Author: Hansel Almeida

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

Dear Families,

An update on the flooding event occurring on the Mid-North Coast and Hunter region.

Conditions appear to be improving around our Largs home. The home remains fully operational.  The residents remain fine, and are in good spirits.

Our team is closely monitoring the situation and liaising with the SES.

If anything changes, we will update you immediately. While the phones are currently working, if you have trouble reaching the home, please call us on 1300 738 388 and we’ll pass on your message.

Thank you for your patience and support during this time.
-Whiddon

Dear Clients,

An update on the flooding event occurring on the Mid-North Coast.

For Wingham-based Clients: The rain is subsiding, and flood water levels are continuing to recede, but we will continue to monitor the weather and take any direction from the SES.

Service delivery will return to normal where it is safe to do so. Our Scheduling Team will contact you as required to inform you of any changes.

For Redhead, Hunter and Laurieton-based Clients, Whiddon will continue with our home care services as long as it is safe to do so. If anything changes, we will be in touch with you.

It’s important to continue to monitor:

• The Hazard Watch website for Wingham: link
• The Hazard Watch website for Laurieton: link and
• ABC News Radio for weather updates.

For urgent situations, call the SES at 132 500 or dial 000 in an emergency.

Take care, and we will keep you updated.

Thank you,
Whiddon

Dear Families,

An update on the flooding event in the Wingham area.

The rain is subsiding, and flood water levels are continuing to recede, but we will continue to monitor the weather and take any direction from the SES.

All residents and staff remain safe. The service remains fully operational. The home has power, water, and phone services, and is well-stocked with all provisions, including food and medication. However, mobile phone coverage will remain impacted.

If anything changes, we will update you immediately. While the phones are currently working, if you have trouble reaching the home, please call us on 1300 738 388 and we’ll pass on your message.

Thank you for your patience and ongoing support during this time.

• Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Following consultation with the Public Health Unit, we are pleased to inform you that the COVID-19 outbreak in Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin has been officially declared over.

Masks and RA testing are no longer required when visiting the home, however we ask you to please refrain from visiting if you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms. The health of our residents and employees is our utmost priority.

Kind Regards,
– Whiddon