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A West Australian aged and community care organisation has gained national recognition in the You are ACE! campaign for giving a stronger voice to the people they serve through its Consumer Committee.
Palmyra’s Melville Cares is giving clients, carers, friends, neighbours, volunteers and members of the community a say through its Consumer Committee designed to welcome and give feedback about things that matter to them.
“Melville Cares is ACE because they believe that older peoples' lives should be as fulfilling as at any other stage in life,” Melville Care client of 12 years Jenny Jones said.
Jenny was responsible for nominating the not-for-profit service for the Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) You are ACE! recognition for innovation.
“(The committee) is also a great way for people to connect with Melville Cares to come together and form new friendships, share experiences and tips on how to get the best out of services both at Melville Cares but also in the broader community,” she said.
A recent sundowner evening attracted more than 50 clients and carers to socialise with other clients, carers and staff.
“While our committee is looking at a range of ways we can make an impact, we are also looking at ongoing social events to get people more involved and join our committee,” Jenny said.
“By being involved, we believe people will be more confident in discussing their services and what’s most important to them and have fun as well. We also want to connect clients with more of what is available to them, such as the monthly information sessions held for clients, carers and the broader community on topics that help people plan and live well as they age.
The committee encourages all clients to provide feedback about anything they need or have an opinion on.
Members meet regularly both in person and remotely to discuss a range of topics that helps to guide Melville Cares in the decisions they make.
“At a recent meeting one of the members, a transport volunteer, presented a suggestion for daily notes for volunteers to add anything that could enhance the service for clients so that these could be recorded in the clients’ plan.
Melville Cares is now working on implementing these improvements.
“It’s early days for our committee but we feel we’re on the right track.”
ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson congratulated the team at Melville Cares for its innovative approach.
“The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended the rights of older people, including their entitlement to care and support, be based on their needs and preferences. Melville Cares through this consumer committee has put that recommendation into action in a practical and positive way,” he said.
“Committees like this can also help to break down social isolation and connect people with the services and supports they need at the right time.
“We know that many aged and community providers across Australia already have similar consumer engagement schemes in place or are in the process of setting them up. This You are ACE! nomination made by the consumer committee in recognition of Melville Cares’ approach is a fantastic example of the positive difference it can make.”
*The ACCPA Western Australian Conference “From Vision to Reality: Aged Care’s Journey Forward) will be held from 27-29 May, Crown, Perth. For more information visit the website.
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