Resident Care
Index
A general description
Profile
Explanatory Notes re entry procedures
History of the Home
Resident information (resident care)
W A general description W
The Queen Victoria Home offers a wide range of services and facilities combined with many different housing options and styles.
Staff of the Queen Victoria Home are committed to not only supplying support for you to live your life with security, but also to providing for your social needs to the degree that you choose. You may live with as much independence and privacy as you choose or take part in as many activities as you wish. Every resident is free to contribute to the daily affairs of their Home.
To leave the familiar environment of your own home can be an extremely difficult decision. We therefore encourage you and your family, prior to admission, to arrange to meet with the Director of Nursing to look over the Home. This will provide you with the opportunity to find out further information about the facilities the Queen Victoria Home has to offer, and also help make the transition process a little easier.
W Profile W
Located in Lindisfarne, a suburb of Hobart, on the Eastern Shore of the Derwent River, less than ten minutes from the City Centre.
Origins of the Home date back to 1891, when it was first established as a Convalescent Home for people recovering from hospital treatment.
Philosophy of the Board of Management and Staff is to support each Resident's independence. Care is offered to residents in a manner that will preserve dignity and self esteem by Staff who are conscious of their role as facilitators of independence.
The Home is a community organisation, operated by a Board of Management on a not-for-profit basis to maintain a Home for the benefit of aged men and women, irrespective of creed or country, and conducted on Christian but non-sectarian principles.
The Queen Victoria is now home to many residents from all walks of life. It is licensed for 139 residents receiving government subsidised residential aged care.
The Home operates 24 independent living units, known as Victoria Mews, 10 independent living apartments known as Victoria Apartments, and a further 9 independent living units at Quarry Court, a short distance away.
The Home employs over 130 staff to provide care and associated services to its residents. It has a wage commitment in excess $3.1million for 1999-2000 and a capital works budget of over $3.5million for the same period.
W Explanatory Notes re entry procedures W
Health/Medical Considerations
1. Residents need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (Department of Community & Health Services). Contact is available direct or through your Doctor.
2. Once assessed as needing either Low Level (Hostel) or High Level (Nursing) Care make direct contact with your preferred Home. The Aged Care Assessment Team will ask you for your preferred Homes.
Waiting lists - The Queen Victoria runs a waiting list. Prospective residents may wish to join that list prior to being assessed by the Assessment Team.
Appointments are available with the Director of Nursing and the Deputy Director of Nursing to answer your specific queries and view the Home. Please contact the General Office of the Home to make an appointment.
Financial Considerations
There are two financial aspects relevant to entry to the Queen Victoria Home:
a) Ongoing charges, and;
b) Accommodation payments.
a) Ongoing charges
Are based on an income test and are related to the aged pension. The basic daily care fee is equal to 85% of the single aged pension. These charges are payable monthly in advance and cover meals, personal care needs, light and power, rates and cleaning for example.
Residents need to meet their own costs of clothing, private medical insurance, telephone, toiletries, contents insurance, discretionary personal expenditure and some care items not included in the Government list of prescribed services.
b) Accommodation payments
When entering Residential Aged Care you may be asked to make one of two types of accommodation payments:
1) people entering high level (nursing) care may be asked to pay an accommodation charge of up to $12.00 per day
2) people entering low level (hostel) care may be asked to pay an accommodation bond.
The Government has authorised that regular amounts, called retention fees, are deducted from the accommodation bond every month, up to a maximum of five (5) years. Currently this regular monthly amount is $220.00. The balance of the accommodation bond is refundable to the resident when they vacate the Home.
The level of your assets affects the amount of accommodation payment you may have to pay. The Queen Victoria Home may require a declaration of your assets before admission to the Home.
These notes are intended as a guide only; they do not cover all possible situations that can arise when residents come to our Home.
Further detailed information is available from the Home or from the Department of Health & Aged Care.
Should you have specific queries please address your letters to: -
Chief Executive Officer
Queen Victoria Home Inc
PO Box 20
LINDISFARNE TASMANIA 7015
W History of the Home W
Origins of the Home date back to 1891, first established as the convalescent home at Bridgewater and later at New Town, care was provided to people recovering from hospital treatment.
In 1896, the name was changed to Victoria Convalescent Home in honour of Queen Victoria’s jubilee year.
In 1898, the Tasmanian Supreme Court authorised the W.A. Guesden estate trustees to purchase an area of land of about 3.6ha at Lindisfarne for the Home.
The old two-storey building, which stood on the land, was formerly the Beltana Hotel, the land and building cost 1,400 pounds.
During World War II the Australian Red Cross Society, acting for the army, used the building as a rest and convalescent home for servicewomen.
In the 1950’s, the need for better facilities for the care of aged people became apparent and the use of the building was then dedicated to the care of the aged.
In 1959 The Queen Victoria Home for the Aged was incorporated as a non profit-making association under section 28 of the Companies Act 1920, to maintain a home for the benefit of aged men and women, irrespective of creed or country, and to be conducted on Christian but non-sectarian principles.
The existing Home was built in 1959 from a grant under the provisions of the Aged Persons Homes Act and from proceeds from the sale of building blocks on the perimeter of the Home’s property.
The new Home was officially opened on 12 November 1960.
The C K Murphy Wing, which provided accommodation for a further 22 residents was added in 1962.
The generous support and assistance of the Lindisfarne R.S.L. resulted in the addition of the R.S.L. Wing in the late 1970’s. This comprised 4 new modern rooms.
In 1992 the Home entered into an agreement with the City of Clarence to take over the operation of their Quarry Court units, which were providing independent living for eligible aged residents. These units have been successfully integrated into the operation of the Home.
Extensive internal refurbishments were completed in 1996; this provided a completely new kitchen facility, dining room and amenities room.
This was closely followed by the completion of 14 hostel units in November 1996. Care is provided to these residents in a very independent situation.
In February 1998 the Home opened 24 independent living units built on vacant land at the rear of the Home. They are known as Victoria Mews.
The new Southern Wing was completed in November 1999; this contains 47 resident rooms, 10 Apartments (Victoria Apartments), lounges, auditorium, pool, hairdresser and multi-purpose areas.
W
Resident
information (resident care)
W Accounts
Account payments may be made between 10.00 am to 4.00 pm each week day.
Activities
Residents are actively encouraged to continue past and present leisure pursuits, however the Home offers an extensive range of daily activities to suit most interests including: crafts, music appreciation, gentle exercise, poetry groups, discussion groups, cooking, games, bingo, indoor bowls, films and video etc.Excursions using the Home's bus are organised on a regular basis and trips include: shopping, lunches, places of interest, drives in the country, public events, river cruises and entertainment.Activities are prominently displayed on a weekly calendar.Community groups and entertainers visit the Home regularly to hold musical afternoons, performances, fashion parades and in-house shopping.All special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Mothers Day, Cup Days, St. Patrick's Day etc are celebrated with activities, events and appropriate menus.
Accidental breakage
Residents are not responsible for any accidental breakage or damage to property owned by the QVH.Staff entering the resident's room (with the resident's permission) in the course of their duties are not responsible for any accidental damage that may occur to the resident's personal property.
Alcohol
Alcohol may be enjoyed in moderation, but must be stored securely.
Cars and Parking
Specific car parking spots are available for residents and will be allocated on admission to the Home. The Home however, can take no responsibility for the security of the car, nor accept any liability for accidental damage that may be caused to a Resident's car.
Complaints
If Residents or their families are concerned about any issue staff are happy to assist on all occasions. Residents may also address concerns directly to the Registered Nurse in charge of a shift, the Director of Nursing or Chief Executive Officer.Residential Care Service Agreements between the Home and the Resident also provide for a more formal method of complaint resolution if it was necessary.The Charter of Resident Rights is available on audio tape on request.In addition Residents may contact an Advocacy Service or address their concern to the Aged Care Complaints Resolution Scheme (1 800 550 552 free call).
Doctors
Residents may use any doctor of their choice in any locality. However, there are a number of doctors' surgeries situated in close proximity to the Home.
Donations
The Queen Victoria Home is a public benevolent institution for the purposes of Section 78 of the Income Tax Act, donations made to the Home are tax deductible.
Drycleaning
We have access to this service and any clothes which are not suitable to be washed may be sent to the cleaners at the resident's own expense.
Electrical Appliances
QVH has stringent safety standards. The use of any personal electrical appliances must be discussed with the Sister in Charge before use.
Fan Heaters
The use of these is not permitted in the Home under any circumstances because of fire and safety regulations.
Fees
Fees are due and payable monthly in advance. Residents have a number of options for payment - direct remittance or payment to the Home, bank authority to credit the bank account of the Home.The office staff are available to fully discuss these matters with you.
Hairdresser
A qualified hairdresser visits the Home on a regular basis. An appointment is necessary.
Hospital, dental, x-ray, pathology, etc visits
The Home will arrange transportation as required, the cost of which is the residents' responsibility. As the Home is staffed to the level of care required within the Home it is difficult to escort Residents on such visits. Volunteer services may by available or a fee for staff escort may apply.
Insurance
Buildings, furniture and contents owned by the Home are fully insured. However, this does not cover the loss, damage or theft of personal belongings or furniture owned by residents. It is the responsibility of each resident to contact an insurance company if cover is required.The Home does not encourage large sums of money or valuables to be retained in resident's rooms and will accept no responsibility for any losses so incurred.
Kiosk
The Ladies Auxiliary runs a well-stocked kiosk. It provides toiletries, stamps, sweets etc. for residents, staff and visitors. Situated near the Main Lounge, the kiosk is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10.00 am - 12 noon.
Laundry and Clothing
It is recommended that you consult with the Director of Nursing regarding the most appropriate clothing and personal items to be brought into the Home, and also as to the quantity that is required.Resident clothing is required to be clearly labeled, the Home can provide details of recommended businesses who provide suitable labels.There is a separate fully equipped laundry available for use by residents who wish to take care of their own washing.
Legacy and bequests
The Home is indebted over many years to those people who have chosen to remember the Queen Victoria Home in their wills. The Home's financial needs are under ever increasing demands. Might we commend to you the thought of remembering the Queen Victoria Home in your will. Donations to the Queen Victoria Home are tax deductible. Please contact the Office for more information.
Library
A library book service is available for residents, including large print through the Red Cross Service. Hear-a-Book services are also available through the Home.
Mail
Letters and other incoming mail is hand delivered to residents' rooms each weekday morning.
There is a post box for outgoing mail that is cleared on a daily basis.
Maintenance
The Home ensures that all residents' rooms are kept in good repair. Any maintenance requests are processed through the general office and are attended to promptly, either by in-house staff or outside contractors/trades people.
Meals and menu
Breakfast is served to each resident in his/her room.Appetising and nutritious midday and evening meals are served in the Main Dining Room unless otherwise advised by the Sister-in-Charge. Morning and afternoon teas are also served in the dining room/lounge area.Individual requests for variations to the menu choices are fulfilled wherever possible, and the personal likes and dislikes of residents are taken into consideration when the menus are being planned by our qualified chefs.Special dietary needs such as diabetic, low salt, vegetarian, religious, cultural, etc are fully catered. Choice is available and the weekly menu is displayed just outside the Dining Room.
Medical, dental, optical and pharmaceutical expenses
Are each resident's own responsibility.
Money and Valuables
The Home offers Residents the opportunity to charge most additional services that Residents may require to their monthly account. These items include for example hairdressing, dry cleaning, kiosk purchases and pharmacy expenses.Consequently Residents do not need to carry large amounts of money, in fact this is discouraged by the Home.
Newspapers
The local newsagent will deliver newspapers and magazines to suit individual requirements at the residents' own expense.
Other Health and Related Services
The Home supports the access of Residents to other services and complementary therapies that may not be provided by the Home. Resident needs and preferences will be considered in the development and ongoing review of each Residents' individual care plan. The Home will provide information appropriate to assist Residents in making informed choices.
Pastoral Care
Members of the clergy make regular visits to the Home, together with regular Church services being conducted. Notices are prominently displayed to indicate the times of various services. We also encourage residents to maintain links with the Church they have attended prior to living at the Queen Victoria Home.
Podiatry
A podiatrist attends residents on a monthly basis. A charge is payable by Low Level Care (hostel) Residents.
Power of Attorney
An "enduring power of attorney" is a special Power of Attorney a person can execute whilst they are still capable of making legal and financial decisions for themselves. It enables residents to choose someone to help manage their legal and financial affairs, as the resident would want during any periods of incapacity.If the resident has not signed an Enduring Power of Attorney and becomes incapacitated, then a Court would need to appoint somebody. This can be costly and time consuming and the person appointed may not be a person of the residents' choice. An enduring Power of Attorney is recommended.
Public Telephone
A pay phone available for resident and staff use is located near the Main Dining Room.
Reception
Reception is available for general enquiries 9.00 am - 5.00 pm each weekday.
Residents' Meeting
All residents are encouraged to attend a meeting, which is held every three months. The meeting is chaired by a Board member and offers a forum for comment on any aspect of the Home. Issues, problems and suggestions are all discussed freely and many improvements have been initiated through these meetings.The residents have appointed 3 representatives to speak on their behalf on some occasions; issues may therefore also be raised through these representatives.Additional opportunities for comment on any issue exist through any staff member, members of the Board, or an independent Advocacy Service.Resident suggestions, opinions and feedback are highly valued. The "Have your Say" form provides a further opportunity for Residents to express their views.
Resident Newsletter
The Home produces a quarterly newsletter for the information and enjoyment of Residents and their families. Resident input is actively encouraged by way of interesting stories, poems, letters to the Editor, etc.
Resident Surveys
From time to time the Home will conduct surveys of Residents. Residents and their families are encouraged to participate. These surveys provide the Home with important data to measure our delivery of care.
Role of Friends and Relatives
Relatives and friends are actively encouraged to be part of the team that provides care, to continue to provide those close and personal friendships that facilitate the important link to activities outside the Home.Every encouragement is given to residents to take social outings with friends and family. We ask, as a matter of courtesy, that reasonable notice is given to staff so that residents can be assisted, and to organise medication and the loan of any aids such as wheelchairs etc. that may be required.a) VisitingThere are no fixed visiting hours. Visitors to the Home are welcome at any reasonable time. However, the meal times of the residents need to be respected and, in the interest of the dignity and privacy of residents, we prefer visits after 10.00 am.We ask that all visitors be ever mindful that they are a guest in another person's home, and that the needs and wishes of residents should therefore be respected at all times.For security the external doors are locked each evening, but an adjacent bell notifies staff on duty for operation of the door.b) Overnight leaveCommonwealth Government funding policy allows residents a total of fifty-two (52) days overnight leave away from the Home each financial year. As the costs to the Home remain unchanged during leave periods, the normal fee will be charged. Should you take leave in excess of 52 days you may be charged an additional amount to cover the loss of the care subsidy.Residents intending to spend "leave time" with their family or friends should inform the Sister-In-Charge accordingly.
Room Requirements
Residents are encouraged to bring any personal effects and small furniture items which will comfortably fit into the room.This includes much loved items which make life enjoyable such as bedspreads, photos, pictures and ornaments.
Smoking
Residents and staff enjoy a smoke free environment both in the Home and in its surrounds.
Telephone
Private telephones may be installed. All installation, rental and call costs are the responsibility of the individual. If at any time a change of rooms requires moving a fixed telephone installation, any costs involved are also the resident's responsibility.
Transportation
There is a regular bus service that operates past the main entrance to the Home. Taxis will call at the Home upon request. There is a free-call taxi phone located in the foyer.
Walls
We encourage residents to hang their pictures etc. in their rooms and the maintenance staff will install picture hooks where required.
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