“I never expected to make this decision for many yearsbut because <strong>of</strong> what happened to me I am so pleasedto be able to call Messer Hostel my home.”27<strong>Quality</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Care</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 2007-08
What Happens if youNeed to Move into aResidential <strong>Care</strong>FacilityHelping Our Aged ResidentsFeel At HomeEveryday, patients and their families arefaced with the sometimes unfortunatefact that returning to their own homesis just not an option at their stage inlife. The quality <strong>of</strong> care for our agedcare residents is important to us. Thesocial and emotional needs <strong>of</strong> theelderly are just as critical as physicalhealth in ensuring wellbeing.The standard <strong>of</strong> care provided at all<strong>Ballarat</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Services</strong> residential carefacilities is <strong>of</strong> an extremely highstandard. All staff work tirelessly toachieve total compliance in all 44expected outcomes <strong>of</strong> the Aged <strong>Care</strong>and Accreditation Standards.WB MesserIs a 45 bed low-level care facilitysituated on the Queen Elizabeth Villagesite in Gillies Street, Wendouree. Thefacility is comprised <strong>of</strong> four joinedhouses, each featuring their ownkitchen, dining room and privatelounge, while the 45 bedrooms all haveensuites. The Queen Elizabeth Villageis located beside one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ballarat</strong>’s majorshopping centres and features directpedestrian access.Public transport is also readilyaccessible. The facility is located on alarge well-manicured site with apeaceful rear garden area. Residentshave access to a visiting Podiatrist andhairdresser, telephone, television andVCR, CD and tape player, librarybooks, newspaper, postal services anda small shop on site. There is anactivity room, dry cleaning service, anddirect access to a major shoppingcentre, courtyard access from eachhouse, single rooms with ensuite,activities programs, and furnishedrooms.To address the care needs <strong>of</strong> residentsthere are 24 hour care staff, 24 houraccess to nursing staff, manager on siteas well as the Director <strong>of</strong> Nursing.Your Experience Residents StoryNoel EdwardsNoel Edwards a resident at WBMesser shares his experience <strong>of</strong>having to make this unexpecteddecision; “After a very quick rideto Epworth with the lights andsirens blazing, I was not aware <strong>of</strong>anything for several days, buteventually awoke to find that inthe process <strong>of</strong> operating on amassive aortic aneurism it wasnecessary to close <strong>of</strong>f the bloodsupply to my spine for 30minutes. Result, still alive butnow a paraplegic. I then spentsome time at CaulfieldRehabilitation Hospital and thensome months at the QueenElizabeth Rehabilitation Centre.It was during this time I realized Iwas unable to care for myselfeasily or even properly in awheelchair. It is difficult to makea bed, handle a stove, get closeto a sink, use top or bottomcupboards as well as vacuumcleaner, lawn mower and all theother tasks I took for granted.I was <strong>of</strong>fered a room at MesserHostel and took it although alittle apprehensive about living ina home, soon got over thatfeeling. However, my room is bigand I have filled it with books,music computer, personalrefrigerator favorite paintings andpictures, writing desk and otherpersonal things.In looking for some <strong>of</strong> theindependence I had lost, my carwas fitted with hand controls anda hoist on the ro<strong>of</strong> to lift mywheelchair up to transport it. Ipassed a new license test and cannow drive myself tophysiotherapy mostly, but really toany other place I choose providedit does not have steps.My new home is warm andfriendly and as I <strong>of</strong>ten go out dayor night, a nice greeting is therewhen I come home even at 1.20am as has happened on twooccasions with another late nightevent on my calendar planned fornext month.”Noel enjoys an evening <strong>of</strong> entertainment with friends<strong>Ballarat</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Services</strong> <strong>Quality</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Care</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 2007-08 28
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