Heywood Rural Health

MAGGIE BEER FOUNDATION - DAY 4

Today Michael Nam (Maggie Beer Lead Chef) spent a lot of dedicated time with Brad (HRH Chef) which was great to help him lead the way.

The team however did do some experimental cooking with fish (kitchen staff enjoyed the lunch), sausage rolls and chocolate & beetroot brownies which went down a treat with the residents 😋😋

Another productive day learnings heaps through the Maggie Beer foundation.

Thank you so much Michael Nam for creating a fun filled week for staff and residents but most importantly for the great learning journey.

Resident Food Evaluation

As we continue our exciting journey with Michael Nam from Maggie Beer Foundation, we provided the aged care residents with the opportunity to evaluate the food at HRH. Not just the food presented this week, but in general the food that is dished every day of the week.

We asked the residents what they like and dislike about the food and what they really miss from home that could be introduced to make their new home feel more familiar.

What better way to find the answers than to send our trusty Leadership Team on a fact-finding mission with the residents and survey in groups to learn and share information gained.

At Heywood Rural Health we want to create the best possible dining experience by providing:
✅ Familiar food with a focus on freshness & taste
✅ Appropriate temperature & presentation of food
✅ Homelike and social dining experience
✅ Relaxed and supported dining atmosphere
✅ Opportunities for residents to evaluate food experience and make improvements.

We hope this week has been a wonderful experience for our residents who have thoroughly enjoyed the introduction of new dishes that look and taste beautiful.

The mentor program would not have been possible without the support of Maggie Beer and Michael Nam which we are extremely grateful for.

MAGGIE BEER FOUNDATION – DAY 3

Today the Food Services Team worked tirelessly with Michael Nam (Maggie Beer lead Chef) in the kitchen to cook up a beautiful morning and afternoon tea for the residents.

Staff were treated to a cooked lunch consisting of the most tender roast lamb and chicken with homemade gravy, served with roast pumpkin, lentils and pea mash. It’s amazing how easy it is to increase protein intake with just a few small changes.

Today’s handy guide to boost the flavour in your cooking! was the word FLAVOUR, with each letter standing for simple ways to make your dishes more delicious.

F = Freshness: Use fresh and seasonal ingredients for vibrant flavours.
L = Layers: Build layers of flavour with seasonings, herbs, and spices. Tasting all the way….
A = Acidity: Balance dishes with a touch of acidity from vinegar, citrus or wine.
V = Variety: Combine a variety of ingredients to add complexity.
O = Oils: Use quality oils, butter and other fats to carry flavours and add richness
U = Umami: Incorporate umami-rich components like mushrooms, cheese or soy sauce to deepen the taste.
R = Roasting: Apply cooking techniques like roasting or grilling to activate Maillard reaction and develop rich, caramelised flavours.

Our fantastic team of cooks and kitchen staff have always provided wonderful meals for our residents every day and with the introduction of the Maggie Beer Foundation techniques will continue to boost the flavours of the meals provided.

The Maggie Beer Mentor Program is ongoing, and Michael will continue to visit Heywood Rural Health every month for the next twelve months to follow our progress. He has also made himself available for staff to reach out should they have questions or just need some inspiration.

Keep up the magnificent work team, we are all proud of the hard work and dedication you have all displayed this week.

RUOK DAY - A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE

Today HRH staff recognised and made a statement by wearing yellow to remind people to ask R U OK?

R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.

Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK? http://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.

Don’t forget it’s not just today but every day we should ask the question, especially if you are worried about someone.

MAGGIE BEER FOUNDATION – DAY 2

The Food Services Team have got off to a good start with Michael Nam, Lead Chef from Maggie Beer Foundation.

Michael and the kitchen staff were busy today cooking new recipes from the new look menu and are doing an absolute amazing job. Well done Team.

This morning the team cooked up a breakfast treat of scrambled eggs, homemade bake beans with bacon and toast. It was great to see some of the staff drop over to eat with the residents and sample the food, providing great feedback about the wonderful aromas in the Surrey Hall and how good the food tasted.

Chatting with some of the residents, they certainly gave the food the thumbs up and were loving the beautiful flavours.

Preparation of food was also underway for tomorrow’s menu, allowing food to marinate all day and overnight ready for cooking tomorrow. Imagine how fantastic the food will taste with that much marinating. 😋

Keep following our journey as we provide post each day until Michael departs on Saturday.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - RENTAL PROPERTIES

Heywood Rural Health is looking for houses to rent in Heywood to accommodate new staff moving to our beautiful area.

We require housing immediately until the end of the year.

If you are able to assist and would like further information, please contact Erin Wilson, People & Culture Officer on PH: 5527 0530 or email: [email protected]

RESPITE AT HEYWOOD RURAL HEALTH

Bec is our Aged Care Services Advisor who is always available to talk about respite care and the importance of taking short breaks and self-care for Caregivers.

Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, allowing them time to rest, spend time with other family members/friends or travel. Respite care is also available for those living alone who require a break or might be struggling with the cold winter months or just wish to trial our services.

At HRH we offer respite services to the local community and surrounding district in a relaxed and safe environment. Our supportive and compassionate staff provide 24/7 care based on individual needs. Our friendly Lifestyle staff offer a vast range of activities to get involved in including live music sessions, arts and crafts, bus trips and exercise.

Our meals are freshly prepared and cooked onsite consisting of a nutritionally balanced menu developed with the advice of a dietitian and changed seasonally.

Don't forget as we lead up to X/Mas/New Year, it is really important to prebook as early as possible to secure a respite room.

If you would like to find out more information about making a respite booking or any other services, please contact Bec directly on 5527 0576.

MAGGIE BEER FOUNDATION IS HERE !!

Welcome Michael Nam from the Maggie Beer Foundation who will be our lead Chef in our five-day trainer mentor program this week following our successful application.

Michael Nam will work with and mentor our aged care facility kitchen team over the course of five days to serve flavourful, nutritious food, and deliver an enhanced dining experience for Heywood Rural Health residents.

Today the Food Services team have hit the ground running, we had a presentation from Michael Nam this morning outlining the program. He reiterated that this was going to be a great learning journey for the staff, but he wanted it to also be fun.

Staff have been busy reviewing the menus with Michael that are being trialled this week, they have embraced new techniques and learning new ways to enhance resident care thanks to the Maggie Beer Foundation’s program.

"

September is Dementia Awareness Month

This year the focus is on small actions big difference.

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders that effect the brain. It effects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing.

Early signs of Dementia:
🟢Progressive and frequent memory loss
🟢 Confusion
🟢Personality changes
🟢 Apathy (lack of interest, enthusiasm and concern) and withdrawal
🟢Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks.

There is no known cure for Dementia, but research shows that you can help by:
🟢Keeping physically active
🟢Keeping mentally active
🟢Having a healthy diet
🟢Keeping up with social activities that you normally do
🟢Having a good support network
🟢Keeping the mind active and healthy is just as important as keeping physically healthy.

Key facts:
🟢Dementia is a condition that affects your thinking, behaviour and ability to do everyday tasks.
🟢While dementia is more common in older Australians, it is not a normal part of ageing.
🟢See your doctor if you have memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, language problems or changes in mood or personality.
🟢There is no cure for dementia.
🟢Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult, so make sure you get help and look after yourself.

To learn more about Dementia, please visit: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dementia-overview

MAGGIE BEER FOUNDATION - 4 DAYS TO GO !!!

Our wonderful and dedicated Heywood Rural Health Food Services team have been busy preparing for the five-day trainer mentor program supported by the Maggie Beer Foundation starting on Tuesday 10 September (2024).

All of the Food Service Team have successfully completed pre-training requisites in readiness for Michael Nam (Qualified Chief Trainer) who will support the team with mentor training – congratulations team!

We look forward to following the journey with Michael Nam and the food services team from the 10th to the 14th September.

Follow us on Facebook for updates.

MAGGIE BEER FOUNDATION VISIT- 5 DAYS TO GO !!!

The Heywood Rural Health team is excited to participate in and embrace the trainer mentor program supported by the Maggie Beer Foundation!

We are on the countdown to host Michael Nam (Qualified Chief Trainer) from the Maggie Beer Foundation as part of our successful application to take part in the Trainer Mentor Program.

Michael Nam will work with and mentor our aged care facility kitchen team over the course of five days to serve flavourful, nutritious food, and deliver an enhanced dining experience for Heywood Rural Health residents.

Over the next 12 months our team will receive:
🍏Five days of intensive training, monthly follow-ups and regular coursework to consolidate key learnings and program goals;
🍏Three-week menu appraisal by an Accredited Dietitian;
🍏The opportunity for residents, their family and staff to provide feedback via “Food Satisfaction Questionnaire” about their dining experience;
🍏A detailed report based on information gathered from the “Food Satisfaction Questionnaire”, including a Menu Appraisal;
🍏Access to the “Professional Community”, an online information and support forum for participating cooks, chefs and other staff.
🍏Coveted two year Maggie Beer Foundation certificate;

“Thank You” Maggie Beer for choosing Heywood Rural Health as one of one hundred and twenty organisations Australia wide to experience this fantastic opportunity!

Watch this space as we keep you updated of progress over the next week.



Photo: Michael Nam (Qualified Chief Trainer) from the Maggie Beer Foundation.

Watch this space..... We are very excited to have the Maggie Beer Mentor Program coming to Heywood Rural Health following our successful application to participate The Trainer Mentor Program.
Follow our journey over the next week via our page.

Foundation Pledge This is "Foundation Pledge" by Maggie Beer on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

August at Riverwood Social Support Group

This month at Riverwood Social Group was another busy time. Along with crafts, puzzles and active games, Heywood Kindergarten joined us for the Mini Olympic Games. What a fantastic morning it was. The kids were so much fun, with the usual energy and enthusiasm of the young. We decorated Riverwood with handmade flags and Olympic torches created by the kids. The Heywood Kindergarten and their families are greatly appreciated by the Riverwood Social Group for coming and providing us with such a fantastic experience.

We celebrated 2 milestone birthdays: Judy Dron and Dot Lovell. In honour of the birthday ladies, we held a Rock N Roll day. The day included dressing up in complete petticoat-wearing, 1950s outfits that Leonie and Nita made. The men rocked the 50’s looking like James Dean. We were very fortunate that Les from Portland kindly donated his time and 1957 pink Chevy to take us all for a cruise around Heywood. With a big V8 engine people certainly heard us coming!

Riverwood marked Father’s Day with Lunch at the Mac’s Hotel and later a visit to the Portland Creative Space to view the “Maureen Watts” exhibition. The exhibition displayed decades of work and many diverse pieces.

2024 footy tipping contest is now over, but the winner won't be revealed until Riverwood's Grand Final celebration on September 26.

A personal view of the month’s activities by Dot Lovell.
“I thought the Kindergarten kids did a wonderful job with making the decorations. I enjoyed helping the kids play the different games and watching them have fun.

The Rock “N” Roll day was a lot of fun. Dressing up was great but, the best bit was taking a drive around Heywood in the pink Chevy. I have never been in a car like that before.

Taking a trip into Portland topped off a great month. I purchase a new scarf from the Portland Creative Space gift shop!”

Best regards
Riverwood Social Group.

Heywood Rural Health proudly supports the Heywood Men's Shed Black Dog Event.

When: Sunday 27 October 2024
Time: 11.00am
Where: Heywood Lawn Greens

1 in 5 of us will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. In Australia that’s around 5 million people. And roughly 60% of these people won’t seek help.

Black Dog Institute has a clearly articulated vision for a mentally healthier world. This vision guides their strategies to deliver research with real world impact to treat, manage and prevent common mental health conditions and su***de in workplaces, schools, health settings and the wider community.

Come along to this really important event and learn more about mental health and ways you can make a different or gain valuable information for yourself, friends or family.

We have an exciting opportunity for a registered or enrolled nurse to assist the physiotherapist with the delivery of group sessions with health consumers using person-centred intervention, within the scope of clinical qualification and expertise. This position is a part-time, fixed term position for 3 months and based in Warrnambool. More information including a copy of the position description can be found on our website www.heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au/careers

Today residents and staff boogied to some great old rock music with Steve Holmes.
So much fun had by all.

Thank you Leigh Clark, VHA CEO and Senior Projects Advisor Georgia Howie for visiting Heywood Rural Health yesterday.

It was great sharing some of our innovative strategies to address workforce shortages and showing you around a wonderful Health Service.

Leigh Parker
HRH Chief Executive Officer

CEO Leigh Clark and Senior Projects Advisor Georgia Howie pictured with Heywood Rural Health CEO Leigh Park.

Heywood Rural Health provides critical care and services to the local area that are personal, safe, effective and connected.

During our visit, Leigh shared with us some of the innovative strategies they are implementing to address workforce challenges, including successful partnering with other regional services.

HRH Indigenous Garden on You Tube

Heywood Rural Health’s new Indigenous garden is the subject of an episode on the ‘Sunflower Hill Homestead’ You Tube channel produced by local content creator Tine Brok.

Leigh Parker, CEO at HRH was delighted to have Ms Brok onsite to create the You Tube video, she worked beautifully with the residents and staff and we were grateful for the wonderful production of this video. The Community are encouraged to jump on the link provided below to view the content.

Ms. Brok’s channel covers topics including permaculture, self-sufficiency, food security, sustainability, ethical animal care integrated with food production, and nutrient recycling. The channel is based around a local property but also includes interviews and features on other local gardens and properties that are using some of these approaches.

Ms. Brok said "I was delighted to be able to do an episode on Heywood Rural Health's Indigenous garden. It is a great fit with the other content on my channel "Sunflower Hill Homestead Australia".

It was rewarding to see the positive impact the garden has for the residents, with the bonus being the wide range of Indigenous plants are all edible! Hopefully people who watch the episode will learn something new about Indigenous plants and the work that went into making this wonderful initiative a reality.”

The episode “Hearts and Hands - a Sensory Indigenous Food Garden For Heywood's Aged Care Residents!” can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyMd3BhGOKk

Picture: Tine Brok from the ‘Sunflower Hill Homestead’ You Tube channel (R) interviews HRH Workplace Coach and Special Projects co-ordinator Lauren Newman (L), and resident Rhonda Oldman.

Dry seasons support for farmers

Agriculture Victoria continues to monitor seasonal conditions across the state.

Below average rainfall has occurred across most of the state during autumn and winter. Autumn and winter are a critical time for adequate rainfall for cropping, livestock and dairy production.

Agriculture Victoria is continuing to monitor and assess seasonal conditions with a focus on south-west Victoria and is delivering tailored services to support farmers.

The Bureau of Meteorology and other global climate models currently forecast likely warmer minimum and maximum temperatures over the coming months.

The Victorian Government supports farmers to prepare for and respond to dry seasonal conditions and drought.

Agriculture Victoria has provided resources to support farmers during the current Green Drought, available on their website.

Dry season support Dry seasonal conditions support complements national programs so agricultural businesses and communities can access a coordinated range of assistance services.

HEYWOOD RURAL HEALTH – COME JOIN OUR TEAM

At Heywood Rural Health, we pride ourselves on being a **choice employer**. We are committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where healthcare professionals can thrive.

Whether you're a nurse, allied health professional, doctor, healthcare worker or enjoy working in food services, environmental service or administration, we offer career growth, ongoing training, and a workplace that values your contribution.

Join our team today and make a difference in the lives of our community!

Check out our new promotional video which gives a great overview of our Health Service, the Heywood Community showcasing us as a great place to work and live.

Promotion Video:

Heywood Rural Health - A great place to start your new career Heywood is a great place to live and work. Why not consider a career with Heywood Rural Health.We operate a Residential Aged Care facility, Acute hospital an...

July at Riverwood Social Support Group

With so many seasoned cooks at Riverwood we acknowledged America’s Independence Day by preparing and cooking an all-American cuisine; flapjacks for morning tea followed by hamburgers and apple pie for lunch. Once again Riverwood’s cooking skills continue to impress. Working as a group to prepare the menu provides the opportunity to chat about past experiences in the kitchen and foods that we enjoy. Riverwood staff certainly learned new cooking skills from those who have been cooking for many years. We can’t say there was a lot of conversation going on around the dining table because we were too busy eating to talk. There is nothing like a home cooked meal!

Macarthur and Dartmoor Social Groups visited again for group singing, a competitive game of pool, live music and dancing from the Tarragal Band. Singing and dancing the morning away worked up an appetite so it was off to the Heywood Deli for lunch.

Riverwood celebrated NAIDOC week visiting Tae Rak Café. What a wonderful place to enjoy a meal and the beautiful surroundings.

We capped off another fun filled month with a bus trip to Lake Surprise at Budj Bim National Park. We took advantage of the great weather and headed out after lunch, spent some time soaking up the sun’s rays and admiring how truly beautiful the area is.

Best regards
Riverwood Social Group

Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Yesterday the residents and staff celebrated the great success we are having at the Olympics in Paris.

The residents were in fits of laughter as they battled through the gruelling Olympic activities 🤩, cheered on by our competitive staff.

Great work team, just another day with the HRH family.

We are seeking part-time and casual Health Care Workers to join our residential aged care, Home care packages program and Commonwealth Home Support Program. More information can be found on our website www.heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au/careers

Happy Aged Care Employee Day

Thank you to our amazing and dedicated staff at Heywood Rural Health who always go above and beyond to ensure our residents are provided the best possible care.

The residents and staff are all part of our big family here at HRH.

Give our staff a shout out in the comments below and show them how much we appreciate them.

We have an opportunity for a part-time Cleaner / Orderly to join our Environmental Services team. More information including the position description can be found on our website www.heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au/careers

We have an opportunity for a part time Accounts Officer. This role is responsible for the processing of creditor invoices and payments, raising of debtor invoices as well as providing administrative support within the finance department of Heywood Rural Health.
More information, including the position description can be found on our website: www.heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au

Today the HRH residents enjoyed Pyjama Day with a welcome visit from Elsa Macleod Kindergarten for Magic Story Time, kindly supported and organised by United Way Glenelg.

What a wonderful afternoon with so much laughter from the kids and the joy they bring to the residents.

Thank you so much for coming to HRH for your regular visits.

Well done to Donna Carter and Liz Nunn (Leisure & Lifestyle staff) for always planning fun things to do at HRH.

New Board Directors & Re-Appointment for Heywood Rural Health

Heywood Rural Health (HRH) has welcomed two new members to the Board – Deborah (Deb) Loraine and Andrew Morecroft, while current Board Director and Chair, Tony Oxford will continue in his role for another 3 year term.

Deb Loraine was a Board Director with HRH previously and now that she has some more time available, decided to reapply and was successful, bringing a finance background to the Board.

Deb is looking forward to being able to contribute to the good governance and continued presence of HRH. Deb stated, HRH provides a vital service to Heywood, and it is very important that locals have a facility that provides a range of health services.

Andrew Morecroft is a brand-new Board Director and also new to the region, filling a legal skills gap that HRH had identified. Having retired in early 2023 and moved from Adelaide Hills in SA to the beautiful South West area of Victoria, he is hoping his legal and commercial skills, working for 25 years in the SA Government public sector will be an asset to the HRH Board.

Andrew wants to embrace local community life and what better way than giving back to the community with his past working knowledge to complement existing skills on the HRH Board.

Andrew stated, HRH provides a much-needed broad health service to the local community in an efficient and professional way, which he looks forward to contributing to in the future. Andrew is also the deputy chair of the Bayview College Board in Portland.

Tony Oxford has been a Board Director for the past six years and as his term was due to expire on 30 June 2024, he was required to reapply for his position which he was successful.

Board Director can only be on a Health Board for nine consecutive years and are then required to have a two year break before they can reapply.

Tony advised that with the new Board Directors appointed, HRH have a very strong Board with predominantly local representation which is pretty rare these days and is a huge strength for HRH.

We welcome our new Board Directors who will bring a lot of skill, governance and depth to the Board of Directors.