Maranatha Aged Care Kallangur Autumn Newsletter 2017

C h ristadelph ian A ged Ca re

2017 AUTUMN NEWSLETTER

MARANATHA Address: 1582 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503

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

Phone: (07) 3482 5333

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message Welcome to Maranatha

‘I am confident that Maranatha will continue to develop and flourish into the future, but most importantly and unyieldingly it will remain a Home where individuals feel wanted and loved.’

These were the words written by Kathy in the last newsletter of 2016. I started at Maranatha on November 14 as the Facility Manager, and have come to know these words as true.

Maranatha is a Home where all is inclusive, diverse and caring. The staff show a genuine desire to care, and it is from this we will continue to flourish, improve on our weakness and develop our strengths.

My name is Suzette Robertson and I am honoured to be part of the Christadelphian community known as Maranatha. I have worked in aged care for more than 20 years, previously with Blue Care and prior to that in New Zealand.

My philosophy to aged care is choice and quality. Where possible, we work with family and residents to provide a choice on how the resident would like to live their lives.

My office is in the main administration area, so please come and say hello!

With many records broken in the recent heat wave, a timely reminder to all to look at what you can do to assist your family member during excessively hot weather.

Provide an adequate supply of light coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothing. This could include: Ladies: sleeveless summer dress and summer night wear For men: short-sleeved shirt, shorts, cotton summer socks and summer pyjamas Encourage and assist with sipping cool water or other drinks as recommended by care staff.

Offer assistance Ensure drinks are within reach Fill up water jugs …continued

Facility Manager’s Message continued Look for any signs of distress and if present report this to care staff immediately Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing Weakness, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting Fatigue, headache, confusion.

Take care of yourself!

Stay out of the sun Avoid travelling in the hottest part of the day Spend at least three hours in an air-conditioned space Have plenty to drink Avoid strenuous activity.

When the weather cools just a little take time to enjoy the grounds and gardens at Maranatha. We have new outdoor furniture outside LillyPilly and Magnolia. The pond is settling and new grass is taking hold. Have a stroll around the boardwalk and have a look.

Many thanks to Ryan and Adam the gardeners at Maranatha Residential and ILU for doing such a great job.

Kind Regards, Suzette Robertson - Facility Manager

Senior Village Manager’s Message A family of blue-capped wrens are flitting about catching little white moths outside my office window. He has a harem of three and they seem to have made a home in the two trees flanking the bench seat. They are tiny little creatures with the skinniest of legs, seemingly fragile, but in fact they show great strength in their abilities to make a home and look after the tiny families they produce.

Each of us have times when we may appear fragile. It’s during these times that others show their strengths and assist us to get by. When you are confident and able to use the strengths within you, it becomes your turn to help out.

I recently witnessed an occasion when a resident timidly reached out for help. Not only one person put their hand up, but four immediately offered assistance.

This is why communities such as ours are wonderful places to live. Each of us have roles to play in making a home not only for ourselves but for others within our community. It is an honour and a pleasure to work in our communities among people who think of others kindly.

If you have a suggestion or a concern, even a compliment, please complete a Feedback Form and return it to Chris, at reception. All feedback is looked upon positively.

Sometimes it’s the smallest suggestion that can make the biggest improvement. These forms are located at reception. Just ask if you cannot see one.

Kind Regards, Jane Burns - Senior Manager, Retirement Villages

Birthdays & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH MARCH 1 Arthur Wright

APRIL

2 Lynne Simmons 2 Bev Corver

2 Glenda Rickman 10 Merle Finch 3 Annie Murray

MAY

3 Gerti Dodd

11 Richard Smith 3 Bruce Peacock

16 Gerry Pittaway 9 Lynette Tunnicliffe 10 Wendy Pogson 17 Claire Peacock 9 Jeanette McKenna 15 Merle Fernley 18 Christina Rucker 11 Margot Szczepaniak 100th 5 Peggy Ecuyer

28 Jean Burrell

1st - St David’s Day Afternoon Celebrations 6th - Michelle K Fashion - 10:30am 10th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends 17th - St Patricks Day Morning Tea and Virtual Trip to Ireland 20th - Portofino - Fashion Show and Shop 21st - World Poetry Day 26th - Christadelphian Choir 31st - Birthday Party and Concert

APRIL

23 John Davies

16 Jean Tweedale

24th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends 10th - Market Day 13th - Easter Morning Tea Party 25th - Anzac Day 28th - Birthday Party and Concert

23 Bob Crew

16 Phyllis James

MAY

24 Collin Hill

17 Betty Collins

28 Joy Gregory

23 Lorna Clark

18 Evelyn Stuckey 11 Dulice Brandon

Graham 28 Phyllis Watson 19 Worsnop

13 Marjorie Green

19 Margaret Ingram 15 Valda Jarman

23 Peter Dawson 23 Lorna Russell 24 Betty Hermann 25 Jane Bundesen 30 Kitty Joseph

12th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends 15th - Mother’s Day Morning Tea 25th - Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser 26th - Birthday Party and Concert Don’t forget the usual choir, gentle bus trips, lawn bowls, painting and craft and many other fun activities held every week. Check your weekly programs for times and locations.

Activity Reviews LAUGHTER YOGA Laughter… is the best medicine.

One of the best feelings in the world is a good belly laugh.

It can bring people together and establish amazing connections.

Even a small giggle can change the whole atmosphere of a room.

But, did you know that laughter can: Decrease stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies – and in so doing improves your resistance to disease.

Trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, promoting an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain It can assist in the lowering of blood pressure Works your abs Improves cardiac health So with all these amazing health benefits in mind (and because she likes a good laugh), RAO Joan has developed a “Laughter Yoga” session - and here are some of your fellow neighbours enjoying a laugh and improving their health.

Activity Reviews AUSTRALIA DAY At Maranatha, we need little excuse to enjoy a day filled with food, friendship and fun. So this year, we decided just one day to celebrate Australia Day was not enough, so we incorporated the theme into the monthly birthday party: consequently with knife and cake in hand and the opera houses on our heads, we sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to all who celebrated their birth in February, ate a beautiful cake made by Carman and sang together with volunteer John Bliss.

A FUNDRAISING CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND CAROL DAY Every year for as long as we can remember, the Fundraising committee have lead the change in Maranatha’s festive celebrations. With an abundance of love, time, food, craft and gifts, they come laden with Christmas cheer for all. Dawn, leading the charge both in deeds and in voice, reminded us all of our humble beginnings and our continued blessings.

Many thanks, from all those that reside and work at Maranatha.

Activity Reviews HIBISCUS CHRISTMAS Every year, the Hibiscus Wing (Memory Support Unit) has a family Christmas to remember.

With Santa in attendance, songs and music played, gifts, family and last but not least, a banquet fit to please a king, it has all the making of a wonderful day.

Keep updated with all the latest news and photos by “liking� us on Facebook! facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare

Activity Reviews VALENTINE’S DAY February 14 saw the celebration of Valentine’s Day. For many, this is seen as a celebration of youthful fancies, but for us it is a time to celebrate love that has lasted the test of time.

When we live in such a throwaway society, of easy come, easy go, it is wonderful to celebrate the loves that have overcome obstacles, sadness, loss and in some cases natural disasters. Whether it be family, children, our partners or loves that are no longer with us, Valentine’s Day gives us time to reflect on that blessing and to wonder at its strengths and joys as well as the important it plays in our individual lives.

So why is love so important?

It connects us with another human being It is a path to self-discovery It is a reformer and a teacher It is one of the greatest feelings It cannot be bought or stolen, for it has no value until it is given So with all our love, the staff of Maranatha wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Resident Story - Beth & Audrey ANOTHER MEETING ALONG LIFE’S PATH

At our Volunteer Thank You Morning Tea in December, there was a serendipitous moment when old acquaintances met. They are now both living at Maranatha: Beth Williams (nee Hill) in the home and Audrey Wigney (nee Gallier) in the Independent Living Units.

They first met 74 years ago as teacher and student at the Ocean View School when Beth was a new teacher of 17 years old and Audrey, a precocious but engaging, young student of 10. I have had, and continue to have, the privilege of hearing stories of Beth’s experiences as a teacher but obviously this particular school placement has a special place in our Home because of the connections.

Beth remembers arriving at the Williams’ house where she was staying (note her name change from Hill!) and asking where the school was and being pointed to “up there”. She looked up to see a very steep hill with a school building on top which she was to climb to reach her school accompanied by students, but most particularly, Audrey!

From their school on the hill, they could see the whole of Moreton Bay from Caloundra to Brisbane.

The students came from the surrounding ranges, some even arriving on horseback. Audrey used to meet Beth on the way to school and teacher would look after student walking up that steep hill together, over wire fences, creeks and other obstacles which included snakes… most particularly, on one occasion, a black snake, which there is a story about if you want to ask! The picture we have is of a tall long-legged teacher and a short pretty girl who enjoyed their time together going to and from school and all their adventures which included being rescued from the flooding Terrors Creek one day by one of the local farmers, Bill Williams. Audrey is convinced that he had a hidden motive!

On their way up that steep hill, there was a big fallen log where they would sit to recover before resuming their long and difficult climb up the hill and survey the view while they regained their energy to complete their climb.

The upside of this climb was the return home where they would take their shoes off and run… the young teacher Beth loved to remove her “sensible shoes” that her parents had bought for her to begin her professional life.

One of the subjects that Beth and Audrey particularly remember learning about was the weather.

Learning to read and understand weather charts was such an important part of their daily lives, because they dictated their lives and movements as it was a farming community. Also, Beth had the responsibility of making decisions regarding starting and finishing times at the school with regard to extremes of weather to ensure the children’s safety.

Beth was a loving, caring teacher who mothered her children as the school was one where she had total responsibility for these students as they came to and from school and while they were there. A big responsibility for a young girl of 17, which she enjoyed having as she watched them grown, learn, and reach their potential. Audrey remembers thinking how very grown up “Miss Hill” was and found it surprising that Miss Hill was only seven years her senior, because as a student, Audrey had loved and respected, even revered, her. Their relationship was particularly poignant as Audrey felt very important as she walked to and from school with this lovely teacher. Audrey feels that Beth had a very big and positive impression on her life which remains to this day!

Beth’s teaching position at Ocean View was her first and while there she and Bill Williams met and decided to marry, but not before Beth had done more teaching at four other schools - four years later they married – poor Bill had to be very patient. Audrey remembers the engagement party held for Beth and Bill in the community. Beth’s church-based upbringing (as her father was a pastor) came to the fore when she asked “Aren’t we going to give thanks for the food?” which made a big impression on Audrey and showed that acknowledging God was an important part of Beth’s life.

Staff Profile - Tunde Bulman CARE & COMPLIANCE OFFICER My name is Tunde Bulman and I have been working at Maranatha since September 2016 as Care & Compliance Officer alongside Bridget Foulds and Frida Osa. Prior to this, I have had a varied career becoming a Registered Nurse in 1984 in Dunedin, New Zealand. Post registration, I worked in community and then with aged care in a rehabilitation unit in Dunedin. During this time, I was blessed to have three wonderful children (two girls and one boy - the boy is the youngest) who are now 30, 28 and 26.

When my son was 10 days old, my husband and I decided to travel to England, where we spent a little over 13 months enjoying the snow, grey and cold of Northern England. My husband was lucky enough to secure a job in Saudi Arabia during this time and when his work visa came through, the family joined him there. We spent three safe, happy years in an environment that was perfect for our family - both my husband and I worked in a Drug and Rehabilitation hospital there.

We decided to move to Australia, but spent a further 18 months in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, and in the UAE commissioning a psychiatric hospital, before finally deciding to settle back into Brisbane for the benefit of our kids.

In Australia, I have worked in aged care as a Registered Nurse, Care Manager, Educator, Facility manager, ACFI coordinator and finally in my current position. Along the way, I have met wonderful people and loved living in my adopted home of Brisbane.

My husband and I enjoy attending the gym, bush walking and mountain climbing and love a good movie on the weekend.

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 VOLUNTEER THANK YOU MORNING TEA We had morning tea on Tuesday, December 6 to give our residents an opportunity to say thank you to our volunteers for all the work they do for them within and without the Home.

This was a lovely occasion where our residents, John Laidler among them, gave out the beautifully wrapped gifts of Bluetooth speakers to the volunteers. There was a lot of resident participation in the morning tea and two of our lovely lady residents spoke on behalf of all thanking the volunteers for all they do.

One of the speeches, by Irene Heath, reads: “On behalf of the residents, I would like to say a big thank you to the volunteers for all the help you give us. Getting us to the many activities, taking us for walks and also the many other tasks you undertake, to make our lives happy and bubbly. We really do appreciate all you do and especially for your kindness and friendship. We couldn’t manage without you. Thank you all for sharing your precious time with us. God bless you.”

Our other speech was given by one of our new residents, particularly in view of the settling in process which, I would say, is now over as we are seeing a lot more interaction and sharing, facilitated particularly by Anne, Joan, Colleen, Nancy and Sara, who are our invaluable Leisure and Lifestyle team.

Margaret Amos’s words were as follows: “I would like to say a few words on behalf of the residents in the new wing at Maranatha regarding the wonderful, generous and caring people who donate their precious time. They keep us active and creative in so many ways in spite of a few cranky outbursts and demands – we could not do without them – they cope so well! These people are the volunteers whom we cannot thank enough. So let us give them a big thank you and also wish them a very Merry Christmas. To the volunteers!”

On behalf of the volunteer team, I would also like to say thank you to the residents for sharing their lives and experiences so generously with us as we all grow in love and care for one another, and through this, show Our Heavenly Father’s love for us all.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Jane Hughes on 3482 5333 or jhughes@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

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.