Join Jubilee’s creative writing program

Participants loved the last Jubilee Community Care creative writing program.

Do you have a penchant for writing or want to explore your creativity? Jubilee Community Care is hosting a creative writing program, starting on May 27 at Indooroopilly.

The program will be run by author and arts therapist Fiona Ware. It is not the first time Jubilee has partnered with Fiona to encourage our clients to write their stories. In 2020 and 2021 several clients participated in workshops, resulting in their stories being published in the anthology Have I Got A Story.

The program, over eight workshops, will be held fortnightly. Fiona will take participants from their childhood through to later years using tools to prompt certain memories and experiences. Along the way participants will learn writing and editing techniques and how to develop the narrative of their story.

Fiona said participants’ stories provided powerful messages to inspire others as well as giving hope, building resilience, developing positive values and carrying on traditions. “Stories can change the way we view ourselves,’’ she said. “I am so excited about facilitating the writing workshops. Last time was amazing in finalising the creation of the Have I Got a Story booklet. This time I hope some of the participants return and we also have new people with inspiring stories of their lives.

“As an author myself, I was astonished at the creativity and different abilities in the last group involved – retelling their moving and often poignant tales. It just goes to show how rich our lives can be and how important it is to share who we are and what we know. I can’t wait!’’

To find out more about the program or register your interest email Fran or Vicki at activities@jccagedcare.org.au or phone them on 3871 3220.

Older Australians are being warned to be wary of shady tradespeople operating on social media or offering their services door to door.

Queensland Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath has urged people to do their homework before hiring tradies, especially those advertising on social media or other online marketplaces.

The services being promoted may include products, renovations, plumbing, concreting, fencing, tree trimming, painting and the like. In the last two years, the Office of Fair Trading has received more than 720 complaints about tradespeople. A large number of the complaints related to a delay in services, failing to supply, or unsatisfactory services.

So how do you know if a business is legitimate? Queensland Government tips to know when hiring a tradesperson include:

• Do your homework by checking reviews and a general internet search of the business name.
• Check the business/tradespeople are licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
• Ask to see certificates for public liability insurance.
• Make sure you get a written quote or contract with business contact details.
• Arrange an on-site inspection so both parties can discuss details of the job.
• Don’t pay more than the maximum deposit of 20 per cent for work priced at $3,300 or less.
• Always get a receipt for the work, whichever way you paid for it.

For door-to-door sales or services a ‘cooling-off period’ applies when you spend more than $100. This means you can have 10 working days to change your mind for any reason at all. If you do, you don’t have to buy the product.

Some facts about the cooling-off period:

• If the person is selling an item under $500, they can give it to you right away.
• If they’re selling an item over $500, they can’t give it to you for 10 days.
• They mustn’t do any services until the end of the 10 days.
• Don’t pay a cent until after 10 days, even if they give you the product.

It’s also a good option to pay by card as this may provide extra protection by offering a chargeback if the goods or services aren’t delivered.

If you have not received the goods or services you have paid for, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recommends approaching the trader in the first instance.

If this is unsuccessful, you should lodge a complaint with the OFT at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by phoning 13 74 68.

Jubilee will be hosting a workshop about home safety and scams with Queensland Police Sergeant Jose Sarmiento on April 8 at Indooroopilly. Come and hear the latest news and how to stay safe at home and online. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP phone Jubilee on 3871 3220 today.

Jubilee Community Care is still seeking expressions of interest from clients and/or their families to join our Quality Care Advisory Body.

The Body aims to support and inform the Jubilee Community Care Board with suggestions for improvements to our service and problem-solving.

All approved aged care providers like Jubilee must establish their own Advisory Body under changes to The Aged Care Act 1997. The amendments to the Act were made to improve leadership and culture, and increase transparency and accountability of aged care providers.

The Quality Care Advisory Body will provide the Jubilee Board with a report about the quality of care and services. The Board will consider that feedback when making decisions about the quality of aged care provided through our services.

The meetings will be held bi-monthly online on the Microsoft Teams platform. If you would like to be part of the Body but do not have Microsoft Teams or experience with it support can be provided to you to learn how to use it.

If you would like to join the Quality Care Advisory Body or find out more information email admin@jccagedcare.org.au or phone Jubilee on 3871 3220.

There will be changes to Jubilee services with the upcoming public holidays on Friday, March 29 (Easter Friday); Monday, April 1 (Easter Monday); Thursday, April 25 (ANZAC Day); and Monday, May 6 (Labour Day).

On these days essential services of personal care, meal preparation and medication assistance will be provided while domestic assistance, social support, respite and shopping services will not be. Your services supplied on these public holidays may not be with a known support worker and may not be at your preferred time due to staffing limitations.

The office will be closed these days. For information phone Jubilee on 3871 3220.

Hello. I hope that you have had a wonderful start to 2024 and enjoyed the festive period with your families and friends.
On behalf of the entire team at Jubilee Community Care, I thank you for choosing us to provide your support at home. If you require any assistance or additional support, or if you would just like to provide us with some feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by phoning our office on 3871 3220 or emailing admin@jccagedcare.org.au

Ageing often means you will experience a shift in your social circle, but it also offers opportunities to forge new social connections. Please consider joining any of the activities, events and/or outings that are organised by our wonderful activities staff. A list of activities and events are contained in this newsletter and online under the Activities menu at the top right of our website page. Please contact our office to request more details or to book your place.

This year Jubilee Community Care will update our Strategic Plan under the direction of Jubilee Board president Dr Judith Salecich. The plan, as with previous Strategic Plans, will ensure Jubilee Community Care strives to provide excellence in the services we provide for clients through the attraction and retention of great employees. It is anticipated that the updated plan will be launched at the Annual General Meeting later in the year.

The Government reforms of aged care services will continue in 2024 with the introduction of a new rights-based Aged Care Act, together with revised Aged Care Quality Standards. We will communicate further on these and other reforms in future editions of our newsletter.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all staff and volunteers for their great work, dedication and companionship they bring to the clients of Jubilee Community Care. We never cease to be amazed at the overwhelming positive feedback from clients and family members. Thank you to all staff, and to clients and families, for taking the time to communicate with our service.

Kindest regards,
Shaun Riley, Executive Director