C h ristadelph ian A ged Ca re
2017 AUTUMN NEWSLETTER
RIDGEVIEW Address: 95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527
Light breeze colourful leaves bare trees it must be Autumn nnn “God makes everything beautiful in its time” Ecclesiastes 3:11
Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Manager’s Message Welcome to Ridgeview
Hello to all! We are well into the New Year and it looks like the warm weather will be staying for a while. Through the Events Committee, attended by residents, we have organised and had some very successful events at our Home over the past couple of months. Again, we had a wonderful Christmas attended by family and friends. The nibbles and decorations coordinated by the Leisure and Lifestyle Team and made by some of our talented residents were well received. Residents in the Adult Day Program assisted in decorating and the Home was looking very festive. We organised a door competition for the best dressed door and it was very difficult to judge the best ones, as both staff and residents came up with some fabulous designs. Mr Dennis Cook, who decorated his door with his grand-daughter and Mrs Anne O’Reilly won prizes for the best door decorations. We also celebrated our win with the Christadelphian Aged Care Movie Calendar, winning first place for the most number of likes on Facebook. We formally thanked our participants at the Christmas party with a specially made cake, displaying the winning picture and paying our respects to Mr Bruce Miller’s family on the recent passing of Bruce. Our new Care Manager was recruited and commenced late in January and we are very pleased to have someone with her background, skills and abilities. Katie Dalton has worn many hats during her nursing career, but most recently worked on the commissioning of the new Surgical Hospital at Wollongong. Katie comes to us with vast experience but also fresh eyes and will be able to assist in moving forward with the initiatives we are currently working on and identify new strategies we can put in place as we move to a more Consumer Directed Care approach to care provision. continued over page
Manager’s Message cont In early January, we celebrated Australia Day with a barbecue, attended by some lovely farmyard animals. The residents had the opportunity to snuggle with some baby animals and have their photos taken. We had a barbecue cooked by some of the residents and volunteers and we ensured that we had lots of onions and lamb chops. We recently held a Working Bee at the Home to review and improve the outdoor and indoor areas, removing rubbish and broken equipment. This allowed us to review access to outdoor seating and lounge areas and we have purchased more seating so families can spend time together in comfort. We will continue to review this and welcome any feedback. At this time we also developed the café area upstairs in Sapphire as an initiative of the Events Committee. We have also reviewed the outdoor access areas for our Sunshine residents, who currently have access to the Tranquillity Garden and we are in the process of separating Sunshine into two areas, allowing for a further garden and outdoor seating area with a barbecue. We are currently planning an Easter Family Day on Thursday, April 6, where we will have the Easter Bunny visiting the Home and are planning on a visit from some special entertainers to mark the opening and naming of the new café in Sapphire. I look forward to seeing you throughout the year. Kind Regards, Michelle Murphy
UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH
APRIL
MAY
5 Paul
3 Alan
1 Jessie
9 Eliza
3 Cornelia
3 Leila
10 Vasna
4 Mavis
4 Dereck
12 Robert
6 Anne
5 Tomislav
12 Clairce
9 Marko
10 Edward
14 Leslie
11 Doreen
11 Jill
14 Garnet
13 Ruth
12 Elizabeth
16 Connie
17 Lorna
14 John
19 Margaret
14 Norma
19 Christine
15 Jean
20 Doris
16 Freida 19 Sultana
MARCH Fishing Trip Putt Putt Movies 24th - Ainslee Collection - 2pm
They sell lovely scarves, jewellery, purses, brooches etc & also have eftpos
APRIL 6th - Easter Family Fun Day
Keep updated with all the latest news and photos by “liking” us on Facebook! facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare
Activity Reviews ADULT DAY PROGRAM The Adult Day Program operates from Monday to Friday between 10am to 3pm in the Adult Day Centre room (Wattle dining room). The program is for any resident who wishes to attend. The Program activities include: Ladies on Mondays with beauty fine dining Tuesdays we have a gardening group with our wonderful volunteer Bill Golf putting challenge Ten Pin Bowling Table and Ball games Craft Sing-alongs Movie time with popcorn Concerts If you are interested in the adult day program or have a family member who would like to attend, please advise the lifestyle staff or see Kim (Lifestyle Coordinator/ Team Leader). We love to make our residents smile. Thanks, Debbie
SAPPHIRE Hello from Sapphire! We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. Residents are excited about our proposed new outing schedule, with residents providing the ideas for new venues and outings. Our latest trip was an outing to the movies to see “Lion” and lunch at High Seas Thai restaurant. It was a fantastic day and several residents are looking at other movies we could attend. We have a fishing trip planned and High Tea at Silver Spoon Kiama in February and March. Australia Day, although very hot, was still enjoyed by those attending with a barbecue, Matilda’s Farm and games afternoon with trivia about Australian culture. Craft activities will resume, with our first project being Fabric Flower bag making. Tai Chi numbers are increasing slowly during Monday and Wednesday afternoons at 3.30pm. It is a great relaxing exercise that everyone can do. The popular activities will continue, including discussion groups, bingo and concerts. Please don’t hesitate to see me about any ideas for activities you have. Thanks, Vikki (RAO Sapphire)
Australia Day - Photos
Activity Reviews AMETHYST The Amethyst area of Ridgeview is growing into the largest section of Ridgeview. We have two RAOs now attending that section daily to be more attentive to our residents. We have had a wonderful Christmas and New Year time with many craft ideas, newspaper reading and daily reminiscing. Matilda’s Farm visit with a barbecue for Australia Day was very popular, with staff taking little cute animals around to residents’ rooms who couldn’t attend. There is also a light exercise program and walk happening in that area. Our residents love to spend time outdoors and we are hoping to be able to do more activities in the courtyards. Please don’t hesitate to let me know any ideas you have for activities look forward to spending the next three months with you all. Thanks, from Jean & Donna (RAOs Amethyst)
SUNSHINE Sunshine has been doing some amazing activities and programs, with exercising every Friday morning by going for a walk to see the chickens at Mt Terry. We also have Happy Hour every Friday at 2pm - it’s very popular with cocktails and nibbles. There are also movie afternoons with relaxation massage and beautiful sensory smells. Sunshine have a beauty morning every day for men and women, where the residents enjoy light massage cream applied and have hair done - it makes them feel beautiful and fresh. Please stop by and say hello and let me know any ideas you think would benefit our wonderful Sunshine residents Thanks, from Stacey (RAO Sunshine)
The Ainslie Collection Friday March 24 - 2pm
Sunshine Dining Area/Adult Day Program Area
Prices from $8 Freshwater pearls Crystal Jade Brooches Please come along and take a look. Eftpos available
Necklaces Earrings: Pearl, Crystal , Sterling Silver
Scarves & Pashminas from $15 to $25
NEW ARRIVALS - Hand Bags & Mens/Ladies Wallets
Christmas Lunch - Photos
Activity Reviews LIFESTYLE TEAM What a wonderful three months we have had with Christmas parties, Christmas lights tours, Aussie Day fun, many concerts, Morning Tea Bus trips and Luncheon Trips. We also have Happy Hour every Friday and have just started a barbecue every Friday with a rotation of residents that attend. We want to keep this to a group of 10 so we can personalise the experience. The residents enjoyed a trip to the movies and lunch to see the Lion and they loved it. We also now have our monthly Ten Pin Bowling, with the champion receiving a medallion they can keep - so becomes very competitive. Many new things happening here at Ridgeview, with great support and ideas from our wonderful management team. Please take a look around the Home as we have a new barbecue area out the back of Sunshine and also our new look coffee area up in Sapphire. We are currently getting ideas from our residents on what to name our new area and will keep everyone updated. Please feel free to utilise any of these areas when you visit. I would just like to thank our Activity Assistants for all their help over a very busy period - we miss you. Also, a big thank you to our wonderful volunteers that are always there to assist us. Please don’t hesitate to contact me over any concerns you may have or ideas you may have eg. places to go on bus trips or luncheons or entertainers you may think would benefit our residents. We have so many new things happening here for our wonderful residents. We now have events committee meetings weekly with staff and residents and everyone gets involved in planning events. Just remember, we are here for our residents and anything they want to do, we will make it happen. Looking forward to the next three months and more good things happening here at Ridgeview. Love, Kim (Lifestyle Coordinator/Team Leader)
New Cafe in Sapphire Come and visit our newly opened cafĂŠ in Sapphire. This freshly renovated space is sure to be a talking point as you go down memory lane. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while listening to music, having a chat or reading a book. Our decorated 1950s style cafĂŠ is complete with an air hockey table, tea/coffee facilities and access to the veranda to sit and enjoy the beautiful mountain views. There will also be some extra additions to this area, so come visit and enjoy the atmosphere.
Christadelphian Aged Care Movie Calendar 2017- WINNERS We celebrated our win with the Christadelphian Aged Care Movie Calendar, winning first place for the most number of likes on Facebook.
Resident Story - Nancy Forscutt I was born on June 6, 1921 in Hindley, England to Ellen and John Glover and placed on a window ledge because I only weighed 2lb and was thought to be stillborn. When movement was noticed, I was quickly cleaned, oiled and wrapped in cotton wool. My father was a Light Horseman in the Great War for Civilization from 1914-1918. After the war, he then became a coal miner. When I was eight months old, we boarded a ship bound for Sydney, Australia. It was then that I was given the name Nancy, my real name being Elizabeth Ann, but there was another Elizabeth on the ship so my Mum called me Nancy. As my father was a coal miner, he was given a job in the Coalcliff Mine. Living in Bulli, I started school at age five and attended St Joseph’s School until the age of 14. My first job was a help maid for the Town Clerk of Bulli, Mr Mitchell - his wife had 10 children! My second job was in a guest house as a kitchen hand in Austinmer. Gee, they were long days; from 6am-6pm. I rode my push bike each day from Bulli. At age 18, I married George. His work took him away a lot travelling, so it was hard being Mum and Dad most of the time. Then came helping with the grandchildren, along with the children that lived in the street. I was Nan to them all, and was kept very busy. I had worked hard all my life as a mother, nanny, cook, cleaner, carer, painter, gardener and ironing lady for The Bernardo Home, Bulli Hospital, Wollongong Guest House and CWA Corrimal just to name a few. Then came caring for my elderly friends in their own homes, sometimes Monday to Friday doing whatever was needed to keep them in their own home. In 2007 (aged 87), came heart failure and I was operated on and given a pigs valve to repair my heart. I had my first respite stay in 2009. I have been a resident at Ridgeview for six years. I look forward to bingo twice a week, Knit n Natter, concerts, sing-alongs and going home to stay for a night with my daughter Carol once a week. Now, at almost 96, I have 17 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 11 great great-grandchildren. I love them all so dearly and I know they all love me. My life is fulfilled and I am a real believer in karma
Staff Profile - Lee Moses
I commenced working at Ridgeview early October 2016 as Nurse Educator. I am excited about my new role and have a passion for the aged care industry, having worked in the field for about 17 years, including teaching over the last three years. I enjoy exercising and yoga and take the opportunity to enjoy short breaks and extended weekends in our caravan with my husband to beautiful areas on the south coast, even though I live in picturesque Kiama. I also enjoy reading and belong to a book club where we “discuss” the previously read book over a long relaxing lunch. We continue to learn from each other all throughout our working career and the skills and knowledge we acquire help deliver the care our residents need and deserve on a daily basis.
LaBelle Beauty Therapy Belinda and Laurelle have been attending to the residents’ beauty needs at Ridgeview for more than seven years. On the second Tuesday of each month, the lounge area in Sapphire is transformed into a relaxed and social atmosphere to be pampered by the Beauty Therapists from LaBelle Beauty Therapy, Albion Park. “I love coming to have my nails done and get the full treatment – today I chose the colour Sultry Sunset for Valentine’s Day” - Ruth, resident
“I didn’t know they came to do nails until today. As soon as I knew, I was here straight away.” - Georgina, resident “I used to do my own nails for years, but I enjoy getting them done as they look so much better when the girls do them for me. I get the colour Tooti Fruity every week.” - Hope, resident Price List Nails Eyebrow wax Chin wax Lip Wax
$10.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
No appointment needed. Please see the Leisure & Lifestyle Team for any assistance.
Grandparents Give in Many Ways “If we live and love creatively, passing on the torch of a meaningful life to our children, our grandchildren, our neighbours, our pupils and patients, our friends, we have the reward of knowing that our train, which inevitably must move into the darkness of the future, will continue to shed light upon those we leave behind”. Supplied by resident, Nancy Forscutt
Activity Assistant Program During December and January, we had Phoebe, Lara and Kaitlyn join the Lifestyle team for the Activity Assistant Program. The program aims to give Christadelphian young people a taste of working in aged care, and boosts the Lifestyle teams over the busy Christmas and holiday period. Phoebe said she loved the variety of the role and now planned to work in aged care in the future. "We have travelled with the residents on bus trips to various places including scenic trips and picnic outings. We participate in craft sessions, bingo, knitting and walking groups," she said. "I plan to study and work as a Resident Activities Officer in the future as I love this sort of work with the residents." Kaitlyn said working as an Activity Assistant had helped her develop lifelong skills. "I enjoy building strong bonds with the residents and getting to hear their stories. It’s rewarding knowing that you can bring a bit of fun to everyday, whether it’s organising a concert, doing Christmas craft or just playing a lengthy game of Rumikub," she said. "Each day is different, I’m constantly learning more and enjoying the challenges. Working at Ridgeview is helping me develop lifelong skills through assisting the elderly which I hope to use in serving the wider community." The program was a wonderful opportunity for young people to be introduced to our Homes and learn new skills, said Volunteer and Pastoral Care Coordinator Michelle Chate. "It is lovely to see our young people grow not only in maturity, but also in confidence as they share their youth, enthusiasm and love of Christ within our Home,” she said. "The residents and staff eagerly await this time of year for the ‘new recruit’ of Activity Assistants, some new and some familiar faces. It is so touching to see our young people sitting with the elderly and genuinely showing care and love, sharing life stories and laughing together." Ridgeview's Lifestyle Team Leader, Kim Lillie, said the young people brought so much joy to the residents. "Having the Activity Assistants at this time of year is a wonderful idea as it's such a busy time for the Lifestyle Team and the benefits for us are wonderful," she said. The Activity Assistants Program is run every year across all our Homes during the summer holidays. For more information please contact Pastoral Care and Community Services Manager, Stuart Muir at smuir@chomes.com.au.
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 Our volunteer program is continuing to grow and we have lots of exciting things planned for 2017. Volunteer support is a vital part of our commitment to quality care for our residents. Without our wonderful volunteers, many of the additional services and new friendships we offer at Ridgeview Aged Care would not be possible. We are so blessed to welcome our new volunteers Anne (Gardening) and Jayde (1:1 visits). Oak Flats High School, Year 9 Volunteers We are excited to continue our partnership with the Oak Flats High School Year 9 volunteering program. We welcome Shae and Chloe who will be volunteering every second Tuesday during Terms 1 and 2, 2017. 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 with the Lifestyle Team and I’m sure the residents will thoroughly enjoy their company. Knit n Natter For 2017, the Knit n Natter group have a new project – DOOR STOPPERS! All brightly coloured, these cute little door stoppers will be greatly welcomed throughout Ridgeview. We plan on making a door stopper for every room! Knit n Natter meets every Tuesday at 10.30am in the Sapphire Sports Lounge. Everyone welcome, even if it is just for a chat. Catholic Care - Community Visitors Scheme At Ridgeview, we partner with Catholic Care Community Visitors Scheme to provide regular companionship visits to our residents. Each Community Visitors Scheme volunteer participating in the program is carefully matched with a resident/s according to their cultural background, interests and hobbies. This program has been running for many years at Ridgeview and has been wonderful to see the bond between the resident and their CVS Volunteer. I would like to thank Maureen, Flora, Fay, Bob, Molly (Pet Therapy), Jacinta, Dave (Pet Therapy) and William for the many hours and years you have put into this valuable volunteering experience. Gardening Projects We have a number of exciting gardening projects planned for 2017, which volunteers Bill and Anne will be overseeing along with the Lifestyle Team and residents. We will start to see each area receive a much needed ‘facelift’ thanks to the expertise of these talented green thumbs. 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. If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:
Michelle Chate on 4235 7612 or mchate@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.