Ashburn House Autumn 2015 Newsletter

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

ASHBURN HOUSE

Address: 20-34 Ashburn Place, Gladesville Phone: (02) 8876 9200

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Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Ashburn House Hello!

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to join the management team of Christadelphian Homes and became the Facility Manager of Ashburn House.

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

I graduated from university and worked in hospitals as a Registered Nurse since 1997. My aged care journey started 12 years ago after I had my beautiful baby boy. I worked as the Facility Manager in two different facilities and was excited to continue that journey with Christadelphian Homes, Ashburn House.

Ashburn House is a well known facility among the community, and this is evident in the “word of mouth” referrals we are receiving from families, doctors and social workers. I am confident that with the professional team, a group of hard working, warm hearted staff working along my side, Ashburn House will continue to be one of the best aged care facilities amongst the community, a home away home for our beautiful residents! I can’t be any more proud to be part of it now!

In the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure to get to know many of the residents, and meet some of the families. When you are here to visit your loved ones next time, please do not hesitate to come to my office and say hello, I would love to meet you all!

As winter is approaching and the flu season is coming, a consent form for residents to receive a flu vaccination has been sent out with last month accounts. We urge all families to return the signed consent form to us as soon as you can. For those residents who moved into Ashburn House after that, you can obtain a copy of consent form from Asher at reception or our Care Manager, Cora.

Warm Regards, Yan Li

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

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH

APRIL

MARCH

MAY

4 Mollie L

1 Ba G

4 Colleen L

3 Joan S

90th 1 Margaret H

5 Norma H

4 Chiu Y

1 Johanna K

9 George W

13 Janelle C

2 Pauline C

10 Evelyn D

14 Sehila B

4 Janice W

APRIL

10 Vincenzo B

15 Gay W

7 Nancy G

12 Italia C

17 Don S

9 Betty L

25th - Anzac Day Memorial Service in Cronulla Theatre

18 Alma R

23 Barbara H 90th

11 Mary I

22 Beryl O

1 Mary N

17th - St Patrick's Day 19th - Seniors Week BBQ for Residents

12 Bill V 14 Barbara B

MAY

26 Marian D

Major Event - Mothers Day

27 Barry K

The History of

Anzac Day - 25th April ANZAC Day is probably Australia’s most important national occasion, with the chosen date of April 25 being officially named in 1916.

It was marked by a wide variety of ceremonies and services in Australia, a march through London and a sports day in the Australian camp in Egypt. In London, over 2000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets. A London newspaper headline dubbed them “the Knights of Gallipoli”. Marches were held all over Australia. In the Sydney march, convoys of cars carried wounded soldiers from Gallipoli attended by nurses.

With the coming of the Second World War, ANZAC Day also served to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in that war. ANZAC Day was first commemorated at the Australian War memorial in 1942. There were government orders prohibiting large public gatherings in case of a Japanese air attack, so it was a small occasion with neither a march nor a memorial service.

Since then ANZAC Day has been commemorated at the War Memorial every year.

Carers Support Groups Christadelphian Homes offer practical and spiritual Christian care for residents and their carers.

Support for carers is available through Carers Support Groups that operate within Christadelphian Homes. These groups aim to provide emotional support and education for those caring for or involved in anyway with someone resident in our facilities.

Meetings are held each month. Current and former carers come together to share information and caring skills to help themselves and their loved one in care. Support groups are a valuable source of emotional support for many who attend regularly or when they can manage.

BENEFITS OF JOINING A GROUP Support groups are made up of people with common needs and experiences. Their members help each other in many ways: • Emotional support. You may find it a relief to talk things over with people who understand the pressures of caring but are not involved with you, the person you care for or your family. You are not alone.

• Practical information, tips and resources. Most support groups share information about local services and supports, medical treatments and research, or tips to help make caring easier.

• New friends. Many carers find that the demands of caring make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family. Regularly getting out to a support group can expand your social circle and help you feel less alone.

PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM The emotional and spiritual needs of residents and carers are acknowledged and support is offered through our Pastoral Care program.

Our services to carers include: • Pastoral care and emotional support in ways that fulfil your needs • Bereavement support to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one • A caring and supportive person in times of loneliness, anxiety, stress and pain • Someone to talk to about life concerns and spiritual dilemmas • Prayer, Bible readings and Christian services as requested or desired

Family of Residents are invited to a FAMILY MORNING TEA When: 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10:30am Where: Cronulla Theatre, Ashburn House Dates: 17/03/15 - First Welcome Session 21/04/15 - “Loss & Grief”

19/05/15 - “Caring for the Carer”

Look forward to seeing you there for a social chat and/or support if you need it.

Cathy Strachan - 0435 814 411 | Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Leisure & Lifestyle Report

by Libby G

All areas of Ashburn House have settled into 2015 after a lovely Christmas celebrated in house leading with the Christmas parties and a visit on Christmas Day with Santa and his helpers distributing gifts to all and having many photographs taken especially in front of our faux fireplace that was a huge success for residents, their families and staff utilising for the photographs.

In the weeks prior to Christmas, we had a lovely visit from Riverside Girls School receiving handmade bon-bons for our residents. Some residents were also the recipients of gifts from the National Australia Bank in Sydney with staff visiting to distribute these on behalf of themselves and others from their branch. This will be an ongoing friendship from the NAB staff at the Sydney branch who wishes to give up their time and support Ashburn House in a voluntary manner in the future. The Christmas angel and cheeky elf from our pharmacy called in to distribute sweets to residents and staff entertaining all with their antics!

Once again, Ashburn House hosted the Activities Assistants program with Ben Oosthuizen, Tori Peden, Courtney Shaw and Johari William spending six weeks with us working closely with our residents learning the leisure and lifestyle program with the elderly in their home.

We welcomed our new Facility Manager Yan Li in January who introduced herself to many at the first Resident/Relative meeting of the year. We also welcome our new addition to the Leisure & Lifestyle team, Diversional Therapist Tara Plaisance who began in February.

Australia Day was celebrated indoors due to the extremely wet weather on the day and a luncheon was enjoyed by those who attended and braved the weather. The annual Valentine’s Day couples afternoon tea was attended by seven couples able to attend and enjoyed being spoiled with white tablecloths, pink and red hearts, petite cup cakes and pink bubbly with the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra in the background serenading them all. We enjoyed an interlude with Duncan MacAuslan, Scottish poet and Sydney Historian and is known for articles submitted to the Sydney Morning Herald on many interesting facts of historical Sydney.

All in attendance appreciated his poetical expression and knowledge on the origins of Gladesville’s history and happily asked questions of which Duncan graciously fulfilled.

We welcome new residents to our home over the past few months including Yvonne Mullins, Betty Byrne, Ba Gu, Jo Bunyon, Margaret Hall, Mary Ingall, Eric Payne, Surinder Joson, Catherine Lotz, Lila Stocks, Diana Dodd and Colin Nancarrow.

Please note that our monthly activity plans in all areas will be changed to weekly as of March.

Next Podiatry visits are Monday 2nd March, and 25th May for Ku-ring-gai, Fitzroy, Katherine and Minnamurra and Tuesday 3rd March and Tuesday 26th May for Daintree and Kimberley.

Take care and we look forward to an active autumn….

“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart” - Proverbs 3:3

Photos from Activities

Activity Assistant Program During the Summer months, we had a few young people join the team for the Activities Assistant Program. This program is offered to the Christadelphian youth giving experience and insight into our Aged Cared facilities.

Wow six weeks as a Aged Care Activities Assistant at Ashburn House went so fast! Especially when you were rewarded for your work with smiles, life stories and thank you's from the residents and staff. 
 The residents made me laugh and cry with some of their stories. To go to work at something you enjoy doing is rewarding in itself. This experience cemented in my mind and heart that this is the career path I wish to pursue. So God Willing I will start my studies in February, so I can make a difference to the older generation in their time of need. Even if it is only to put a smile on their face.

Thanks to all involved for a wonderful uplifting experience. - Courtney Shaw

My time working at Ashburn with the residents was wonderful - I enjoyed everyday. I was blessed to be working with some of the most amazing people. I met some employees and residents that I got to share great memories with and learnt so much from everyone. I also made plenty of new friends that I still catch up with now that I've left.

A great part of working there is getting to know the residents and learning how to make them happy and learning everyone's quirks and interests.

However, the highlight of my time working at Ashburn was actually talking and listening to the family members of the residents. I loved meeting so many different people and getting to hear their stories.

- Tori Peden

The time I spent at Ashburn Home was enlightening and enjoyable. It allowed me to experience the side of Aged Care that isn't very commonly known and that is the variety of personalities in these homes! 
 Playing games, bingo or simply chatting was always interesting and fun due to the quirky characteristics of some of the residents. Overall, it was an experience that was well worth it!

- Ben Oosthuizen

Resident Story - Sook Ling Ho

Sook Ling Ho was born in 17A Hock Lam Street, Teong Bahru, Singapore on January 16, 1923. Originally studying in a Chinese education school in Singapore, Ling was advised by her father that she needed to study in English school to have better career prospects.

Ling took up tuition with a local teacher, Ho Swee Lan, who originated from Malaysia and conducted small classes at her home in Singapore. Ling recalls at one of her tuition sessions seeing her future husband on an upstairs balcony – later being introduced to him as Sam and being the brother of her tutor who was visiting Singapore at that time. Sam worked as a teacher in Batu Pahat in south Malaya. Ling subsequently met the two younger sisters of her tutor – Swee Ying and Swee Meen both of whom she got on very well as they lived in Singapore.

In 1941 when the Japanese attacks on Malaya had started, sister in law Swee Ling wanted to return to her family in Muar and asked Ling to come back with her so that if war broke out she could also be with Sam. Ling was excited at the prospect but her mother would only agree if she got approval from Ling’s father. To that end, Swee Ying suggested to Ling that they should get around the obstacle by pretending to contact her father, then returning home to tell her mother that father had given approval. Her mother agreed and Swee Ying and Ling promptly packed and left. Truly a sad episode in Ling’s life because as it turned out the previous evening was the last she saw of her father.

The Japanese push through Malaya was swift as the British defenders had fortified their forces to the south in Singapore, expecting a major seaward assault by the Japanese navy directly on Singapore after the two British warships defending the Malaya east coast were sunk by the Japanese planes.

With the massive retreat and eventual surrender of the British forces in Singapore, the Japanese occupation of the Malaya peninsula and Singapore was complete. This effectively cut off all access to Singapore.

Ling has retold the story of she and Sam together riding a bicycle from Batu Pahat to Muar during the attacks and having to duck for cover in roadside drains as Japanese fighter planes strafed fleeing civilians. Ling had to live in the small town of Muar with Sam’s family during the invasion.

Early Japanese occupation was brutal. There were stories of attacks particularly on ethnic Chinese men. The invading Japanese army would raid houses, plundering and assaulting occupants at sword point. Sam’s house did not escape raids, with his father threatened with a sword to the neck, but they left his mother alone because she kept in constant prayer as was her fervent faith in front of the Buddhist altar in the house (Japanese are very religious).

Ling recalls when local warnings of Japanese soldiers approaching were spread, the girls immediately raced to the fields to hide. These were hazardous because it was in scorching equatorial/tropical heat, amongst tall scrub and cane fields inhabited by large stinging ants and other vicious insects and snakes etc. They brought water with them but had to eat what they could find in the fields e.g. tapioca roots to survive. All this duress was considered better than facing assault from the soldiers. Eventually the common daily practice was to just spend most of the day in the fields and only return home in the evenings.

There were limited jobs around and the population was desperate to find employment. The Japanese offered for young men seeking work to assemble in the towns and cities who were then taken away in truckloads never to be seen or heard from again and assumed executed. Among these was Sam’s older brother. Fearful of similar fate and filled with hatred for the loss of two family members already, Sam refused to seek employment with the occupying force and took on any odd jobs he could find.

continued over page

Resident Story - Sook Ling Ho contd In 1945 after the war ended, Ling did return to Singapore to find that her father had passed away from ill health during her time away. Sam, aged 30 and Ling, aged 25 married in Singapore Marriage Registry on April 20, 1949 by Minister Francis Henry Bodestyne and lived 53A Seng Poh Road. Sam and Ling enjoyed ballroom dancing and Sam acquired skills as a dance instructor. They conducted private lessons and attended many dance functions. After Sam became a fully fledged school teacher (after missing out on a scholarship to fulfil his aspirations to become a doctor), he was awarded an education department house in Jalan Mustapha (now named Mustaffa) which sat on a large block of land with durian trees, rambutan tree and mangosteen bush living there until 1962.

Their first child arrived in November 1950, a daughter Angela Ho Lai Fun then in 1952, a son named Benny Ho Wai Yee. Ling eventually recovered from paralysis relating to tuberculosis and later began work in the Malaya Police Force Special Branch, still led and managed

by British officers. The anti Japanese resistance fighters (mostly uneducated militants) were denied leading roles in the new government and resorted to terrorist activity and were referred to as “Communists” who were based in the jungles. These prisoners could not speak English and it was Ling’s role as interpreter to translate the interrogations and monitored messages/letters etc. obtained by the covert tapped information.

Sam and Ling had little savings and used crates and anything else they could for furniture in Jalan Mustapha. They had a major setback, when after saving a considerable sum of cash ($800) they went to Singapore with the intention to invest the money in some share trading but on the way there they were pick pocketed… and lost their savings! This was a huge, devastating loss but they worked hard and saved again for the family’s future.

One of the biggest sacrifices was to send both their children Angela and Benny to study in Australia.

Angela got into the course of her choice in Adelaide University and Benny enrolled into Norwood High School east of Adelaide CBD. This split the family into living in two countries and airfares and telephone calls being very expensive, had the family agree the children would return to Johore every two years at the end of year holidays.

Sam and Ling eventually made their first visit to Australia for Angela’s wedding with Ling eventually returning to live when granddaughter Laura was born. Sam remained in Jahore while Ling became an Australian citizen in 1985. Eventually, Sam moved to Sydney and he and Ling bought a house in Marsfield, living close to Angela and her growing family. Ling became primary carer of Sam when he suffered a stroke requiring constant care.

Eventually, Ling and Sam moved to Chiswick, living in the same apartment block as son Ben who, by this time, had their first grandson who was an absolute joy for the couple. Ling enjoyed going into the city confident travelling the bus system with a friend to see movies and have lunch when she could.

Age and dementia eventually caught up with Ling a while after the passing of her husband Sam and she moved to a retirement village and from there to Ashburn House. Leisure & Lifestyle staff at Ashburn House ensure Ling is in attendance of all musical activities and have much joy is seeing Ling clap her hands and tap her toes in perfect time with the music. Nevertheless her love of music and memories of dancing remains in her mind… the constant tapping of her hand even when there is no music playing is evidence of this.

Thank you for sharing your story with everyone at Ashburn House

Did you know? - Brian Shanley

Many of you know Brian Shanley our maintenance person extraordinaire at Ashburn House of whom many depend to take care of any problematic issues in the general well being of repairs and anything required to make life easier for our residents. Brian is the go to man for residents, staff and families when they notice something needs fixing, that Brian is the man for the job and is appreciated for all the little things he does for us all without (much) complaint.

We are all proud to acknowledge another skill Brian has which is in the art of photography. Some of you may have seen one of his photographs featured in the Daily Telegraph in February of a lovely scene at Crampton Island on the south coast.

So we thought we would feature a few of his lovely pictures.

Cecil’s Corner After having Christmas and the start of another year, the days are flying by as we enter the next few months of 2015, which brings to mind the words of the hymn “The days are quickly flying and Christ will come again”. Many people have been watching and waiting in faith for His return so the lesson to learn with patience is that the day will surely come.

Many of our loved members have passed on, including my own aunt who has been living at Ashburn House for a few years now. It is our duty and care to welcome new residents as possibly as we can.

There are plenty of activities to occupy our spare time such as Bible classes, bingo, painting, board games just to name a few and we appreciate the staff who care for us.

Time will be really short when Jesus shall come again and every eye shall see Him and every tongue confess the glory of the Father in Christ our righteousness. May we all be among the chosen of whom will be with Him to enjoy eternal life.

- Cec Salmon

Bereavements -

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the families of: Shirley Howarth, William Bateman, Reginald Lokhee, Barbara Forsyth, Fay Pettit, Vera Gorton, Tom McFadgen, John Evgenikos, Suching Chang & Bess Blake

Pastoral Care THE 10 COMMANDMENTS The 10 Commandments. What are they? Most people have probably heard of them, either from Sunday School or church days, or recall the 1956 film "The Ten Commandments", the Cecil B deMill spectacular motion picture, the account of liberation from slavery of the Hebrew people, led by Moses.

But today how many people can recite the 10 Commandments?

Are they still relevant today? Are they a relic from the past?

One of the problems with the 10 Commandments is we see them as a list of "do's and don'ts". Are they a list of infringements and restrictions? Is God a divine tyrant who issued a list of rules to keep an eye on us? No - nothing could be further from the truth. They were not given by a God to satisfy His need to manipulate our lives ..they are statements of principle which give an expression to an idea. They were first addressed to the people of Israel as they left Egyptian slavery, and moved out into freedom as a community under God. That's why He issued the rules - they moved out of bondage into servanthood of God's rule. They had changed masters ..no longer under slavery of Pharaoh. And the living God wanted to give them some principles of behaviour to help them. It was an attempt to express what a community under God looks like. That's why the Ten Commandments have a dual focus - relationship with God and with our fellow human beings.

The people of Israel started to learn about God as a loving God who wanted them to be free .. and that's the wonderful message about these rules. They are designed for our freedom and happiness. They provide some security ..But there's more to it than that. God's Ten Commandments bring order to our world, in any generation. They are not just a set of out-dated laws for a former generation. They are still relevant for us today. After all, what is the basis of morality? Who can be sure of what is right and what is wrong?

There are lots of opinions on these big issues ..Thousands of years ago, God gave man a plan for order within society, a plan for mortality and ethics that would guide mankind down through the centuries.

They are His ideas, not the prejudices of man, or based on the latest popularity polls or what a particular government wants. It's what God wants. The basis of the Ten Commandments is God Himself, and if taken seriously, they work. They work because He knows man, and knows what we need to live a fulfilled and orderly life.

When Moses came down off Mt Sinai, we read in Exodus 20 "He told the people what the Lord has said. God said to the people of Israel I am the Lord your God, the one who brought you out of Our deepest sympathies have Egypt where you were slaves" (1-2). They are true statements, the gone out to the families who basic laws that govern our lives and our society. They show us how have lost their loved ones over to live together in love, joy and peace. It's wonderful to know God the Summer period. loves us so much He speaks to us. Despite our rejection, and rebellion, God cares for us. He has communicated with us, telling us how to live.

He spoke and gave the law to man .. God did not leave man in the dark, wondering how he is to live. We don't have to stumble around in the dark groping after truth, wondering how we can bring reconciliation to the world, wondering how to please God. So, more than just speaking to Moses, he saw fit to pass on His law written down for man. He has communicated the 10 nnn Commandments, so we will always know how to live with Him and with others. - By Chris Witts

Bereavements

Volunteer Corner

“What you do makes a difference.

You have to decide what difference you want to make.”

We seem to be racing through this year with some much happening, but so little time to catch up with each other. I thought of welcoming you to volunteering in 2015 but by March, that sounds ridiculous! Still, it’s a delight to have so many willing hands and happy faces around our facility which contribute in so many ways. I’d especially like to welcome the new volunteers this year, and I hope they enjoy their work and are fulfilled in the time they give to our residents.

A special thanks to Aaron who played the piano so beautifully for our Resident & Family Cocktail party in February, despite it being a family holiday for Chinese New Year that day.

Aaron is a young pianist who has volunteered to play for our residents and they thoroughly enjoy his skill and having young people at Ashburn.

Our eLearning for volunteers isn’t ready for the moment, so we have scheduled two face-toface sessions of education (15 April and 15 October 2015) to be held at the Southhaven Meeting Room, led by our wonderful Yvonne.

God Bless, Cathy Strachan If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Cathy Strachan on 0435 814 411 or cstrachan@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Mother’s Ode A child “honours” their Mother through the years At 4 years - Mummy can do everything At 7 years - My Mum knows a lot At 9 years - Mum doesn’t know everything At 12 years - of course Mum wouldn’t know that At 15 years - The old lady wouldn’t have a clue At 17 years - Mum! She’s too old fashioned At 21 years - well, she knows a lot, but not everything At 25 years - I might just listen to what Mum has to say At 30 years - first, I’ll ask Mum’s advice At 45 years - my mother knew literally everything At 60 years - I wish I could discuss this with Mum

THE ROSEBUD It is only a tiny rosebud, a flower of His design But I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers is not known to such as I; The rose God opens so sweetly in my hands would fade and die.

If I cannot unfold the rosebud, the flower of His design What makes me think I have the wisdom to unfold this life of mine?

So I’ll trust him for his leading each moment of every day And I’ll look to Him for courage each step of the pilgrim way.

For the path that lies before me, my heavenly Father knows; I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments Just as He unfolds the rose.

- Anonymous

Read, Rest & Relax!

SENIOR JOKES

An elderly man was having hearing problems and went to see a specialist. The doctor fitted him with some hearing aids that brought his hearing back to full strength. After a few weeks, the man came back to make sure the new equipment was working properly, which it was. The hearing specialist said, “It all seems perfect. Your family should be delighted you can hear everything now.”

“Oh no,” the man responded. “I haven’t told any of them. I just sit quietly, listening carefully. I’ve changed my will four times.”

EXERCISES FOR OVER 50S • Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

• With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.

• Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags.

• Then try 50-lb potato bags and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.

• After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

sides

Hot Cross Muffins • 135g dried cranberries • 1 cup currants • 2 1/2 cups self-raising flour • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 2/3 cup sunflower oil • 1 cup buttermilk • 2 eggs • 200g caster sugar, plus extra 2 tablespoons • 80g icing sugar • 1 teaspoon lemon juice Makes 12

1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a 12hole muffin tray and line with paper cases.

2. Soak dried fruit in just enough boiling water to cover for 10 minutes. Drain well, then pat dry with paper towel.

3. Sift the flour, soda and spices into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs and sugar until combined. Add to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently stir in the fruit.

Divide the mixture among muffin cases, then bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Meanwhile, place the extra 2 tablespoons sugar in a pan with 2 tablespoons water and simmer over low heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Brush the glaze over the muffins.

5. Sift icing sugar into a bowl. Add lemon juice and just enough hot water to make a thick, pipable icing. Use a piping bag or drizzle from a spoon to draw a cross on each muffin, then serve.

Word Search Find and circle all of the words relating to Easter that are hidden in the grid.

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