After pioneering a new care service for nearly four years, ECH has made the difficult decision to close its 16-bed Care Hotel at College Grove, Walkerville. ECH is proud to have been the first in South Australia to pioneer this model of care, and such a decision is not taken lightly. Despite overwhelming interest before the pandemic, with support from third parties for the concept of a hotel model providing short-term stays for pre-and post-operative care, the Care Hotel has not realised financial viability and sustainability. Several factors, including launch timing, insufficient referrals for government-funded post-operative care and funding for short-term and overnight respite, plus the inability to claim services through private health funds, have all impacted the Care Hotel’s ongoing viability. ECH continues to offer our clients the services of our day programs, allied health, and fitness classes at College Grove; meaning, there will be no disruption to these services. ECH remains committed to pioneering and exploring new service opportunities and whilst this may be considered a setback, our dedication to providing exceptional care and support remains unwavering.

The Australian training institute LearnX has honoured our B Online Learning Management System, Evolve, with the Diamond Award for Learning and Talent Technology LMS at the national 2023 LearnX Awards. The Award recognises Evolve as an effective Learning Management System as well as celebrates the dedication and resilience of our team in overcoming challenges.  LearnX Awards are the pinnacle event, celebrating excellence and those at the forefront of the eLearning and training and development industry.  ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello said, “Congratulations to every one of you for embracing Evolve and contributing to this remarkable achievement. This achievement is a testament to the incredible efforts of everyone involved in implementing Evolve, our partnership with B Online Learning, and the positive impact it has made, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”    The learning pathways give staff the opportunity to complete training development at any time, in any place, and on any device.  ECH Learning & Capability Manager has said that “it is easy to use and has allowed ECH to streamline repetitive, manual, clunky processes to focus on producing and supporting meaningful and industry-specific eLearning to reflect the organisation’s strategic outcomes”   B Online Learning Co-Founder, Rebecca Verity said she was immensely proud of the result and emphasised the collaborative approach B Online Learning adopts with clients.  “We view our relationship with clients as a partnership, not a one-way street.

ECH is thrilled to be announced as a national finalist in the 2024 National Retirement Living Awards, celebrating high achievement across all parts of the retirement living sector.   Category: Award for Best Redevelopment – Not for profit Entry: ECH Encore Apartments Finalists List: retirementlivingawards.propertycouncil.com.au/finalists/   The ECH Encore Apartments in Modbury is approx. 15kms Northeast of Adelaide and amalgamates modern living with a strong sense of community, addressing a vital aspect of ageing gracefully at any stage. The overall experience is thoughtfully curated through an array of upscale amenities, including a community garden, gym (wellness centre), on-site café facilities, and a community hall, to elevate our residents’ lifestyles. ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello said, “it is an honour to be recognised as a National Finalist and no matter what happens next, we remain grateful to be included with this group of talented developers for the retirement living sector.” “The project’s unique approach, built to Gold Liveable Housing Design Standards has a focus on providing independence and community and includes fostering intergenerational connections, reflecting an innovative and inclusive approach to housing that goes beyond the typical guidelines.” “After making the commitment to develop on the Smart Road site, ECH sought to engage with key project partners and it was the early establishment of these partnerships, as well as ECH’s trust and support to deliver their vision, that set the team up for success.” ECH thanks: Walter Brooke Architects Aplin Cook…

With all three of Australia’s largest telcos set to close their 3G networks over the next nine months, ECH encourages clients to take note – especially if you are on the Vodaphone network (closed 15 Dec). In the lead up to the bushfire season, we deem this high risk (on your behalf). It is also an opportunity over Christmas, to consider Boxing Day sales and pick up a new phone bargain to ensure you always remain safe.   Some devices, including older mobile phones and medical devices, still rely on the 20-year-old network and telcos have warned that people with 3G mobile devices will not be able to call Triple-0 after networks cease to operate. An easy way to check, is to see if it says “3G” “4G” or “5G” on your mobile phone screen. The following image depicts a 5G network setting: Mobile 3G Network Closure We encourage you to check your network and if it is 3G you may want to consider an upgrade at this time. When is each telco shutting down 3G? Vodafone shut down its 3G services on Friday, December 15 Telstra will shut down its 3G network on June 30, 2024 Optus will switch off its 3G network in September 2024 Reference: www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-14/australia-3g-network-shut-down-vodafone/103230684…

You may have noticed that over this past year, while establishing our new long-term plan for our nearly 60-year-old South Australian organisation, we have welcomed more and more people to the ECH community. We look forward to celebrating our 60 year milestone with you all next year! In the meantime, we have also celebrated our residents who hold a long-standing commitment to ECH. Held annually, our 20 Plus luncheon is a celebration and our way of simply saying thanks. The 20 Plus Club now has 106 members with our longest member of 41 years being Patricia, who lives with us in Bowden Towers (Adelaide). On the day, we celebrated other milestones as follows: 20 years – 15 residents 25 years – 10 residents 30 years – 2 residents See below for more photos from the lunch. To help foster connections, we have provided our community with exclusive theatre experiences, interactive workshops, discounted theatre tickets and free footy tickets in collaboration with our partners Adelaide Festival, State Theatre Company and SANFL. Next year we will have more events, which will once again be a wonderful opportunity to meet other clients and residents. If you would like to keep up to date with future events and activities, please provide your email and contact details to us by emailing ask@ech.asn.au. At this time of year, it is our time to reflect and rejoice in the moments we have shared with you. The smiles and support we have been able to…

We acknowledge that the “festive season”, and Christmas time, isn’t always the joyous occasion shared by the media. Therefore, we extend our understanding and support to those who may be finding this time of year challenging. Whether you are on your own, or part of a large family with lots of social events, this time of year can be a stressful time for many reasons. We have written about this previously – and this article still holds great information: tips-for-beating-christmas-stress/ Importantly, remember to treat yourself to special meals and some nice gifts, and plan activities you love, like going for a walk or starting an activity you’ve always wanted to do. We at ECH, also understand the importance of companionship during this time. If you’re feeling lonely during the holiday season and are seeking a warm, festive atmosphere on Christmas Day, we have compiled a list of places hosting free or low-cost Christmas lunches below. Sharing a meal with others can be a wonderful way to find connection and celebrate the spirit of togetherness during the holidays. The list has been compiled by our Community Engagement Team, with these services and events spanning the Adelaide Metropolitan area, as well as the South Australian regional areas across the festive season. Send us a message if we have missed one that you know of, to include in our list: E: communityengagement@ech.asn.au CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHES ADELAIDE CITY Baptist Care SA (WESTCARE) Meals for people experiencing homelessness…

Voted by Australian consumers, ECH has been recognised nationally to have the highest quality of service provided to its 15,000 clients across 110 villages in South Australia, four Wellness Centres, four Day Programs and Care Hotel.   QSA 2024 AU Gold Home Care Services SA NT   DSC1088 311 DSC1089 312 DSC1090 313 Each year Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey, with the aim of uncovering Australians’ attitudes towards services from businesses and companies across different industries. At the ceremony held in Sydney, ECH was announced as the winner of the Home Care Services SA/NT category. Attended by our CE Claire Scapinello, she expressed her thanks to the entire ECH team for the dedication shown in the work they do every day to enable older South Australians to get more out of life. “This award recognition truly reflects ECH’s unwavering commitment to ensure people are able to live life well, no matter their age or stage in life’s journey, and for this I am immensely proud,” Ms Scapinello said.   “We understand it takes a special person to work in aged care – someone who is caring and passionate about making a real difference. Staff are continually trained in their respective fields so they can provide care and services that help clients live independently and confidently.” As ECH embarks on a new long-term strategy to transform the discourse, mindset, and actions…

ECH is proud to continue our commitment to fostering social connections through our ongoing sponsorship of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium (BGSH) in 2024. Through the sponsorship, ECH clients and employees continue to enjoy and experience events, workshops, and community activities, bringing people together and promoting a sense of community. ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello says the partnership serves great significance in raising awareness of a healthy wellbeing. “We are delighted to be working closely with the Botanic Garden and State Herbarium,” she says. “Community gardening and engaging with nature has proven to be physically and psychologically beneficial and reduces the risk of social isolation. At ECH we want to inspire our clients and our employees to nurture their wellbeing; it is so important.   On Friday 17 November, a group of ECH staff will be taking part in ‘Nature Based Wellbeing’ at the Botanic Garden and State Herbarium. It will be an indulgent and unforgettable experience for the soul and senses and will equip individuals with life-long skills to nourish their wellbeing and relationship with nature.

Once Des Milne retired, he didn’t think his collection of hammers and drills would be the tools to get him off the couch and engaged in a social activity. When Des and his wife downsized and moved into the ECH Encore Apartments in Modbury two years ago, he brought with him his collection of tools he had built over the years from being a tradesman. They are stored in ECH Encore Community Workshop. “I spoke to Tina from Echoes Montessori, which is part of the complex, asking her if I could help with any projects,” he says. “Through ECH, we were able to get some peg boards and work benches, and I got all my tools tagged and tested.” “Then one day, Tina asked if I would be interested in helping to assemble some pieces and do some handywork as part of the men’s shed.” And from then on, Des alongside his fellow resident Barry, have been kept busy building, fixing and assembling pieces for the Montessori as well as for residents of the complex. A men’s shed is community-based and provides a space for men to come together for various activities, socialisation and personal projects. Its primary goals are to promote social interaction, combat social isolation, improve mental health and offer a sense of purpose and camaraderie to participants. Since his involvement in the men’s shed, Des and the other three gentlemen, have come together and help build not only items and toys, but friendships too. “We’ve built a…

Notching up a dazzling 30-year career, Dr Gertrude Glossip has been a pioneer in sharing Adelaide’s vibrant LGBTQI+ history. As the alter ego of Will Sergeant, Dr Glossip was created for the Uranian Society, Adelaide’s forum for gay men’s culture, in 1993. Since then, she has been inspired and believed in the importance of showcasing the LGBTQI+ community’s stories – to each other and to a broader Adelaide audience, celebrating their resilience and identity. She has also achieved more than 50 walking tours, leading the Rainbow History walks at every Feast Festival since its inception in 1997. Topics ranged from the tragic death of Dr George Duncan in 1972 to modern issues like the impending revocation of the gay panic defence. Will marched in the inaugural Adelaide Pride Parade in 1973 and joined the first Sydney Mardi Gras in 1978. It wasn’t until 1997 that a small group of people from the 1978 events came together to plan the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Mardi Gras parade in 1998. This group became known as the 78ers and since 1998 has led each year’s parade. This year, as part of the Feast Festival, ECH is supporting Dr Glossip on her history anniversary walk. She will lead the walk which will retrace the route of ‘the proud parade’, hear tales of Gay Pride Week activism, and enjoy complimentary refreshments at the walk’s conclusion. This year marks Gay Pride Week’s 50th, Mardi Gras’ 45th, Gertrude’s 30th and Pride March Adelaide’s 20th…

Empowering older South Australians to live independently and confidently in the comfort of their own home as they age is the core value and purpose of ageing care provider ECH. As a leading profit-for-purpose organisation, ECH supports more than 15,000 clients across the state, delivered by a team of professionally trained staff. ECH home support workers not only cater to the varying needs of clients from daily routines, activities and quality of life, but they also arrive at their door with a warm and welcoming smile, ready for a chat. ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello says if older Australians can continue to take care of themselves and their households with support in place, their sense of dignity and independence is strengthened. “The ability to live independently empowers older individuals to maintain their sense of identity, control, and wellbeing as they age, contributing to a more fulfilling and satisfying later life,” Ms Scapinello says.   “Living independently often leads to greater emotional wellbeing as individuals can maintain their social connections and relationships, and that is what the ECH community aims to do every day.” ECH provides a range of services to people 65 years and over who qualify for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP), alternatively, support can be received as a self-funded client. Obtaining at-home services enable clients to get more time to do the things they enjoy. But it doesn’t end there – ECH Wellness Centres offer a welcoming environment and a team…

Leading South Australian ageing care provider ECH (Enabling Confidence at Home) has been recognised in the 2023 Future of Ageing Awards, taking out the Community Engagement category with its Walking Footy nomination. The award recognises ECH for its extraordinary work and commitment in supporting older people with the program, which was launched in March 2020 after a successful pilot in 2019. A collaboration between ECH and the SANFL, the modified Australian Rules Football program is aimed at over 50s, promoting physical activity and social connections. Games are non-contact, with four 10-minute quarters in teams of six or more, held at SANFL venues. ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello said the national accolade was a great achievement and is testament to the extensive efforts the organisation undertakes in enabling older members of the community to stay active and maintain social connections. “Our clients remain our focus in everything we do, so to ensure their needs are met, the entire ECH team works tirelessly to deliver a range of services, which includes activities that promote social connections and a healthy wellbeing,” Ms Scapinello said.   “I’m so proud of the entire ECH team and we are delighted with the Walking Footy program that we have created in collaboration with the SANFL. It’s a fun way to meet people and get the heart rate up.” “We know the importance of staying socially connected so we will continue our promise in offering opportunities to older South Australians to engage in enjoyable activities.” SANFL Head of…