IBF News

Welcome to the first edition of IBF News

2010-03-15T10:55:00.000+10:30

From the desk of CEO Daniel Desteno
This has certainly been a big year for the IBF and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every team member, staff, volunteer, supporter and supplier for your continuing dedication to the organisation and the community we support.
Since 1974 our mission, in one form or another, has always been to enhance the lives of our aged community and every day in hundreds of ways, and most of them unseen and unrecognised, you help to fulfil that mission and I sincerely thank you.
I know you’re aware that earlier this year Marcia Fisher stepped down from the position of CEO after 15 years of service to the IBF and our community. Marcia’s contribution to the IBF has been instrumental in the organisations growth and development and we will remain forever grateful. Her vision was profound, enabling the IBF to be at the forefront of industry trends and practices.
I’m excited to have taken over the reigns from Marcia and to carry on the vision and continue to build on our strong foundation. My involvement with the IBF began in 2007 when I worked as the organisations Risk Consultant prior to taking on the General Manager role in late 2008, and Iook forward to leading the IBF into the next season.
Over the next 10+ years we’ll see the number of 1st generation Italian immigrants peak alongside the growing aged population in general and the need to support and care for this pioneering generation is paramount. I take on this position and the responsibility that comes with it very seriously and with great pride.
But I’m only one person amongst our team of 400 and we all need to continue to meet the everyday challenges with a positive ‘can do’ attitude and the caring spirit that defines us.
The work we do makes a vital contribution to our community and we should all be very proud of our involvement. Every day I see the genuine and unconditional love and care we give to our residents and community members. We’re not the biggest Aged Care organisation in town but size doesn’t equate to quality. We’re people helping people and it is the thousands of one on one interactions which happen every day that is what really matters to us.
As we head into Christmas I’d like to sincerely wish both you and your family a very Merry Christmas and look forward to working alongside you in 2010.

With thanks and Christmas wishes,
Daniel Desteno

This article was featured in the first edition of our new Print Newsletter "IBF News" which will be published quarterly.
Pick up your copy at any IBF centre or click here to order one to be posted to you each quarter.

IBF Staff Family Christmas Party

2010-01-15T09:49:00.000+10:30

Over 200 IBF staff, volunteers and their families turned out at Rymil Park on Sunday 22nd December to help celebrate Christmas.
Patrizia, Dewi and the IBF Marketing Committee organised a BBQ for lunch, jumping castle, face painting, a piniata and even presents from Santa who arrived early in the afternoon, much to the delight of the more than 80 children who attended.

Lunch was spread over a couple of hours and there was plenty to go around with Rita firing up the BBQ again in the afternoon to cook a second round for anyone still hungry.
The Marketing Committee had the day planned to a ‘T’ but couldn’t predict that when we arrived the power in the park would be disconnected due to some unfinished maintenance works. Power was required to inflate the jumping castle and boil the urns for tea and coffee. After some hustling and negotiating with council workers a generator was initially organised but wasn’t able to put out enough power to get the job done. Thankfully the council was able to get an electrician on site fairly quickly who reconnected the power and we soon had the jumping castle up and going to the relief of the kids, their parents and the organisers.
Despite predictions of rain the weather turned out to be a perfect 23° with clear skies most of the day which was a big relief after an unseasonal week of 40 plus temperatures in mid November.
The day was a great chance for IBF staff, volunteers and their families to get together socially and relax after a year of hard work and everyone who attended will agree that it was a great success.

Kids love a pressie from Santa

There was plenty of food to go around - expertly cooked and catered

Over 200 IBF staff and their families enjoyed the day.

It's all about the kids!

Chris looks a little worried in the background.

Poor Santa's lost a little weight since last year!!

Community Care Packages

2009-12-14T15:17:00.000+10:30

(incorporating - Community Aged Care Packages, Extended Aged Care at Home Packages, Veterans Home Care and Private Services)

Over the last few months the Community Care Team has been busy in ensuring that quality services have been provided to all our clients, with Post Care Worker audits regularly being conducted and a Client Focus Group organised on the 18th September 2009. The Client Focus Group was held at the new Padre Pio Centre at Renown Park, with over 40 clients attending. The afternoon gave IBF an opportunity to ask clients their views in relation to their Rights and Responsibilities, as well as obtain responses from clients re their understanding of having an advocate represent them and the various Advocacy Services available to them.

At the end of July 2009 IBF obtained funding for a further 10 Community Aged Care Packages and 5 Extended Aged Care Packages for the Port Adelaide/Enfield Inner North/Inner East region. These packages commenced in September and with the number of people requiring assistance to remain living at home, were filled in record time.

At the same time, IBF was also successful in obtaining funding for a new service, being 10 Extended Aged Care Packages for the Aboriginal community. These packages will provide assistance to Aboriginal persons who reside throughout the metropolitan regions and Sandy Krake (Team Leader Northern Region) will be coordinating these packages.

Over the last couple of months two of the Community Care Team were nominated for Staff Member of the Month - Antonietta DiNiro (Team Leader Eastern Region) and Sandy Krake (Team Leader Northern Region). Both of these team members were nominated due to their tireless and creative efforts in ensuring that extra supports were put into place so that a client could return home - both of these staff members went above and beyond to ensure that the client and the family's needs were met.

On behalf of IBF I would like to welcome all of our newly recruited staff members, who have joined the Community Care Team over the last three months, they are - Kristina Cameron-Huffa, Karen Davidson-Parish, Silvana Devarti, Maria Fratamico, Laelle Knibbs, Libby Konieck, Silvana Moscatiello, Pina Palmieri, Rosa Rapetti, Maria Ruotolo and Lisa Sammut. We take this opportunity in wishing them all the best in their new career.

Franca Zarrella
Manager, Community Aged Care Packages

For more information, email communityeast@ibf.org.au

Meet Chef Kylie

2009-11-30T16:06:00.000+10:30

They say “An army marches on its stomach.” Well here at Burton our residents march on a daily-changing menu which delights the senses, and provides enjoyment and pleasure from food inspired by our Chef’s talent and her great team.

I often look at the fascination of the meals coming through from the kitchen and headed to each of the separate dining rooms.
It’s amazing the precision in which it’s done, like the air traffic control of the kitchens.

Cooking isn’t the only issue. There’s the planning, the ordering & the clean up. Here at Domus Operosa, Burton, Kylie and her team do it all.
Kylie and her team, do such a great job and nothing is too much trouble - the service the team provides is perfect, and as always the food is superb.
We would all like you all to know that we really appreciate your efforts & we are fortunate to have you with us.

HACC Consumer Group

2009-11-30T16:02:00.000+10:30

A Consumer Group was formed for clients receiving IBF HACC Low Level - In Home Care services in the southern metropolitan regions.
The first consumer meeting was held in June 2009 followed by a lunch at the Padre Pio Centre.
15 clients attended to have input and discuss a range of topics related to the service. The feedback from those who attended was very positive.
After consultation with the clients, it was decided that the consumer meetings will be held 6 monthly at the Padre Pio Centre.
The next meeting is to be held in November 2009.

Life Foundation and Pronto Programs

2009-11-30T15:58:00.000+10:30

Our commitment is to provide a culturally and linguistically appropriate Support Service to frail elderly Italians living in the western metropolitan including the inner south/west metropolitan regions of Adelaide.
The Life Foundation Program is seeking to expand it's program by recruiting more volunteers so that we can meet the needs of our clients.
Some Pronto clients have repeatedly expressed that they would like to personally meet the volunteers who ring them. Volunteers have expressed they would also like to meet the clients. We have started arranging with clients and volunteers for a mutually convenient time for them to meet one per week so that they can still ring other clients.
Currently our volunteers ring clients on the Pronto program twice a week. More volunteers are needed to meet the demanding needs of this program.
Support Sessions for our volunteers are held 3 times per year and we either provide training and support or to discuss any issues/ideas at these sessions.
Relevant Organisational training is offered to our volunteers and we are having a higher number attending than previously.
A "Spaghettata Day" for all HACC & NRCP centre based volunteers will be held at Padre Pio Centre, Renown Park so that they can meet fellow volunteers from other programs. Volunteers have offered to contribute by supplying and cooking pasta. Another has offered to bring in sweets. A date yet to be decided for later this year.
IBF is working closely with Volunteering SA and will feature in their quarterly Vitality Magazine showcasing the work our volunteers perform.

PROGRAMMI LIFE FOUNDATION E PRONTO

Il nostro impegno e` di fornire dei servizi di supporto culturalmente e linguisticamente appropriati per gli Italiani che vivono nella area metropolitana ovest (inclusa la zona sud - ovest) di Adelaide.
Il Life Foundation Program sta cercando di sviluppare il programma trovando ancora volontari per affrontare i bisogni dei nostri clienti.
Alcune clienti del programma Pronto hanno chiesto diverse volte di conoscere personalmente i volontare che le telefonano. Anche i volontari hanno chiesto di conoscere i clienti. Ho incomminciato ad organnizzare di portare i volontari a conoscere i clienti, uno ogni settimana, cosi` possano ancora chiamare l'altri clienti.
Al momento i nostri volontari telefonano i clienti del programma Pronto due volte alla settimana. Abbiamo bisogno di altri volontari per affrontare i bisogni impegnativi di questo programma.
Svolgiamo Sessioni d'Appoggio per i nostri volontari 3 volte all'anno e provvediamo formazione e appoggio o per discutere problemi/idea.
Vengono offerte ai nostri volontari formazione pertinente dell'organizzazione e abbiamo piu` volontari di prima presente per queste formazione.
Una "Spaghettata" per tutti i volontari dei programmi HACC e NRCP basate in un centro si svolgera` al Centro Padre Pio, Renown Park per conoscere volontari di altri programmi. I volontari hanno offerto di contribuire provvedendo e cucinando la pasta. Un'altra ha offerto di portare il dolce. La data da decidere per piu` tardi nell'anno.

IBF Healthcare College forges ahead

2009-11-30T15:54:00.000+10:30

IBF Healthcare College Manager - Chris Holmes

In May 2009, under the IBF banner, IBF Healthcare College (IBFHC) was formed as a result of the emerging health services skills shortage faced by the aged care industry. We set about establishing a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to respond and adapt to industry changes as they occur. With focus groups represented by residential and community services, qualifications were chosen carefully to address the specific needs of the industry. Under the direction of Chris Holmes (College Manager), IBFHC was registered and approved to become an RTO delivering Nationally Accredited Training.

Throughout August, IBFHC worked tirelessly to get official CRICOS registration which allows the College to deliver to international students. Approvals were granted in October thus beginning our marketing campaign with international partners. Currently the College is gearing up for our first intake of international students early December.

From the onset, our primary directive has been to employ dynamic people, engage with trainers and assessors who share in the passion to improve the skills and knowledge of our current industry workers and future leaders. Chris says “having the opportunity to work with industry, trainers and participants is one of the most rewarding experiences of my job. I love the challenges of hard work and live by the adage ‘there are no shortcuts to any place worth going’.”

We acknowledge the efforts of all who have been involved in the inception and development of the College. The future is set to be an exciting time with developments for local and international students coming on board and we look forward to new adventures.

Find out more about the college at www.ibfcollege.com.au

Welcome Spring and Secret Garden Anniversary Celebration

2009-11-30T15:47:00.000+10:30

Each year in the Nursing Home at The Italian Village we celebrate Spring and the anniversary of the Secret Garden creation. This year the celebration was held on Wednesday the 16th of September 2009.

The Lounge room in the Nursing Home was decorated with plants and transformed into a garden. The party's theme was butterflies, bees and any garden bugs. There was much singing and dancing. Residents, families and staff members joined in the celebration.
Residents were proud of the past years achievements in the Secret Garden.
A happy and joyful event for all.

HACC - Low Level Services - In Home Care

2009-11-30T15:45:00.000+10:30

Information sourced from Multicultural SA indicate that 37.7% of Italians aged 65 years and over in South Australia live in the Charles Sturt, Port Adelaide Enfield and West Torrens council regions.

In May 2009, we submitted an application to the Office of the Ageing for Low level -In Home Care packages in the western metropolitan region with the target group being frail elderly Italian people.

The application was successful and will commence in November 2009 to provide support to clients to remain living independently in their own homes.

There will be approximately 50 Low Level - In Home Packages to clients living in the council regions of;
• Charles Sturt
• Port Adelaide Enfield - Park
• Port Adelaide Enfield - Port
• West Torrens

The packages will be a flexible mix of domestic assistance, social support, personal care, transport and home maintenance.

The Low Level - In Home Care Service will provide culturally appropriate services mainly to the Italian community, but does not exclude other communities.

The service will be managed by a Manager and Coordinator and Care Workers/Domestic Workers will provide direct care services.

New Caring For CALD Carers Project

2009-10-12T10:56:00.001+10:30

IBF has been successful with its recent Community Partners Program application for a 3 year funded project "Caring For CALD Carers", funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. This project will develop an information/training package to support CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) carers to deliver appropriate information, education and referrals to maintain their caring role. In addition will work with the Chinese and Tatar Bashkurt community. The project will also work in partnership with Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre's in South Australia,. The proposed Carers education package will provide information to carers on services available and how to access them - in addition, coordination of current information on all services into a format which is suitable for CALD carers and their families that can quickly and effectively navigate the areas of importance to their needs.

For more information on this project, please contact communitywest@ibf.org.au

New Skills For IBF Staff

2009-10-12T10:56:00.000+10:30

Congratulations to Simona Mira and Silvana Ciufoli on their completion of train the trainer "Living with Memory Loss" training conducted by Alzheimer's Australia. IBF will facilitate this training program early next year across the metropolitan region, dates and location will be advertised via the IBF newsletter and Italian radio.

Centro Padre Pio Grand Opening

2009-10-12T10:27:00.000+10:30

Due to the growth and development of our community services programs and the expansion on our existing programs the need for new premises was paramount. The Centro Padre Pio was officially opened on June 24, 2009 by the Hon. Michael Atkinson, Attorney General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Veterans' Affairs and is home to the HACC Low Level Care Packages, Community Aged Care Packages, Passa Tempo Programs both social and therapeutic day care programs, Healthy Lifestyle Dementia Respite Program, Life Foundation, Pronto (Telephone Support) and National Respite for Carers Programs. In addition to this a number of community clubs and organisations also use these premises on a regular basis.

The success of these programs and partnerships is not only highlighted in benchmarking but also in the positive response they have received from clients, service providers, local and state government.

How to Contact Centro Padre Pio (Padre Pio Centre)
Address: 222 Torrens Road, Renown Park, SA, 5008
Phone: (08) 8424 6000
Fax: (08) 8346 0025
Email: communitywest@ibf.org.au

The New Centro Padre Pio

The Honourable Michael Atkinson &
IBF Chairman Dr. Carmine De Pasquale
formally declare Centro Padre Pio open

The Centro Padre Pio team at your service

Passa Tempo - Hove Clients make Gnocchi

2009-10-12T10:07:00.000+10:30

Group activities are always an enjoyable experience for all. Every week clients participate in a number of different activities, giving them choice throughout their day. Every year the request for cooking demonstration increases, a highlight was the making of Gnocchi at our Passa Tempo Hove programs where clients with the assistance of staff and volunteers made six kilos of gnocchi which was a total of 45 serves.

Needless to say the meal was enjoyed by all.

Many thanks to our staff Silvana Corbo, Marisa Labrosciano and Rosaria Vassallo and a special thank you to Rosa Colmagro (volunteer) for all her hard work.