Author: Hansel Almeida

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives, 

I hope you are all well. 

As you may have heard, Whiddon is collaborating on a research project to evaluate whether residents achieve better health outcomes if their medications are specifically prescribed, based on their individual genetics. Researchers study genes to understand why some people respond to a medication, while others do not, or why some people experience a side effect while others do not. We decided to join this study as we are committed to continuously improving the clinical care of our residents.

We discuss this with each resident and are contacting you as we have been alerted that you also need to provide consent if you agree to the resident you represent, joining the study. Participating residents have their cheek swabbed by one of our team to collect a sample that is sent for genetic testing, and an individual report with recommendations will go to the resident’s pharmacist and GP, who may use it to customise medication type and dose. Our aim is to minimise unwanted medication side effects and improve aged care residents’ quality of life.

Please follow the links below to find:

1. A Participant Information Sheet (PIS) (link here) which contains detailed information about the research project. This information is for you to keep.
2. A Participant Consent Form (PCF). (link here) If you agree to the resident you represent joining the study, this document needs to be filled in and signed. You may choose whichever option is most convenient for you to return it:

i. Sign electronically using Adobe Acrobat Reader (fill and sign tool) and then email back to e.wehbe@whiddon.com.au.

ii. Print, fill/sign and scan the document and then email it back to e.wehbe@whiddon.com.au.

iii. Print and sign, then bring the hard copy with you during your
next visit.

iv. Sign a printed copy available at our office when you come in.

v. Drop off a signed copy at the admin office during regular hours.

Thank you for your time and cooperation. 

Kind regards,
Alaya
Residential Services Manager

Dear Clients, 

We hope you are well. Please be aware that severe weather warnings are in place for the Northern and Mid North Coast regions of NSW. 

We will continue delivering Whiddon’s Home Care services while it is safe for our team members to travel. Should there be any changes to your service, we will contact you directly. 

• To stay up to date, we recommend: 

• Downloading and using the “Hazards Near Me” app 

• Listening to your local radio station 

• Checking the SES website for updates or calling 132 500 for assistance 

Remember, in an emergency, call 000. 

Please stay safe, and we will update you if there are any further changes. 

Thank you, 

The Whiddon Team 

Dear Team, 

Please be prepared for severe weather affecting the Northern and Mid North Coast regions of NSW over the coming days. 

To stay updated with official advice from emergency services, we recommend: 

• Downloading and using the “Hazards Near Me” app 

• Listening to your local radio station 

• Checking the SES website for updates or calling 132 500 for assistance 

• In an emergency, call 000 

At this stage, all services for clients will continue while it is safe to do so. Please plan your travel routes carefully and prioritise your safety during these weather events. 

Thank you, team. Stay safe, and we will keep you updated should anything change. 

The Whiddon Team 

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

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 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

Dear Whiddon Bourke Residents, Families & Representatives,

Please find important information regarding a visit to Whiddon Bourke from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission here:

Whiddon Bourke ACQSC Audit

You can find information and instructions on how to leave feedback via the above link.

Regards,

The Whiddon Team