobody understands the communities of the Shoalhaven and Illawarra better than we do. COMMUNITY We are flexible and responsive We understand that your needs and goals may change over time so we will regularly review your plan to ensure you are always living the best life possible. COMMUNITY We put people first As a community-led, not-for-profit organisation, our mission is to partner with our communities to provide person-centred services for all. COMMUNITY We are inclusive We welcome people from across our communities and celebrate the diversity they bring to our organisation. SUBMIT THANK YOU, WE'LL BE IN TOUCH. Contact BCR today to find out more about how we can support you at home Values Based Care Plans The BCR Communities difference is that we really get to know you before creating a plan of support. We use ExSitu , an innovative and award-winning app designed to provide the highest level of values-based care. We are moving from filling in complicated or confusing forms so you can sit in the comfort or your own home with a BCR care staff member and answer ExSitu’s simple card-based questions. The app will help you to identify what is important to you, what gives you joy, and how we might support you to live your best possible life. By establishing your core values and lifestyle desires, ExSitu can generate a values-based care plan that is truly personalised for you. Find out more Steps to getting a Home Care Package STEP 1 The first step in accessing a government-subsidised Home Care Package is to contact My Aged Care to check your eligibility. You can call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au My Aged Care STEP 2 If you are eligible, a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit your home to provide a free home support assessment. During this meeting they will identify what your home care needs are and confirm your eligibility to receive government-subsidised support. STEP 3 My Aged Care will write to you to let you know the outcome of your assessment and the level of care you are eligible for and approved to receive. There is a waiting list for HCP funding to be assigned. My Aged Care will notify you in writing once you have been assigned a package. Am I eligible for a Home Care Package? Eligibility for a government-subsidised Home Care Package is based on your age and your support needs. A Home Care Package could be what you need if you are: need support with everyday activities need support to continue to living independently in your own home and your community 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) OR 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless or at risk of being homeless. Schedule of fees “I can’t fault them in any way and I appreciate everything they do for me because they are lovely girls and I would be lost without them.” ELAINE

CONTACT US Contact us today 1300 222 748 | info@BCRcommunities.com Or visit us at 18 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540 BCR COMMUNITIES HEAD OFFICE 16 Browns Road South Nowra, NSW, 2541 BCR AGED CARE OFFICE NOWRA 34 Paradise Beach Road Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540 BCR COMMUNITIES YOUTH & COMMUNITY CENTRE 108A Tongarra Road Albion Park, NSW, 2527 (Entry via the Albion Park Showground Carpark) BCR COMMUNITIES ALBION PARK 16 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540 BCR AGED CARE OFFICE SANCTUARY POINT 130 Macleans Point Road Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540 BCR COMMUNITIES WELLNESS CENTRE 18 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540 BBCR 92.7FM RADIO STATION 16 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540 BCR DAY RESPITE COTTAGE 21 Meriton Street St Georges Basin, NSW, 2540 BCR COMMUNITIES AGEING WELL 18 Sanctuary Point Road, Sanctuary Point, NSW, 2540 BCR COMMUNITIES ACTIVITES HUB We welcome your feedback PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW WE SERVICE OUR COMMUNITY We value all feedback, compliments and complaints. The feedback you provide will be addressed in a timely, respectful and transparent manner and be used to guide improvements across our organisation. Please let us know what we do well and where we can improve by completing the information below. You can also provide feedback by phoning 1300 222 748 or emailing info@BCRcommunities.com What kind of feedback will you be providing? Which service does your feedback relate to? What is your relationship with BCR Communities? Would you like to leave your contact details? SUBMIT FEED BACK Thanks for sharing your feedback with us! In the unlikely event that a matter cannot be resolved with BCR Communities, you can seek assistance from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission GPO Box 9819 (in your capital city) Ph: 1800 951 822 www.agedcarequality.gov.au