Cac autumn 2014 cm

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Christadelphian Aged Care A U T U M N N E W S L E T T E R

CASA MIA Address: 28 Alma Road, Padstow NSW, 2211

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Phone: (02) 8707 6010

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Casa Mia

Look long and hard at people who live lovingly.

Notice how beautifully they age.

Notice how relevant their wealth or status is.

Notice how much other people want to be in their presence.

Notice how they smile. nnn

“When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.

Job 29:24

Dear Residents, Families and Carers, It seems like only yesterday that we were preparing for Christmas, and here it is already Autumn. As we say farewell to Summer we start preparing for the cooler months and of course the dreaded Flu Season. We are currently preparing to administer the Flu Vaccine to residents who would like to have it. If you haven’t already, please return your consent form ASAP so we can get this underway.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our residents and their loved ones for their contribution to the Christmas festivities. It was such a pleasure to see how everyone pitched in and enjoyed all of the celebrations.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that all electrical items need to be tagged when they are brought in. Our maintenance man will only be too happy to do this for you. The process for this to happen is to enter the item or task that you would like him to complete into the maintenance folder located at the sign in desk. He will then get the job done. If you would like to discuss something with maintenance, please leave your contact number in the folder and they will call you back.

2014 is a very big year for Casa Mia. As you would be aware we are starting a major renovation. I would like to reassure everyone that we will do our utmost to minimise any disruption to our residents. If you would like to discuss this at all or are interested in seeing what is going on, please feel free to see me to look at the building plans and the work schedule.

In May this year we will also be undergoing our site Audit for our Accreditation. The dates for this are the 20th, 21st and 22nd of May. Please remember my door is always open and if there is anything you would like to discuss, I am more than happy to see you.

Regards, Sharon Fletcher

“Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself” - Og Mandino

Message from our Senior Manager I’m very happy and excited to be part of Christadelphian Aged Care. I have a passion for aged care having come from a quality improvement background. I have worked as an aged care quality assessor with the Agency, a facility manager and as a registered nurse in cardiac, triage and aged care. I’m keen to share my industry knowledge and experience gained in having assessed a variety of systems and processes across a number of aged care facilities throughout NSW, ACT and Victoria. My main responsibility is for clinical governance across the homes under Christadelphian Aged Care. Fundamentally, this means achieving the best possible care for residents using a defined approach. This is done by focusing on what’s best for the resident and then building the service or environment around those needs. This will better enable us to approach challenges and continuous improvement activities proactively and confidently.

My wife Maria and I have three daughters, all of who play for the State League competition with Netball NSW. Two are currently at university studying physiotherapy and business respectively and the third currently undertaking her HSC exams this year. I coach representative netball for the Under 12s age group for the Hills District Netball Association NSW and I enjoy travel and culture, although I haven’t had much of an opportunity to do so in recent times. I have however travelled extensively throughout the USA with the highlight being at Elvis’ Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. I’m friendly, approachable and I very much look forward to learning more about each home and meeting members of the Christadelphian care team.

- Jose Rigor Senior Manager, Operations

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 17th - St Patrick’s Day 25th - Greek Independence Day 26th - Kris’s Feathered Friends

APRIL Easter Celebrations

MAY Mother’s Day Morning Tea

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

2 Ellen W

5 Carmen F

5 Thelma S

12 Fay B

11 Doreen I

10 Mary H

13 Vincent F

12 Paul G

10 Lesley H

19 Rose H

18 Doreen H

11 Shirley N

26 Elaine M

20 Kenneth T

15 Diane C

29 Lily L

25 Iris H

21 Greta C

30 Shirley C

25 Maureen C

Activity Reviews DECEMBER

Christmas Lunch was held at Casa Mia on Tuesday 10th December.

We did it slightly different this year, with the tables spread over three areas allowing more room for seating and serving etc. The kitchen staff excelled themselves and served a lovely 3 course meal which you could tell by the empty plates. This was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We also had a little surprise this year when Dr Cameron turned up in the middle of the meal resplendent in his tartan kilt and playing the bagpipes, walking up and down the facility amongst the diners producing the most beautiful music. There was magic in the air and the residents and families (especially in Magnolia Way) clapped and sang along to the music. Ten minutes later he was gone but Oh! How lovely it was. After lunch (to the delight of all present) the Casa Mia choir performed their mixture of Christmas Carols which they had been rehearsing for many weeks. Thanks again to Lorinda and Vicky for all their help in making this day special for our dear residents.

As a fitting finale to a lovely day Santa, Mrs Claus & Rudolph came in with the sleigh to hand out the presents. I’m sure everyone was more than ready for bed after such a huge day. Thanks go to Sharon (Facility Manager) for all her ideas and of course all the staff and volunteers that help make such a big event a huge success.

Activity Reviews contd JANUARY

Happy New Year -

As usual, our kitchen lady Leslie did her dress up thing for the residents.

She is amazing, but this time she went it alone without the aid of her partners in crime. It was a quiet day and many of the residents were happy to just watch the cricket or listen to music after the craziness of Christmas but as you can imagine, Leslie had other ideas. She wandered through the home smiling and saying Happy New Year and then blowing her party whistle which could almost burst an eardrum. No quiet times with Leslie around but a lot of fun. Thank you so much for all the laughter and smiles, you and the dress up gang bring to the residents.

Elvis comes to Casa Mia

On Wednesday 8th January, we celebrated Elvis’s birthday. At Casa Mia, we have two residents (Margaret & Gwen) who LOVE, love, love Elvis.

Margaret was quick to remind us that the day was Elvis’s birthday but we were a step ahead as our notice board already announced that Elvis was in the building. The morning started with an Elvis movie and after lunch we gathered everyone together in Primrose House as we played videos of Elvis singing on Youtube. Everyone joined in the fun as we sang and danced for nearly two hours and to top it off, in walked Elvis himself (Colleen). The residents and staff were delighted and Elvis made a point of visiting all the residents and getting photographs before finally bidding us goodbye. Elvis’s magic is still working.

The Dairy Abbotsbury

It’s great to get out once in a while especially going somewhere new. The residents feel invigorated, giving them a sense of excitement and adventure. The Dairy is ideal for groups who are looking for a quieter, more picnic orientated visit to the Parklands. It is located on a crest of a hill with open views of the surroundings or ideal to take your bike and use the Parklands track to explore other areas of the Parklands.

The bus arrived at the parkland off Cowpasture Road, and we stopped their for morning tea. While the rest of society went about their business, we enjoyed being in our own little world, in the bliss and the tranquility of the moment. We ended the trip with the traditional visit to McDonalds where we were treated by RAO Sue to our customary 30c soft serve ice cream. This was much appreciated by the residents and the bus driver.

Activity Reviews contd National Days - This year we are going to focus on covering the special days from different

countries. Our aim is to give everyone a better understanding of the country, customs, food etc. that our residents come from.

In January, we celebrated Australia Day with a Thong Throwing competition. We all gathered in the dining room and after answering a question on Australia, each resident was given a turn in trying to take out the title. Our winner on the day was Shirley N. at a distance of 31feet (the old scale) and in second place with a great effort was Shirley C. Outdoor cricket is also a must on Australia Day and the residents all got into the swing of things outside in the garden. We have some excellent batters in Leslie, Doreen and others and Giuseppe and Nancy excelled at bowling. Thank you also to the family members that helped with the fielding. Lamington making is also another big must and Toni in the kitchen made us a couple of huge sponges which the residents coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut. Ian especially enjoyed making and eating his own lamingtons. I think he was very proud of his achievements.

We then celebrated Chinese New Year by making paper lanterns with the help of Sam and Meagan, watching visions of China and of course Chinese New Year is not complete without the dragon.

As we were watching some beautiful scenery of China, Colleen came out with the dragon’s head on and proceeded to dance around the residents. It all made the day very special and some of the residents decided to put the dragon head on for a bit of fun. Each resident was given a little red envelope which held a small coin. This is also a part of the special custom of giving in the Chinese tradition. To top off this celebration the staff and residents wrote down their wishes for 2014 which were placed into a little box attached to red helium balloons to be sent on their way after a little ceremony outside in the garden. We were worried for a minute that the wind would change and the balloons, along with our wishes, would end up in the power lines but luck was on our side and the balloons and our wishes were soon sailing skyward.

Serbia was another country covered which would have pleased our resident Djoka (George) very much.

Our wonderful cleaners very kindly loaned us their flag and videos for the occasion and they have our utmost appreciation for contributing to the day.

Activity Assistant Program My time at Casa Mia has been a life changing experience. I always felt nursing homes depicted a scary and uninviting environment. But my 6 weeks I have spent at Casa Mia has changed my whole perspective on what a nursing home is really like. I have made many new friends with both the residents and staff.

Throughout my 6 weeks I discovered how much the older generation can influence the lives of the younger generation and feel I have walked out with life lessons that will be passed on to the future generations.

I have been able to spend one-on-one time with many of the residents and I have learnt so many interesting things, we discussed life experiences, I was given many life lessons to think upon and I was able to enjoy the company of individuals who love to tell their life stories. My favorite activity would have been the nail therapy with the lovely ladies group, not only did I learn their personality through the colors they picked but also learnt a valuable lesson on ‘how to snag a good guy’.

The most rewarding moment about working at Casa Mia was the smiles that I was able to bring to the residents. To see their smiles during an activity or during a one-on-one chat was such an uplifting experience and to be able to practice my Christ-like attitudes in everyday life. Leaving Casa Mia was very tough, having made many beautiful friendships and having so many conversations, it was a heartwarming experience to know I have truly impacted the lives of many of the residents. I will miss them so much. I thank the Christadelphian Aged Care for this opportunity and would recommend it to any of the younger generation who are looking for a life-changing adventure. - Meagan

My name is Sam and I have participated in the Activity Assistant program at Casa Mia over December and January. I have found it to be a good learning experience, as well as a very rewarding one. Being part of the RAO team that is improving the quality of life of the residents through large group entertainment along with one-on-one activities has been very worthwhile.

One memorable afternoon we celebrated Elvis’ birthday by playing video clips of his songs, while Colleen entertained the resident’s with her dress-up and impersonation of ‘The King’. This was very popular as many of the residents were avid Elvis fans and it took them back a few decades.

All-in-all, I have made many friends from among the Casa Mia staff and residents and gained an appreciation of what older generations of Australians have gone through and achieved. I thank Christadelphian Aged Care for this opportunity. - Sam

Pastoral Care CAN GOD HEAL A BROKEN HEART? It was a comedian who said, "If broken hearts were commercials, we'd all be on TV." In some strange way he was saying we each have a broken heart, not physically I hope, but inside, where no-one else can see. One of the most popular groups of the 1970s was the Bee Gees. They sang a song that asked five questions and added one plea: "How can you mend a broken heart? How can you stop the rain from falling down? How can you stop the sun from shining? What makes the world go round? How can you mend this broken man? How can a loser ever win?

Please help me mend my broken heart and let me live again." You might recall the song. The Bee Gees never answered that question. But we know many people have broken hearts because of all sorts of reasons, death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, loss of status, loss of health, betrayal by a friend, loss of a child and, yes, loss of your childhood. All of these reasons can leave you a broken man or woman. What is a wound? If you have ever had an injury or a deep cut, you know how painful it is and how it hurts to be touched. Often, sorrow and loss are like deep wounds. They can be so painful that it seems no one or nothing can make the pain go away. Sometimes our heart is so broken that we can't even express the words and nothing seems to take the pain away. Is there hope for healing a broken heart? Something or someone has just broken your heart. You were caught off-guard by a betrayal, a shocking behaviour, or loss of a loved one. Suddenly you are feeling like you've lost all hope. You can feel a physical aching in your chest that leaves you wounded and scarred. How can you ever hope to recover or discover what steps will end this suffering?

We know that emotions are a vital part of the way we are made. Yet we can't understand why it takes so long to heal from emotional injuries and others try to help. Many times, our wounded heart is the result of someone else's actions toward us, and other times it's because of actions we took. Sometimes too, it's a combination of both.

But in trying to encourage us, they can't seem to say the right thing. Like a deep wound, a broken heart will not heal overnight. Like some medicines that burn when you apply them to a skin wound, so can a well-meaning friend who says the wrong thing at the wrong time. Who wants to pour rubbing alcohol on an open wound? We search the stores to find an ointment that we can apply to our skin wound that will not burn and then cover it gently with a Band-Aid. It's the same way with our broken heart. We need the right ointment to bring about healing. They say time heals all wounds. But what about the wounds that people can't see? We can't go to the doctors and say "I have a broken heart, can you fix it!" So who can we go to when we have a broken heart, is there anyone who cares? Who are those with the broken heart? They say time heals all wounds. But what about the wounds that people can't see? The pain of past hurts rules many lives. It simmers, it stifles, and sometimes it shuts a person completely down. However, God heals hurts. He is waiting and ready to touch our deepest pain if we will let Him. In a sense, His healing is another divine exchange, in which we offer to Him our hurt and He offers to us His healing. Psalm 147:3 states, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (or sorrows)" "Brokenhearted" refers to the wounds in the innermost portion of ourselves. Most of us do not know how to go about receiving Our deepest sympathies have this wonderful healing gift of God. Some of us have not been aware gone out to the families who that this level of deep healing was available. I like what Max Lucardo have lost their loved ones over says in his marvellous book "He still moves Stones". Why did God leave the Summer period. us one tale after another of wounded lives being restored? So we could be grateful for the past? So we could look back with amazement at what Jesus did? No. The purpose of these stories is not to tell us what Jesus did. Their purpose is to tell us what Jesus does. 'Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.' Paul penned. 'The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope.' (Romans 15:4) These are not just Sunday school stories. Not romantic fables. Not somewhere-over-the-rainbow illusions. They are historic moments in which a real God met real pain so we could answer nnn the question, 'Where is God when I hurt?' He's not just doing it just for them. He is doing it for me. He's doing it for you." - By Chris Witts

Bereavements

Alzheimer’s Disesase Outside of a cure, the most vital need of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones is real emotional connection. How do we continue to communicate with someone with AD who doesn’t talk or remember me? How can we be with people with AD so they are not left feeling the pain of isolation, abandonment, and loneliness? How do we overcome our own feelings of selfconsciousness, awkwardness, and fear of AD to be fully present with someone with dementia?

Some pointers: try to remember how it is to feel safe while vulnerable, how to let go of judgment, to offer empathy, to see the humanity and vulnerability in every person, to remember that everyone matters, how to communicate joy, understanding, and love without words or memories - through body language, emotional connection, and the willingness to be fully present in front of another human being.

Poem

TWO MOTHER’S REMEMBERED I had two mothers – two mothers I claim Two different people, yet with the same name.

Two separate women, diverse by design, But you loved them both because they were mine.

The first was the mother who carried me here, Gave birth and nurtured and launched my career.

She was the one whose features I bear, Complete with the facial expressions I wear.

She gave her love, which follows me yet, Along with the examples in life she set.

As I got older, she somehow younger grew, And we’d laugh as just mothers and daughters do.

But then came the time that her mind clouded so, And I sensed that the mother I knew would soon go.

So quickly she changed and turned into the other, A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my mother.

Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length, But now she was the child and I was her strength.

We’d come full circle, we women three, My mother the first, the second and me.

And if my own children should come to a day, youcomes smile at someone, is anaway, action of When“Every a new time mother and the olditgoes love, gift tonothing that person, beautiful I’d ask of athem that Iadidn’t do -thing” Love both of your mothers both loved you.

- MotherasTeresa - Anonymous

SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE •

Difficulty remembering recent events

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Poor judgement and decision making

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Inability to manage a budget

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Losing track of the date or the season

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Difficulty having a conversation.

Repeating the same stories over and over again.

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Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them

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Changes in mood and personality, inappropriate social behaviour

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Withdrawal from work or social activities

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New problems with spoken and written words

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Trouble understanding visual images

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Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

Physio Corner SHARING WITH OTHERS We are regularly reminded of the benefits from exercise and activity to improve our daily life especially as we age; it therefore becomes increasingly more important for us to keep our bodies moving. Our mobility levels may change suddenly, we may have feelings of uncertainty, or our desire to remain socially interactive may decrease. These changes are common to many people and finding the courage to overcome this may seem impossible at times.

Participating in a regular exercise group or activity enables us to adjust to changes of ourselves and others whilst receiving the rich rewards physically, socially and emotionally.

Tai Chi brings residents together and creates feelings of wellbeing, involvement, participation, acceptance and a sense of belonging to all those who attend. Tai Chi is an “all inclusive” seated program, where residents are positioned together in a circle joining all equally as one group. Each resident brings something unique to the group “themselves”. Judith Forst, a regular attendee from one of our facilities said she remembered her first time coming along to Tai Chi. She said, “I felt safe, warm and comfortable to be with a group of caring people who accepted each other and shared each others company, and the interaction between the group was so special”.

There are many physical benefits with Tai Chi, but the emotional and social acceptance builds you with strength. Other residents report to our Physio team daily of their own personal rewards by attending Tai Chi. There are many social and active groups available to all our residents and families looking for new friends. So come along and try Tai Chi if it is available at your facility and experience the wonderful enjoyment of sharing with others.

- Megan Higgins, Physio Assistant

Activity Review Bob the Memory Man - On Thursday 20th February, Casa Mia hosted Bob the Memory Man!

Bob took the residents on a trip down memory lane with a presentation of old news reels, advertisement jingles, and TV shows, from Skippy the Kangaroo to Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. The "Aeroplane Jelly" jingle in particular received a loud and enthusiastic rendition.

Afterwards, one resident remarked how it was funny that even after decades, "some jingles just stay stuck in your head". She was particularly nostalgic about Louie the Fly, mascot for Mortein.

Another resident reminisced about Pop Eye and how spinach made his muscles big. She said that "nearly all TV shows were Westerns back then" and wondered why the cowboys always seemed to win.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable day that brought back many good memories from past years for the residents of Casa Mia!

Volunteer Corner After the hectic rush of Christmas, January was a much quieter month at Casa Mia, with many volunteers and families away on holiday. It was wonderful to have some new, young faces helping out with our residents during their holidays. We are always so grateful for the energy and enthusiasm they bring and the residents appreciate the time spent with them. What a blessing they are to our facility!

Our Pastoral Care volunteers have begun a program of ongoing education to help them with their care and support of our residents. We have been privileged to have a few more carers join our team this year so that more residents can have the benefit of their time and love. And on the subject of education: the mandatory training for volunteers is scheduled for 27 March, 17 June and 22 October 2014.

We look forward to a wonderful year together, serving the needs of our wonderful community at Casa Mia. God Bless, Cathy Cathy Strachan, Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator - 0435 814 411

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves�

- James Barrie

Read, Rest & Relax!

WHAT’S YOUR NAME AGAIN?

Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to playing cards a few times a week.

One day when playing cards, one looked at the other and said, "Now don't get mad at me. I know we've been friends a long time, but I just can't think of your name. I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is."

Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?

QUIZ: HOW OLD ARE YOU REALLY? From the following list of 25 items, count all the ones that you remember -- not the ones you were told about! How to score yourself is at the end.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Blackjack chewing gum Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar-water Candy cigarettes Soda-pop machines that dispensed bottles Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers 7. Party lines 8. Newsreels before the movie 9. P. F. Flyers 10. Butch wax 11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix

Super-simple Peach & Raspberry Tart

• 1/2 cup almond meal (ground almonds) • 1 tablespoon caster sugar

• 1 egg separated

• 2sheets frozen butter puff pas try, partially thawed • 2 medium peaches, halved, stones removed, cut into thick wedges • 1/4 cup frozen raspberries

• 1 tablespoon apricot jam, warmed, strained

• Vanilla ice-cream, to serve Serves 4

(e.g., Olive - 6933) 12. Peashooters 13. Howdy Doody 14. 45-RPM records ... and 78-RPM records 15. S&H Green Stamps 16. Hi-fi systems 17. Metal ice trays with lever 18. Mimeograph paper 19. Blue flashbulb If you remembered: 20. Packards 21. Rollerskate keys 0-5 = You're still young 6-10 = You are getting older 22. Cork popguns 23. Drive-in theaters 11-15 = Don't tell your age 24. Studebakers 16-25 = You're older than 25. Washtub wringers you think!

1. Preheat oven to 220°C/ 200°C fan-forced. Grease a large baking tray. Line with baking paper.

2. Combine almond meal, sugar and egg white.

3. Place pastry sheets on top of each other.

Gently press to secure. Cut a 22c m round from pastry. Place round on prepared baking tray.

Score a 19cm round in centre of larger round.

Prick 19cm round all over with a fork.

4. Spread almond meal mixture over 19cm round.

Top with peaches and raspberries . Brush pastry border with egg yolk. Bak e for 20 to 25 minutes or until pastry is golden and puffed and peaches are tender. Brush pea ches and raspberries with jam. Serve with ice-cream.

Word Search Find and circle all of the old TV shows that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the name of an additional old TV show.

ALICE BEN CASEY BEVERLY HILLBILLIES CHIPS CANNON CAPTAIN KANGAROO DOBIE GILLIS DONNA REED DR. KILDARE EMERGENCY FLIPPER

FLYING NUN FUGITIVE GOMER PYLE GOOD TIMES GREEN ACRES GREEN HORNET HOWDY DOODY I SPY IRONSIDE JETSONS KOJAK

L.A. LAW LASSIE LOVE BOAT MAD ABOUT YOU MAUDE MEDICAL CENTER MIAMI VICE MOD SQUAD MOONLIGHTING MURPHY BROWN

ODD COUPLE PEYTON PLACE RAWHIDE RIFLEMAN RIN TIN TIN SOAP ST. ELSEWHERE TAXI THREE'S COMPANY WALTONS

Summer Newsletter Puzzle Answer Scrambled Christmas Carol: Merry Christmas

Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.