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It’s hard to believe how fast 2023 is flying by

May 24, 2024 at 12:33 PM

Can you believe that Spring is here already. Now that winter is behind us it’s a wonderful time to get out and about, enjoy the sunshine and welcome the warmer weather.

In the media recently, you may have heard about a new Intergenerational Report (IGR) released by the Federal Government on August 24. The Report has given us insights into the economic drivers for the next 40 years – until 2062-63, it also provides insights into the future of aged care services in Australia. We believe that being well-informed is the key to facing the evolving aged care landscape with confidence and adaptability.

Here’s a summary of the key points of the Intergenerational Report and as it pertains to aged care.

  1. Population Growth and Demographics Shift from a younger demographic to an older population
    One of the significant projections from the report is the anticipated increase in the number of aged care recipients. This presents us with both challenges and opportunities. Our population is expected to reach 40.5 million by 2062–63. Concurrently, the ageing phenomenon will persist, revealing a substantial shift in the age composition of our nation.
    Over the course of the next 40 years, the IGR anticipates that the number of Australians aged 65 and above will more than double, while those aged 85 and older are poised to more than triple.
  2. Balancing Care Approaches
    The IGR highlights the importance of striking a balance between residential and community care. We recognise that each person’s needs are unique, and we’re dedicated to offering the right care options, whether it’s our quality residential care or personalised community-based support.
  3. Ensuring Financial Resilience
    With projected changes in aged care spending, financial preparedness is vital. We want to assure you that McLean Care is diligently assessing our financial strategies, exploring innovative funding approaches, and making sure we’re well-positioned to provide sustainable care for years to come.
  4. Adapting to Changing Preferences
    As the preferences of older Australians shift towards ageing in their own homes, we’re adapting our services to meet these changing needs. We’re expanding our home care offerings, enhancing home-based care packages, and ensuring that our residents have the choice and flexibility they desire.
  5. Empowering Our Workforce
    Our dedicated staff plays an integral role in providing exceptional care. With projected changes in wages and quality expectations, we’re committed to nurturing and retaining skilled professionals who share our passion for delivering high-quality care.
  6. Embracing Technology for Enhanced Care
    Technology is playing an increasingly vital role in enhancing the quality of care we provide.
    At McLean Care, we’ve embraced digital solutions that streamline communication, and introduced innovative ways to stay connected with our residents and their families. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of technology is evident through our use of remote monitoring, telehealth services, and simplified communication for both residents and families.
  7. Coming Together for a Bright Future
    The IGR emphasises the significance of collaboration within the aged care industry and advocating for supportive policies. We believe that by working together, sharing experiences, and advocating for positive change, we can create a sustainable and effective aged care system that benefits everyone.

At McLean Care, we’re well-prepared to face these challenges head-on. With our commitment to strategic planning, quality care, and the wellbeing of our community, we are not only navigating the changes ahead but also embracing the opportunities that come with growth.

Thank you for being a part of our McLean Care family. Together, we’re building a future where exceptional care and support remain at the heart of everything we do.

Sue Thomson – Chief Executive Officer

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Corn Chowder by Julie Goodwin

June 5, 2024 at 9:43 AM

Sweet corn is beautiful at the moment. This is a hearty, filling soup which is great for lunch but would also make a satisfying main meal at night- just serve with some toasted sourdough.

 

 

Serves 6:   Prep time 10 minutes: Cooking time: 30 minutes


1 tablespoon olive oil

4 rashers bacon, rind removed, cut into thin strips

1 brown onion, chopped

4 medium Sebago potatoes (around 700g), peeled and diced into 1cm pieces

1 litre of chicken stock

1 x 400 g tin corn kernels

½ cup cream

Salt and finely ground white pepper

1 shallot (green onion) finely sliced

 

Method: 


Heat the oil in a large pot over medium high heat and sauté the bacon until light golden brown.

Remove from the pot. Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes or until starting top soften. Add the potatoes, chicken stock and one cup of water and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 minutes or until the potato is completely tender. Remove the pot from the heat and add half the corn kernels.

Using a handheld stick mixer (immersion blender), puree the soup until smooth. Add the cream, then taste and season. Add almost all the bacon and remaining corn kernels, reserving a few to garnish. Serve topped with a few corn kernels, bacon, and shallots.

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Easy Chicken Curry by Julie Goodwin

June 5, 2024 at 9:41 AM
This is as easy as it gets. 

Curry Powder quality can be varied according to your taste. And it tastes even better reheated the next day!

 

 

Serves 4: Prep time 5 minutes: Cooking time 15 minutes
Ingredients

1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil

1kg chicken thigh fillets, cut into thirds

1 large brown onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, crushed

3 tablespoons curry powder

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 ½ cups natural, Greek style yoghurt

Salt, to taste

 

Method

Heat oil in a chef’s pan or large frying pan over medium heat. Brown chicken pieces and remove from pan. 

Place onions and garlic in pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add curry powder and stir for a further minute. Add sugar, tomato paste and most of the yoghurt, then return chicken to the pan.

Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes uncovered or until the chicken is cooked through. Taste and season with salt and add more sugar if required.

Serve with steamed Basmati rice.

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Vegetarian Frittata by Julie Goodwin

June 5, 2024 at 9:38 AM

I love that this dish can be varied depending on what’s in the fridge, or in season. It’s a great way to use zucchini when there is an overabundance in the vege patch, and its also very nice with fresh corn kernels. It can just as easily be made into a non-vegetarian dish with the addition of some sauteed chorizo or bacon. It’s a lovely simple brunch dish with some crusty bread and salad. 

Serves 4 / Prep and Cooking Time 20 minutes
Ingredients


1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red onion, diced (not a fine dice about 1cm)

½ red capsicum, diced into 1cm pieces

6 asparagus spears, cut into 2cm lengths

12 cherry tomatoes halved

6 eggs

3 tablespoons cream

½ cup grated tasty cheese

Handful of rocket leaves to serve

 

Method:


In a 26 cm frypan, heat olive oil over medium high heat and add capsicum and onion. Stir until beginning to soften. Add asparagus pieces.

Whisk together eggs and cream and stir in tasty cheese. Season with salt and ground white pepper.

Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Pour the egg mixture over and lower the heat. Stir only for a moment to evenly distribute the vegetables around the base of the pan.

Cook Over the low heat until the egg is setting and golden brown on the bottom. This should take around 5 minutes (you can check this by carefully lifting and edge with a good silicone spatula)

When the frittata has mostly set, release it from the pan with a spatula and invert on to a plate. Using a second plate, invert it again, then put the pan over the top and return it to the pan so it is now upside down to finish cooking. 

Cut into wedges and serve straight away, sprinkled with a handful of rocket leaves dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Read article