Year: 2025

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives of Taylor House,

Please be advised that Whiddon Taylor House is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak in Straughen 2

Please note:

• Visiting may still occur during this period, restricted to resident rooms.
• Visitors are required to follow our safety precautions including:
  • RAT to be attended on entry and N95 mask to be applied upon entering the home
  • Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitisers are strongly encouraged. Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the care home.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing whenever possible. Visits should be conducted in resident rooms or on balconies.
• All visitors are encouraged to consider postponing any visits if they are unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms. The safety of our residents and team members is our number one priority.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our team manage this outbreak.

The Whiddon Team

To the Wingham team,

I wanted to reach out to provide you with an update following the recent extreme weather event.  While the floodwaters may have receded, we understand that the impact continues to be far-reaching, impacting team members, residents, loved ones and the broader community.

With this said, as an organisation, Whiddon is here to support you and the Wingham community as best we can, as we have a role to play now and in the future.

In addition to other support initiatives we have been a part of, I’m incredibly proud to share that we’ve recently collaborated with Need for Feed, and together, we’ve successfully donated a truckload of essential feed to local Wingham farmers. This initiative aims to provide some much-needed relief to those whose livelihoods have been significantly affected.

Beyond this, we are actively working with some other agencies to further aid and support the Wingham community. Our focus is on identifying and addressing key needs, and we’ll keep you updated as these partnerships develop.

Your resilience and dedication, especially during these trying times, are truly inspiring. Please continue to look out for yourselves and each other. We are all part of the Whiddon family, and we will always do our best for our people.

Warm regards,

Chris Mamarelis

Dear Families, Friends and Representatives,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of an incident involving one of our residents from Taylor House. Yesterday, while returning from a visit to the local shops, the resident was involved in an alleged hit-and-run accident at a nearby intersection.

We have since been informed that the resident has sadly passed away in hospital.

We are working closely with the police as they investigate this incident and seek to identify the driver involved.

The resident’s family has been contacted, and we are providing them with our full support during this incredibly difficult time.

Please be assured that all other residents are safe and well. Should there ever be any concerns regarding your loved one, we will contact you directly.

Due to the nature of the incident, there may be media coverage in the coming days. We understand this may be distressing and are here to support our residents, families, and employees as we navigate this together.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
Chris Mamarelis
CEO, Whiddon

Dear Team,

You may be aware that late yesterday, one of our residents was involved in an alleged hit and run accident while he was out walking and returning from a visit to the local shops. Sadly, today we have learned that he has since passed away in hospital from his injuries.

For those not aware, the resident is Boris, from our Men’s Shed, who many of you may have been familiar with and met over the years at Easton Park. Boris lived in our Taylor House Home and was a real character whose presence will be dearly missed here at Glenfield.

As we so often see at Whiddon, our teams rallied around to provide assistance to Police and Ambulance, and I would like to personally thank Lynda Neil, Diya Lal and Frank Mathe for your efforts yesterday. My apologies if I have missed anyone.

While we work in aged care, and are privileged to care for our elders, this is a sad and tragic accident, so please ensure you reach out to Hapstar for immediate support if you need it.

Our thoughts are with Boris’s family during this difficult time, along with all team members impacted by this tragic event.

We are all here to support each other so please reach out if you need anything at all.

Chris Mamarelis

Dear Home Care Clients,

The Australian Government has announced a deferral in the implementation of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home Program, now scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2025 rather than the initial date of 1 July 2025. At Whiddon, we have already made considerable progress towards these reforms and were advanced in our planning.

This delay is beneficial as it allows us more time to implement the reforms with greater precision, care, and the high quality you expect from Whiddon.

Although the Strengthened Aged Care Standards will not be implemented until November, Whiddon’s Relationship-Based Care Approach ensures that you will continue to receive personalised support and continuity of care as promoted by the reform.

Please be assured that your services and fees remain unchanged, and we will reach out to discuss how the changes in November will impact you.

If you have any enquiries regarding what this means for you or your care, please do not hesitate to contact your Care Coordinator; we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Warm regards, 

The Whiddon Home Care Team 

Dear Home Care Clients, 

We’re writing to update you on recent changes to the Government’s Aged Care Reform and what they mean for your care and services with Whiddon. 

You would have recently received a letter from us about the new Support at Home Program. Since sending this letter, the Government has announced it is officially delaying the new Support at Home program until 1 November 2025.  

While this change delays the transition, we want to reassure you that your current services and care team will continue without interruption. 

What You Need to Know 

• No Immediate Changes: You will continue to receive the same services and support from your current Care Coordinator. There is no change to your bookings or service delivery. 

• Our current Home Care Package Pricing Schedule will continue until the new Support at Home pricing commences from 1 November 2025. 

• Your Budget and Agreement: We will work with you to review your budget, consult with you on the new pricing and ensure you understand any changes before November. A new Support at Home Agreement will be provided for your review and confirmation closer to the transition date. 

What’s Next? 

Your Care Coordinator will be in touch to discuss your individual budget and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also record your consent to the updated pricing so we can prepare your new agreement in advance of the November transition. 

We’re here to support you through these changes and ensure your care continues smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Warm regards, 

The Whiddon Home Care Team 

Dear Residents and Families, 

We’re writing to update you on the Government’s decision to officially delay the implementation of the new Aged Care Act. Originally scheduled to commence on 1 July 2025, the new Act will now come into effect on 1 November 2025.  

This delay was agreed to ensure that aged care providers, like Whiddon, have the time needed to prepare systems, train staff, and implement the changes with the quality and care you deserve. 

What This Means for You 

• No Immediate Changes: Your care, fees, and daily life at Whiddon will continue as usual. There is no change to your care team or the way we support you. 

• More Time to Prepare: The delay gives us additional time to strengthen our systems, update documentation, and ensure our teams are fully trained and ready to support you through the transition. 

• Continued Focus on Quality: Our commitment to relationship and rights-based care remains unchanged. We are using this time to enhance our readiness and ensure a smooth and respectful transition to the new standards. 

What’s Next? 

We will continue to keep you informed as we move closer to the new implementation date in November. You can expect further updates from us in the coming months, including information about your rights under the new Act and any changes that may affect you. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about the reforms, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Residential Services Manager, or our Customer Relations Team on 1300 738 388 or hello@whiddon.com.au. 

Thank you for your continued trust in Whiddon and your patience with these changes.  

Warm regards,
The Whiddon Team 

Dear Residents and Families, 

We’re writing to update you on the Government’s decision to officially delay the implementation of the new Aged Care Act. Originally scheduled to commence on 1 July 2025, the new Act will now come into effect on 1 November 2025.  

This delay was agreed to ensure that aged care providers, like Whiddon, have the time needed to prepare systems, train staff, and implement the changes with the quality and care you deserve. 

What This Means for You 

• No Immediate Changes: Your care, fees, and daily life at Whiddon will continue as usual. There is no change to your care team or the way we support you. 

• More Time to Prepare: The delay gives us additional time to strengthen our systems, update documentation, and ensure our teams are fully trained and ready to support you through the transition. 

• Continued Focus on Quality: Our commitment to relationship and rights-based care remains unchanged. We are using this time to enhance our readiness and ensure a smooth and respectful transition to the new standards. 

What’s Next? 

We will continue to keep you informed as we move closer to the new implementation date in November. You can expect further updates from us in the coming months, including information about your rights under the new Act and any changes that may affect you. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about the reforms, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Residential Services Manager, or our Customer Relations Team on 1300 738 388 or hello@whiddon.com.au. 

Thank you for your continued trust in Whiddon and your patience with these changes.  

Warm regards,
The Whiddon Team 

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We would like to provide an update to all families regarding the Gastroenteritis outbreak at Whiddon Easton Park.  We have experienced more cases in the home. The families of residents who are directly affected have been notified.

To assist in controlling the outbreak, we strongly encourage you to delay your visit where possible to protect your own wellbeing and to avoid any further potential spread.  If you are unwell or experiencing symptoms, please refrain from visiting the home.

If it is necessary that you visit, please wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before visiting and when leaving the home. If you have any questions, please contact the nurse in charge.

Further updates will be provided in due course, and we thank you for your understanding during this time.

Regards,
Whiddon

Dear Whiddon Easton Park Families, Friends and Representatives, 

We are holding information sessions on the new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and would love for you to attend.  These sessions aim to provide valuable knowledge around the new Aged Care Act coming into action from the 1st of July.

The time, dates and locations for the sessions are as follows:

• Arthur Webb Court: L3 | 10th June | 1.30pm
• Taylor House: L2 Activities Area | 12th June | 1.30pm
• EPU: L2 Marge Naylor Dining | 10th June | 10.45am
• SDM: L1 Treloar Activity room | 12th June | 10.45 am

Please note – you are welcome to attend any session that suits you.  

We look forward to seeing you at a session.

Regards,
Whiddon