Ananda Aged Care is blessed to have a diverse workforce as well as residents from a diversity of backgrounds & cultures.
Ananda supports its residents to maintain the social & intimate relationships that they choose.
Ananda values the experiences of staff & residents who are from the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Intersex communities (LGBTI).
Ananda staff and residents/families are encouraged to join our Diversity Action Group which meets monthly to suggest improvements we can make to ensure all residents’ cultural safety, & support their dignity, intimacy & sexuality needs where requested.
This week at Ananda we will be posting a number of flyers which show our commitment to inclusivity and to supporting the social or intimate relationships our residents choose. We are not asking any resident to disclose information to us, but are attempting to build a community in which residents or staff would feel comfortable to disclose if this was their wish.
Above: Images representing Ananda’s diversity and inclusivity
This week is National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ananda will mark NRW at both sites on Friday 31 May with posters, information about Kaurna culture and language, and we will place three flags in our reception areas, recognising the 3 official Australian flags
An acknowledgement of Country will accompany the flags at our reception areas.
Next week at Ananda we are officially ‘launching’ our two multifaith areas – the space called Aria’s space at Findon, and a dedicated room in Torrens Wing (A1), which are quiet, relaxation areas intended ofor residents or staff of all faiths (or none) to spend time in contemplation or prayer. We are taking the opportunity at the end of Ramadan (Eid al-fitr) which is a Muslim month of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-reflection to officially ‘launch’ our multifaith rooms at both sites.
At Findon we have a quiet area in Hazel wing which has relaxing music on the TV, a sofa and table and chairs for residents to relax, contemplate or pray. The USB on the TV has relaxing images and music and the Rosary can be played – staff are available to set this up as required.
At Hope Valley the former spa room has been adapted to a lovely quiet room for the same purpose. Please feel free to use these for any reason whether faith based or not. We will be providing an iPad and noise cancelling speakers soon so this room can be a haven of relaxation or contemplation for all.
In June we return to our Ananda Around the World days and celebrate both Italy and the Phillipines! These days are always popular as staff wear traditional dress and residents learn about their cultures as well as sample new foods, now available from a bain marie service at both sites.
Please provide your feedback using our Blue Feedback forms or et staff know how we are doing in supporting resident dignity, choice and cultural safety as well as privacy and intimacy needs.
