SOUTHERN CROSS CARE (VIC) CARING FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
In March 2010, SCC (Vic) launched its 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. Developed in consultation with our Board of Directors, Managers, employees and stakeholders (including our founders, the Knights of the Southern Cross) the plan sets out a new statement of Aspiration, Purpose, Guiding Principles, Actions and Strategic Direction. Our priorities, attitudes and reason for being are embodied in our beliefs and drive for achieving good lives for older people.
Who are we?
Established in 1969 by the Knights of the Southern Cross, a national organisation of Catholic laymen, Southern Cross Care (Vic) is a reputable, community based, not for profit Organisation that provides excellence in quality aged residential and community care services throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Our Purpose
SCC (Vic), within a Christian ethos, is committed to serving and supporting older people and their families by:
- Continuing to make a difference in their lives
- Continuously improving the way we work
- Promoting individual choice and independence
- Promoting integrity and dignity
- Embracing diversity
Our Aspiration for Older People
Older people, living well, loving life and participating within a just and inclusive community.
Making a difference
At Southern Cross Care (Vic) we think about aged care services a little differently. We believe older people can continue to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives - the life they want. It is our role to assist them achieve this by providing the support and services they need.
We have been supporting older Victorians and their families for more than 40 years and understand that the freedom to choose where and how you live later in life can provide real peace of mind.
Our residents and clients tell us that independence and staying connected to home, family and community is so important to them. We believe this should be the same for everyone regardless of age. Positive ageing is possible - regardless of where one lives - be it in the community in the person's own home, or in a residential aged care home. We provide:
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Home care services for those people who choose to stay living in their own home, supported with a little extra help from either self-funded home care services or government-funded care management programs
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Community nursing, which can be used for additional home care support, particularly for people with a need for a higher level of care
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Respite services to give carers a well-earned break
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Dementia services, tailored to suit individual needs, with specialist programs that have been developed by our own Dementia Care Consultant
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Residential homes that provide holistic services and programs designed to promote an active lifestyle that supports the mind, body and spirit
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Independent and assisted living for those who want to maintain an independent lifestyle, while enjoying the security of living in a retirement community
Our Guiding Principles
SCC (Vic), when engaging and working with clients, residents, carers, families, other organisations and each other, will base its practice on the following principles:
Accountability
We will be accountable for our actions and outcomes to clients, residents, their families and carers, as well as to those who fund, govern and support us
Christian Ethos
Our work will be inspired by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ who offers life “to the full” (John 10:10) guided by a Christian ethos and based on Catholic social justice teachings and ethical standards
Client Focussed Approach
We will respect individuality and choice of clients and residents when planning and providing services
Communication
We communicate openly, honestly and respectfully
Inclusiveness
We promote and build an inclusive community, treating clients, residents, their carers and families, each other, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Indigenous Australians with equality, respect and dignity
Partnership and collaboration
We seek to develop internal and external partnerships and ways to collaborate for the benefit of the community
Quality
We aim to continuously improve the outcomes for clients, residents, their carers and families
Recognition and achievement
We recognise and celebrate individual and collective achievements
Safety
We are committed to providing safe practices and work environments for clients, residents, their carers and families, our workforce and visitors
Sustainability
Our Actions
We will act with:
Dignity
Our actions embrace the true worth of each individual client, resident, carer, family member and the general community
Integrity
We demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness in all that we do, treating others fairly and making responsible ethical decisions
Respect
We demonstrate care, compassion and consideration in the way we work with clients, residents, their carers and families and each other
Strategic Directions
Spirituality, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
We offer quality pastoral/spiritual care, and recognise that it is integral to the holistic care of all people
Strategic Objectives
Continue to build relationships with relevant strategic partners, including key diocesan personnel, local church parishes and community groups, to improve the pastoral/spiritual care of clients, residents, families, carers, staff and volunteers
Integrity
We demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness in all that we do, treating others fairly and making responsible ethical decisions
Respect
We demonstrate care, compassion and consideration in the way we work with clients, residents, their carers and families and each other
Strategic Directions
Spirituality, Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
We offer quality pastoral/spiritual care, and recognise that it is integral to the holistic care of all people
Strategic Objectives
Continue to build relationships with relevant strategic partners, including key diocesan personnel, local church parishes and community groups, to improve the pastoral/spiritual care of clients, residents, families, carers, staff and volunteers
Continue to develop and implement a chaplaincy and pastoral care program including a range of worship, educational, reflection and discussion groups for clients, residents, families, carers, staff and volunteers
Maintain an individualised approach to spiritual care for all clients and residents
Leadership
Build a culture of leadership and advocacy to understand and address the issues confronting the older population, including those who are most disadvantaged in the community
Strategic Objectives
Through “Our Philosophy” assist all staff and volunteers to further develop an understanding of the factors associated with ageing and the steps that can be taken to assist and promote positive ageing
Build a culture of leadership and advocacy to understand and address the issues confronting the older population, including those who are most disadvantaged in the community
Strategic Objectives
Through “Our Philosophy” assist all staff and volunteers to further develop an understanding of the factors associated with ageing and the steps that can be taken to assist and promote positive ageing
Continue to develop and implement a comprehensive, proactive, responsive and educational strategy to support and assist people living with dementia and their families
Continue to speak out about the significance and impact of dementia
Continue to participate in and apply for additional research and funding opportunities specialising in services and supports for people living with dementia
Speak out on behalf of the most disadvantaged older people in the community and seek opportunities to develop services tailored to the needs of these groups
Clients and Residents
Clients and Residents
Support older people to live fulfilling lives by providing personalised quality services to clients and residents, respecting individual needs, wishes and choices
Strategic Objectives
Develop and implement a change management program to introduce the principles that underpin “Our Philosophy” and its interpretation in the work that we do
Strategic Objectives
Develop and implement a change management program to introduce the principles that underpin “Our Philosophy” and its interpretation in the work that we do
Develop and implement a change management program to address the proposed reforms for aged care
Continue to develop and monitor the quality of support and care to all residents and clients
Redevelop/replace residential homes that have reached the end of their useful life and consult with residents and their families in preparing a transition to a new or redeveloped home
Engage residents, clients, carers and their representatives in collaborative processes to focus on improvements in the provision of support and care services
Continue to expand the range of innovative and responsive services and supports within a “continuum of care” and provide ease of access for clients, residents, their families and the general community
Continue to develop a process to ensure easy and consistent access to SCC (Vic) services, information and support for current and potential clients and residents, their families and the general community
Workforce
To be recognised as “a preferred employer” within the aged care sector
Strategic Objectives
Continue to demonstrate excellence in developing and delivering Organisational wide education and learning program
Continue to implement programs and strategies that identify and nurture emerging talent
Develop and promote “Preferred Employer” strategies and actions that support recruitment and retention activities
Continue to develop and implement plans to develop and strengthen the roles and training opportunities for volunteers
Continue to identify and implement actions that create an Organisational culture that values and recognises the positive contribution of all staff and volunteers
Continue to review and monitor workplace safety
To be recognised as “a preferred employer” within the aged care sector
Strategic Objectives
Continue to demonstrate excellence in developing and delivering Organisational wide education and learning program
Continue to implement programs and strategies that identify and nurture emerging talent
Develop and promote “Preferred Employer” strategies and actions that support recruitment and retention activities
Continue to develop and implement plans to develop and strengthen the roles and training opportunities for volunteers
Continue to identify and implement actions that create an Organisational culture that values and recognises the positive contribution of all staff and volunteers
Continue to review and monitor workplace safety
Systems and Processes
Continue to review and develop systems and processes to achieve excellence in all aspects of quality, compliance, accountability, productivity and effectiveness Strategic Objectives
Implement and monitor the Organisation’s progress against its stated guiding principles, actions and strategic directions
Implement and monitor sustainable Governance and Quality frameworks
Continue to implement and refine a risk management system across the Organisation
Further develop and implement business continuity and ICT disaster plans
Identify and implement ICT systems that support operational excellence
Continue to maintain current and sustainable ICT infrastructure
Identify measures to monitor environmental sustainability
Continue to develop the Intranet to enable staff to have timely and accurate access to Organisational information
Continue to strengthen and align effective internal communications with our guiding principles, actions and “Our Philosophy”
Continue to review and develop systems and processes to achieve excellence in all aspects of quality, compliance, accountability, productivity and effectiveness Strategic Objectives
Implement and monitor the Organisation’s progress against its stated guiding principles, actions and strategic directions
Implement and monitor sustainable Governance and Quality frameworks
Continue to implement and refine a risk management system across the Organisation
Further develop and implement business continuity and ICT disaster plans
Identify and implement ICT systems that support operational excellence
Continue to maintain current and sustainable ICT infrastructure
Identify measures to monitor environmental sustainability
Continue to develop the Intranet to enable staff to have timely and accurate access to Organisational information
Continue to strengthen and align effective internal communications with our guiding principles, actions and “Our Philosophy”
Financial Sustainability
Grow and develop SCC (Vic) to operate all aspects of the Organisation in a manner that ensures Organisational sustainability for future generations
Strategic Objectives
Monitor the Long Term Property Plan and Long Term Financial Plan
Develop and implement a marketing, fundraising and branding plan
Continue to implement the plan for the development and redevelopment of residential homes within an approach that integrates community support services and “Our Philosophy”
Implement and monitor strategies to increase the number of residential licences
Continue to grow and expand the range of Community Services
Develop and implement a marketing, fundraising and branding plan
Continue to implement the plan for the development and redevelopment of residential homes within an approach that integrates community support services and “Our Philosophy”
Implement and monitor strategies to increase the number of residential licences
Continue to grow and expand the range of Community Services
We will actively plan to ensure ongoing sustainability of the Organisation through robust financial, workforce, environmental and systems strategies
