Inaugural awards recognise Central Coast’s aged care and disability sector

SEASONS Network developed the Awards to recognise those making a difference to the lives of the vulnerable, frail and disabled people in our communities, and with the awards attracting over 30 nominations, SEASONS Network Operations Manager, Majenta Ritchie says the calibre of nominations made for a challenging judging process.

“All nominees are finding innovative ways to improve the lives of their clients and share a common steadfast commitment to providing the highest quality of care,” Ms Ritchie says.

For instance, Anglican Care’s Life in Motion program uses Xbox Kinect games as a therapy medium to motivate physical activity among aged care residents. The program, which won a Special Commendation prize, was recognised for the social benefits for participants, together with some functional improvement, particularly in balance and upper limb movement.

Anglican Care’s Lifestyle & Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Jane Meldrum says the program has proven to have mental and social health benefits for Anglican Care’s clients.

“It’s different to traditional physical activity programs used in aged care, with a variety of movements from both a sitting and standing position,” she says. “Areas of improvement have included memory and concentration and the sessions have also afforded greater social interaction and engagement.

“The residents who take part enjoy the fact they are exercising without actually feeling like it! We have seen decreased sedentary behaviour amongst residents and participants really enjoy the social interaction. It’s also lots of fun and we all have lots of laughs together,” she adds.

The 2016 winners are:

Aged Care Manager of the Year

Jodeane Anderson – Living Care Home Care Services

Home Care Service of the Year – Sponsored by Delphis Australia

Home Instead Senior Care

With Special Commendation presented to Hammond Care.

Home Care Employee of the Year – Sponsored by Living Care Home Care Services

Barbaranne Chalmers – Delphis Australia

With Special Commendation presented to Natalie Anderson – Living Care Home Care Services and Sally Davison a private contractor.

Disability Service of the Year

Central Coast Living Options

With Special Commendation presented to Camp Breakaway and Fairhaven Services.

Disability Sector Employee of the Year

Alexandra Marr – private contractor

Aged Care or Disability Innovative Project of the Year – Sponsored by Osborn Law

Adssi HomeLiving Australia for their cooking and nutrition program for their elderly residents.

With Special Commendation presented to Anglican Care’s Life in Motion Project and Delphis Australia’s Memory Lane Project.

Volunteer of the Year

Shirley Peck – Delphis Australia

With Special Commendation presented to Valarie Thorsby of Meals on Wheels Central Coast.