HAIRDRESSING

A hairdresser visits St Francis Hostel once a week, with appointments being made through the Carers, Receptionist or privately.  Resident’s representatives may consult with the hairdresser if necessary.  The hairdressing service is provided as a private arrangement at reasonable cost to the resident.

PODIATRY

This service can be provided within the Hostel environment for all residents.  A podiatrist visits the Hostel fortnightly.  Residents can make their own private appointments, Carers can provide assistance if requested. Bookings may be made with the Senior Supervisor / Carer.  Residents who wish to attend their former podiatrist may continue to do so.  If any resident needs further information or help in this regard please inform the Senior Supervisor.

PHYSIOTHERAPY & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

The Hostel provides a Physiotherapist and an Occupational Therapist on a weekly basis to assess the special needs of residents.

CHURCH & CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

A Catholic Mass is held twice weekly in St Theresa’s Church, which is located on the site, each  Wednesday at 10.30 am and Sunday at 11.30 am.  Communion is given to those who cannot attend Church on Sunday morning.

Other Ministers of Religion are welcome to visit and residents are encouraged where possible to maintain any previous associations they might have had.  If residents choose not to participate this is respected.

St Theresa’s Church is maintained by the parish of St. Lawrence – Mary Immaculate, which is serviced by the Salvatorian Fathers.  The Salvatorian Fathers provide chaplaincy services to the Village and the Salvatorians occupy one position on the Mt La Verna Board.  The St. Lawrence – Mary Immaculate Parish website can be accessed via this link http://www.stlawrence.org.au/

TELEVISION

Colour Television, including a video is provided in the Main Lounge and House Lounges for general viewing.  Residents may install their own sets within their private room area if they wish – access to the main aerial is available in each unit.  New televisions brought into the Hostel require inspection by a qualified electrician to ensure safety standards.

NEWSPAPER  DELIVERY

Supply of newspaper can be arranged with the local newsagent.  Details are provided with the information pack at time of admission.

RESPITE

Respite accommodation is provided with the same services and facilities as those supplied to permanent residents.

PALLIATIVE CARE

The World Health Organisation defines Palliative Care as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.

St Francis Hostel embraces best practice in the delivery of services to our residents who are receiving Palliative Care and there is a strong emphasis on providing information to residents and their family members on what is involved with this care.  The provision of a short stay room is available for use at no charge to family members when end-of-life care is being delivered to their loved one.