Seasons’ partner Envigor provides care throughout Seasons communities. Here we speak with Envigor Clinical Nurse Angela Donato Connolly to find out how Envigor delivers high-level care while supporting residents’ to live with autonomy and dignity in their own apartment.

How does Envigor deliver care at Seasons?

There’s a care plan personalised by Envigor, in consultation with the resident and, where appropriate, their family. Developed in response to individual needs, the plan outlines weekly care services, agreed time required and a breakdown of costs. Led by an Envigor care manager, the team includes registered nurses, endorsed enrolled nurses and lifestyle support assistants. We’re all about empowering residents to choose and to never have to move again to access higher care so that couples can stay together regardless of differing care needs.

How are registered nurses involved?

The registered nurse’s role within Seasons communities is one of care, leadership and oversight. They work closely with care managers to train, support and oversee the lifestyle support assistants to provide collaborative care to meet each client’s needs.

If a client requires more clinically-advanced attention such as wound care or advanced pharmacological support, the registered nurse will be able to provide that at times best suited to the client. Communication is filtered up from the lifestyle support assistant to the registered nurse who will then make the appropriate referrals to the GP and any specialist teams. Family/Enduring Power of Attorney involvement is always a consideration as well.

In your opinion, how is care at Seasons different to what’s available in a retirement village or nursing home?

In Seasons, the care focus is solely on the individual in their own home. We work around you, not around a nursing home schedule. With onsite carers and emergency call buttons, there is significantly more care available than in a retirement village.

How can Envigor provide high care – like palliative care – in a resident’s own apartment?

This is possible due to individualised services as explained above. Family and friends, GP, and care staff are all involved in the planning and delivery of palliative care per the client’s wishes in the home. Comfort measures are implemented as the primary focus for the client and holistic care delivery to the family is provided to the best of our ability as well.

Can you explain what ‘24/7 care’ means for Seasons residents?

24/7 care at a Seasons community refers to access to care or advice by a nurse around the clock. Typically, a nurse is physically available for booking a service with throughout daytime hours; and at night they are available to our care staff over the phone. In special circumstances, a nurse can be available through the night as well for things like palliative care.

Apartments also have emergency call buttons. The Envigor model of care allows for services to be arranged according to the client’s preferences and schedule as much as possible – not just generic block shifts.