News

Consistent with its long history of supporting South Australian women through affordable housing options, ACH Group is continuing to innovate with new service delivery models to meet the needs of vulnerable older women with the announcement a new housing development in the heart of Adelaide.

Spence on Light was officially launched ahead of International Women’s Day in Light Square this week as a result of a partnership between ACH Group, Housing Choices South Australia and SA Housing Authority.

The $25 million development will include 75 apartments to support older people with limited housing options to access new homes that will allow them to comfortably age in place, in a location that is central to work and social opportunities.

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said: “ACH Group was founded 65 years ago by parliamentarian Sir Keith Wilson who set out to support pensioners, post-war migrants, war veterans and their widows by pioneering new housing models for older people, in particular those who were disadvantaged.”

In addition to this new initiative, ACH Group’s long history with the War Widows Guild of South Australia provides long term, secure and affordable accommodation services to war widows.

More recently, a partnership with Catherine House, an organisation that supports older women at risk of or experiencing homelessness, has been forged to provide affordable housing and tailored services.

Mr Weits said today there was a lack of affordable housing for older people, particularly women, in the inner-Adelaide area. In South Australia, over 800 people experience homelessness on any given night, and more than half (60 per cent) of the older homeless population are women. Across a 12-month period in 2016-17, there was a 44 per cent increase in older people accessing specialised South Australian homelessness services.

“We are delighted to take this opportunity to support older women as we continue ACH Group’s tradition of challenging traditional service models and finding new ways to support people to live well as they age.”

ACH Group also shows its support for women via strong representation across the workforce, including its executive and board, chaired by Mary Patetsos. ACH Group’s workforce comprises 81 per cent women and 56 per cent who are culturally diverse.

“For me, the diversification of our workforce brings balance, perspective and long term vision. As we enter an exciting period in history, where the world rightly expects balance, we are certainly leading from the front in the unified direction to galvanise continuous collective action to achieve a better world through equality.”

ACH Group continues to innovate with new service delivery models to meet the needs of vulnerable older South Australians with the announcement a new housing development in the heart of Adelaide.

Spence on Light was officially launched in Light Square today as a result of a partnership between ACH Group, Housing Choices South Australia and SA Housing Authority.

The $25 million development will include 75 apartments to support older people with limited housing options to access new homes that will allow them to comfortably age in place, in a location that is central to work and social opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, ACH Group Chief Executive Frank Weits said: “ACH Group was founded 65 years ago by parliamentarian Sir Keith Wilson who set out to support pensioners, post-war migrants, war veterans and their widows by pioneering new housing models for older people, in particular those who were disadvantaged.”

In addition to this new initiative, ACH Group’s long history with the War Widows Guild of South Australia provides long term, secure and affordable accommodation services to war widows.

More recently, a partnership with Catherine House, an organisation that supports older women at risk of or experiencing homelessness, has been forged to provide affordable housing and tailored services.

Mr Weits said there was a lack of affordable housing for older people, particularly women, in the inner-Adelaide area. In South Australia, over 800 people experience homelessness on any given night, and more than half (60 per cent) of the older homeless population are women. Across a 12-month period in 2016-17, there was a 44 per cent increase in older people accessing specialised South Australian homelessness services.

“We are delighted to take this opportunity to support older South Australians as we continue ACH Group’s tradition of challenging traditional service models and finding new ways to support people to live well as they age.”

Photo: Housing Choices Australia Managing Director Michael Lennon, Minister for Human Services Hon Michelle Lensink MLC , Hindmarsh Construction Chief Executive Rowan Hindmarsh, Chief Executive, SA Housing Authority Chief Executive Michael Buchan, Member of Adelaide Rachel Sanderson MP, SA Housing Authority Chair Gary Storkey and ACH Group Chief Executive Frank Weits.

ACH Group has welcomed the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) action plan announced by Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, and Minister for Indigenous Health Ken Wyatt in Adelaide today.

Speaking at the launch, ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said ACH Group had been supporting older South Australians from culturally and spiritually diverse communities for over 65 years.

“At ACH Group, we celebrate diversity and acknowledge and respect cultural backgrounds, religious and spiritual beliefs and practices.”

Mr Weits said for the past five years, ACH Group had enjoyed a successful relationship with the Muslim community.

“Over this time, our partnership has helped us to build an understanding of the Muslim community and assisted in respectful and meaningful interactions with older members of that community.

“This partnership is part of our commitment to ensure access to high quality, culturally appropriate aged care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“We look forward to continuing to partner with CALD communities throughout South Australia and continuing to realise the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver more inclusive and culturally appropriate aged care services.”

As part of its Muslim partnership, ACH Group has developed an online Diversity Training Module, compiled three Muslim Aged Care handbooks, produced three educational videos and trained more than 700 staff.

Other CALD initiatives supported by ACH Group include the Cambodian Community Program, founded in 2008, and the Free to Be Project, an award-winning LGBTI awareness training initiative launched in 2012.

The action plan is part of the Aged Care Diversity Framework and is one of three action plans with a focus on CALD, LGBTI and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Find out more about ACH Group’s Cultural Programs here: https://achgroup.org.au/discover-and-explore/cultural-programs/

 

If you’re under the age of 12 and you live in Maslin Beach, on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, chances are you’re friends with Evelyn Roth.

And if you’ve seen the parade of costumes that winds its way through WOMADelaide, Adelaide’s four-day music festival at Botanic Park, then you’ll know her work.

Evelyn is the creator of the ‘Nylon Zoo’, a collection of giant inflatable storytelling tents and animal-themed costumes that capture imaginations, inspire creativity and foster a love of the environment among legions of young fans.

Her inflatable structures and mazes made from recycled nylon are in demand at events, exhibits and festivals worldwide, providing a platform for raising awareness of environmental issues and a portable venue for storytelling theatre.

Last year she inflated ‘Shamrock’ and ‘Clover’, her newly created giant Southern Right Whale and calf on her front lawn, and put the call-out on Facebook for kids to come and try them out.

After nearly five decades, the 83-year-old artist is as passionate about her work as ever and remains heavily involved in her local community – especially with the younger generation.

“There are a lot of four to five-year-olds in the neighbourhood these days,” she says. “They’re so talkative and imaginative – I love watching them. Their joy is inspiring.”

Evelyn’s love of sewing started early. Born in a small rural town in Alberta, in the US, she remembers making clothes for her dolls, and herself, from the age of 10.

In the 1970s, Evelyn was a pioneer of recycled fashion and wearable art, using her knitting and sewing skills to create sculptures from a range of materials.

Her first inflatable storytelling work appeared in Vancouver, Canada, in 1977, where she worked alongside indigenous communities to create a giant salmon and interactive dance for children in eagle, raven, bear and frog costumes.

Her work caught the attention of the Adelaide Festival curator and she was invited to install an interactive display at the Adelaide Festival Centre Foyer in 1981 which she created out of discarded TV programs (titled Video Jungle).

She returned to South Australia to work with Pitjitjanjara communities and held workshops in rabbit knit and painted leather garments, as well as crocheting shade canopy from discarded video tape and play ‘web’ from nylon.

During these trips Evelyn became friends with local artists who invited her to visit Maslin Beach, then a tiny coastal hamlet.

“I said to myself I’m going to live here one day. I bought a plot of land and I kept sending in my cheques to pay it off – and here I am.”

Today her two-storey house doubles as a studio and is filled with colourful works of art, many painted by her husband, artist John Davis.

From her seat behind the sewing machine at the head of the table, she overlooks a long stretch of sand and water.

Evelyn has never let age dictate who she is or how she should live.

She wears a vivid range of colours and draws from an impressive collection of locally curated jewellery, scarves and hair pieces.

“I’m always disappointed that so many people choose to wear black. It’s always black, black, and grey. Why not colour?”

“The act of doing art, whether it’s painting, sewing or dancing, is vital. Our kids will lose their communication skills, their storytelling, if their fingers and minds are only on the iPads.”

An avid follower of yoga, Evelyn eats well, and swims often. Her morning routine often includes a run or ‘forest bath’ (walk) in the trees near the creek, yoga stretches and some time spent hanging upside down on her bar, before finding a quiet spot to write in her journal. She enjoys a daily fresh juice, often with beetroot, apple and a few extra goodies like broccoli and radish.

“I’m not afraid of getting older. I do everything I can to be fit and alert,” she says. “I’m in good health. I’m happy. Being near the ocean is important to me, hearing the sound of the water.”

Evelyn hopes that someone – “a sewer, a storyteller” – will one day take over and carry on her work, but for now she is happy to continue. At the time of interview, she had just finished a residency at Mercedes College, Springfield, and was looking forward to heading to Hawaii for her annual residency with the Storybook Theatre Company.

Evelyn believes that art has an important role to play in preventing and treating depression, especially among young people. “I believe that parents need to let their children explore and create, to get them out into nature and let them do activities that use their bodies and expand their minds.” She’s just finished creating a series of dinosaur costumes – a pterodactyl, stegosaurus and T-Rex – to the delight of her five-year-old friend Elliott .

“He put one of these on and he was really pleased,” she says, a twinkle in her eye. “He didn’t want to take it off – he wanted to wear it home.”

Evelyn will be part of the Adelaide fringe this year, setting up giant inflatables along the River Torrens, and will bring her coral reef-themed maze to her 24th WOMAD Festival in March.

 

 

Adelaide Fringe is Australia’s largest open-access arts festivals celebrating art, culture and creativity throughout February and March.

It brings world-famous acts, venues and events to all corners of South Australia and in 2018 generated a record $90.6 million in gross economic expenditure. Find out what to do, what to see and where to celebrate in South Australia and at adelaidefringe.com.au

ACH Group is a proud partner of the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2019 – creating opportunities for an inclusive and vibrant ageing community.

JOIN US ON A FRINGE NIGHT OUT TUESDAY 5 MARCH 2019

Garden of Unearthly Delights and Yabarra Gathering of Light Show Tour
From: 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Wander through the Garden of Unearthly Delights bursting with an array of world foods, market stalls and unexpected sideshow surprises. Then be immersed in the interactive light and sound show and hear stories of the Kaurna country along Tarndaparri (the River Torrens).

OUR FRINGE TOP PICKS

Ever wanted to catch a Fringe Show and soak up the festival atmosphere but don’t know where to start? Check out our hand-picked favourites!

Cirque Africa (Stage and Theatre)
Where: Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide
One of the top selling shows, Cirque Africa is back with a new show that is even fresher, funkier, bolder and more fun. 100% African, 100% fun.

Tales from a Comedian (Comedy)
Where: Gilles Room at Astor Hotel, Adelaide
Local comedian Ross Voss’ best stories from over 15 years in arts and 34 years of life! He’ll reminisce on how he crashed two cars in one day and the time he was head-butted in Hahndorf!

Broadway – Up In Lights (Music)
Where: Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
After sell-out Fringe shows in 2017 and 2018, ACH Group’s Sing for Joy choir is out to prove that they won’t stop singing now with a brand-new show.

Gone are the days when you need to travel halfway round the world or even interstate to join a cruise.    

Adelaide is Australia’s hot new destination on the radar of many cruise operators, with South Australian ports including Port Lincoln, Kangaroo Island and now Wallaroo finally getting some recognition on the world stage.

Never before has there been as great a selection of cruise lines and itineraries to and from Adelaide, as there is now.

South Australians keen to pick up a cruise from their home port can start packing their bags as a record number of cruise ships are set to sail into or out of Adelaide over the next few years.

Whether you’re after a short and local 3 or 4-night cruise or would prefer a more leisurely cruise travelling further afield, there are options for short cruises or longer ones now available to suit every taste and budget.

Adelaide’s main cruising season is from November to May with ships docking at the Port Adelaide Cruise Terminal at Outer Harbour.

A cruise is a great option for a nervous flyer who would still like to see the world but would also like to minimise their flying time as much as possible.

With some great itineraries that are part of round-the-world voyages, you can cruise directly out of Adelaide travelling as far as Central America, South Africa, Dubai or the UK, or stay local and cruise to Melbourne or Sydney and back to Adelaide.

Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a cruise that’s suitable for you.

To find your perfect cruise, contact your nearest Phil Hoffmann Travel.

“Art has the ability to bring people from all walks of life together. It creates conversation and encourages a different way of thinking.”

Iconic Adelaide arts studio Jamfactory has extended its community program to include a series of ceramics workshops tailored for people living with neurological disabilities.

The workshops, held in conjunction with ACH Group’s Tailor Made Program, included tips on throwing clay, firing, glazing and decorating.

Vera Kojic, who signed up for the series, says she found working with clay “messy, but fun”.

“When we started, clay was going everywhere,” she says. “It’s pretty amazing watching how it happens, and seeing what you can do.”

JamFactory’s Sophie Guiney says following the successful ceramics pilot, other tailored programs will be offered in 2019.

“Our workshops in particular enable participants to meet new people, build confidence, improve attention span, cultivate creativity and help reinforce the value of craft and design,” she says.

JamFactory offers public workshops at on-site studios in ceramics, glass, furniture, jewellery and metal.

Want to know more about ACH Group’s Tailor-Made Program? Visit achgroup.org. au/living-with-dementia/ 

Did you know?

Established in 1973, Jamfactory is now based in two locations:
• Morphett Street in the City
• Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa Valley

The upcoming football season at Glenelg will be played at ACH Group Stadium following a naming rights agreement announced in November.

Formerly Gliderol Stadium, the sporting complex has a long history as a hub of sporting and community life in the Glenelg district.

It is home to the Glenelg Football Club (the Tigers), inaugurated in 1921, as well as the Glenelg District Cricket Club (the Seahorses), established in 1907, and today hosts SANFL, SANFWL and SACA matches.

Located on Brighton Road, Glenelg East, the ground also hosts local school matches and events, with Glenelg Primary School located at the southern end of the ground.

The announcement coincides with news the Tigers’ coach Mark Stone has extended his contract, along with the signing of key players, for the 2019–20 season.

The partnership follows the opening of the ACH Group Health Studio 50+ at the site in February last year.

Glenelg Football Club Chief Executive Officer Glenn Elliott said the naming rights partnership would further strengthen the relationship between ACH Group and the Club.

“We share common ambitions including knowing our customers well, providing personalised service, being flexible to adapt to changing circumstances and developing strong partnerships” he said.

ACH Group Stadium has a capacity of 15,000 and boasts one main grandstand on the western wing, the Edward Rix Stand.

ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+ is located upstairs and brings together allied health professionals, exercise and wellness groups in a purpose-built facility.

The Studio uses world-leading Finnish designed HUR exercise equipment, developed specifically for rehabilitation that uses air pressure to mimic natural movement.

Find out more about ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+.

Did you know?

The ground’s record attendance was set on 20 July 1968 when 17,171 saw Sturt defeat Glenelg by one point, 13.13 (91) to 13.12 (90).

Travelling light, being prepared and showing respect for other cultures are the keys to safe and successful overseas travel. That’s according to Ted Setnikar, who has travelled extensively across South East Asia over the past two decades.

Ted is one of a group of seasoned travellers who are being asked to share their experiences and travel tips to encourage others as part of ACH Group’s Exchange network Smart and Safe Travel Abroad project.

Sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the project has seen Exchange members share advice via a forum and series of videos.

“Toilet paper, a bottle opener, a plug and a sewing kit are the absolute essentials,” says Ted, who has visited Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam. “And don’t try to pat the local animals!”

Annette and Gerry McGrath have not let a wheelchair get in the way of their world travel itinerary.

With a fold-up scooter, a good travel agent and plenty of determination, they have visited the Red Sea, Leaning Tower of Pisa and a host of other sights.

They also advise plenty of preparation, talking to the airline well in advance to find out what is possible, and taking signed letters of approval for medications, wheelchair batteries and any other special equipment.

“Travel is always worth the effort,” Annette says.

 

SIGN UP!

The Safe and Smart Travel workshops are one of many activities and workshops on offer for members of the Exchange, a network that offers opportunities to reinvent, rediscover and find your voice. The Exchange is open to anyone aged 50+ and is free to join. Sign up at achgroup.org.au/exchange

Healthy travel tips

Many of us finally have the time and means to travel at the age of 50+, but health concerns and uncertainty about security prevent us from taking the leap. We asked Exchange travellers to share their tips on safe travel for those with health conditions.

• Talk with the airline and ask what they can do for you both at the airport and on-board.
• Find out if you can hire equipment or care staff at your destination.
• A cruise can be a great option. Hire your own taxi for your individualised shore excursions.
• Take authenticated documentation of any medications or medical devices, including wheelchair batteries.
• Know what your travel insurance covers, and be honest about your pre-existing health conditions.
• Carry essential items, including medications, in your hand luggage.
• Check out any travel advisories for your destinations and get the right travel vaccinations before you leave.

Register your journey with smartraveller.gov.au before you leave Australia.

 

ACH Group is set to become the first aged care provider in Australia to trial ‘empathy suits’ as part of an innovative staff training pilot.

The not-for-profit organisation has purchased three Premature Ageing Unisex Leisure (PAUL) Suits, developed by the University of Sydney’s Department of Rural Health over the past decade for use in aged care settings.

University of Sydney Health Education Officer Paul Bennett traveled to Adelaide last week to kick start the pilot, setting out his research and explaining the potential benefits on offer.

“An ageing population worldwide makes it increasingly important that health students understand issues that older people face and can provide empathetic care to them,” he said. “Many young people who begin their study have had no experience with people who are living with a disability or have complex health needs and these suits give them a unique insight into not only the physical changes but how it feels to be looked at differently.”

“As far as I am aware ACH Group is the first major aged care provider to introduce empathy suits to this extent as part of its formal staff training. As far as others choosing to take this up, it is a matter for them. From my viewpoint we value our staff and are investing in training to boost their skill set, which includes empathetic understanding of the needs for our customers. I see many benefits that will result in better health outcomes for customers.”

ACH Group General Manager People and Culture Nichole Tierney said the pilot project aligned with ACH Group’s service delivery philosophy.

“This is about training our staff to appreciate what it feels like, by putting them in the shoes of an older person or a person with disabilities. It’s about enabling them able to use a strengths-based approach when they are supporting a person to live well regardless of their health challenges.

“It’s not about building pity for a person, but empathy, because you experience those challenges for yourself.

“This is in keeping with ACH Group’s person-centred approach, helping staff to build empathy, challenge stereotypes, respect uniqueness and individual identity, raise awareness of potential limitations in the environment and communicate effectively with customers.

“We look forward to working with the University of Sydney to develop an innovative training model to be launched later this year.”

It is expected the suits will be introduced as part of Level Three training requirements for ACH Group’s 800 care and support workers.

The trial, to be rolled out this year in conjunction with the University of Sydney, will involve staff wearing a suit to carry out daily living activities to allow them to experience a range of conditions including vision impairment, hearing loss, a hunched posture, reduced tactile sense and shortened gait. The suit has arm and wrist straps to restrict movement, a leg splint to reduce the range of motion on one side of the body, and weights to create fatigue.

Caption: ACH Group dementia specialists Teresa Moran and Jodie Roberts trial the ‘empathy suit’ with University of Sydney researcher Paul Bennett.