Ashburn House Gladesville Autumn Newsletter 2017

C h ristadelph ian A ged Ca re

2017 AUTUMN NEWSLETTER

ASHBURN HOUSE Address: 20-34 Ashburn Place, Gladesville

Light breeze colourful leaves bare trees it must be Autumn nnn “God makes everything beautiful in its time” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Phone: (02) 8876 9200

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message Welcome to Ashburn House

After a long, hot summer, I think everyone is looking forward to the cooler Autumn weather.

Thanks to everyone for their understanding and patience while we were repairing the air conditioning system in Ashburn House. Lots of effort, time and money was put into this and I’m glad it is working now.

I encourage everyone to come to talk to me if there are any more concerns about the air conditioning.

On Valentine’s Day, we put on a beautiful morning tea for our couples and I want to thank everyone who attended.

You can check out the photos and videos of the day on our Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare.

Can I remind everyone to check the lost property on the Lower Ground Level and make sure you purchase labels and press them onto clothes properly before putting them back into your loved one’s wardrobe.

To help us maintain a secure Home, please do not open the front entrance for anyone you don’t know, and seek advice from staff if anyone insists on going out.

Flu season is fast approaching, and flu vaccination consent forms have has been mailed out. Please return them to the Home asap. You also can get a copy of it from the Home if you do not not have one, just ask the RNs or the managements.

Everyone is welcome to our Residents and Relatives meetings. The schedule has been posted at the front entry and car park entry. The minutes are normally posted on the notice board on Ground Floor and Level 1.

Kind Regards, Yan Li

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH

APRIL

MAY

MARCH

1 Lillian Mills

1 Ba Gu

1 Mary Noble

3rd - Entertainment: Ben Little

4 Colleen Lung

2 Lesley Allen

4 Janice White

10th - Entertainment: David Mason-Cox

10 Evelyn Dill-Macky 4 Chiu Yuen Ngai 5 Denis Thomas 10 Patricia Gattermeier 6 Ethel Pearson

11 Mary Ingall

17th - St Patrick’s Day Concert

12 Italia Ciaschetti 9 Barry Manefield 11 Jeanne Little

21st - Entertainment: Roseanna Gallo

18 Alma Ricketts

15 Gay Walsh

12 Bill Van Heekeren

31st - Entertainment: Selwyn King

26 Diana Dodd

17 Donald Shaw

14 Barbara Bacon

23 Barbara Holley 15 Betty Eglon

APRIL

27 Joan Fountain

7th - Entertainment: Amanda Easton

28 Joan Chapman

18th - Entertainment: Roseanna Gallo 28th - Entertainment: Marienne Shepherd

MAY 5th - Entertainment: Miss M

Keep updated with all the latest news and photos by “liking” us on Facebook!

facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare

12th - Entertainment: Ben Little 16th - Entertainment: Roseanna Gallo 26th - Entertainment: Amanda Easton

Activity Reviews GINGERBREAD HOUSE In late November, the residents enjoyed putting together gingerbread houses, which we then used to decorate our Home.

The gingerbread was actually purchased outside the Home and the art of decorating was done by us. We gathered in small groups and listened to Christmas music while smelling gingerbread and creating some very smart looking houses.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHES Ashburn House residents enjoyed a Christmas Luncheon in the Cronulla Theatre. The Extra Service (ground floor) party was held on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. Chris Joret came to play the grand piano for the residents. After a delicious meal of roast turkey, Chris ran a sing-a-long which was a big hit with family and residents.

The first floor Christmas Lunch was held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. At this party, Miss M entertained the residents and some residents joined in to dance. Both groups enjoyed their afternoon immensely. These luncheons always bring happy memories for the residents and family members who attend.

See photo page for more

Christmas Luncheons - Photos

Christmas Luncheons - Photos

Activity Reviews CHRISTMAS GIFTS On Friday, December 23, the RAOs and Maree Thomas (volunteer) dressed up to deliver the residents their Christmas gifts to their rooms. The residents were amazed at how different we looked as some staff were not recognisable! In the afternoon we entertained the residents in the Cronulla Theatre with a Christmas sing-a-long. The theatre was transformed into Santa’s den and we sang many carols from a dedicated song book. Sofia Bernia, one of our residents, also played the some traditional carols on the grand piano for us!

Staff dressed up to deliver the residents gifts.

All photos by Stephen Bradley

Resident Betty West receiving her Christmas gift from Meryl Christian (DT) and Maree Thomas (Volunteer).

Courtney Shaw and Joy Boland (Volunteer) who were part of the resident Christmas Concert on Friday, December 23

AUSTRALIA DAY We celebrated Australia Day with two concerts this year. On January 20, David Mason-Cox came and sang Australian folk songs for the residents in the Cronulla Theatre.

On Friday, January 27, we invited Selwyn King to play jazz while we enjoyed a sausage sizzle and received a little gift bag of Australian things!

I asked a couple of residents, “What Australia means to them?” Australia Day is a celebration of how fortunate we are to live in Australia.

And best summed up by my favourite verse in a poem by Dorothea Mackellar, My Country.

I love a sunburnt country, A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains.

I love her far horizons, I love her jewel-sea, Her beauty and her terror – The wide brown land for me!

Resident Story - Margot Child Margot Child was born in Sydney in 1933. She attended a couple of state schools, for which she was grateful. In particular, she has fond memories of Sydney Girls High School who encouraged the girls to go to university. Margot received a Government scholarship to attend university and many others were given scholarships to attend teachers college. Mr Menzies introduced Commonwealth Scholarships in the 1950s.

There were not many jobs for girls with science degrees, apart from teaching, due to the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Training Scheme (CRTS) for men after WWII. The scheme offered ordinary people access to higher education. Margot then did another year’s training to achieve a Certificate in Dietetics at Royal Newcastle Hospital.

After training, she stayed with the hospital to work as a Clinical Dietician mostly on Dr Reg Hamelin’s work in controlling weight in pregnant women to prevent toxaemia and pre-eclampsia.

Margot remained in the field of dietetics and even lectured nurses in nutrition. She came to Sydney and worked at The Women’s Hospital in Crown Street, Sydney and specialised in assisting pregnant women with their diet so they could avoid ‘eclampsia’. Incidentally, eclampsia is a condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure, often followed by coma and posing a threat to the health of mother and baby. Thankfully, now with good care, we don’t hear of this condition as often.

Margot married Mr Donald Stuart Child who was studying for membership of RACP. They moved to Hunters Hill and had three daughters. Their names are Georgina, Marianne and Lucy and they now have four grandchildren. Her two granddaughters h av e n o w g r a d u a t e d f r o m S y d n e y University! The two grandsons also have university degrees - one in engineering and one in science.

During 1975, Margot travelled to Papua New Guinea after her eldest daughter, Georgina, won a competition in the Sydney Morning Herald for her art of weaving. They had the most wonderful and unique experience of a holiday to Papua New Guinea when the country was going through a change of government. Papua New Guinea gained their Independence from the British in 1975.

Margot worked for UNICEF in the 1970s and 1980s. In more recent years, Margot worked on an Australian florilegium of significant plants and is very proud of the work after it was published by subscription. This work was presented to the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney for their 200th birthday in 2016.

We welcome Margot to Ashburn House and enjoy getting to know her better.

Staff Profile - James Peden ACTIVITY OFFICER James Peden lives in Castle Hill and attends the Christadelphian Church. James has been working at Ashburn House as an Activity Officer for four years. I asked James, “what he likes about his role”?

He enjoys talking to the residents, calling bingo, assisting with hairdressing, giving out the newspapers and incoming mail such as birthday cards. He loves the job because the residents enjoy the company. James says “it makes a positive difference to the resident’s lives, as people love to be asked about themselves”. James takes an interest in their family, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Sharing their birthdays and other special events is a thrilling experience.

When James arrives at work, he loves to greet the residents with “Good Morning” and enjoys offering a smile and friendly words. Fridays are special because we have outside entertainers come and sing for the residents. We invite and take the residents to the Cronulla Theatre. Friday morning is also religion. We offer a different Christian religion each Friday; Catholic, Anglican, Uniting and, of course, Christadelphian. Sometimes, James even comes on a Sunday and joins the non-denominational service offered by Mark Blake. James said, he wouldn’t want to do any other job – it is fantastic to do something you love!

love

1 John 3:18

Pastoral Care

Let us not with word or speech but with actions and in truth

DEPRESSION AND DEMENTIA Depression and dementia are both very daunting terms. Each can seem overwhelming and leave us all at a loss as to how to help. There are difficulties to face, but thankfully there are also some things that we can do to bring some comfort. Depression can also be linked with dementia, with feelings of frustration and loss being a natural result of the effect of dementia on a person’s abilities. Studies indicate that in 30% of cases, those diagnosed with dementia will also suffer from depression.

Group activities such as art, music, exercise and religious services can all help to lift a person’s mood by focusing on ability and memories while creating situations for social interaction. Tapping into activities enjoyed during childhood can bring a renewed sense of self, alleviating feelings of depression. Simple personalised things such as hand holding and singing can also be very effective.

The happiness felt, or the relief of depression, may only last a short time. Carers should take comfort from knowing they were able to help for that period of time. Much of caring for a person with depression may be simply making the most of each moment, of being present with them. As Elijah had to learn – God is in the small voice, and this is often the most effective. A friend or family member visiting when they are able can lift the mood for a little while and obtain that small smile that accompanies relief.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Reminders of God’s creation help to stimulate all our senses, and give us an opportunity to appreciate what is around us.

If possible, walking in gardens or being taken outside to sit in the sunshine gives a great change of scene and can help lift depression. The different outdoor sounds also help to stimulate our minds and can lift people’s spirit – both those of the affected and those of their carers. If, in the later stages of dementia or at a time when depression is so great that they refuse to go outside, then a bunch of flowers can be a similar trigger to stimulate the senses.

Finally, remember as a carer to take care of yourself also.

Those looking after people with depression have an increased chance of developing it themselves, and all carers need to maintain an awareness of their own health as they meet the needs of others nearby.

By Nerida O’Neill, Pastoral Care Coordinator, Ashburn House

Bereavements Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the Summer period.

Volunteer Corner Christmas was a busy time for all and we had many sing-a-longs and carols throughout the month, provided by our great volunteers. A few of our residents also showed their skills on the piano.

Our Staff and Volunteers Christmas Lunch was attended by a number of volunteers and a few were lucky enough to go home with some prizes ☺ . We are grateful to all our volunteers and it was fantastic to be able to show this at the lunch.

Australia Day celebrations were held on Friday, January 27 with a barbecue lunch held in the Cronulla theatre, along with music by Jazz Kingdom.

We were very appreciative to have the help of three volunteers for the day. The girls attend local high schools and volunteer as part of their school service. Their help in setting up the decorations, serving the residents and cleaning up was appreciated by staff and residents. It’s always nice to see young people bringing smiles to the faces of the older ones.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Nerida O’Neill on 0434 946 184 or noneill@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Volunteer Corner SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER Jo O’Brien Jo has been volunteering at Ashburn House for six years, both in the café and helping with the monthly Anglican services. She is also willing to help out when called upon for other special events, such as helping the residents to vote in the Federal Election.

Born in the United Kingdom, Jo came out to Australia 50 years ago. Jo married and worked as a travel agent before having her four children – two boys and two girls. When her husband died 15 years ago, Jo made the choice to move to Gladesville to be closer to her children, with whom she is fortunate to have good relationships.

When driving down Ashburn Place, Jo would often think to herself “what nice units” meaning Ashburn House. She soon discovered that it was an aged care Home and through meeting Mary Pye at church was encouraged to volunteer with the Anglican services.

Good friendships with Jo Bradley and Tina Burgess were developed as Jo volunteered in the Bronte Café. She remembers one resident fondly who used to ask for toast with vegemite and then a collection of other things, such as honey and peanut butter, all on the one piece of toast.

“Volunteering gives me the satisfaction of helping people, being involved. It is enjoyable to be able to give people a space to sit and be listened to,” she said.

Jo also enjoys helping with the services and singing the hymns and songs with the residents, who are sometimes very enthusiastic.

There are also hard times and it is sad to get to know residents who then pass away but Jo hopes to continue volunteering for some time to come.

Read, Rest & Relax!

INTERESTING EASTER FACTS 1. Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian religion.

2. Eggs have been seen as ancient symbol of fertility. Christians consider Easter eggs to symbolise joy and celebration, new life and resurrection.

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3. The traditional act of painting eggs is called Pysanka.

4. Egg dyes were once made out of natural items such as onion peels, tree bark, flower petals, and juices.

5. The name Easter owes its origin from Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolises hare and egg.

6. The first story of a rabbit (later named the “Easter Bunny”) hiding eggs in a garden was published in 1680.

7. Easter is celebrated at different times

by Eastern and Western Christians.

That’s because the dates for Easter in Eastern Christianity are based on the Julian Calendar.

Hot Cross Bun Pudding • 1/4 cup white choc bits • 1 1/2 cups milk • 1 1/2 cups thin cream • 1/2 cup caster sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/4 cup dark choc bits • 2 tablespoon slivered almonds • 6 hot-cross buns • 6 eggs Serves 8 1. Grease a 22cm cake tin and line base with non-stick baking paper. Cut each hot cross bun into four slices.

Line base of tin with half the slices, fitting snugly. Sprinkle with white choc bits.

2. Whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugar and vanilla together in a large jug. Pour half the mixture over buns.

3. Top with remaining slices, pour rest of mixture over. Stand 30 mins to soak up liquid. Preheat oven to 160C or 140C fan-forced. Top with dark choc bits and almonds.

4. Stand cake tin in a baking dish and pour in boiling water to come halfway up the side.

Bake for 1 hr until set and browned (it will rise when cooked, but sink on cooling).

5. Remove tin from dish and cool completely Run a knife around edge of pudding, turn onto a plate.

Remove paper and invert pudding onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges to serve.

Word Scramble The Easter Bunny decorated some of his eggs with words, but when he delivered them, they got a little scrambled.

Can you unscramble the words and find the answer to his favourite riddle?

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