Life at QVCare
Resident
Stories
Our residents are unique, and our care should be too. That’s why at QVCare, we are always looking for new ways to help residents take the lead with our range of programs and services on offer.
The QVCare Resident Advisory Committee was first launched in 2019 and empowers residents to co-design their care. The Committee meets once a month is 100 percent resident led. Management is allowed to attend by invitation-only and meetings are facilitated by an external volunteer.
Giving residents the space to discuss important issues and offering meaningful engagement means that the care we provide is led by the people who matter most – the residents.
Maggie, residential care resident and Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee
Making connections with a smile
Maggie was born in Scotland and has lived in many countries, including Canada and Zimbabwe, before moving to Tasmania. Maggie has two children, Fiona and Fergus, from her marriage with first husband, who passed away some years ago. She met her second husband while working as a physiotherapist. Maggie feels she has had a blessed and eventful life, throughout which she says her work helping people has been the best tonic. Maggie has been at QVCare for five years, and is the Chair of the Resident Advisory Committee, where she encourages happiness and friendship.
‘I came to QVCare visiting a resident some years ago and was very impressed with what I saw and heard. I felt the warmth, and the people were very welcoming. Then, when I realised, I couldn’t be in my daughter’s home with three flights of stairs anymore, I felt immediately this was the place for me.
Maggie
‘The Resident Advisory Committee meet once a month. It’s a discussion for points of view to be brought forward, which is very important between residents, and between residents and management. This is our home, and home is only maintained by happiness and consideration of each other.
‘When one of our Directors attended the meeting, it was mentioned that things could be brightened up a little bit. Two days later, the Director approached management, and within a week the dining room was completely repainted, with pictures put up, and colourful little posies of flowers on every table. It is just a joy to see and a lovely feeling.
‘Some people take a little bit of time to settle in here, which is understandable, but people soon join in different activities and recognise each other. It’s always nice to smile, say hello, and you find a smile given back to you. If I can make someone smile, I know it’s been a good day.
‘I’ve had a busy life, and I think it’s nice to feel I’m still doing things. Our weekly program planner has activities on one side, and meals for the week on the other. I have lots of visitors, I go to the gym, I go to the craft class. I feel very blessed. We are so well looked after, with love and kindness, and the care given is really remarkable.’
