This program is based at Carey Gardens.

(Another statistic - 300 full and part-time staff are employed by BCS to carry on these activities).

There are some among us who were present in March 1968 when the first stage of Morling Lodge was opened. We missed the opportunity last year to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of this important ministry which is flourishing so well today. Morling Lodge is certainly looking its age, but don't be fooled by appearances. The care it provides for residents is second to none. The quality of care is still the first principle of Morling. Recently I spoke with a man whose wife is in one of the special care units. "How are things going?" I asked. "Wonderful", he replied, "we're friends again. When I was looking after her at home we were enemies. But she is so happy now, and we are friends again. You know, her mother was in here many years ago". As he walked through the door, I felt grateful to be part of such a ministry now into its second generation of service.

Of course there have been changes over the years. Today's residents are much older than that of earlier times. Today almost 30% are over 90 years old and a further 40% are in their eighties. (Look at Carey Gardens if you want to see the Morling Lodge of 20 years ago). This year saw the appointment of a new director of nursing. Jane Fraser has a background in aged care work, and was the founding director of Mirijani where she served for 10 years before becoming the initial co-ordinator of the Home Flexi Care for BCS in Canberra three years ago.

But Carey Gardens has also changed, with the addition of the special care wing several years ago, and the increasing need to provide more nursing care to residents. Home Care services mean that clients are entering such places as Carey later in life than they did ten years ago. The superintendent at Carey is Colin Nelson, and he and his wife Rachel are members of our church. Colin leads a staff of 40 in their much appreciated ministry.

The last few years have seen the dramatic growth of the home care service and the purchase of George Forbes House in Queanbeyan. (This acquisition was one of 8 properties in NSW which Baptist Community Services bought from the Smith Family in a restructuring of that organisation's activities last year). Norma Broughton continues in the important role of director in this newest of our Baptist centres of care in the region.

The Home Care Service has caused some angst among loyal supporters of Morling Lodge, due to the government requirement to transfer places from the latter to the former. But there is no doubt that the Federal Government is intent on encouraging the home care concept, and the service is here to stay. It has the advantage of providing more choice for those aged who are able to remain in their homes while needing only limited care. Of course, it is a delaying move, for ultimately many of the home care clients will of necessity require full time care, and will be referred to a nursing care centre. (Already this year 5 home care clients have become residents at Morling).

But there are many instances where families can continue to support a loved one in their own homes for a few more years, and who will deny them that option? The Home Care program has two sections - the EACH program, and the Flexi-Care program, the former catering for clients who would otherwise go into a nursing home, and the latter for those clients assessed as eligible for hostel accommodation. Helen Blayden heads up a dedicated and professional staff of almost 50 carers in this ministry.

Recently, the Association of Baptist Churches in the ACT decided to form a support group to assist the work of BCS in this region. There is much that we can do in a voluntary capacity to serve the needs of the elderly. We ought not imagine that BCS has buckets of government money to do it all. Governments are cutting back (certainly the current government is) on funding, and at the same time requiring ever higher levels of outcome from those in the industry. There is a general need for visitors in all our programs. In Home Care, at least 20% of clients have few if any visitors. What an opportunity for service! "I was sick, and you visited me".

Morling and Carey are jointly purchasing a 22 seater bus. Any volunteer bus drivers about? The grounds and gardens of George Forbes House and the Lodge need some attention. Where are some of you practical minded early retirees? What a splendid way to keep fit! And then there are the Auxiliaries. All 3 establishments have bands of supporters committed to raising additional funds which are greatly appreciated. But they all need the input from new and younger members. There is no end to what can be done if the human resources become available. And they are needed NOW!

Last April, the area manager of BCS, Paul Holding, addressed the Baptist Association and encouraged us to think of new initiatives that might be undertaken in partnership in this region. This is a challenge the new support group will need to consider in the near future as BCS draws up its next 5 year plan. Perhaps someone reading this has an idea for new ministry. If so, contact the co-ordinator of the support group, Geoff Churcher, and put your thoughts before the group.

Finally, we can pray for this valuable community service conducted in the name of Christ by Baptist Community Services. Pray also for the two chaplains working in this area - Colin Rodda (Carey Gardens, George Forbes House and Home Care), and the writer (Morling Lodge). It is a great privilege to serve and be part of this.

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