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Successful Aged Care Information Event: Expanding Services at Melbourne Care Services

24 October 2024 by
Joanne Scorgie
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By Joanne Scorgie
Psychosocial Recovery Coach


During my placement I assisted in developing, implementing and evaluating an information event targeting the Aged and extending Melbourne Care Services clientele.

My supervisor wanted to run an event which incorporated information about the service while having fun, so she asked me to help develop it, advertise for it and attend. On the 4th of October I had a meeting with Alexandra, my supervisor, to discuss what needs to be included in such an event.

The target group was the elderly and/or their support person/people. The owner of the organisation would like to extend the organisation to include respite for the elderly, assistance in their homes and/or permanent residence in the SIL.

Lilydale RSL was chosen as the event location due to the accessibility to the older generation and clientele who visit the location. There is a ramp at the back of the building which will help with access to the event.

Understanding that the elderly may not want to be out for too long and/or sit too long the event was planned for 2pm to 4pm on a Friday. Most of the time this is afternoon snack time so we will offer afternoon tea and tea, coffee and Milo.

An email was sent to Lilydale RSL to get confirmation that we will be able to hold the event at their venue. Once we confirmed that the event was able to be held there, we then started to plan the event.

Alexandra was in charge of the final plan details and kept in contact with the people at the RSL. I was able to plan most of the event with regular discussions with Alexandra and Maral (the owner, manager). Maral will be the speaker on the day, as she has the most knowledge of the services which will be offered.

Once all the details are confirmed the flyers will be designed and printed from the advertising department of Melbourne Care Services, (MCS).

As this is the first event, there is not a budget as such but will still try and minimize the expenditure. The people from RSL will be responsible for the tidiness of the venue and will supply two bar tenders, if required, for a fee.

Food will also be monitored by MCS, as there will be a variety of differences and preferences with the target group. Tea and coffee will be served at the tables to reduce the number of people moving around with hot beverages. The food which will be served will be of a soft nature again due to the target group. The staff who work for MCS in the office will be required to assist with the event, food and drink delivery and making sure the participants are safe and happy.

A meeting was held with the secretary (Chris) and event organizer (Janet) from the RSL and Alexandra and me to make sure all parties are satisfied with the arrangements and to understand each of our responsibilities.

Friday 1st November was confirmed as an event day with a cap of 45 people as the venue will be too overcrowded if there is any more.

While we were at the Lilydale RSL, we discussed the legalities of things such as insurance, food safety requirements etc. The organization of the day, so we will be there 1 hour earlier to set up, prepare food and to display information on MCS.

While we were chatting, Janet offered that we get catering from a service in Mount Evelyn who provide food with the assistance of the disabled, which we thought was a great idea.

This was explored when we returned to the office, with an email sent through to see if they can cater for our event. Since MCS is a NDIS registered business, this would be a great connection to hold with the community.

RSL also offered the use of their microphone and amplifier if needed on the day. 


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