Hi everyone,
With the festive season upon us and Christmas only a few days away, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all ACH Group customers, residents, families and wider community for your continued support.
I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy festive season, and truly look forward to catching up with many of our ACH Group Community in 2024.
Linda
Interim CEO
Find information on opening hours and services over the festive period or contact us today.
Thank you for being part of our community as we continue to support older people to live good lives.
From everyone at ACH Group, we wish you a very happy and safe festive season.
Our dedicated staff are on hand to take your call on 1300 22 44 77 between 7am – 6pm (ACST) every day, even on Christmas Day.
ACH Group Health Studio 50+ clinics and groups will be closed from Saturday 23 December 2023, reopening on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
All regular social groups and experiences will pause from Wednesday 20 December 2023, recommencing Monday 8 January 2024.
If you would like to cancel or reschedule services over the festive period – please call 1300 22 44 77.
To make payments during this time, call 1300 22 44 77 with your credit card details.
Contact us for more information.
Healthia, featuring a state-of-the-art residential care home and GP, nursing, and allied health clinic, sits within the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
The hub developed by the South Australian not-for-profit aged care provider brings together the University of South Australia, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), and City of Playford.
ACH Group’s 96-place residential care home has adopted an innovative small household-built form comprising eight purpose-built single-storey houses in a village setting. The houses feature 12 self-contained resident rooms with ensuites; a large open plan living, kitchen and dining area; and features commonly found in traditional houses so residents can participate in the daily house activities if they wish.
NALHN will occupy 24 rooms within the care home to help transition older people from hospital to their home or more suitable accommodation.
The co-located UniSA Health Clinic, an integrated GP, nursing, and allied health clinic, will provide services to residents and the surrounding local community with a combination of professional and lower-cost student-assisted services.
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said the aged care provider was proud to lead the powerful cross-sector partnership.
“Healthia will improve health outcomes for the local community, support the hospital system, and reimagine aged care,” Mr Weits said.
“The residential care home responds to a generation shift in expectations and the Royal Commission’s call to action to rethink aged care.
“We know most older people want to stay in their own homes, however, for many this is not possible due to increased care needs. What makes Healthia different is the person-directed care model and the unique built form.
“Healthia is the first care home in Australia to implement the U.S.-founded Green House Project model of care, which is informed by person-directed care principles and supports residents to have increased input into their everyday living.
“The unique built form has taken into consideration what would be seen in someone’s own home to capture a homely environment and sense of familiarity for residents.”
Pro Vice Chancellor: Teaching & Learning at UniSA, Professor Esther May said the partnership is part of the University’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities, health services, and the health workforce in the northern suburbs.
“As a registered NDIS provider, the clinic will provide additional adult and pediatric NDIS services in the northern suburbs. Nursing and allied health students will undertake placements in the residential care home and the clinic, providing them with vital practical learning experiences during their degree and preparing them for the health workforce.”
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the vision for the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct was shaped over a decade ago.
“Council and the community want world-class health, education, rehabilitation, and research facilities in our precinct. These services complement an expanding Lyell McEwin Hospital which supports our rapid population growth in the northern region,” he said.
“As part of delivering this vision, City of Playford worked closely with ACH Group to repurpose a portion of Council-owned land to accommodate Healthia. This would enable our community to access a service that was identified as a need within the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct.
“The opening of Healthia marks a significant milestone and we look forward to continuing our partnership with ACH Group and other stakeholders to foster a thriving Precinct.”
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton MP, said Healthia would be a great addition to the northern suburbs of Adelaide.
“This facility will better support older South Australians and their care needs,” he said.
“Healthia provides a new approach to aged care and is the first care home in Australia that implements the Green House Project model founded in the US.
“We are also thrilled with the partnership that will allow older patients at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and Modbury Hospital to leave hospital sooner, and continue their transition to home at Healthia.”
Healthia was officially opened on 20 September 2023 by the Government of South Australia, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton MP, and ACH Group Chair Mary Patetsos.
NALHN will occupy 24 private rooms at ACH Group’s brand-new state-of-the-art residential care home Healthia to help transition older people from hospital to their home or more suitable accommodation.
Half of the rooms will be dedicated to the newly created Northern Reablement and Intermediate Care to Home (NRICH) program, which will support older people experiencing delays with their hospital discharge. The Australian-first program focuses on reenabling patients in an alternative community-based setting which provides a safe home environment and specialised 24/7 care from a team of expert healthcare professionals.
Healthia, a $40 million development by ACH Group, is located in Elizabeth South within the Playford Health Precinct. The residential care home has adopted a small household-built form, a preferred model identified by the Royal Commission.
“We know the goal for the majority of older South Australians is to remain living independently in their own home. With care from ACH Group’s specialist aged care staff and the NALHN team, NRICH will support patients to regain their health and return and live well in their own homes,” he said.
“The unique home environment and person-directed care philosophy at Healthia create a de-institutionalised and familiar setting for patients and residents which further supports their health and wellbeing.”
“Not only does it provide older people with the care they need in an appropriate setting, but it also reduces hospital pressure.
“Patients will have the benefit of staying in a top-class residential care home that is warm, welcoming, and designed in a way that mimics a traditional home, so they immediately feel comfortable in their new surroundings.”
“Being able to operate the service from Healthia adds to the overall patient experience as they will be supported in an environment that allows them to regain their independence with dignity, and with the encouragement of staff who are available 24/7.
“We hope this program will also have a positive impact on bed availability and flow across our hospitals, and ensure people are in the right place for their needs.”
The additional 12 private rooms occupied by NALHN will support Care Awaiting Placement – a service that provides short-term accommodation for patients as they wait for permanent residential care. While the remaining private rooms are dedicated to permanent residential care residents.
Learn more about Healthia.
Ms Patetsos joined the Board of ACH Group, a South Australian aged care provider, in October 2008 and was appointed Chair in 2018.
Further, she continues to play a critical role in helping to shape aged care reform in Australia as an Advisory Council Member on the National Aged Care Advisory Council.
“It is a great honour to be named on the Australia Day Honours List alongside many Australians making a positive impact in the community,” Ms Patetsos said.
“My dedication to the aged care industry is driven by the desire that the care older Australians receive meets their expectations and changing needs. I am passionate about enhancing aged care services and how this can be achieved through innovative ways, such as providers engaging in cross-sector partnerships with education, government, and health.
“I believe life is not an opportunity to be missed, regardless of age, gender, culture, and capacity. This outlook is reflected in my commitment to amplifying the voices of older people and culturally diverse communities.”
Ms Patetsos is also Honourable President (Immediate Past Chair) of Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) a peak body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits congratulated Ms Patetsos on her significant achievement.
“This award acknowledges Mary’s long-standing commitment to aged care in Australia,” he said.
Ms Patetsos has extensive experience across the private, government and not-for-profit sectors and serves on both national and South Australian boards.
Her memberships include:
We are recognised for our Connected Communities strategy which focusses on partnering with people, communities, reputable like-minded organisations and tertiary institutions to create opportunities and social connections for older people to improve their health and wellbeing, have real experiences, build strong relationships, take on new roles and challenges.
Being acknowledged as a Finalist highlights ACH Group’s positive impact in supporting older people to live good lives and the outstanding work of ACH Group’s staff and volunteers.
The winners of the Excellence Awards will be announced on 24 November.
Earlier this year, ACH Group employees were invited to nominate a colleague or team in the ACSA Over and Above Program.
The Program, run by former aged care peak body ACSA (now Aged & Community Care Providers Association [ACCPA]), was an opportunity to reflect, pay tribute and share the stories of those employed in the aged care sector who have taken extraordinary measures this year to support customers, residents, and colleagues.
The categories the 12 ACH Group recognitions were split between were Acts of Kindness: teams or individual staff that have displayed acts of kindness ‘over & above’ the call of duty – giving their best self to others without request or promise of return, and Unsung Hero: the unsung heroes that might usually fly under the radar but that go ‘over & above’ the everyday and exhibit exceptional qualities.
As we have just celebrated with Aged Care Employee Day, on 7 August, those working in the aged care sector, including the ACH Group staff recognised above, make incredible contributions to supporting older people to live well.
Are you interested in joining the team at ACH Group? Learn about our current opportunities.
Bessie, who lives at ACH Group’s Milpara Residential Care Home and is exhibiting three pieces of art in the 2022 SALA Festival, is legally blind.
“I can see the art in my head, but I can’t see it on the canvas,” she said.
“As I have limited vision, it is hard work and I try to control my frustration.
“Silvia Reitenbach, the art teacher at Milpara, helps me select colours and gives direction on where to paint. She is helping me, but she doesn’t do the art for me. I appreciate this and it is very important to me – as it is my art.”
“I said to her, ‘I can’t even draw stick men’, but she encouraged me to attend her China painting class at TAFE and I was hooked from the first night.”
Bessie continued to paint China until the late 1980s when she started caring for her late husband. It wasn’t until she moved into Milpara that she re-engaged.
The ACH Group arts community will show over 100 pieces in three exhibitions as part of the 2022 SALA Festival held throughout August.
Bessie has submitted three pastel on canvas works titled: ‘On the Third Day’, Russell Falls’, and ‘At Noon’.
On the Third Day is inspired by Easter Sunday.
“I was up early on Easter Sunday and as I went back to bed, I went to see if the sun was up. The sun was just coming up and the sky was beautiful, it was full of colour and serenity. The big gum tree that I look out on from my room was completely still – there wasn’t a breath of air, and I was overcome. I am a Christian and I said to myself ‘he has risen’.”
Bessie’s second piece, Russell Falls, is inspired by the China plate she painted and created into a clock for her parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. Russell Falls is one of Tasmania’s most treasured locations and is where Bessie’s parents once visited.
Her third piece is At Noon.
“At Noon is completely different to On the Third Day. Easter Sunday is light and fresh and is a new life, whereas Good Friday is a sad, dark, quiet day, which is reflected in the painting.”
“Friday afternoon is art class. I will put any other day away for people, but I will not change art for anything unless it is a very important medical appointment.”
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said the benefits of engaging in art are endless and that is why the South Australian aged care provider has a significant art program in the community and within its residential care homes.
“Art stimulates imagination, enhances problem solving skills, creates a sense of accomplishment, can reduce stress and when done in a group setting is also a social experience,” he said.
“This is the 12th year the ACH Group arts community will exhibit in SALA, and we are proud that the works of customers and residents is on show in a well-known and public festival.”
ACH Group’s theme for this year’s SALA is ‘invisible threads – a celebration of connection’ taking inspiration from a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche, “Invisible threads are the strongest ties”.
“The theme encouraged artists to reflect on and draw inspiration from meaningful connections in their own lives, which may be in response to relationships and experiences with family, friends, or the wider community,” Mr Weits said.
To learn more about ACH Group’s involvement in SALA visit achgroup.org.au/event/sala/
ACH Group, or as it was initially known Aged Cottage Homes, was founded in 1952 by Sir Keith Wilson, a former Senator for South Australia, and Federal Member for Sturt.
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said throughout the seven decades the organisation has been proud to positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of South Australians.
“For 70 years ACH Group has supported older people to live and age well, acted as passionate advocates in challenging ageist stereotypes, and helped shape Australia’s aged care sector,” he said.
“Following in the footsteps of our founder Sir Keith Wilson, who was a trailblazer in supporting older people, ACH Group continues to be at the forefront of innovation contributing to current aged care reform and reimaging services to provide better health and wellbeing outcomes for residents and customers.”
Then-Prime Minister Robert Menzies became interested in Sir Keith’s efforts as the government insisted it was preferable to have these homes built and managed by religious or philanthropic organisations rather than by government. Sir Keith’s work inspired the creation of the Aged Persons Homes Act 1954, which provided grants toward the capital of building the homes.
Evolving from the initial focus on housing, ACH Group is now one South Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations with eight residential care homes and 700 retirement living units located across metropolitan Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula. While in the community ACH Group offers a range of help at home, health, wellbeing, respite, and social experiences.
“Our caring and committed workforce is integral to ACH Group. I pay tribute to and thank our current and previous staff and volunteers dedicated to supporting older people to live good lives,” Mr Weits said.
Looking to the future, Mr Weits detailed a series of developments for the aged care provider including construction of Healthia, a $40 million health and education hub in Adelaide’s northern community featuring a state-of-the-art residential care home.
“Healthia, which encompasses a powerful partnership with UniSA, City of Playford and the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, will improve the health and lifestyle outcomes for Adelaide’s northern community and reimagine residential aged care,” he said.
Furthermore, ACH Group will expand its health and wellness offering in the community with a new $4.5 million Health Studio 50+ to be built in Rostrevor.
Healthia is due to open in mid-2023, while Health Studio 50+ Rostrevor is currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
A series of celebrations will be held with staff, volunteers, customers, and residents to mark ACH Group’s 70th birthday.
When asked what inspires Deb Coligan in her volunteer role, she responds that her own experience with her father living in a residential care home has a major influence.
Deb is one of 20 volunteers at ACH Group’s West Park Residential Care Home in Goolwa.
National Volunteer Week held from May 16 – 20 celebrates the generous contributions of volunteers.
“There are so many wonderful volunteers at West Park, some of whom have been there for many years,” Deb said.
After retiring from managing the Meadows Hotel with her husband, Deb’s involvement at West Park began at the start of the pandemic in 2020 by providing concierge services to visitors.
“After a few months I was asked if I wanted to help create the home’s bi-monthly newsletter that is distributed to residents and their families,” she said.
“My dad lived in a residential care home, and I think it’s vital for families to be given insights into what their loved ones are enjoying in the home.
“The lifestyle staff create new experiences and activities to keep residents engaged and active, and I try to showcase the events taking place by publishing lots of photos.
“The reward for me is seeing the residents read the newsletter. I also think residents seeing what is happening in the home – seeing others enjoying experiences – encourages more to take part.”
Deb shared that the role has also made her realise the amazing contribution of staff working in residential care, especially with the challenges of the pandemic.
ACH Group Volunteer Manager, Tay Parker, thanked all ACH Group volunteers.
“ACH Group is so fortunate to have a large group of passionate volunteers,” she said.
“Volunteering benefits both the volunteer, and residents and customers. Volunteers enjoy staying in touch with their community, learning new skills, and making new social connections,” she said.
“For residents and customers engaging with volunteers can connect them to new experiences depending on the skills and background of each volunteer and expand their social connections.”
West Park along with ACH Group’s residential care home in Yankalilla is currently seeking volunteers in a wide range of roles including supporting residents to engage in social activities, one-on-one friendly visiting, and specialist group support for example men’s group, gardening, and memory therapy.
Learn more about volunteering at ACH Group.
Download: Media release – Celebrating contributions of volunteers
