Categories
Latest industry developments

Race for Village Manager of the Year Heats Up

John Neill, who manages Levande’s Somerton Park, Brighton and Fullarton villages, was awarded SA/NT Village Manager of the Year at a Property Council Retirement Living Outlook event in Adelaide recently.

“It is an interesting time for the industry,” John said.

“With a younger group of people looking at retirement living, it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves over the next five to 10 years.”

He added Levande has “fairly ambitious targets ahead and obviously there is the wellbeing side of things and integration of care”.

Leanne Zannoni, who manages Keyton’s Forest Hills Retirement Village in Nunawading, a suburb 18km east of Melbourne’s CBD, said her team at Forest Hills “have been through a journey the past 12 months and there is another big 12 months to come.”

“My journey in retirement living over the past three years has been a short one so far, but a lovely one and I couldn’t have done it without the support of so many people that I have met and who have supported me,”she said.

“Thank you to the Keyton team, we have had a big year, and our executive team has been amazing.

“They have led with heart, supported everyone along the way and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

In the running for the National Village Manager of the Year, John and Leoni will join:

  • Jodie Shelley, ACT/NSW Village Manager of the Year;
  • Leanne Zannoni, VIC/TAS Village Manager of the Year, and
  • Stephen Pether, Queensland Village Manager of the Year,

This year’s national winner will be announced at the National Retirement Living Awards on the Gold Coast in June.

Categories
Latest industry developments

Share Care: Wellness, Efficiencies and Tax Payer Savings

The RLC has just released a 48 page policy argument for the government and the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care to recognise that retirement villages already provide home support and that a small number of policy changes to the Community and Home support funding programs can save the Government $100 million a year. 

The concept of Shared Care is to take a small portion of a large number of village residents’ Community and Home support packages and apply those funds to the full village, which would deliver economies of scale and investments in wellness supports for all residents.

An example would be instead of say 10 residents each utilising their individual home support packages to be individually taken to the shops to buy their groceries, part of those funds would be used to fund a village bus trip where one bus and one driver takes 10 people to the shops. 

Another example would be for the collective funds to pay for a village nurse, who would not only look after people on Government-funded Packages but also the other village residents and with the better health support, more likely arrest their pending acuity. 

The report also points out that village operators already deliver many of the common services under a Community or Home Support Package, such as home modifications, transport to medical and recreational events, meals and meal preparation, assistive technology and domestic assistance. 

Under a master Home Care Package, why can’t the village expand the delivery of the services and be compensated? The result would be cheaper than a resident receiving the services from an outside home care provider. 

There is a long way to go before Shared Care may be fully embraced by Government, but elements could be announced as early as the May Federal Budget. 

The major achievement is that the Department, therefore the Government, is recognising the role and the opportunity of retirement villages deliver in the care journey. 

The RLC is recommending a trial or pilot. The hope is that can commence soon so that when the new Support at Home program commences in July 2025, there is a platform to expand on.

The sector has moved a long way in the last year or two. And this is needed, because as we reported last Thursday in The SOURCE, in the nine months to September 2023 just 520 new aged care places were added in Australia compared to the Government’s estimate of 8,800 required every year. 

Retirement village ‘beds’, with professional support, can go a long way to fill this gap with the benefit of Shared Care. 

Originally published in The Weekly Source.

Home Care In Retirement Living

Participants in DCM Institute’s Professional Development Program have access to an exclusive webinar ‘Home Care in Retirement Living,” later this month.

The purpose of this webinar is to look at the different ways in which Home Care works in a retirement village setting. We have invited two subject matter experts to provide guidance on the options available to them, and to explore the models that are currently out there across the country. 

For more information on the webinar email: dcmi@thedcmgroup.com.au.

Categories
Latest industry developments

Tributes for Jim Gibbons, past President of the RVRA NSW

Jim had been a member of the RVRA (Retirement Village Residents Association) Board since 2014, President from 2017 to 2021 and since then has been serving as the Immediate Past President.   

The strong relationship the sector has with the Residents Association has with the sector in NSW can be attributed to Jim’s work during his time as President of the RVRA NSW.

He had become a very good personal friend, generous in his time and enthusiastic support of all things that supported retirement village residents and in life in general. He freely gave his time to speak at multiple DCM Institute events, our Village Summits, our LEADERS SUMMITS, our research projects and general background on editorial matters.

We will miss him. 

Craig Bennett, President of the NSW RVRA, joins in to say “All those who knew Jim realised that he was a special person – a counsellor, friend, confidante. And most notably a passionate defender of the rights of residents in retirement villages in NSW.”

The members of the Board are going miss his presence, his smile, his fervour and we ask that you keep Jim’s wife Mary and his family, in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Craig Bennett, President of the RVRA NSW

Judy Mayfield, President of the ARQRA (The Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages), said was with much sadness when it heard of Jim’s passing. 

Jim worked with both government and industry to present the views of residents and to ensure that their opinions were heard and respected, he contributed to the work of the national Retirement Village Residents’ Association (ARVRA) and was always willing to share his ideas with the other State presidents.  

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time, he will be missed by all who knew and worked with him.

Judy Mayfield, President of ARQRV

John Beagle, President of the ACT RVRA, said it is shocked and saddened at Jim’s death. 

Our organisation owes its existence to the unfailing guidance Jim provided to assist us to regenerate after COVID-19.  Jim was asked the best way to try and become a viable RVRA.

Over a period of many months, he provided the essential knowledge we needed.  This culminated in Jim being the keynote speaker at the first ever Forum held in the ACT for existing and potential RV residents. 

His presentation was excellent and extremely well received. Up until the week before he became ill he was still providing wise and considered counsel. We will miss him.

John Beagle, President of ACT RVRA

Originally published in The Weekly Source.

Categories
Latest industry developments

Amendment Bill tabled in South Australia

The Bill introduces a series of proposed amendments to the existing Retirement Villages Act 2016 (SA) to provide greater clarity to operators on several matters and to safeguard the rights and interests of residents.

The key changes under consideration:

  • Enhanced Registrar Powers: The Bill suggests providing the Registrar with additional information-gathering powers to strengthen oversight.
  • Increased Transparency in Contracts: Residents can anticipate more detailed residence contracts and disclosure statements, ensuring a clearer understanding of their rights and obligations.
  • Mandatory Terms in Residence Contracts: The introduction of mandatory terms for all residence contracts will standardize agreements across the sector.
  • Deposit Regulation: The Bill proposes regulating the taking of deposits, imposing a cap of $5,000 to prevent excessive financial burdens on residents.
  • Shortened Buyback Period: The statutory buyback period is set to be reduced from 18 months to 12 months plus 30 days, offering quicker resolution for departing residents.
  • Controlled Recurrent Charge Increases: Restrictions on recurrent charge increases to CPI where contracts lack a fixed amount or formula.
  • Sinking Fund Contribution Limits: A cap of 1% of the unit’s current market value per year, not exceeding 12.5%, is proposed for sinking fund contributions upon departure.
  • Limited Alteration Refusals: Grounds for operators to refuse consent to prescribed alterations in a resident’s unit will be restricted.
  • Safety and Insurance Obligations: New obligations regarding village safety and insurance will be introduced for operators.
  • Restricted Scheme Terminations: Operators will face limitations on terminating a retirement village scheme in ‘part’.
  • Expanded Tribunal Powers: The SA Civil & Administrative Tribunal is set to gain enhanced powers to hear and make orders about retirement village disputes.
  • Mandatory Training Requirements: Village operators and staff will be required to undergo mandatory training.
  • Codes of Conduct: The Bill provides for additional codes of conduct to be observed by village operators, managers, staff, and residents.

The Bill remains with the South Australian Parliament with the proposed amendments to take effect at a date to be determined.

Speaking at DCM Institute’s recent Professional Development Day in Adelaide, Vanessa Clarke from the Department of Ageing Well noted that following proclamation, her team would still need to work on the accompanying regulations – which would take some time, and require further consultation.

DCM Institute’s industry partners, MinterEllison, are urging village operators in South Australia to carefully consider the Bill, make any necessary changes to their village contracts, and assess potential impacts on operations. This is to ensure they are prepared when the amendments commence.

Categories
Key things to help you everyday Latest industry developments Uncategorized

NSW RVRA in high-powered meeting over abuse in retirement villages

The survey was summarised in a report titled ‘Ageing Without Fear’ which showed:

  • Over 40% reported experiencing at least one type of abuse. The proportion of females reporting abuse was higher (44%) than for males (34%).
  • The most commonly reported types of abuse were Patronisation (31%), followed by Harassment (20%) and Intimidation (20%).
  • For each type of abuse, over two-thirds of respondents indicated it occurred on multiple occasions, with the highest repeat figure of 77% for Harassment.
  • The most common type of abuse is Patronisation, with 69% specifying Management as the source of that type of abuse. This category included village staff, the manager and Head Office.
  • Resident-on-resident abuse was the highest source of abuse at 70% (except Patronisation).

Roger Pallant, Secretary of the RVRA, subsequently presented the survey’s report, Ageing Without Fear, to the Retirement Living Council and the Property Council. A meeting between the parties was subsequently held with a commitment to work together to develop strategies and materials to mitigate the abuse within retirement villages.

Then the RVRA contacted the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) and the report was provided to them. A meeting followed between the RVRA and the ADC with a commitment to work together to develop a coordinated approach for training and materials related to elder abuse.

This month Roger travelled to Sydney for a meeting with Robert Fitgerald, the Ageing and Disability Commissioner, his team, the Retirement Living Council and the Property Council.

“The meeting was a meet and greet but there was general consensus that this topic was best addressed if we all joined forces and collaborated on getting a common message out to villages and residents.”

Roger Pallant

Roger was part of a panel at the Property Council NSW Retirement Outlook forum in Sydney last Thursday (pictured below). The panel moderated by Tamara Rasmussen, Head of Resident Operations at Keyton, also featured Jane Monk, CEO of Gannon Lifestyle Communities, and Keyton Regional Operations Manager, Liz Johns.

The ADC conducts “Roadshows” in regions and the RVRA and the Property Council will present where appropriate to demonstrate a joint approach to this serious and important topic.

Roger said some of the key areas to be reviewed will be:

  • Provision of materials for current and prospective residents regarding what elder/psychological abuse and where to go for help if needed.
  • Review of induction/training programs for village managers.
  • Development of training materials for residents committees in dealing with complaints of abuse and referral sources.
  • Communication methods to ensure information and materials are being made available to all villages.

“The RVRA will produce further reports re psychological abuse to ensure this topic remains uppermost in residents and managers minds. Having the support of the ADC and the Property Ccouncil will make getting the message out to residents so much easier.”

Roger Pallant
Categories
Latest industry developments Village Operator

Village Manager of the Year for NSW & ACT Announced

The value of Australia’s leading professional development support organisation is shown again as the Village Manager of RetireAustralia’s Tarragal Glen Retirement Village in Erina, NSW Central Coast, Jodie Shelley, was named ACT/NSW best VM of the year.

Jodie, who is a previous finalist, is a member of the DCM Institute and thanked the program when receiving her award at the Property Council NSW’s Retirement Outlook forum on 15 February.

Jo-Anne Quinn, Village Manager of Aveo Group’s The Manors of Mosman Retirement Village, 8km northeast of Sydney’s CBD, was named National Village Manager of the Year last year.

The two previous national winners of the Village Manager of the Year Steven Daly, of Arcadia Group, and Nikki Dhawan, then employed managing Bethanie Warwick and Bethanie Joondanna retirement villages, were members of the DCM institute. Nikki is now Manager, Retirement Living at Meath Care, Perth.

Jodie, along with all State winners, is now in the running for the National title which will be announced on 27 June on the Gold Coast as part of the 2024 National Retirement Living Summit.

Categories
Key Things to Help You Everyday Key things to help you everyday Latest industry developments

Professional Development Returns to Perth

The event brought together professionals from across Western Australia for a day of networking and hearing from industry experts and practitioners on the topics of Sustainability, Village Finances, and Budgets.

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of Bianca McGoldrick from Jackson McDonald, who shed light on the legal obligations of the administering body concerning village budgets. Her expertise encouraged Village professionals to take ownership of their budget, just as they should their village, to give residents confidence and deliver financial success.

Representing the residents’ perspective, WARVRA President Ron Chamberlain spoke eloquently and empathetically. Ron spoke to some of the shared concerns WARVRA has with some of the ambiguities in the legislation, both new and proposed.

Find a way to educate residents on the operation of the village, including village finances and budgets.

The afternoon session witnessed engaging workshops centred around real-life situations, guided by a presentation on Operational Best Practice by sector experts, Village Solutions Australia. Andrew Hanna and Rebecca Duckham provided practical insights and strategies to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness within their respective villages

Importantly, all speakers stressed the importance of commencing all conversations around Budgets and Finances as earlier as possible, to bring residents along for the journey.

Whilst always challenging, the annual meeting is an opportunity to build trust and confidence.

Andrew Hanna, Village Solutions Australia

The Professional Development Day in Perth proved to be a resounding success, setting the stage for the upcoming sessions in Brisbane and Melbourne next week.

For those seeking more information on the DCM Institute’s Professional Development Day series and upcoming events, click here.

Categories
Key Things to Help You Everyday Key things to help you everyday Latest industry developments Things to watch Village Operator

Raising Awareness: The Risks with Lithium-ion Battery Failure

It was heartbreaking to read about the fire in an Adelaide retirement village last week where an 83-year old man was found dead and a woman, 81, taken to hospital.

Late, reports indicated the likely cause of the fire was a mobility scooter battery left charging overnight.

Mobility scooters are a part of retirement villages all over the country. Many of them are plugged in right now, charging, so that they are ready to assist their owner move about the community.

A common feature of these mobility scooters is their light-weight lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used since they can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small area. They are also susceptible to causing events like the one seen in Adeliade the other week with state fire departments reporting more than 450 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in the past 18 months.

What causes lithium-ion batteries to fail?

Overheating is one of the main causes of lithium-ion battery failures, although physical damage to the battery can also lead to problems.

Excessive heat — for example from using a faulty charger and overcharging the battery, or due to a short circuit — can damage the battery cell internally and cause it to fail.

The major issue with lithium-ion batteries overheating is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.

In this process, the excessive heat promotes the chemical reaction that makes the battery work, thus creating even more heat and ever more chemical reactions in a disastrous spiral. Physical damage to lithium-ion battery cells can allow the electrolyte inside to leak, which is another potential hazard risk.

How can people mitigate the problems with lithium-ion batteries?

Correct usage and storage of lithium-ion batteries is extremely important.

Batteries should not be exposed to high external temperatures, for example from being left in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Overcharging is another fundamental issue as this can create excessive heat inside the battery cell.

Therefore, it is important to always use a reputable brand-name charger, rather than a cheap generic version that may be available online.

Good quality chargers, designed specifically for the battery you are using, control the amount of charge going into the cell and will cut off when it is fully charged to ensure the system does not over-heat.

Be very wary if a lithium-ion battery sustains any physical damage, such as being dropped or pierced by an object, as this can lead to leakage and potential problems.

In workplace settings, safe battery storage can be crucial so that in the event of unwanted failure, the resulting fire can be more easily contained and controlled and does not spread – which can quickly cause catastrophic consequences.

It is not advisable to purchase lithium-ion batteries second-hand, or online from unknown and potentially unregulated vendors.

What can we do?

Bring awareness. Take a commonsense approach and educate residents on the risks. There are a range of useful fact sheets and links contained in this article which can be shared easily with staff and residents.

For further information

For those interested in further reading on this subject, the ACCC released a report in October 2023 titled ‘Lithium-ion batteries and consumer product safety’.

Additional information about lithium-ion battery safety can be found by contacting your state fire department. 

Categories
Latest industry developments

Changing of the guard

at Catholic Healthcare’s St Hedwig Retirement Village 

It was an emotional moment when Kathy Eberl announced her retirement as Village Manager for St Hedwig Retirement Village in Blacktown, 34km west of Sydney’s CBD, after more than 30 years diligent service.

Kathy was CEO of St Hedwig Village when Catholic Healthcare took it over in February 2020. She was instrumental in the doubling of the size of the site in 2000. It is now undergoing a complete redevelopment of the village with 72 contemporary, one-, two- and three-bedroom self-care apartments, along with plans for a new aged care residence.

St Hedwig was established 36 years ago by Sydney’s two German-speaking Catholic communities St Raphael in Blacktown, and St Christophorus in Croydon, 9km west of Sydney’s CBD. St Hedwig was orginally predominantly for German-speaking people.

Kathy’s departure sees Jenny Roberts (pictured left) became St Hedwig Village’s new Village Manager.

Jenny joined as Village Manager from RSL Lifecare last September.

She is most excited about opening the brand new state-of-the-art village and welcoming both current residents and new residents.

Opening a new village and having a hand in shaping the culture of a community is a fabulous opportunity for a village manager and Jenny looks forward to creating a thriving community where people can be themselves, and live independently but with piece of mind knowing that she is there to support them with home and community services and should their needs change, our onsite aged care facility.

 

Categories
Latest industry developments

Village Managers go from strength to strength

At VILLAGE SUMMIT in Sydney on 30 November we welcomed another nine Village Managers into the 1,000 Club. 

Live in five capital cities in November, this single-day event brought together the largest network of Village Professionals in Australia with more than 600 delegates attending. 

One highlight at each event has been recognising Village Managers committed to their own professional development and have achieved 1,000 Professional Development Points in the DCM Institute Professional Development program. 

Joining other Award recipients from around the country were: 

Professional Development Points are awarded to participants in DCM Institute’s Village Manager Professional Development Program each time a topic is completed, or an event attended either online, or in person.  

“Most participants achieve 300 points per year, which demonstrates these professionals’ commitment to their learning and development over a number of years with us,” said Tiffany Folbigg, DCM Institute’s Operations Manager. 

“The points serve as a transcript of each participant’s achievement. Over the course of VILLAGE SUMMIT, we have had the privilege of recognizing those who have excelled, year in, year out.”  

Congratulations to Lauren, May Ann, Jodi, Sarah, Eloise and Doug.