Yearbook
me
co
Wel
If you enjoy reading the stories in this Yearbook please visit our website,
www.brightwatergroup.com to read the full versions and learn more
about how we are changing the lives of our residents and clients.
SERVICES FOR
YOUNGER PEOPLE
THE
BRIGHTWATER
CENTRE
TRANSITION
CARE
RESIDENTIAL
AGED CARE
CATERING
SERVICES
RESPITE
SERVICES
SPECIALISED
SERVICES
AT HOME
SERVICES
LINEN
SERVICES
me
co
Wel
If you enjoy reading the stories in this Yearbook please visit our website,
www.brightwatergroup.com to read the full versions and learn more
about how we are changing the lives of our residents and clients.
LINEN
SERVICES
SERVICES FOR
YOUNGER PEOPLE
SPECIALISED
SERVICES
TRANSITION
CARE
RESIDENTIAL
AGED CARE
RESPITE
SERVICES
RETIREMENT
LIVING
AT HOME
SERVICES
THE
BRIGHTWATER
CENTRE
CATERING
SERVICES
Dear friends ,
DR PENNY FLETT
CEO
This Yearbook is a collection of wonderful stories, in words and pictures, of just some
of the happenings at Brightwater this past year. It was originally intended to be a part
of the formal Annual Report, which is presented every October by the Chair of the
Brightwater Board. But we had so many things we wanted to describe, there wasn’t
room to fit them all in.
So it is my pleasure to present the 2013 Brightwater Yearbook to you. It can certainly
be read as a companion to the Annual Report, but equally, it stands on its own, to be
explored and enjoyed.
It contains but a small sample of the hundreds of activities that go on in the many
Brightwater places all over Perth and beyond. All of them have one thing in common.
Every story is about helping the people with whom we are privileged to work, to...
.
es
ti
li
bi
i
s
s
o
p
s
’
fe
li
enjoy
Dr Penny Flett, CEO
4
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Dr Penny Flett spending time with residents from Brightwater Madeley to launch the NHMRC Partnership Centre.
5
Dear friends ,
DR PENNY FLETT
CEO
This Yearbook is a collection of wonderful stories, in words and pictures, of just some
of the happenings at Brightwater this past year. It was originally intended to be a part
of the formal Annual Report, which is presented every October by the Chair of the
Brightwater Board. But we had so many things we wanted to describe, there wasn’t
room to fit them all in.
So it is my pleasure to present the 2013 Brightwater Yearbook to you. It can certainly
be read as a companion to the Annual Report, but equally, it stands on its own, to be
explored and enjoyed.
It contains but a small sample of the hundreds of activities that go on in the many
Brightwater places all over Perth and beyond. All of them have one thing in common.
Every story is about helping the people with whom we are privileged to work, to...
.
es
ti
li
bi
i
s
s
o
p
s
’
fe
li
enjoy
Dr Penny Flett, CEO
4
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Dr Penny Flett spending time with residents from Brightwater Madeley to launch the NHMRC Partnership Centre.
5
Michael’s
Story
When Michael was given only two choices following his stroke – Brightwater Oats Street
or life in a Residential Aged Care facility – the choice was clear. Oats Street was where
he wanted to go.
Brightwater Oats Street is a unique
statewide rehabilitation program for
people with an acquired brain injury
(ABI). The program aims to facilitate
the return to community living within
an environment suitable to each
person’s needs.
When Michael first arrived at Oats Street
he was unable to walk and had difficulty
expressing himself. In fact Michael
thought that he would never walk again.
Since moving into Oats Street two years
ago Michael has immersed himself in
every opportunity available to gain back
his independence.
Through physiotherapy and speech
therapy Michael is now able to walk with
the assistance of only a walking stick and
his speech has improved significantly.
6
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Michael, resident at Brightwater Oats Street with one of the staff.
But it is not only traditional therapies
that have supported Michael. He
has been involved in a number of
different programs run at Oats Street,
all aimed at helping clients regain
their independence.
The Relaxation and Mindfulness Group
has taught him relaxation strategies
to reduce stress levels and enhance
his sense of self to increase emotional
balance and optimise motivation to
engage in other therapies.
in
a
g
a
k
al
w
d
l
ou
w
I
t
h
g
ou
th
.
r
ve
an
c
I
I ne
r
te
a
tw
h
g
i
Br
s to
k
an
th
t
bu
The social skills group has helped him
become a functional communicator
and the Garden Gurus Group has not
only developed a love for growing fresh
produce, it has helped him re-learn
important skills such as taking public
transport and forward planning.
The outcome could have been very
different for Michael, but he is now
living in Esperance House at Oats
Street. This is significant for Michael
as it marks the last stage of his
rehabilitation. Over the coming months
Michael will be supported to move into
independent accommodation.
When asked about what he thinks of
Brightwater Oats Street now that he is
at the end of his journey, Michael very
sincerely says that he thanks God for
Brightwater and leaves you with an
exceptional statement:
“I never thought I would walk again but
thanks to Brightwater I can.”
7
Michael’s
Story
When Michael was given only two choices following his stroke – Brightwater Oats Street
or life in a Residential Aged Care facility – the choice was clear. Oats Street was where
he wanted to go.
Brightwater Oats Street is a unique
statewide rehabilitation program for
people with an acquired brain injury
(ABI). The program aims to facilitate
the return to community living within
an environment suitable to each
person’s needs.
When Michael first arrived at Oats Street
he was unable to walk and had difficulty
expressing himself. In fact Michael
thought that he would never walk again.
Since moving into Oats Street two years
ago Michael has immersed himself in
every opportunity available to gain back
his independence.
Through physiotherapy and speech
therapy Michael is now able to walk with
the assistance of only a walking stick and
his speech has improved significantly.
6
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Michael, resident at Brightwater Oats Street with one of the staff.
But it is not only traditional therapies
that have supported Michael. He
has been involved in a number of
different programs run at Oats Street,
all aimed at helping clients regain
their independence.
The Relaxation and Mindfulness Group
has taught him relaxation strategies
to reduce stress levels and enhance
his sense of self to increase emotional
balance and optimise motivation to
engage in other therapies.
in
a
g
a
k
al
w
d
l
ou
w
I
t
h
g
ou
th
.
r
ve
an
c
I
I ne
r
te
a
tw
h
g
i
Br
s to
k
an
th
t
bu
The social skills group has helped him
become a functional communicator
and the Garden Gurus Group has not
only developed a love for growing fresh
produce, it has helped him re-learn
important skills such as taking public
transport and forward planning.
The outcome could have been very
different for Michael, but he is now
living in Esperance House at Oats
Street. This is significant for Michael
as it marks the last stage of his
rehabilitation. Over the coming months
Michael will be supported to move into
independent accommodation.
When asked about what he thinks of
Brightwater Oats Street now that he is
at the end of his journey, Michael very
sincerely says that he thanks God for
Brightwater and leaves you with an
exceptional statement:
“I never thought I would walk again but
thanks to Brightwater I can.”
7
8
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Oats Street residents making use of the new gym completed as part of the Stage One build.
9
8
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Oats Street residents making use of the new gym completed as part of the Stage One build.
9
When you walk into a Sound Therapy session at Brightwater The Cove something special
happens. There is an immediate feeling of calm that washes over you, that makes you feel
almost instantly relaxed.
Our Sound Therapist, Silke, has been
working with residents at Brightwater
The Cove to see if the atmosphere of
relaxation created by Tibetan Singing
Bowls# can help residents living
with dementia to relax and reduce
their agitation, easing some of their
distressing behaviours.
A special kind
of calm
Silke, Sound Therapist.
is
x
a
l
re
to
e
Being abl
.
g
in
be
ll
we
r
ou
to
al
c
cr iti
The impact cannot be disputed.
Residents who are taking part in
Silke’s sound therapy groups are
calmer, happier, quieter, more relaxed
and have had significant reductions in
their difficult behaviours.
One of our residents, David*, who has
Alzheimer’s disease, depression and
arthritis, has been participating in the
classes and has had a real change
in many of his behaviours. He is
noticeably less anxious and frustrated
and is better able to manage.
Since taking part in the Tibetan
Singing Bowl Sound Therapy, David
is now eating double the portion of
dinner and taking more notice of
what’s in the newspaper rather than
just flicking through it.
The therapy has been so helpful
that following his session on a
Wednesday, he is able to have a
proper conversation with his family.
Prior to the therapy he found it difficult
to speak clearly and meaningful
conversations were challenging.
Even though he is sometimes still a
little unsettled in the early evening,
the difference in David’s life has been
absolutely significant thanks to these
incredible singing bowls.
Prior to the sound therapy, David was
wandering into other people’s rooms,
was on occasion aggressive towards
staff and other residents, and was not
eating well.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
10
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Tibetan singing bowls.
# Therapeutic use of the Tibetan Singing Bowls has been evaluated by
The Brightwater Centre and was awarded a Better Practice Award
by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency in 2013. We
invite you to see detailed results and read further case studies on our
website www.brightwatergroup.com
11
When you walk into a Sound Therapy session at Brightwater The Cove something special
happens. There is an immediate feeling of calm that washes over you, that makes you feel
almost instantly relaxed.
Our Sound Therapist, Silke, has been
working with residents at Brightwater
The Cove to see if the atmosphere of
relaxation created by Tibetan Singing
Bowls# can help residents living
with dementia to relax and reduce
their agitation, easing some of their
distressing behaviours.
A special kind
of calm
Silke, Sound Therapist.
is
x
a
l
re
to
e
Being abl
.
g
in
be
ll
we
r
ou
to
al
c
cr iti
The impact cannot be disputed.
Residents who are taking part in
Silke’s sound therapy groups are
calmer, happier, quieter, more relaxed
and have had significant reductions in
their difficult behaviours.
One of our residents, David*, who has
Alzheimer’s disease, depression and
arthritis, has been participating in the
classes and has had a real change
in many of his behaviours. He is
noticeably less anxious and frustrated
and is better able to manage.
Since taking part in the Tibetan
Singing Bowl Sound Therapy, David
is now eating double the portion of
dinner and taking more notice of
what’s in the newspaper rather than
just flicking through it.
The therapy has been so helpful
that following his session on a
Wednesday, he is able to have a
proper conversation with his family.
Prior to the therapy he found it difficult
to speak clearly and meaningful
conversations were challenging.
Even though he is sometimes still a
little unsettled in the early evening,
the difference in David’s life has been
absolutely significant thanks to these
incredible singing bowls.
Prior to the sound therapy, David was
wandering into other people’s rooms,
was on occasion aggressive towards
staff and other residents, and was not
eating well.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
10
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Tibetan singing bowls.
# Therapeutic use of the Tibetan Singing Bowls has been evaluated by
The Brightwater Centre and was awarded a Better Practice Award
by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency in 2013. We
invite you to see detailed results and read further case studies on our
website www.brightwatergroup.com
11
The last five to ten years have seen many advances in the ways we communicate with each other.
We are now able to keep in touch with a loved one who is overseas by simply logging onto Facebook.
Seeing and communicating with that family member is as easy as opening up Skype.
Creating
Connections
But if you weren’t born in the
technology generation and you’ve
never had any training on how to use a
computer, what does this new way we
communicate mean for you?
Many people, especially those
living alone in the community, often
experience feelings of isolation.
Thanks to a donation from Lotterywest
and a new partnership with Befriend1,
Brightwater is helping to reduce
this isolation.
At almost 85 years of age, Joy may be
vision impaired but that hasn’t stopped
her from taking on the challenge of
learning about new technologies.
Joy has been using e-mail for some
time now but wanted to be part of
eFriends, a project of Befriend Inc.
to learn how to use Skype and to
learn more about how she can use
the internet.
daughter as they speak to each other.
Each Saturday morning Joy looks forward
to a visit from Jacinta, her eFriends
trainer, and is steadily gaining more
confidence to use this new technology.
“Jacinta is wonderful, it’s such a
pleasure to see her every week. I’m
really enjoying learning more but I’m
so glad I’m not getting assessed on my
knowledge because I’m a bit slow at
picking the concepts up but that’s ok
because Jacinta is very patient,” said
Joy with a smile.
Already Joy has been able to speak
to her daughter who lives in Brisbane
over Skype. She thoroughly enjoys the
experience of being able to see her
e
or
m
ch
u
m
o
s
t
u
bo
a
is
am
r
g
o
g
r
n
p
ti
ea
cr
This
t
u
bo
a
s
’
t
i
,
y
og
ol
n
ch
te
than
le
p
eo
p
n
ee
tw
be
on
ti
c
conne
12
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Joy, At Home Services client and eFriends participant.
“Although we speak on the phone
regularly there is something very special
about being able to see my daughter
as I chat with her. It almost seems like
she’s not so far away,” said Joy.
Sandy Komen, Manager Brightwater At
Home Services believes this program is
going to make a real difference to the
lives of many of our clients.
“This program is doing so much more
than just increasing people’s capability.
It is creating connections online and
offline. New friendships are being
developed between clients and new
communities are opening up online,”
said Sandy.
1
efriend Inc. is a not for profit organisation committed to reducing
B
social isolation in the Perth community and working towards a socially
inclusive society
13
The last five to ten years have seen many advances in the ways we communicate with each other.
We are now able to keep in touch with a loved one who is overseas by simply logging onto Facebook.
Seeing and communicating with that family member is as easy as opening up Skype.
Creating
Connections
But if you weren’t born in the
technology generation and you’ve
never had any training on how to use a
computer, what does this new way we
communicate mean for you?
Many people, especially those
living alone in the community, often
experience feelings of isolation.
Thanks to a donation from Lotterywest
and a new partnership with Befriend1,
Brightwater is helping to reduce
this isolation.
At almost 85 years of age, Joy may be
vision impaired but that hasn’t stopped
her from taking on the challenge of
learning about new technologies.
Joy has been using e-mail for some
time now but wanted to be part of
eFriends, a project of Befriend Inc.
to learn how to use Skype and to
learn more about how she can use
the internet.
daughter as they speak to each other.
Each Saturday morning Joy looks forward
to a visit from Jacinta, her eFriends
trainer, and is steadily gaining more
confidence to use this new technology.
“Jacinta is wonderful, it’s such a
pleasure to see her every week. I’m
really enjoying learning more but I’m
so glad I’m not getting assessed on my
knowledge because I’m a bit slow at
picking the concepts up but that’s ok
because Jacinta is very patient,” said
Joy with a smile.
Already Joy has been able to speak
to her daughter who lives in Brisbane
over Skype. She thoroughly enjoys the
experience of being able to see her
e
or
m
ch
u
m
o
s
t
u
bo
a
is
am
r
g
o
g
r
n
p
ti
ea
cr
This
t
u
bo
a
s
’
t
i
,
y
og
ol
n
ch
te
than
le
p
eo
p
n
ee
tw
be
on
ti
c
conne
12
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Joy, At Home Services client and eFriends participant.
“Although we speak on the phone
regularly there is something very special
about being able to see my daughter
as I chat with her. It almost seems like
she’s not so far away,” said Joy.
Sandy Komen, Manager Brightwater At
Home Services believes this program is
going to make a real difference to the
lives of many of our clients.
“This program is doing so much more
than just increasing people’s capability.
It is creating connections online and
offline. New friendships are being
developed between clients and new
communities are opening up online,”
said Sandy.
1
efriend Inc. is a not for profit organisation committed to reducing
B
social isolation in the Perth community and working towards a socially
inclusive society
13
14
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Hairdressing salon at Brightwater Edgewater.
15
14
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Hairdressing salon at Brightwater Edgewater.
15
There’s nothing like the excitement of an impending holiday. Just the thought of what
we’re going to do and the new things we will encounter is enough to conjure up a
flutter of excitement within us.
The trip
of a lifetime
Once our holiday is over, the joy and
excitement continues on as we share
the experience and memories with
those around us.
Sam and Dianne on their
holiday in Tasmania.
The opportunities for our people to
experience these feelings are rare
because for many of them, going on
a holiday is usually just not possible.
But the Brightwater Holiday Program
is changing this reality by granting
people their holiday wishes.
This year Sam, who has lived at
Kailis House for the past four years,
had one of her dreams realised
through the program.
Sam has Huntington’s disease and
hadn’t seen her father who lives
in Tasmania for eight years. Like
his daughter, Sam’s father has
Huntington’s disease and was unable to
travel to Western Australia to see Sam.
Through the Holiday program, Sam
was able to embark on a special 10 day
trip, accompanied by her team leader
Dianne, who was able to support her
to get on the plane and assist with any
challenges she faced on the trip.
ad
D
my
e
se
to
e
bl
a
g
in
be
of
ft
i
g
The
t.
e
g
or
f
r
ve
ne
ll
’
I
e
on
again is
16
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Sam, resident at Brightwater Kailis House.
Sam and Dianne visited Hobart, Port
Arthur and Georgetown where Sam met
up with her dad and other members
of her family. Sam was able to spend
some special time with her father
showing him pictures and talking about
her young children who he hasn’t had
the opportunity to meet.
Sam is so grateful to have been given
this opportunity. She had a wonderful
time and says she would do it again in
a heartbeat.
“People should definitely take a leap of
faith and join the Holiday program. It is
a fantastic experience that I just can’t
wait to repeat again,” said Sam.
During this financial year the Holiday
program has enabled residents to go on
13 holidays and 10 day trips.
17
There’s nothing like the excitement of an impending holiday. Just the thought of what
we’re going to do and the new things we will encounter is enough to conjure up a
flutter of excitement within us.
The trip
of a lifetime
Once our holiday is over, the joy and
excitement continues on as we share
the experience and memories with
those around us.
Sam and Dianne on their
holiday in Tasmania.
The opportunities for our people to
experience these feelings are rare
because for many of them, going on
a holiday is usually just not possible.
But the Brightwater Holiday Program
is changing this reality by granting
people their holiday wishes.
This year Sam, who has lived at
Kailis House for the past four years,
had one of her dreams realised
through the program.
Sam has Huntington’s disease and
hadn’t seen her father who lives
in Tasmania for eight years. Like
his daughter, Sam’s father has
Huntington’s disease and was unable to
travel to Western Australia to see Sam.
Through the Holiday program, Sam
was able to embark on a special 10 day
trip, accompanied by her team leader
Dianne, who was able to support her
to get on the plane and assist with any
challenges she faced on the trip.
ad
D
my
e
se
to
e
bl
a
g
in
be
of
ft
i
g
The
t.
e
g
or
f
r
ve
ne
ll
’
I
e
on
again is
16
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Sam, resident at Brightwater Kailis House.
Sam and Dianne visited Hobart, Port
Arthur and Georgetown where Sam met
up with her dad and other members
of her family. Sam was able to spend
some special time with her father
showing him pictures and talking about
her young children who he hasn’t had
the opportunity to meet.
Sam is so grateful to have been given
this opportunity. She had a wonderful
time and says she would do it again in
a heartbeat.
“People should definitely take a leap of
faith and join the Holiday program. It is
a fantastic experience that I just can’t
wait to repeat again,” said Sam.
During this financial year the Holiday
program has enabled residents to go on
13 holidays and 10 day trips.
17
Living Well
with Dementia
Many people assume that a dementia specific residential aged care facility is a
place without much life and enjoyment, where people just go through the motions
of everyday.
That is not the case at Brightwater The
Village. As the only Brightwater facility
that exclusively supports people with
advanced dementia, The Village prides
itself on providing a warm, inviting and
engaging home for its residents.
A great deal of effort is put into
understanding each resident when
they first move into The Village. Using
Wellbeing Care Mapping, staff, the
resident and their family sit together to
create a picture of the resident’s life.
Every resident has their own,
personalised space and access to a
number of common lounge rooms and
a large garden area with meandering
paths and many places of interest.
The story includes things like where
the person grew up, activities they liked
as a child, whether they went to war,
how many children they have, their
faith, and things they’ve enjoyed doing
throughout their life.
ch
i
wh
y
r
to
s
It’s our
d
an
fe
li
r
shapes ou
.
oy
j
us
s
g
in
br
18
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
A lifetime of photos.
“Knowing our residents’ histories and
some of their likes and dislikes helps
us to plan and run a variety of activities
to support individual interests and to
make sure that they enjoy their time at
The Village.”
One of the successful programs run
by The Village is the music program.
Jennifer Neilson, Care Manager, says
that staff have seen incredible changes
in residents after attending the group
where they spend time listening to music.
One resident, Julie*, had little ability
to speak and express herself which
caused her great frustration. Julie
became a regular attendee at the music
program and is now much calmer and
has greater ability to express herself.
The simple act of plugging in an iPod
and listening to music that is special to
Julie has made a significant difference
to her life each day. You can see the
calm and enjoyment in Julie’s face
each time she puts on the earphones.
It is very clear that the wellbeing of each
person at The Village is at the centre
of what our staff do every day. It’s not
unusual to find a Care Worker dancing
around the room with a resident,
because that’s what brings joy to their
face. Just because a resident is living
with dementia, doesn’t mean it’s time for
them to stop enjoying life’s possibilities.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
19
Living Well
with Dementia
Many people assume that a dementia specific residential aged care facility is a
place without much life and enjoyment, where people just go through the motions
of everyday.
That is not the case at Brightwater The
Village. As the only Brightwater facility
that exclusively supports people with
advanced dementia, The Village prides
itself on providing a warm, inviting and
engaging home for its residents.
A great deal of effort is put into
understanding each resident when
they first move into The Village. Using
Wellbeing Care Mapping, staff, the
resident and their family sit together to
create a picture of the resident’s life.
Every resident has their own,
personalised space and access to a
number of common lounge rooms and
a large garden area with meandering
paths and many places of interest.
The story includes things like where
the person grew up, activities they liked
as a child, whether they went to war,
how many children they have, their
faith, and things they’ve enjoyed doing
throughout their life.
ch
i
wh
y
r
to
s
It’s our
d
an
fe
li
r
shapes ou
.
oy
j
us
s
g
in
br
18
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
A lifetime of photos.
“Knowing our residents’ histories and
some of their likes and dislikes helps
us to plan and run a variety of activities
to support individual interests and to
make sure that they enjoy their time at
The Village.”
One of the successful programs run
by The Village is the music program.
Jennifer Neilson, Care Manager, says
that staff have seen incredible changes
in residents after attending the group
where they spend time listening to music.
One resident, Julie*, had little ability
to speak and express herself which
caused her great frustration. Julie
became a regular attendee at the music
program and is now much calmer and
has greater ability to express herself.
The simple act of plugging in an iPod
and listening to music that is special to
Julie has made a significant difference
to her life each day. You can see the
calm and enjoyment in Julie’s face
each time she puts on the earphones.
It is very clear that the wellbeing of each
person at The Village is at the centre
of what our staff do every day. It’s not
unusual to find a Care Worker dancing
around the room with a resident,
because that’s what brings joy to their
face. Just because a resident is living
with dementia, doesn’t mean it’s time for
them to stop enjoying life’s possibilities.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
19
20
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Residents from Brightwater Edgewater enjoying the café.
21
20
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Residents from Brightwater Edgewater enjoying the café.
21
Living with a
real sense
of community
When you walk into Edgewater, like many of our other Brightwater sites, you instantly
feel at home. The lounge rooms of each house welcome you like a big hug - warm,
friendly, inviting and inclusive. And that is exactly how they are intended to be.
The staff at Edgewater aim to ensure
all residents enjoy life’s possibilities
through specially planned activities
and by providing them with a safe and
comfortable home.
At Edgewater, approximately half of the
residents are living with dementia. All
houses at Edgewater have a mixture of
people living with dementia and those
who don’t. All activities are planned
and designed to be relevant and open
to everyone.
y
el
ov
l
the
One of
s
en
pp
a
h
t
a
things th
ts
en
id
s
re
is the
.
r
the
o
an
e
on
t
or
pp
u
s
22
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Parry, Therapy Assistant at Brightwater Edgewater with a resident.
Care Manager, Angela Lowe,
believes that this approach has
benefited both those with dementia
and those without.
Just like at other Brightwater
residential homes, the residents’
wellbeing is at the centre of everything
the staff do at Edgewater.
“One of the lovely things that happens
in this environment is that you see
residents supporting each other. For
example two of our residents, Flo* and
Judy*, have rooms next to each other
in one of our houses.
“We very much follow Brightwater’s
purpose to enable wellbeing among
our residents and each activity, task
and outing is planned with their
needs and interests at the centre.
We empower each of our residents to
make their own decisions and choose
which activity they would like to
participate in. We are also continually
looking for new activities which are
engaging, enjoyable and assist us
to support them to better enjoy life’s
possibilities,” said Angela.
Flo is living with dementia and Judy
is not. What is lovely is that these two
ladies have become great friends and
Judy makes sure that Flo never misses
out on anything. It’s not unusual to
find Judy knocking on Flo’s door to
make sure she doesn’t forget it’s time
to head off to one of their groups or to
get ready for a meal.”
“This has meant that Flo has
remained engaged in life here at
Edgewater without a Care Worker
having to prompt her, and it has
given Judy great purpose each day.
These two ladies have formed a lovely
friendship,” said Angela.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
23
Living with a
real sense
of community
When you walk into Edgewater, like many of our other Brightwater sites, you instantly
feel at home. The lounge rooms of each house welcome you like a big hug - warm,
friendly, inviting and inclusive. And that is exactly how they are intended to be.
The staff at Edgewater aim to ensure
all residents enjoy life’s possibilities
through specially planned activities
and by providing them with a safe and
comfortable home.
At Edgewater, approximately half of the
residents are living with dementia. All
houses at Edgewater have a mixture of
people living with dementia and those
who don’t. All activities are planned
and designed to be relevant and open
to everyone.
y
el
ov
l
the
One of
s
en
pp
a
h
t
a
things th
ts
en
id
s
re
is the
.
r
the
o
an
e
on
t
or
pp
u
s
22
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Parry, Therapy Assistant at Brightwater Edgewater with a resident.
Care Manager, Angela Lowe,
believes that this approach has
benefited both those with dementia
and those without.
Just like at other Brightwater
residential homes, the residents’
wellbeing is at the centre of everything
the staff do at Edgewater.
“One of the lovely things that happens
in this environment is that you see
residents supporting each other. For
example two of our residents, Flo* and
Judy*, have rooms next to each other
in one of our houses.
“We very much follow Brightwater’s
purpose to enable wellbeing among
our residents and each activity, task
and outing is planned with their
needs and interests at the centre.
We empower each of our residents to
make their own decisions and choose
which activity they would like to
participate in. We are also continually
looking for new activities which are
engaging, enjoyable and assist us
to support them to better enjoy life’s
possibilities,” said Angela.
Flo is living with dementia and Judy
is not. What is lovely is that these two
ladies have become great friends and
Judy makes sure that Flo never misses
out on anything. It’s not unusual to
find Judy knocking on Flo’s door to
make sure she doesn’t forget it’s time
to head off to one of their groups or to
get ready for a meal.”
“This has meant that Flo has
remained engaged in life here at
Edgewater without a Care Worker
having to prompt her, and it has
given Judy great purpose each day.
These two ladies have formed a lovely
friendship,” said Angela.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
23
For generations people have sat together in groups sharing stories and creating
masterpieces. These times provide unique opportunities for people to connect with others,
be encouraged and to develop new friendships.
It is in this tradition that Brightwater
Seatec, a seating and equipment clinic
that provides a specialist service to
Brightwater, runs their Art Group.
Creative
Connections
The Seatec Creative Art Group is
designed to increase social interaction
for our residents. This is a very special
program because people from many
different homes across Brightwater
come together to enjoy participating
in creative activities.
Brightwater Oats Street resident
participating in Seatec Creative
Art Group.
The art group aims to encourage
creative expression, improve selfconfidence and provide an opportunity
for people to connect with others from
different backgrounds and life stages.
“It’s a regular time on my calendar
and something I look forward to. The
activities are always fun because of
the group. There is always a story
about each activity and we enjoy
having afternoon tea together,” says
Marie* who has participated in the
group since it began.
What is beautiful about this group is
that it is a labour of love from start to
finish. The fabrics and many resources
are donated from the community, the
finished products are often donated
back to Brightwater sites to brighten
someone’s day and each member of
the group not only works on their own
piece but they support others with
encouragement and assistance.
It really is a place where people can
forget the things that worry them, enjoy
the company of others and get great
satisfaction from the items they create
at the same time.
r
te
h
g
u
a
l
of
d
n
ou
s
d
me
or
It’s the
f
g
in
be
s
p
hi
s
d
n
ie
fr
w
.
ne
al
d
i
c
e
an
sp
o
s
p
ou
r
g
is
th
s
ke
a
m
t
a
th
24
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Brightwater Oats Street resident participating in Art Therapy.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
25
For generations people have sat together in groups sharing stories and creating
masterpieces. These times provide unique opportunities for people to connect with others,
be encouraged and to develop new friendships.
It is in this tradition that Brightwater
Seatec, a seating and equipment clinic
that provides a specialist service to
Brightwater, runs their Art Group.
Creative
Connections
The Seatec Creative Art Group is
designed to increase social interaction
for our residents. This is a very special
program because people from many
different homes across Brightwater
come together to enjoy participating
in creative activities.
Brightwater Oats Street resident
participating in Seatec Creative
Art Group.
The art group aims to encourage
creative expression, improve selfconfidence and provide an opportunity
for people to connect with others from
different backgrounds and life stages.
“It’s a regular time on my calendar
and something I look forward to. The
activities are always fun because of
the group. There is always a story
about each activity and we enjoy
having afternoon tea together,” says
Marie* who has participated in the
group since it began.
What is beautiful about this group is
that it is a labour of love from start to
finish. The fabrics and many resources
are donated from the community, the
finished products are often donated
back to Brightwater sites to brighten
someone’s day and each member of
the group not only works on their own
piece but they support others with
encouragement and assistance.
It really is a place where people can
forget the things that worry them, enjoy
the company of others and get great
satisfaction from the items they create
at the same time.
r
te
h
g
u
a
l
of
d
n
ou
s
d
me
or
It’s the
f
g
in
be
s
p
hi
s
d
n
ie
fr
w
.
ne
al
d
i
c
e
an
sp
o
s
p
ou
r
g
is
th
s
ke
a
m
t
a
th
24
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Brightwater Oats Street resident participating in Art Therapy.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
25
26
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Brightwater residents enjoying some animal therapy.
27
26
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Brightwater residents enjoying some animal therapy.
27
There is something so simple, yet so engaging, about sharing a story or peaceful silence with someone over a cup
of tea or coffee in a café. The simple experience of going out, ordering your favourite drink and maybe something
delicious to eat, adds significance to an occasion and provides a joyful experience to share with another.
In an effort to create this experience,
when Brightwater Madeley first opened
its doors in 2005 it also opened the
door of Maddies Café. On that first day
the coffees were served by Graeme and
Jeannie McLennan, two volunteers who
still volunteer at Maddies today.
A place where you get
so much
more than you give
Graeme and Jennie
volunteering at Maddies.
“We decided to become volunteers
in recognition of the care given to
my mother and of the benefit of
creating and providing a coffee shop
atmosphere for the residents. It is a
great place for visitors to meet with
their loved ones,” says Graeme.
The café gives residents a unique
opportunity to be able to go out
while staying in.
“It is such a unique and fantastic
opportunity for everyone to go on
an outing without having to use any
transportation. I come to Maddies
almost every day and it requires only
little effort on my part. We all know
each other and enjoy spending time
together,” says Beth, one of Brightwater
Madeley’s residents.
rs
ea
y
the
er
ov
t
o
l
a
ed
er
te
n
en
u
be
ol
v
as
h
ve
r
a
h
te
a
We
tw
h
g
i
Br
or
f
g
in
er
te
.
ce
but volun
n
ie
er
p
ex
g
n
di
ar
w
re
the most
28
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Maddies volunteers.
“We love the camaraderie and
friendships between fellow volunteers
and Madeley staff and residents.
It is a great atmosphere and we enjoy
coming every week,” says Graeme
and Jeannie.
The café is joyfully run by a team of
volunteers who make sure that everyday
residents have somewhere special to go
with their families and friends.
Maddies volunteers are making a
difference not only to the residents who
enjoy a cup of coffee, but to all residents
as all profits go back into buying
additional resources for Brightwater
Madeley so that they can truly enjoy
their time at Brightwater Madeley.
Brightwater welcomes all new
volunteers and offers a range of
activities and areas for them to work
in. There is something for everyone
ranging from helping out at Maddies,
like Jeannie and Graham, to taking
residents on outings or organising
social events at Brightwater facilities.
29
There is something so simple, yet so engaging, about sharing a story or peaceful silence with someone over a cup
of tea or coffee in a café. The simple experience of going out, ordering your favourite drink and maybe something
delicious to eat, adds significance to an occasion and provides a joyful experience to share with another.
In an effort to create this experience,
when Brightwater Madeley first opened
its doors in 2005 it also opened the
door of Maddies Café. On that first day
the coffees were served by Graeme and
Jeannie McLennan, two volunteers who
still volunteer at Maddies today.
A place where you get
so much
more than you give
Graeme and Jennie
volunteering at Maddies.
“We decided to become volunteers
in recognition of the care given to
my mother and of the benefit of
creating and providing a coffee shop
atmosphere for the residents. It is a
great place for visitors to meet with
their loved ones,” says Graeme.
The café gives residents a unique
opportunity to be able to go out
while staying in.
“It is such a unique and fantastic
opportunity for everyone to go on
an outing without having to use any
transportation. I come to Maddies
almost every day and it requires only
little effort on my part. We all know
each other and enjoy spending time
together,” says Beth, one of Brightwater
Madeley’s residents.
rs
ea
y
the
er
ov
t
o
l
a
ed
er
te
n
en
u
be
ol
v
as
h
ve
r
a
h
te
a
We
tw
h
g
i
Br
or
f
g
in
er
te
.
ce
but volun
n
ie
er
p
ex
g
n
di
ar
w
re
the most
28
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Maddies volunteers.
“We love the camaraderie and
friendships between fellow volunteers
and Madeley staff and residents.
It is a great atmosphere and we enjoy
coming every week,” says Graeme
and Jeannie.
The café is joyfully run by a team of
volunteers who make sure that everyday
residents have somewhere special to go
with their families and friends.
Maddies volunteers are making a
difference not only to the residents who
enjoy a cup of coffee, but to all residents
as all profits go back into buying
additional resources for Brightwater
Madeley so that they can truly enjoy
their time at Brightwater Madeley.
Brightwater welcomes all new
volunteers and offers a range of
activities and areas for them to work
in. There is something for everyone
ranging from helping out at Maddies,
like Jeannie and Graham, to taking
residents on outings or organising
social events at Brightwater facilities.
29
When you have a loved one living independently with dementia, it can be
difficult to be sure if they are safe and if they can continue to live in their own
home or if they need more support.
This year, Brightwater At Home
(the Community services division
of Brightwater) has been trialling a
program to reduce the concerns of
our clients’ families by using Just
Checking2 technology.
Giving families
peace of mind
Brightwater resident.
Brightwater At Home client.
Just Checking uses a combination
of movement sensors and recording
software to map a person’s behaviour
in their home. Through the strategic
placing of sensors the staff are able to
gain an insight into the activities of the
clients while they are at home alone.
For George’s* family Just Checking has
provided great relief.
le
p
eo
p
p
l
he
to
re
he
.
re
’
me
We
ho
n
ow
ir
the
in
g
n
vi
li
in
a
m
re
30
George is living independently with
dementia and was often talking about
going outside at night time. His family
was particularly concerned that George
was leaving his home at night time
and were worried that if he went for
an evening walk in the dark he may
become disorientated and not know
how to return home.
Brightwater At Home staff suggested
that Just Checking be installed in
George’s house.
Once the sensors were installed, the
staff were able to easily map George’s
movements and confirm to his family
that he was in fact going out at night
but he was going out the back of his
house into a secure courtyard.
This knowledge reassured George’s
family of his safety and that he was still
able to live independently.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Residents from Kingsway Court (not participating in Just Checking).
2
For more information about Just Checking please visit our website.
31
When you have a loved one living independently with dementia, it can be
difficult to be sure if they are safe and if they can continue to live in their own
home or if they need more support.
This year, Brightwater At Home
(the Community services division
of Brightwater) has been trialling a
program to reduce the concerns of
our clients’ families by using Just
Checking2 technology.
Giving families
peace of mind
Brightwater resident.
Brightwater At Home client.
Just Checking uses a combination
of movement sensors and recording
software to map a person’s behaviour
in their home. Through the strategic
placing of sensors the staff are able to
gain an insight into the activities of the
clients while they are at home alone.
For George’s* family Just Checking has
provided great relief.
le
p
eo
p
p
l
he
to
re
he
.
re
’
me
We
ho
n
ow
ir
the
in
g
n
vi
li
in
a
m
re
30
George is living independently with
dementia and was often talking about
going outside at night time. His family
was particularly concerned that George
was leaving his home at night time
and were worried that if he went for
an evening walk in the dark he may
become disorientated and not know
how to return home.
Brightwater At Home staff suggested
that Just Checking be installed in
George’s house.
Once the sensors were installed, the
staff were able to easily map George’s
movements and confirm to his family
that he was in fact going out at night
but he was going out the back of his
house into a secure courtyard.
This knowledge reassured George’s
family of his safety and that he was still
able to live independently.
*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Residents from Brighwater Madeley (not participating in Just Checking).
2
For more information about Just Checking please visit our website.
31
32
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Brightwater Oats Street Art Therapy Program.
33
32
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Brightwater Oats Street Art Therapy Program.
33
When Ian began working at Brightwater Linen, he was
reluctant to look at anyone and had to be supported to
do his job by a support worker.
More than just a
place to work
Pat, Joan and Susan employees of Brightwater Linen.
Ian has autism and had come to work
at Brightwater through a relationship
between Brightwater Linen and the
Autism Association of WA. Under this
program Brightwater Linen employs
clients of the Autism Association of WA
to work in the laundry site in Malaga.
When Ian first began working,
other staff happily increased their
productivity to fill short term gaps while
Ian learnt his job, without request or
encouragement from management.
t
us
j
t
o
n
as
h
p
hi
s
on
ti
s
al
u
d
This rela
vi
di
in
of
s
ve
li
the
d
e
g
.
an
ff
a
ch
t
s
r
ou
of
l
al
d
e
ch
i
it has enr
34
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Ian, employee at Brightwater Linen.
Ian has now been an employee of
Brightwater Linen for nine years. He is
no longer the same man who wouldn’t
make eye contact with anyone. He now
loves to socialise with staff and shared
his birthday this year with some of them.
Ian has also been able to develop
different skills and has moved to a
different section, where he is no longer
continually supported and has increased
his productivity from 40% to 85%.
Darren Woolcott, Manager at
Brightwater Linen, places great value
on the relationship and acknowledges
that it is not just the Autism Association
who has gained from the relationship.
Employees at Brightwater Linen have
developed skills in working with people
with disabilities and the culture within the
workplace is clearly one of inclusion and
acceptance. This is, in part, thanks to the
relationship with the Autism Association.
“Working together with the Autism
Association has been a great
experience. It really is a win-win
partnership for both sides,” said Darren.
35
When Ian began working at Brightwater Linen, he was
reluctant to look at anyone and had to be supported to
do his job by a support worker.
More than just a
place to work
Pat, Joan and Susan employees of Brightwater Linen.
Ian has autism and had come to work
at Brightwater through a relationship
between Brightwater Linen and the
Autism Association of WA. Under this
program Brightwater Linen employs
clients of the Autism Association of WA
to work in the laundry site in Malaga.
When Ian first began working,
other staff happily increased their
productivity to fill short term gaps while
Ian learnt his job, without request or
encouragement from management.
t
us
j
t
o
n
as
h
p
hi
s
on
ti
s
al
u
d
This rela
vi
di
in
of
s
ve
li
the
d
e
g
.
an
ff
a
ch
t
s
r
ou
of
l
al
d
e
ch
i
it has enr
34
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Ian, employee at Brightwater Linen.
Ian has now been an employee of
Brightwater Linen for nine years. He is
no longer the same man who wouldn’t
make eye contact with anyone. He now
loves to socialise with staff and shared
his birthday this year with some of them.
Ian has also been able to develop
different skills and has moved to a
different section, where he is no longer
continually supported and has increased
his productivity from 40% to 85%.
Darren Woolcott, Manager at
Brightwater Linen, places great value
on the relationship and acknowledges
that it is not just the Autism Association
who has gained from the relationship.
Employees at Brightwater Linen have
developed skills in working with people
with disabilities and the culture within the
workplace is clearly one of inclusion and
acceptance. This is, in part, thanks to the
relationship with the Autism Association.
“Working together with the Autism
Association has been a great
experience. It really is a win-win
partnership for both sides,” said Darren.
35
It is a rare thing these days for people to remain in their
workplace for long periods of time but Joan and Susan are
exceptions to the rule.
Look how
far we’ve come
Historic images of Brightwater staff.
y
l
mi
fa
g
i
b
a
ke
li
e
We ar
r
the
o
ch
ea
t
or
pp
u
s
o
wh
ns
ow
d
d
an
s
p
u
h
g
ou
r
th
36
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Susan, Joan and Pat (left to right), employees at Brightwater Linen.
“I started working for The Homes of
Peace almost 30 years ago because
I wanted to save money for a colour
television,” says Joan Prior who works
at Brightwater Linen. “I enjoyed
working there right from the start and
never really wanted to leave. We are
like a big family who supports each
other through ups and downs.”
Susan Samuels, who has been
working for Brightwater for almost as
long as Joan, remembers the original
laundry well. “It was a tin shed in the
backyard at the original Subiaco site.
There were 15 people working there
who only washed a small amount of
the residents’ clothes. The bulk of
all laundry was done by an external
provider,” she says.
“Originally when we ordered linen
you never knew what you would get.
Staff started hoarding linen wherever
they could find a place due to the
unreliability of the external provider.
You would find linen in broom closets,
clients’ wardrobes and the staff rooms.
Once Brightwater decided to start doing
all laundry themselves the problems
stopped, and we suddenly had a lot
more storage space,” says Joan.
Joan also recalls an incident early on
when she thought she did the right thing
by washing all the curtains in one of the
houses. However, she put them in the
washing machine which made them all
come out in small bits and pieces.
When her Manager found out she
started laughing and said she wasn’t
surprised the curtains disintegrated.
They hadn’t been washed in years.
She said that this would never happen
now. There are exact processes in
place on how to wash all linen. “It’s
great to see how Brightwater Linen has
evolved so much during the time I have
been here. There are now 185 people
working here. Originally we had to wash
and iron all laundry by hand. Now we
have big machines helping us do the
work,” says Joan.
37
It is a rare thing these days for people to remain in their
workplace for long periods of time but Joan and Susan are
exceptions to the rule.
Look how
far we’ve come
Historic images of Brightwater staff.
y
l
mi
fa
g
i
b
a
ke
li
e
We ar
r
the
o
ch
ea
t
or
pp
u
s
o
wh
ns
ow
d
d
an
s
p
u
h
g
ou
r
th
36
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
Susan, Joan and Pat (left to right), employees at Brightwater Linen.
“I started working for The Homes of
Peace almost 30 years ago because
I wanted to save money for a colour
television,” says Joan Prior who works
at Brightwater Linen. “I enjoyed
working there right from the start and
never really wanted to leave. We are
like a big family who supports each
other through ups and downs.”
Susan Samuels, who has been
working for Brightwater for almost as
long as Joan, remembers the original
laundry well. “It was a tin shed in the
backyard at the original Subiaco site.
There were 15 people working there
who only washed a small amount of
the residents’ clothes. The bulk of
all laundry was done by an external
provider,” she says.
“Originally when we ordered linen
you never knew what you would get.
Staff started hoarding linen wherever
they could find a place due to the
unreliability of the external provider.
You would find linen in broom closets,
clients’ wardrobes and the staff rooms.
Once Brightwater decided to start doing
all laundry themselves the problems
stopped, and we suddenly had a lot
more storage space,” says Joan.
Joan also recalls an incident early on
when she thought she did the right thing
by washing all the curtains in one of the
houses. However, she put them in the
washing machine which made them all
come out in small bits and pieces.
When her Manager found out she
started laughing and said she wasn’t
surprised the curtains disintegrated.
They hadn’t been washed in years.
She said that this would never happen
now. There are exact processes in
place on how to wash all linen. “It’s
great to see how Brightwater Linen has
evolved so much during the time I have
been here. There are now 185 people
working here. Originally we had to wash
and iron all laundry by hand. Now we
have big machines helping us do the
work,” says Joan.
37
Our Purpose
Purpose, Philosophy,
Values and GoalS
Our VALUES
Our Brightwater Goal
‘Enabling Wellbeing’
It is about providing people with the
means, knowledge, opportunity and
strength to achieve their desired level
of contentment.
Care
We care about and for each other.
Our focus will continue to be people
who are ageing or who have a
neurological disability.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy of Personhood is based
on the concept of Person Centred Care
and underpins the way we expect our
staff to relate to all our clients and to
each other.
The Personhood principles are
fundamental, and form the link
between our values and our purpose.
38
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
William, resident at Brightwater Balcatta.
Brightwater will enable more people
to enjoy life’s possibilities, by actively
engaging with individuals and
communities to deliver innovative,
connected and responsive services.
Learning
We continually respond to our own
and other people’s changing needs.
Innovation
We harness our creative energy and
transform it into activities and outcomes
that make a difference.
People
We recognise and respect each other
and every person and value all the
relationships which connect us.
We will continue to use our specialist
capability to respond to unmet needs
and service gaps.
We will design and deliver new
services, incorporating research
and new technology to better meet
customer needs.
We will use our knowledge and depth
of experience to develop innovative
business models to benefit more people.
39
Our Purpose
Purpose, Philosophy,
Values and GoalS
Our VALUES
Our Brightwater Goal
‘Enabling Wellbeing’
It is about providing people with the
means, knowledge, opportunity and
strength to achieve their desired level
of contentment.
Care
We care about and for each other.
Our focus will continue to be people
who are ageing or who have a
neurological disability.
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy of Personhood is based
on the concept of Person Centred Care
and underpins the way we expect our
staff to relate to all our clients and to
each other.
The Personhood principles are
fundamental, and form the link
between our values and our purpose.
38
Brightwater 2013 Yearbook
William, resident at Brightwater Balcatta.
Brightwater will enable more people
to enjoy life’s possibilities, by actively
engaging with individuals and
communities to deliver innovative,
connected and responsive services.
Learning
We continually respond to our own
and other people’s changing needs.
Innovation
We harness our creative energy and
transform it into activities and outcomes
that make a difference.
People
We recognise and respect each other
and every person and value all the
relationships which connect us.
We will continue to use our specialist
capability to respond to unmet needs
and service gaps.
We will design and deliver new
services, incorporating research
and new technology to better meet
customer needs.
We will use our knowledge and depth
of experience to develop innovative
business models to benefit more people.
39
Brightwater Care Group (Inc)
PO Box 792
Osborne Park WA 6916
Telephone(08) 9202 2800
Facsimile (08) 9202 2801
Email [email protected]
www.brightwatergroup.com
Brightwater Care Group (Inc) is a registered charity and all donations are tax deductible.
Published by: Brightwater Care Group (Inc).
ABN: 23 445 460 050
Design: Rare
Photographers: Frances Andrijich, Tobey Black,
Samuel Goh and Ross Wallace
For a copy of the Annual Report 2012–13
download from www.brightwatergroup.com or
contact Brightwater Care Group on 08 9202 2800
or email [email protected]
Front Cover: Sam resides at Brightwater Kailis House
and took part in the Holiday Program this year.