St. Basil's Aged Care Services (Inc.)
in Western Australia

Why the name St. Basil's

St. Basil holds a special place in the hearts of Orthodox people, especially during the Christmas period when he is regarded as a giver of gifts, in much the same way that St. Nicholas is. He was the Archbishop of Caesaria in the 4th Century AD, which was the ancient Roman capital city of Palestine. He preached and practiced charity, establishing and supporting various philanthropic and welfare organisations that comforted and cared for the sick, needy and the elderly.
St. Basil is also remembered for his stance on issues of social justice, poverty and prejudice.

The teaching of St. Basil is reflected in the work of St. Basil's Aged Care Services, thus continuing a tradition lasting over 1600 years.

About St. Basil's Aged Care Services

St. Basil's Aged Care Services is a recognised public benevolent association under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos is its President and the representative in Western Australia is His Grace Bishop Nikandros.

This non-profit charitable organisation has an honourary Board of Management comprising prominent members of the community. The organisation commenced its services in 1997 and is constituted under the Western Australia Associations Incorporation Act 1987.

St. Basil's provides a wide range of services for the frail and aged so that they can live independently in their own home. As a Community Care Package provider our services have been developed to meet the individual needs of the people that we serve by providing a carefully planned and well coordinated package of care in consultation with the client and their family or advocate.

St. Basil's aim is to provide the best possible quality aged care service through culturally appropriate support that enhances the privacy, dignity, independence and quality of life of all people in its care. In doing so also recognise the value of bilingual and bicultural knowledge, skills and understanding.

The contact and office of St. Basil's Aged Care Services in Perth, Western Australia is:

Chief Executive Officer of St. Basil's Aged Care Services
390 Charles Street, North Perth, WA 6006.
Tel: (08) 9201 9655 or Fax: (08) 9201 9644
Mobile: 0414 715170
E-mail: stbasils@iinet.net.au
Community Aged Care packages

St. Basil's Aged Care Services provides a program of care to people in the entire metropolitan area. The subsidy for this program is through the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.

A variety of services may be delivered as part of a flexible care package so that the current and future needs of our elderly are met.

The care planning provided may include some of the following:

  • bathing, showering, or personal hygiene;
  • dressing;
  • transfers/mobility;
  • meal preparation and eating meals;
  • sensory communication, or fitting sensory communication aids;
  • laundry;
  • home help;
  • gardening;
  • home maintenance services and minor repairs;
  • medication supervision/prompting;
  • interpreting during ACAT assessments;
  • emergency on call assistance; and
  • 24 Hour contact.

Unique services

So why St. Basil's…

St. Basil's can provide Greek speaking Carers who understand the cultural, linguistic and spiritual background of the elderly in the community.

St. Basil's recognise the importance of personalised care and support services identifying the care needs of the frail and aged in the community. Equally notable factors are:

  • communication and understanding;
  • isolation issues;
  • emotional support;
  • respect for the individual's cultural and religious beliefs;
  • rights and responsibilities; and
  • respect for the privacy and confidentiality of the individual.

The following excerpt is taken from a letter written by a client's family member about the unique service-provision to our elderly:

"The highlight for my mother was being invited to the Saint Basil's Day Celebrations and asked to cut the traditional Vasilopita. Also being transported with ease and patience by her Carer helped to make the day special and pleasant.

One of the most important spiritual and cultural celebrations in the Greek calendar is Easter. The opportunity was given to my mother to attend Church during Holy Week and partake of Holy Communion. Just to make Holy Week extra special was a surprise visit in an afternoon by young Greek adults bearing a specially wrapped gift of traditional sweets (koulouria) and red dyed Easter eggs. Thank you for spreading joy throughout the aged community and making this particular Easter memorable. My mother's life and ours have changed for the better because of our involvement with St. Basil's Aged Care Services.

I praise the Lord that our Greek community had the vision and foresight to work tirelessly toward establishing this much needed service".

In gratitude
Lucia Chipper

Volunteers

Our volunteers enhance the quality of service provided by St. Basil's Aged Care Services and are an integral part of the organisation. Their caring contribution is recognised and highly valued.

Some of the services volunteers provide are:

  • Emotional and social support for clients in their own home.
  • Support for the isolated Greek speaking elderly in nursing homes.
  • Transportation to medical and other appointments.
  • Provision of respite to the families of clients.
  • Assistance with outings, shopping, errands.
  • Social and leisure activities.
  • Assisting with fund raising and special events.

Becoming a Volunteer

Volunteers make a difference in the lives of the elderly, their families and the community as a whole.

There are no selection criteria; a caring nature and your valuable time is all that is needed. However, your ability to speak Greek would an advantage.

St. Basil's will ensure that the training and induction process will be efficient and rewarding for all.

It is recognised that your time is precious, make a difference and contact us by telephoning:

(08) 9201 9655 for further details.

Carers

For the frail and aged in the community, the option of living independently in their own home means needing a helping hand with daily tasks.

Our Carers are dedicated to the provision of quality and sensitive care. They:

  • attend training sessions to enhance their skills;
  • fully understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality;
  • have a police clearance; and
  • are regularly supervised.

We are able to provide Greek speaking Carers where necessary. Their knowledge of the Greek culture, language and religion ensures continuity of a culture that is familiar and provides much needed comfort to the non-English speaking elderly in the community.

How to access St. Basil's services

To be eligible to receive a Community Aged Care Package (CACP) your needs must be assessed. Your regional/local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will perform the assessment. Your Doctor will need to refer you to the ACAT who will then determine whether a care package is suitable for you. Where practical we attend the assessments.

If we believe that a prospective client will be eligible for a Community Aged Care Package, but such a package is not available immediately, we suggest to the ACAT to complete the CACP assessment and referral. . Where possible alternative care is organised until a care package is available.

For further information please contact us on (08) 9201 9655.

Your quick guide to St. Basil's services and fees

You may contact:

  • St. Basil's Aged Care Services by telephoning (08) 9201 9655 to register your interest in the services provided and for advice on the necessary procedures;
  • your Doctor who will refer you to an the Aged Care Assessment Team; or
  • the Chief Executive Officer of St. Basil's Aged Care Services, who will assess your care needs.

Are there any fees?

There are fees for St, Basil's services, however;

  • no client will be denied service if they are unable to pay;
  • fees are discussed and negotiated with the client and family or advocate at the commencement of services and signing of the agreement; and
  • fees may be reviewed annually or at the request of the client or their advocate.

How are fees paid?

Fees can be paid by the following methods:

  • Direct debit from an account with your Bank.
  • Or by Cheque when you receive an account.

How often are accounts sent?

  • Accounts are issued every 28 days.

Will I receive a receipt?

  • A receipt will be issued once a payment is received and will reflect the amount paid.

Acknowledgment of funding

The Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services are the key source of funding for St. Basil's Aged Care Services. Acknowledgment must also be made to the Lotteries Commission.

Donations

St. Basil's is a non-profit organisation and is grateful for any donations. All donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.

Please forward your donation to:

St. Basil's Aged Care Services
PO Box 254, Northbridge W.A. 6865
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