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Suncare prides itself on working compassionately and genuinely listening to the needs of individuals, carers and family members. Our aim is to identify their own strengths, goals and aspirations, and to address their needs in timely and creative ways.
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Community gathers for Celebration of Country
The Buderim community gathered at St Mark’s Anglican Church on 24 January to share in the annual Celebration of Country with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and community. This event provided an opportunity to pay respect and learn about the rich history of the Traditional Custodians of our local area. Lyndon Davis, Aunty Hope O’Chin and Uncle Paul Calcott presented films and documentaries which highlighted the importance of this heritage, including ‘Maroochy Gunyah’ about the building traditions of the First Peoples in South East Queensland.
At Suncare we believe there is much to learn from Australia’s First Peoples in our communities. When Elders pass down stories from generation to generation it preserves culture and builds a strong connection to the land. Learning about our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Peoples culture makes our communities resilient and our lives immeasurably richer. Pictured above: Suncare's Richard Johnson and Christina Fletcher with Aunty Betty McMahon and Aunty Merle Amos.
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My Active and Healthy Ageing: frailty study
Suncare is participating in a groundbreaking study which aims to identify older adults at risk of developing frailty and assess the capacity of different interventions to reduce the risk of developing frailty. The multi-national study is being conducted by Associate Professor Mathew Summers at the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute.
Older adults with frailty are at increased risk of falls, which leads to a loss of independence and may contribute to increased need for residential care. The My Active and Healthy Ageing study is designed to develop and test a new computer-based platform to detect risk markers for frailty and to intervene to prevent the development of clinical frailty.
If you or anyone you know is interested in participating in the study, please contact Matthew McClymont (Ph: 0403 470 148 or matthew.m@suncare.org.au). There is much value for participants to be part of this trial and we encourage people to get involved.
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Members enjoy refreshing outings
Our social support group has been seeking cooler climes to enjoy their excursions during this hot weather. Members welcomed the shady trees at Mapleton Tavern and appreciated the breeze from the river at Tewantin. Secrets on the Lake was also popular as it has a wonderful outlook over the lake which made us feel refreshed! After a relaxing stroll among the beautiful trees and plants at Tanawah Botanical gardens everyone tucked into a delicious picnic provided by Meals on Wheels. ABOVE: The Monday group from the Maroochydore Day Respite Centre having a rest after their short stroll among the rainforest trees at the Maroochy Botanical Gardens. Next month they will visit Mudjimba Beach park for a breath of sea air. These short outings have proved such a hit that we're introducing a scenic drive for the Wednesday group too. If you know anyone who would like to explore the Sunshine Coast with us or come to the Day Respite Centre please call us on 5475 8200 for more information.
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Staff spotlight: Ken Mathieson
 Ken has been working as a Support Worker for Suncare in Rockhampton for three years, but his working life has been a remarkable journey of management, support and care.
Some years ago, Ken worked as a Yard Master at Mayne with Queensland Rail, overseeing train movements within Mayne Electric / Diesel Shed. From there, he spent several years working for Australia Post as a Shift Manager at Brisbane Airport with Border Control Operations. Both roles were fulfilling, however Ken realised his real passion lay in the aged care sector.
So for a time, Ken volunteered with Uniting Care's Community Visitors Scheme, a program for nursing home residents identified as having no visitors and are buddied up with a volunteer to visit them regularly. Ken declared this was, “a most wonderful and rewarding scheme to have been a part of”.
Ken then went on to work in nursing homes for 16 years as an AIN, which was the lead to Ken's current work as a Support Worker.
“What stands out for me being part of the Suncare team is the great satisfaction of being surrounded by co-workers in a team environment who are all focused and dedicated to the one cause - the best possible outcome for the client.”
At 59 years of age, Ken is blessed with eight grandchildren (with one more on the way!), the oldest aged 19.
Ken and his partner Roslyn have travelled overseas several times but he says spending time with the grandkids is hard to beat.
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Consumer guide supports home living
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The Independent Living Centre WA has released a consumer guide on simple assistive equipment and home modification options to support older people to remain independent at home. The Making Choices, Finding Solutions Guide provides useful tips and advice to help people to manage everyday tasks and common frustrations.
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Online mental health resources available
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Head to Health is a new government website which connects Australians with trusted digital and phone mental health resources. It provides links to:
- free or low-cost apps
- online support communities and forums
- online courses
- phone, email and chat services.
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Do you know anyone who might have a few hours to spare and enjoys driving - whether retired or claiming Centrelink (volunteering may be classified as work for Centrelink payment purposes).
We require volunteer drivers to assist customers to and from appointments. Suncare provides the vehicle. We're looking for:
- A safe and responsible driver with an open Qld Licence
- A genuine passion to help people
- Good communicator – friendly and chatty
- Patience
- Punctuality
If you know of anyone please refer them to Suncare Community Services on 1800 786 227 or info@suncare.org.au.
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