Visiting hours

There is no restriction on visiting hours. However, there are a number of considerations to ensure the privacy and comfort of the residents.

Residents generally prefer to have breakfast, bathe and dress before the arrival of visitors. Early mornings are usually a busy time for residents and staff. Many residents also choose to retire early in the evenings. In all cases, the visitor should ask the resident and/or staff member for assistance in arranging suitable visiting times. The residents’ wishes will be taken into account in all cases.

Activities

Diversional Therapists are employed to develop and provide Activity Programs for the residents. Individual and group activities are provided with each resident’s needs, preferences and abilities taken into consideration. Special care is taken to include spiritual and cultural needs as identified in the Social Profile. This document is included with documentation sent prior to or on admission, and should be filled in as comprehensively as possible for this reason.

Residents are also encouraged to continue with as many activities in the wider community as possible. A monthly Activities Program is prepared and posted in the Recreation Room so relatives and friends can join activities wherever possible.

Excursions

The Diversional Therapy Department arranges excursions on a regular basis and permission from relatives/carers is necessary for this. The ‘Safe Outings for Residents’policy should be read and understood and permission can be given for these outings on the nominated form for blanket approval, or on an outing by outing basis.

Meals

Meals are prepared daily in the Berlasco Court kitchen, and three meals, as well as morning and afternoon tea and supper, are provided. Food preferences are discussed with residents and their representative(s) on admission and every effort is made to cater for individual preferences, taking into account cultural needs and special diets. Snacks and drinks are available at any time and there are tea and coffee making self-serve facilities for visitors in the Recreation Room and upstairs kitchenette

Languages

As a culturally competency organisation, Berlasco Court aims to support Residents from a wide range of CALD backgrounds with a recuitment and selection policy to engage staff from a wide range of cultural backgrounds who speak a variety of languages. There are formal and informal translating and interpreting services avaialable, and a range of written information in a wide variety of languages for reference and assistance.