Christadelphian Aged Care A U T U M N N E W S L E T T E R
2 0 1 5
RIDGEVIEW Address: 95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527 Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au
z
Managers Message
z
Welcome to Ridgeview
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
Hello to all! As our summer draws to an end, I am sure we are all looking forward to a reprieve from the heat and humidity. It certainly has been a warm one. My first message to you all was back in December 2014 when I had only been in the role for 2 months. I am now about to enter my sixth month as your manager. It has been a challenging and eventful journey so far. The audit form the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency had occurred and I advised that it was a successful audit. It has now been confirmed that Ridgeview has been awarded a full three years Accreditation. I wish to thank all of the staff who worked diligently and with great pride. It is a wonderful achievement for you all. However, the work only now begins. You will have started to notice the commencement of improvements within the home. Through the positive and creative feedback we receive, this allows us to plan and to continually review what we do. Thank you to all who have assisted us in our Continuous Improvement process. Please continue to provide us with the constructive feedback. Suggestion Improvement forms are located throughout the home and at reception. These can be handed to reception or placed in the secure box on the door of the office in the foyer. contd over page
“Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself” - Og Mandino
Manager’s Message continued The changes made by the Commonwealth Government effective from 1st July 2014 under the initiative of “Living Longer Living Better” (LLLB ) is offering up challenges. Under LLLB, residents can no longer just request to move around the facility and change rooms. For this reason it is paramount that we attempt to get the placement of all new residents’ right. I have received recent requests from families to relocate rooms, move to a different area within the home, etc. This can no longer be accommodated easily. Changes may incur additional costs to you. Each case has to be reviewed both clinically and financially. I request that all of our residents and relatives review the Charter of Resident Rights. You will find the Charter displayed throughout the facility and in your Resident Handbook. Community living can be difficult and we must respect the privacy, dignity, culture and requests of all residents who reside with us. One of the most confusing issues for our residents and relatives is the chain of responsibility when you have enquiries around care delivery. I wish to advise that in the first instance, all care issues are to be raised with the Registered Nurses in your area. The clinical management within the home is overseen by our very competent Clinical Managers. The Ridgeview Management team is listed below: • Facility Manager – Jennifer Arkwright • Clinical Managers – Ciji Jose & Jaina Varghese • ACFI Coordinator – Jackie Brooker • Nurse Educator – Heidi Epps • Resident Services Officer – Karlene Hlis • Administration Officer – Diane Ostermeyer • Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator – Michelle Bonner • Lifestyle Coordinator – Michelle Bonner • Quality Officer – Linda Broadstock • Catering Supervisor – Alison Boyle Together we all attempt to coordinate the systems, processes and living environment with Ridgeview. While I look forward to the cooler weather, I also look forward to the ongoing improvements, environmental and culture change with Ridgeview. Cheers, Jennifer Arkwright (RN, BHM, MBA) – Facility Manager
Birthdays & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH
APRIL
MAY
2 Ana
2 Eileen
1 Betty
6 Jane
3 Electra
1 Jessie
10 Vasna
6 Joy
3 Leila
10 Margarete
6 Anne
8 Jack
12 Clarice (Jean) 10 Ethal
9 Kathleen
12 Robert (Bob) G 16 Connie
15 Marjorie
11 Rex
17 Miguel
13 June
20 Noel
18 Edith
14 Peggy
21 Patricia
19 Christine
14 John
24 Muriel
19 Noel
14 Dulcie
24 John
24 Mary
14 Audrey
27 Josephine
25 Beverly
19 Sultana
30 Petar
20 Joyce 20 Dinny 22 Barbara 24 Norman 28 Edgar
MARCH 11th - Sways Concert 14th-22nd - Seniors Week 17th - St Patrick’s Day 19th - The Happy Beats Concert 25th - Armchair Travel – Greece (Greek Independence Day) 26th - Kiama Probus Men’s Choir
APRIL 3rd - Good Friday 6th - Easter Monday 7th - Matilda’s Farm 23rd - Anzac Day Service 28th - Susie J Concert
MAY 10th - Mother’s Day 11th-17th - National Volunteers Week 12th - Shoalhaven Shufflers Performance 21st - Swingaleles Concert
Staff News - Babies Born •
Di from the kitchen had a new granddaughter born on 8th February 2015 named Milla. Congratulations to Di and family.
•
Julie Bush’s first grandchild is due anytime now!
Ridgeview News 1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW PHARMACY PROVIDER Best Price Pharmacy will commence at Ridgeview effective 13th March 2015. The integration will be seamless for the residents and supply of the medications. You will receive one more invoice from Kanahooka Pharmacy which will be a final. All future invoices will be from Best Price Pharmacy. Letters have been posted with the March billing along with a Direct Debit Request Authorisation. Should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to discuss these with our Administration Officer at reception. 2. LIFESTYLE REVIEW Lauretta Kaldor is a highly experienced Diversional Therapist with over 20 years of experience in aged care. We have engaged Lauretta to undertake a full review of the Lifestyle & activities within Ridgeview. Management & Lifestyle teams at Ridgeview are looking forward to improving this outcome for residents. Please watch this space for improvements. 3. OPENING OF THE SECURE DOORS BETWEEN SUNSHINE & AMETHYST The secure doors between Sunshine & Amethyst are now being opened. The doors will be open between 8am – 4.30pm daily. Residents will be able to move between the two areas. For security, unfortunately the front reception doors have to remain closed. This may change over time as we continually seek to improve. We encourage you when visiting to use the outside courtyards . 4. CARPET REPLACEMENT Slowly there will be replacement of the carpet within the bedrooms to a vinyl. Carpet is no longer considered the best flooring within a resident bedroom area. Residents will need to be relocated for the short term to allow the replacement progress to occur. Notification will be forwarded to you as the schedule is established. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 5. INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING OF STAFF I wish to remind our residents and their families that intimidating and bullying of staff will not be tolerated. Here at Ridgeview we have adopted the NSW Health – Zero Tolerance to Bullying. Staff are not to be spoken to rudely, in raised voices, sworn at, nor threatened verbally or physically. This includes management and administration. Whilst we acknowledge that it can be very frustrating at times for all concerned, please respect that the staff care for many residents during there shift. 6. INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS A reminder - should you wish to receive vaccination for Flu or Pneumovax we require your consent. Consent forms have been posted to you with the February billing. Consent forms are also available at reception. Completed consents can be returned to the Administration Officer at reception.
Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE
Christmas Parties
Residents enjoyed a wonderful Christmas party with afternoon tea. Santa visited and Lynn, one of our wonderful volunteers, played the Piano and a special guest played the cello. The Ridgeview Choir performed some Christmas carols. A wonderful way to celebrate Christmas together.
Australia Day
During the month of January, we focused all activities around Australia. We had a fun afternoon with activities such as thong throwing, Australian trivia. The kitchen made us a special treat for afternoon tea of freshly made damper with golden syrup. We also had a great Australian BBQ – sausages, onions, coleslaw on bread. Many thanks to our volunteers who assisted with these events.
Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE CONTD
Making Melody Concert
It was such a delight to have Robyn and her puppets visit Ridgeview again. Residents were captivated throughout the show as we were entertained through music and interacting with these cheeky puppets. Puppet Pier, shamelessly flirting with our lady residents.
AMETHYST Activities in Amethyst have been many and varied. Craft is most loved with the residents and the majority of our craft activities have been aimed at an upcoming event. We have done painting, creating coathanger wreaths for Christmas and Mother’s Day. Residents enjoyed making Christmas cards to give to family and friends. We have made streamers and decorations for upcoming theme days such as Australia Day and Valentines Day, along with colouring, cutting, paper art and decoupage.
Activity Reviews AMETHYST CONTD
Fish n Chips in the Park
Our bus trip in January was in keeping with our theme for the month of summer in Australia (Australia Day). So we thought a trip to the beach for fish n chips was iconically Australian. We went to Reddall Reserve, right on the inlet at Warilla Beach. A beautiful day was had by all. Sitting in the covered area for lunch, the local Kiosk proprietor provided us with beautiful crumbed fish and hot chips, a coffee or tea, followed by an ice cream. Soaking up some sun, watching the comings and going of locals and spectacular surf, the residents truly enjoyed their day out.
Activity Reviews SUNSHINE During the past three months residents in Sunshine have been involved in table games with Volunteer Kay helping with cards, tic tac toe and dominoes. We have introduced aromatherapy to our program once a week for hand and foot massage. This is proving to be very relaxing and settling to those who receive a massage treatment. Throughout the festive season we enjoyed Christmas carols, Christmas movies and the count down to our Christmas party. Our herb garden has taken off with the wet warm weather and there has been an abundance of herbs, some of which we used in a sensory activity making herb posies. Thank you to Wayne who drove the Ridgeview bus for our three Christmas light tours. Residents thoroughly enjoyed a couple of hours, mesmerised by the array of lights and decorations on display around the community. We have two new activities on the 2015 program and both have been very popular:
Carpet Bowls - Over 20 residents have been attending carpet bowls. So much competitive
fun as we try to get as close to that white ball as possible. Each week the residents are improving on their skills and having lots of fun.
Armchair Travel - Each month we pick a different country
to visit for armchair travel. We enjoy discussions, watch a DVD and enjoy a sample of food from the region. It is great to hear resident’s stories of their travels and special places they have visited. January – Australia | February – China March – Greece | April – New Zealand
Activity Assistant Program During December and January we had Carly Bonner join the RAO team for the Activities Assistant Program. This program is offered to the Christadelphian youth giving experience and insight into our Aged Cared facilities. Carly was kept very busy throughout December and January. The residents in Sapphire particularly enjoyed Carly’s daily programs of various crafts, making flowers, card making, teaching residents how to use the Wii, ten pin bowling, carpet bowls, bus outings, 1:1 visits, lolly trolley, 1:1 painting just to name a few. It was very sad to say farewell as she will be greatly missed by the residents and staff. We had a lovely afternoon tea together, presenting Carly with flowers and cards - I think a few tears were shed by residents. We wish Carly all the best as she commences University and look forward to this wonderful program again at the end of the year.
I really loved working at Ridgeview again this year. Working on a more oneon-one basis with the residents this time, I got to know each of them really well and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with each resident. It was great to see that I was actually making a difference in someone's life just by being there! Not only that, I really feel like I've learnt something from them too by listening to the stories they have to tell. It was fun to get involved in all the activities at Ridgeview with the RAO team - especially bus trips and carpet bowls :) and I'll definitely be missing painting with Ethel every week! I’m so glad to have had this opportunity – Carly Bonner
Prizes urgently needed Our Bingo Trolley is very low! Donations can be given to Reception and clearly labelled “Bingo”. Please, no talc powders, hand creams, soaps or deodorants. Thank you!
Resident Story - Hope Wilson Hope Patricia Wilson (nee Slatyer) was born in Bondi on 7th July, 1929 and lived all her life here. She went to the first school ever built in Dover Heights. When she finished school she went to the MBC (Metropolitan Business College) and studied secretarial skills, mastering shorthand, typing and longhand. Hope completed her course and came in fourth for Business Studies. Hope loved to work and was destined to be a career girl. Her first job out of College was with the Public Service in Macquarie Street, Sydney. Hope was not happy there as all the ladies had seniority over her and Hope didn’t want to wait to get a good position. So she decided to try her hand at private enterprise. Qantas was advertising at this time, so Hope applied for and secured a position based in Darwin. Hope loved her time in Darwin and made many friends there and has wonderful memories of that time. She lived in Darwin for a couple of years. On her return to Sydney, Hope got a job with a local airline as an Air Stewardess. Hope loves music and loved to dance and went to all the local dances, and this is where she was introduced to her lovely husband. Hope and her husband lived there lives out in Bondi, embracing the coastal lifestyle. As a person born and bred in Bondi, she loved the water and loved to swim.
Staff Profile - Kandiss Occupation: Assistance in Nursing Here are a few things you may not know about me: ‣ My nursing career started looking after my Pop at home as he refused to go to a home ‣ I have been working at Ridgeview since 2009 ‣ I have two sisters - I am the middle child and all our names start with K ‣ My favourite colour is pink ‣ I’m afraid of snakes and spiders ‣ I love my family and friends ‣ My favourite time of the year is Summer ‣ I am building my first home this year with my partner in Tullimbar ‣ I have recently become a gym junkie – no chocolates or cakes please! ‣ I grew up in the Illawarra area ‣ I have travelled overseas to America, Samoa and Cook Islands ‣ My favourite animals are butterflies and elephants ‣ My nickname growing up was Sweetpea, as I was always in trouble ‣ My favourite flowers are Roses and Frangipanis
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 We ended 2014 with a group of Ridgeview Volunteers coming together for a Christmas morning tea and celebrate a wonderful year at Ridgeview. We also attended Mt Terry Primary School end of year assembly. On behalf of CAC the school was presented with a $100 cheque for the school’s library. Residents, Ken and Anne, presented two students with Awards and vouchers to the National Geographic Shop. Thank you Mt Terry Primary School for your valuable contribution to the volunteer program.
Volunteering at Ridgeview has lots of exciting activities planned for 2015. I would like to welcome new volunteers Elzaan, Kay and Angela. Elzaan and Kay are working with the RAO team in providing activities assistance and 1:1 with residents in Sunshine and Amethyst. Angela will be teaching computers and iPads to our residents on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday afternoon Angela is teaching residents computer basics (including exploring the internet) in the Internet Café. Thursday morning’s Angela will be doing 1:1 visits with residents who wish to learn more about their iPads. This is an exciting new venture as residents embark on embracing new technologies and go on a journey of discovery via the internet. Thanks to the efforts of Jan and Jeanette, the Ridgeview Knitting Group completed a total of 63 Knee Rugs at the end of 2014! These colourful rugs have been given to residents throughout the facility and gratefully received. For 2015, the Ridgeview Knitters have a new project … CATERPILLARS!!! These cute little critters are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. All brightly coloured, unique little faces and unusual hair styles. These caterpillars will be given to children at Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward to make their hospital stay a little brighter.
Volunteer Corner During school terms 1 & 2 we will be having eight students from Oak Flats High School volunteering at Ridgeview. This is a wonderful opportunity to have the youth in our community involved in our home. The students will be engaged in a variety of activities and I’m sure the residents will thoroughly enjoy their company. We welcome back Fr David Catterall who has been recovering from illness. The residents and staff missed you during your absence. It is great to see your smile and infectious energy you bring with you every visit. Catholic Communion is held on the second Friday the month 11am in the Sunshine dining room. I would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers at Ridgeview for the time, dedication and commitment you give each week. You are greatly valued and appreciated.
Thanks, Michelle Bonner
If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Michelle Bonner on 0434 421 617 or mbonner@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
Article: Where Am I? LOST IN THE FUNNEL OF GRIEF The hardest times are not necessarily the first few days, though the initial shock is so traumatising that until the funeral - usually the third day - it appears impossible to imagine how one will cope. Almost miraculously, one seems to find reserves of strength to dignify the ritual of farewelling the ones we love. But wait till the sun goes down a week later when all those who supported you have gone back to their own lives. All the pain, all the loneliness, all the despair washes over you as you process and re-process all that has happened. The immensity of the recent events and your struggle to encompass them has taken its toll. Over the next weeks and months, as your defence mechanisms wear off, all those thoughts and feelings that still need to be resolved will surface. You may feel worse than ever: upset, crying, overwhelmed by sadness. During the first year, especially on anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas and special days, you anticipate the pain, the loneliness, the space that was occupied by someone you love. There will be no celebration, no present to give. Perhaps some quiet gesture as a mark of remembrance. I remember how touched I was to walk into my office on the first anniversary of Thomas’ death and see, on my desk, a bunch of rosemary. Nothing to say from whom it came, but a loving taken from someone who recognised what had happened a year ago. Rosemary, for remembrance, was in season. You will be overwhelmed in waves, unexpectedly at the most random moments, often without any prompting at all. Conversely, you may be reminded by a smell, a good, the light, some music being played – you will have a grapple simultaneously with love and death. As Mal McKissop says ‘You may never get over the death, but you will learn to live with the absence’. That part of you that has gone yearns for some replacement. It cannot be the deceased, but the contribution that would have been made to the relationship had they lived. In that way, grief is the process by which we discover what was lost. Rather than worry that these often strange and uncontrollable things are happening to you, be reassured that they are good, natural responses to arguably the most stressful experience you will endure. Different cultures allow for lamentation and physically exhausting mourning to accommodate the adrenalin one generates to survive the ordeal. We can cry, or walk, or work in the garden to help us cope. It would be of greater concern if we did not acknowledge these changes, if we stifled our emotions, became stuck or denied our growth. “I ask not for a lighter burden, but broader shoulders.” ( Jewish Proverb) Towards the Light - Growing Through Grief Michael Metzger
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.