Casa Mia 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

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, How the time flies! I can hardly believe that Christmas is now a memory and Autumn is upon us again. Another sign of a change of seasons is our beautiful Crepe Myrtle which is just starting to lose its flowers.

As we start preparing for the cooler months, it is timely that we turn our attention to 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. Just a reminder if you are showing signs and symptoms of Influenza we ask that you do not visit as a to help prevent the spread of infection.

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 everyone enjoying themselves and each others company.

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 in to 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 John will call you back.

Recently you would be aware that there has been a recall on Berries. I would like to reassure you that take these recalls seriously and always follow such directives. Fortunately we did not have any frozen berries and haven’t had any on recent months.

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

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

Birthdays & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 13 Vincent F 26 Elaine M Gwen C

APRIL

MAY 5 Thelma S

MARCH

11 Doreen I

10 Mary H

4th - Catholic Mass 13th - Stan Ellis Entertainment

12 Paul G

10 Lesley H

18 Doreen H

15 Diane C

25 Iris H

21 Greta C

5 Carmen F

25 Maureen C Lionel H

APRIL 4th - Easter Sunday 21st - Entertainment by Kane

MAY 15th - Entertainment by Dominique Sepe 19th - Kris’s Feathered Friends

Clarence B

Staff News - Goodluck Sue Everyone at Casa Mia would like to give a huge good luck to Sue Geddes who is taking time away from Casa Mia to have knee surgery, and spend more time with children and grandchildren.

Sue is a huge part of our family here at Casa Mia filling the walls with love and compassion, never too busy to stop and chat with a residents we all wish you a very speedy recovery.

Good luck and see you soon Sue!

Activity Reviews NOVEMBER

Ten Pin Bowling - Late last November, Casa Mia

participated in the diversional therapy combined Ten Pin Bowling competition. Casa sent six of our best bowlers, put on our “Casa Strikers” shirts and left home at 9am for a 10.30am start. Six teams from different facilities come and participate at the event every year and we have a great time competing with each other. This year, we decided to split the Casa Strikers into two teams; ladies and gentlemen.

Maisie, Doreen and Shirley made up the ladies team, who were determined to beat the men from the start. Robert, John and Reg made the men’s team and had a quiet confidence, lead by Carlton.

We met our rivals and sized up the competition. The residents of Southhaven, our sister facility, would prove out biggest competitors. The first few frames we were all a bit rusty, but after we found our form, we were bowling like true professionals. The ladies finished their games first and were just beaten by 10 points by the gentleman. Luckily, the ladies were gracious in defeat and believed the better team had won. After all the bowling we had well and truly worked up an appetite; chips, chocolate and sandwiches filled us up while Kartja Jefferys (the organiser of the event ) announced the winning team and awarded the medals.

Southhaven took first prize and Casa Mia was very proud to take home second place. John and Maisie were both awarded highest score in the men’s and women’s divisions and had not one but two medals to take home. We were very grateful for the wonderful day and thanked the Diversional Therapy association for a wonderful event. We look forward to taking the gold next year.

The RAO’s would like to ask if you have any pre-loved but unused hats at home, would you kindly consider donating them to us at Casa Mia. With the weather warm and inviting, we need to ensure residents are properly protected from the sun’s rays. Wide brim hats are the most needed item however any hats would be greatly appreciated!

Activity Reviews DECEMBER

Christmas - a wonderful time, a time

to give love and hope to each other.

Every year, Casa Mia invites the families of our residents to join us and their love ones for Christmas lunch. The kitchen work exceptionally hard to ensure we have an amazing banquet to enjoy.

Families soak in the atmosphere and soon enough the smell of a roast dinner is wafting through the corridors.

When the food arrives, everyone pops a few crackers and slips on a silly hat. A few trinkets from our Bon Bon’s and some old jokes and the place is filled with laughter. Next is the Christmas pudding with warm custard, even if you don’t really like Christmas pudding we all have a least a few spoonfuls at Christmas time - it’s tradition after all!

After eating all that delicious food, it’s time for residents and families to entertained

by Dr. Cameron and his beautiful bagpipes; some of our families visiting cannot believe that a doctor would give up his time to entertain us, but he does and I think he loves to come here as much as we enjoy him being with us.

Casa Mia is always on Santa’s nice list, so Santa stops by with gifts for all the residents. Santa had a brand new sleigh this year and plenty of helpers on hand to help with the gifts, elves, reindeers, a Christmas Present and his own wife Mrs. Claus. To finish off an amazing day, the resident’s choir sung Christmas Carols for everyone to enjoy. The beautiful music drifting through the home warming the hearts of everyone. Thanks to everyone who made the day wonderful, kitchen staff, nurses, volunteers, families, residents and everyone who gave up their time and effort.

JANUARY

Australia Day -Australia Day is a happy time at Casa Mia; residents gather around the TV to

watch the cricket, while staff come dressed in their Australian pride t-shirts, shorts hats and shorts.

This year we even had Australian flag tattoos. Residents sat around the dinning room and made an Australian tradition Lamingtons. Soft Sponge cake was slowly rolled in chocolate then carefully rolled in coconut - the lamingtons didn’t last long quickly being devoured by residents. Flag painting and thong making were also big hits for this Australia Day.

Activity Reviews FEBRUARY

Valentine’s Day - Love is in the air at Casa Mia, and on Valentine's

Day this year, the RAO department decided that the best way to a resident’s heart was through their stomach; so with that in mind we decided to have a chocolate fondue fountain. The staff in the kitchen were kind enough to order us in some delicious goodies. Plump, sweet strawberries and chewy gooey pink and white marshmallows, dipped in warm melted chocolate, had everybody feeling the love. While the activity itself is quite messy the residents were more than happy to have chocolate everywhere as long as they got to eat some.

Casa Mia was also loved up with a sweet valentines display in the front and some craft hearts and paper chains strung around the home. Special thanks to Rosan for taking these wonderful photos.

Family of Residents are invited to a FAMILY MORNING TEA When: 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10:30am Where: Casa Mia Garden Gazebo Dates: 11/03/15 - “Loss & Grief” 08/04/15 - “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

Activity Reviews BUS OUTINGS Its 2015 and we have been to some great places on our bus outings such as Chipping Norton Lakes, Burnum Burnum, and East Hills Park and many more.

CHIPPING NORTON LAKES There are two traditional custodians of the Chipping Norton Lakes area – the Tharawal people, which inhabited the southern side of the Georges River, and the Darug people to the north and west of the River. Thomas Moore was granted waterfront land that is now part of the park. 'The Homestead' within the reserve grounds was built in the 1880s. Apparently the town was named for Chipping Norton in England.

We stopped here for morning tea to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

BURNUM BURNUM (10 January 1936 – 18 August 1997) was an Australian Aboriginal activist, actor, and author. He was born a Woiworrung and Yorta Yorta man at Wallaga Lake in southern New South Wales and was christened Harry Penrith but took the name of his great grandfather, which means Great Warrior.

A newly renovated park surrounded by bushland and water, this park is fast becoming a very popular place for kiddies and carers to wile away the day. It has plenty of space in which to run around, a large bike track, sheltered picnic tables, BBQ areas, climbing equipment, slides, swings, a flying fox and a large rope climb. This park also has a new toilet block, lots of parking and even has a bridge which makes a perfect platform for people to sit and watch the ducks swim in the creek. We saw many birds such as Ducks, Ibis, Plovers, Indian Miners, magpies and others.

It was also here that RAO Colleen and bus driver Carlton had a bet (not for money) on whether it would rain on such a beautiful sunny day. Carlton thought no not at all and Colleen thought yes. Her evidence was, the dark clouds building up. It rained, not for long but it did rain. Lesson learnt - never bet against a sure thing.

EAST HILLS PARK East Hills Park is located on the Georges River and is a beautiful spot for a picnic or get together.

Many of the residents enjoyed our beautiful and idyllic surroundings. One resident commented, “This is Gods creation, and is marvellous to look upon and sing....”

Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, he made their glowing colours, he made their tiny wings, all things bright and beautiful, the Lord God made them all.

Lunch was a hot beverage, a selection of sandwiches, fruit and cake. One cake that was appreciated the most was a Raspberry and White Chocolate cake, which melted in the mouth and was a delight to the senses, giving joy and pleasure with every bite. From the residents and staff, a big thank you to Vanya for packing such a beautiful cake in our cool bag, and compliments also to the chef. The day ended with our customary ice cream at Maccas by Bankstown airport watching the small planes take off into the afternoon sky.

Photos from Activities

Resident Story - Elizabeth Cruckshank Casa Mia would like to welcome Ms. Elizabeth Cruckshank, also known as Betty. Betty was born in Australia on 30/10/1922 and grew up in the countryside with both her parents and sister while working on the farm to make a living.

In Betty’s younger years, she was a nurse and also went to Bible College to learn about religion. After Betty went to Bible College, she became a religion teacher to teach children all about religion.

One day that is very special and close to Betty’s heart is the day her sister got married. Not only was her sister getting married, but it happened to be the day Betty met Cyril, the man of her dreams. A few years later Cyril and Betty were married and had one child, a baby boy named Phillip.

Betty enjoys making people happy and smile because she believe that life isn’t worth living without happiness. Betty says the one thing she will never forget in life is when she was a nurse and how rewarding she found that job. Betty enjoys the garden and being surrounded with family and friends that love her.

Staff Profile - Veronica Veronica has been a part of Casa Mia for about 9 months, starting off in Laundry but soon became the new Physio aide. Veronica says she feels like she is the luckiest lady in the world to be able to work in place she can go home every night and say to her family “today was a good day”.

Veronica has been happily married for 32 years to her husband Ron. She has five beautiful boys - Ben, Ryan, Jarryd, Dane and Mitchell and adores her boys. Veronica enjoys scrapbooking and crocheting in her spare time and is a HUGE “AFL” fan,

with the Swans being her team.

Veronica is the type of person that will go out of her way to help anyone in need, nothing ever seems to be a problem for her. All the residents love Veronica and her kind-hearted personality. She enjoys coming to work everyday and says that she absolutely loves working for Kanchan and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Veronica is a great member of the Casa Mia family and we are extremely lucky to have apart of the Casa family.

Thankyou for all you do Veronica.

Marilyn - 25 years as our Hairdresser Marilyn started working as a hairdresser in Aged Care over 30 years ago. She worked at a Day Care facility for people with Dementia and one day an RAO from Alma Road Nursing Home brought residents to the Day Care and met Marilyn and begged her to come and join the staff. So 25 years ago, Marilyn started coming to Alma Rd, two days a week, and has seen the old building knocked down, the new Casa Mia built and now recently redecorated. She says she just loves working with our residents as she gets to chat to them and make them feel good. She enjoys giving them the personal touch and making them feel special, as if they’ve had an outing by visiting her little salon.

Marilyn has 2 sons, 2 step-daughters and 7 grandchildren whom she adores, so when she’s not busy at Casa, she’s looking after grandchildren. She is also passionate about shopping and doing nice things for people, so she has taken on the “Casa Mia Gift Shop” cabinet which she keeps beautiful stocked. All the money raised from this enterprise goes straight into the residents’ kitty.

Marilyn is such a blessing to us all – even the staff love her because she has the largest lolly jar which they keep raiding!

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. Here are some of their reflections:

Working at Casa Mia over the December holidays was such a treat with wonderful friends and the amazing residents, I could not of asked for more. I would arrive every morning with a smile on my face anticipating a day abundant in laughs, crazy crafts (which transcended everything conventional), the occasional Doris Day karaoke session and engaging conversations. I spent most my time in the dementia ward and quickly fell in love with the residents and staff. I'm sure Ill forever cherish my experiences there. One of my highlights was the construction of a 336 plastic cup tower with the residents while we defended it against interested bystanders determined on its demise. - Angela Smith

I had a wonderful time working at Casa Mia. One of the most rewarding things about the job was when, after I had taken the time to build a relationship with a resident, I would walk into the room to be greeted with a smile, or sometimes thanked for just having a chat. I found the residents to be beautiful people who were very appreciative of my time with them. Whether I was playing a board game or cards, listening or reading to them, the little things like that would often brighten up their day, and mine! I am so thankful to God for letting me have this experience and thank all the lovely staff, residents and visitors at Casa Mia for creating such a caring family atmosphere, and a pleasant working environment - Elizabeth Halliwell

I’ve worked for Christadelphian Aged Care twice now in my university holidays, the 2012-2013 summer period and the 2014-2015 summer period, living in Canada in between.

The majority of my time has been spent with people suffering from dementia and it has been interesting to learn about the different symptoms of dementia. The biggest thing I’ve taken away both times is the quality of interaction I’ve developed. Being able to walk into a room and have someone break out into a smile, raise their hand and shout ‘Hey’ or ‘Good Morning’ across the room is special.

They may not remember your name but they remember the atmosphere of fun that you bring to their lives every day. The men quickly learnt that I was the go-to guy for a serious sports conversation! The ability to make a difference to the life of someone’s brother, sister, uncle, aunt, father, mother, grandfather or grandmother, as well getting paid to learn from their experiences means that I would recommend taking this opportunity if you ever have the chance!

- Ben Wilson

Activity Assistant Program I loved working at Casa Mia which is a very friendly environment. All the staff were always willing to help when I was unsure of what to do.

From working in this job, I now understand aspects of age care, and I have also developed as a person socially and morally, because of the way I had to work in the facility. I am very grateful that I received the job.

My favourite part of the job would have been becoming close to many of the elderly people and getting to know them.

- Natalie Kunkler

I loved working at the Casa Mia nursing home. I learnt many things about dementia and other diseases which I did not know before, which helped me understand different sections of the nursing home, particularly the dementia ward. The dementia ward was amazing on its own. It was quiet (mostly), and the residents were so much fun to get to know. The rest of the wards were also fun. A few residents that stood out to me:Â - one resident is genuinely in love with Elvis and pestered another worker to play his songs on the piano. Before we discovered this she was uncertain of us all, but once we found out her Elvis obsession she loved us.

- another resident sang opera to us when we arrived, making songs about our names. He loved dominoes and singing, to the point were other residents yelled at him and tried to kick him out. - one residents could only communicate through sounds she made with her tongue (like clicks and whistles). She would squeal when hugged and would lift her arms out so she could show you her drawing or magazine of the day. The whole experience was extremely fun. From playing hangman, to trying to make the residents work out, to singing songs, to painting, to playing basketball, to making lamingtons (which were barely finished before the residents ate them, un-rolled), to meeting new christadelphians who worked with you, to learning the residents incredible stories it was an absolutely amazing experience. Of course there are many more things that happened, but it would take several pages to do it justice.

Thankyou all to everyone involved. - Anastasia Olsen

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.

Cec turned 60 in February! We hope he had a fabulous day, and wish him everything of the best for the future.

Our eLearning for volunteers isn’t ready for the moment, so we have scheduled two face-to-face 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.