Chamberlain Gardens Spring Newsletter - Christadelphian Aged Care

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Christadelphian Aged Care S P R I N G N E W S L E T T E R

CHAMBERLAIN GARDENS !

Address: 53-67 Chamberlain Rd, Wyoming NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4329 8000 Email: admin@chomes.com.au

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Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"

- Robin Williams Spring is the Birthday of the World 'Tis like the birthday of the world, When earth was born in bloom; The light is made of many dyes, The air is all perfume: There's crimson buds, and white and blue, The very rainbow showers Have turned to blossoms where they fell, And sown the earth with flowers.

- Thomas Hood

Managers Message

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Welcome to Chamberlain Gardens Welcome to this Spring edition of our newsletter. Spring is always a lovely time as we look forward to more sunshine, warmer weather and colourful blooms.

I was delighted to join Christadelphian Aged Care in June as Chamberlain Garden’s Facility Manager and thank you for your warm welcome.

I’ve been very impressed by our team of both staff and volunteers and with the lovely facilities we have here. With over 20 years experience in Aged Care in Victoria and NSW, I am passionate about enhancing our residents lives by providing excellent quality care and services and I’m pleased to be able to provide this within a caring Christian organisation and environment with Christadelphian Aged Care here at Chamberlain Gardens. They have an excellent reputation in the industry and I look forward to working together with you in the provision of this type of care and services to our residents. Part of this will always be our philosophy to continually improve.

Your feedback and suggestions are very important in this process so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss any of these.

There are always exciting programs and events happening here and we recently enjoyed celebrating Christmas in July. It was wonderful to meet so many of our families who came in to enjoy the celebrations with our residents and staff. Many of them took the opportunity to get together with several generations visiting. Thank you to all who attended and to our staff who did a great job with making the evening such a success.

Recently we have been able to move into our new lounges in both Horizon and Coastal and have moved the grand piano into the larger main lounge area for concerts and sing longs. We are looking for names for these new lounges so let us know if you have a suggestion, you may win a prize!

The renovations in our Garden unit are progressing well with all the painting complete and much of the new flooring laid. The remaining new flooring which is a special woven vinyl will be laid over the next couple weeks in the hallways and lounge/dining areas. Thank you to our Garden residents, staff and visitors for their assistance and patience during this time.

Blessings and kind regards, Bev Moss

“For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.”

- Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Message from our CFO Can you remember a time when someone in your life showed you great kindness?

In my personal experience, the acts of kindness that stand out most haven’t been ‘a matter of life or death’ - they have been the help and consideration shown by people who put me first when they saw I needed a boost – when times were sad or my health was below par.

And it wasn’t just the kind action of itself; it was as much the thought of that help that counted – knowing that someone cared for me. So their actions and intentions came together – they lifted my spirits and boosted me. It felt like I wasn’t on my own in this burden, they were sharing my load. The kindness was uplifting and obvious to me. As Mark Twain once wrote, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”.

The kindness people have shown me, the kindness I hear of and see being shown to others around our troubled world, and the kindness that God shows me, motivates my life. Acts of kindness take the quality of our lives far above ‘survival of the fittest’.

One of Christadelphian Aged Care’s eight values is about Kindness. We describe this as ‘operating as Jesus did with kindness, integrity and respect’.

It doesn’t necessarily cost you anything to be kind. You can talk in a respectful way to each other, using the ‘golden rule’ to treat others as you would like to be treated. You can say thank you to someone who helps you. You can let someone through the door first. You can give someone a helping hand.

Related to this, another of Christadelphian Aged Care’s eight values is about Support. We describe this as ‘assistance for those in particular in need of help’. You can show support by spending some extra time with someone who is lonely, who hasn’t had visitors for a while. At CAC we can show support by providing care, assistance and accommodation to a resident in genuine financial difficulty.

And talking of Values: values are the things that people believe are important in the way they live and the way they work. Values direct our decisions, activities and behaviour as a group of people working together to provide care. We have focused on eight values in how we conduct ourselves which are summed up in the words: Kindness, Support, Excellence, Comfort, Atmosphere, Innovation, Compliance and Sustainable.

Our goal and desire is that our residents, visitors and families ‘see’ and ‘feel’ our Mission and Values in action, in what we all do each day at CAC. We can be so thankful for the dedication of our staff and our volunteer supporters. It means everything.

In being kind and supportive to each other we seek to enrich the quality of the lives of the people in our care by nurturing them through our compassion, service and comfortable living environment.

On the news each day, we see the terrible troubles being experienced by millions of people around the world suffering in civil wars, terrorism and from diseases including Ebola. Yet sadly too many times those with the resources to act watch on helplessly from the sidelines. It’s a great worry. This makes me look forward in hope to a promised day coming soon when the Lord Jesus Christ will visibly return to the earth and bring peace and healing to all humanity. That’s the great change that this world desperately needs.

In the meantime, I think the words of Charlie Chaplin sum things up. He said “We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.”

God bless you, Andrew O’Toole

News & Upcoming Events SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

UPCOMING EVENTS

Horizon

Horizon

Horizon

2 Joan S

6 Betty M

6 Laurie M

6 Irene B

6 Joan H

14 Bev M

SEPTEMBER

6 Jean B

21 Jill C

20 Molly S

8 Diana C

28 Rita H

30 Elizabeth B

3rd - Nutrimetics with Suzanne

22 Eunice H

Coastal

Coastal

24 Betty D

11 John P

13 Tommy E

Coastal

23 Lillian C

26 Noela H

2 Hugh R

23 Joan C

Garden

8 Terry A

27 Janet S

5 Sheila M

16 Molly B

Garden

9 Clarice P

20 Jeff H

11 Willy W

21 Anne K

29 Hazel E

22 George F

Garden

25 Lorna W

3 Ken M

11 Willy W

4 Peter T

22 George F

6 Patricia H

25 Lorna W

OCTOBER 15th - Greg Dimmock “A Swag Full of Instruments”

NOVEMBER 14th - Friends for Life - Garden morning - Horizon afternoon

8 Lillian B

Edith Barnes turns 103 We had the pleasure of celebrating Edith’s 103rd birthday on 18th July. Edith was one of our original residents from when the facility opened. Staff along with her family Stefanie and Garth Hutchinson celebrated with Edith, who due to declining health was confined to her bed, with flowers, cake and lots of cuddles and kisses. nnn Sadly Edith passed away peacefully Tuesday 5th August, 2014.

Edith will be greatly missed by all.

“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. “ !

News & Upcoming Events contd GARDEN UNIT RENOVATIONS

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Visitors to the facility may have smelt the smell of paint; this is because the Garden Unit has been painted with a new colour scheme, throughout the common rooms, hallways and residents doors. The unit is looking a lot fresher and tidy. The flooring is also being changed throughout the unit with lino. It will be easier to clean, looks fresh and easier for residents and staff to push wheel chairs, tub chairs and rollators. There has been minimal disruption and a big thank you to staff, residents and visitors for your patience and understanding through out the continuing renovations.

NEW LOUNGE ROOMS We finally have furniture for our new Laundry - Lost Property lounge rooms that are in Coastal and We are still having ongoing issues with lost property, items Horizon and the TV’s have just been like shoes, glasses, photo frames, clothing being unnamed. installed. The rooms are a great place for There will now be tubs for each section kept in the laundry the residents to watch TV, spend some where families can look for lost clothing, but this will be quiet time or listening to music. A stereo emptied monthly and items will be going to Salvation Army. was bought for Horizon with the proceeds from kiosk, and Gail and Sharon bought Any new clothing or gifts we would appreciate if they could some flowers and plants to decorate the be named before being given to the residents, or ask for room and make it feel more homely. We are the laundry to label any item of clothing. now waiting on a new name for these rooms, so if anyone has any suggestions we would like to hear. The lounge in Coastal is also equipped with a piano, which is regularly used by Sarah RAO to entertain her residents. The original Lounge room will now be our function room and this is where all our church services, concerts and meetings will be held. We are waiting on new signage from maintenance.

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Many of you would have noticed over the last nine months that our Physio Aid, Nicole Pennell has been putting on weight, and for a good reason. Nicole gave birth to a little girl Ivy Rose, weighing 7lb 7oz on Friday 15th August by cesarean section after being over due two weeks.

Both mother and daughter are doing well and we all can’t wait to have a cuddle of this bundle of love. Apparently Ivy has a full head of black hair and very much resembles her mother.

We wish Nicole, Ivy and family the very best of wishes from staff, residents and family members.

Activity Reviews JUNE Our month started off with our residents being entertained on Wednesday 4th June by the Fantastic’s Choir. This is the first time this group has been to the facility to entertain and we were pleasantly surprised, as they were really professional and entertaining.

One of our favourites “The Gals” were here on the 17th June. These group of ladies have been coming to the facility for a number of years and are an amazing group who make all their costumes, have amazing legs much to the delight of our male residents and can do a mighty fine Can Can. A bus load of residents attended a concert and morning tea at Valley View Primary School on Thursday 19th June. The children were competing in the Coastal inter-school dance and entertainment competition so wanted a ready made audience. The morning was such a success with the children entertaining the residents then serving them morning tea and talking with the residents. A big thank you to Pete the bus driver and volunteer Brenda for your help getting the residents to and from the school.

On Wednesday 25th, we had a “Loud Leary Shirt Day”; this was a fund raiser for Camp Breakaway and was also a chance for staff to buy a cup cake which Leah had made. We raised $245 which will go towards sponsoring a disadvantaged child to camp for a week.

Suzanne Akehurst also visited the facility with her bag of Nutrimetics,, spoiling residents with hand pampers and engaging in social conversation. This is also an opportunity for residents and staff to look at the goodies and purchase anything they may want or need.

Staff Profile - John Harrison

John was born and bred in Gunnedah; he was one of eight children, the youngest of five boys. John attended Primary and High School in Gunnedah, where he was very good at sport playing Cricket, Rugby League, Rugby Union, and won the Volley Ball State Pennants in 1973.

John became an apprentice Boiler Maker completing and working for Pedro Engineering building sheds, farm machinery for the next fourteen years. John was then employed at Bayer Australia for 22 years and was Plant Supervisor for 18 years, before moving on to Mitre Ten. John had met Julie his wife through John’s brother who is married to Julie’s sister and they were married in 1979, starting their family in 1980 and going on to have seven children; 4 sons and 3 daughters.

They are now blessed with 11 grandchildren, with 2 more grandchildren on the way.

Due to a decline in the economy in Gunnedah, John and Julie decided to move to the Central Coast in 2008 to be closer to their children and grandchildren and John decided then to have a change in career and studied through ET Australia to become and AIN. John did his training here at Chamberlain Gardens and liked it so much he applied for a position, and has been working in Coastal (High Care) for the last four years along with his wife Julie. John said he enjoys nursing and interacting with people.

John follows the Canberra Rugby League football team, and enjoys renovating houses, having built six houses over the years

Fun Photos from Activities

Activity Reviews contd JULY Tuesday 1st July we had a Combined Men’s Lunch up in Horizon, with the men from all areas enjoying a Chinese lunch cooked by Chef Michael and the amazing kitchen staff. The men enjoyed Money Bags and Spring Rolls as entrée and Oriental Beef, Sweet and Sour Fish, Chicken in Oyster Sauce, Pork in BBQ Sauce and Fried Rice for their main followed by Lychees and Ice Cream or Sticky Date Pudding. The men said it was one of the better lunches they had been to and enjoyed the meal, a few drinks and a social chat. Once the weather gets warmer we will commence the Combined Men’s BBQ in the Garden Courtyard.

Wednesday 2nd, Jan Hillier entertained the residents in Coastal playing the piano. Jan is a trained concert pianist and has preformed at many of our theatres in and around Sydney, and at the ripe age of 94 is still tickling the ivories.

Saturday 5th, The Minstrels came to the facility to entertain our residents. One of the entertainers has her mother up stairs in Horizon, so this is a special occasion for her mother.

Tuesday 15th July, a bus load of residents attended the Christmas in July Morning Tea which was held at Camp Breakaway at San Remo. The morning tea was amazing with lots to eat, entertainment, lucky door prizes (unfortunately our lot came home prize-less!!) and a stall selling items.

Monday 21st, Suzie J entertained the residents with a medley of Elvis songs, encouraging the audience to sing along and getting Sharon RAO to dress up as a very poor looking Elvis, which made the residents laugh!

Suzy was an employee at the very early stages of Chamberlain Gardens life, but now lives in Wollongong.

Wednesday 23rd July, we had our annual Christmas in July Drinks and Nibbles night for residents and family. This year was probably our biggest with many families and generations attending, it was also a good night for families to meet with Bev Moss our new Manager. The guests were entertained by volunteer June Napier, who played the piano and Mary Macready who sang along. Our Christmas in July raffle of a Christmas Hamper was won by Anna Forsbey (a family member) and 2nd prize won by resident Jennifer Pointon.

All monies raised ($460) go to our chosen charity Camp Breakaway which is at San Remo.

During July, we had four Tafe students Jasmine, Monique, Madison and Kate come for four days to help with activities and to gain an insight into aged care.

This was quite a learning call for them, and I am sure they went away with a better understanding on how to deal with behaviours and emotions.

We have bought a portable golfing green out of monies raised in the kiosk and would like to thank the families and staff who donated golf balls and putters. Our residents have been using it with lots of laughs, some novices and some real pro’s!

Fun Photos from Activities

City2Surf - Here we Come (or Maybe Not)!

A few months back, Val Charlton, Kelly Davis, Glenda Dibley and Lisa Petersen from Chamberlain Gardens decided to do City2Surf – Val had done the City2Surf back in 2003 and probably shouldn’t have walked because she had the ‘flu, so didn’t feel all that great at the end of the 14km walk. Val mentioned that she was sick when she last did the walk but we said surely sickness couldn’t strike twice, this year we should all be able to walk without any problems.

We approached head office with the idea that they sponsor a CAC team and encourage staff from the other facilities to do the walk. Thanks, Jane and Bev for taking this on board. As the day approached we’d been working on our fitness levels, had our t-shirts, registration bib and were ready to go.

But first Val developed a nasty viral infection and the doctor said no to her walking in City2Surf, then Lisa developed knee problems and her physio said no to her walking in City2Surf, and finally Kelly pulled out due to just having had the ‘flu and feeling as thought it would be too much to walk 14 km. So in the end Glenda was the only able bodied person who could represent Chamberlain Gardens on the day.

But despite these disappointments, we are already talking about next year!!! - Val Charlton

How to be an Effective Listener Be sensitive to the person with dementia’s unique communication style, including their non-verbal messages. Stop and listen for their contributions and leads then immerse yourself in the moment by listening with heart and feeling.

Ask yourself: • What is this person attempting to communicate?

• Do they have a need that is not being fulfilled?

Use your body language to show the person you are listening and use touch to build a bridge between you whilst acknowledging your own and the other person’s boundaries.

7 Steps of Effective Listening: 1. Accept the person unconditionally 2. Listen with respect and warmth 3. Make sure you focus and listen intently 4. Use as few words as possible 5. Use body language and sounds to acknowledge what the other person is expressing.

6. Reflect in words what you think they are saying, (your interpretation of what you heard) 7. Wait for them to respond.

Take the time for a meaningful response. Validation is a way of listening and communicating that enables us to explore, accept and understand the person with dementia and who returns to the past.

Resident Story - Felicia (Val) W Val was born on 17th March, 1917, an only child to a Mr and Mrs Haslet from Brisbane. Val attended school in Brisbane and upon leaving school she attended Business College for twelve months before starting work in the Post Office, where Val worked as a Telegram Typist/Clerical work.

Val had met her husband Jack when they were about three years of age as they used to play together. They married on 18th February 1939, and went on to have four children; Sondra, Leith, Greg, and Bruce. Val is a Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to many - Val said she would have to get out pen and paper to write them all down!!

Val’s husband Jack was an accountant and they moved to Sydney in 1947, where they bought a house in Bondi. After being a housewife for 20 odd years, Jack bought Val her own business “Typing and Duplicating Service, employing one employee, building up the business which she kept for ten years.

Val and Jack retired in the late 50’s and relocated to Terrigal, on the Central Coast, where they had a holiday house. Val said they extended the house to accommodate her mother and Jack’s father who lived with them, and passed away well into their nineties. Val said she and Jack, being only children, willingly looked after their parents but it also impacted on their lives, limiting time they had together to do things, so Val said she would never allow her children to look after her for that reason.

Val said she really enjoyed playing lawn bowls and had been a member at Waverley, then Avoca before moving to the Terrigal Club. Val and her husband travelled to the UK regularly, as they had a son living there. They travelled extensively, completing a coach tour of Europe and Scotland. Val said she enjoyed doing tapestry, but only the smaller ones but her husband also got involved, completing many beautiful large tapestries of which some are hanging in Val’s room and of which she is very proud. Val was kind enough to let us borrow the tapestries for the Art Show in April. Val used to play the keyboard as her mother had been a piano teacher, but had never taught Val as she didn’t want to put Val through hours of practice, so Val was self taught.

Val moved to Chamberlain Gardens three years ago and said she has been very happy here; she likes the staff and has a dish in her room with chocolates which she leaves for the staff. Val said her family is very important to her and that she was very lucky to have had a husband who loved her as much as she loved him.

When you are being hurt by words, remember taking a rose and crushing it, you have destroyed the rose but not the perfume which is the essence or soul of a rose.

Pastoral Care ENCOURAGING OTHERS There's no doubt that people need encouragement. Just ask any counsellor or pastoral carer who deals with people, and you'll get the same answer. There are many hurt people who have nowhere to turn, or no friend to talk to. What about those who carry inside themselves hurt feelings or guilt or fears that they don't share with others? There are many like that who keep those feelings to themselves and don't want to talk about them. All around us there are people who are crushed by life and have nowhere to turn. Their marriage is falling apart or their financial affairs are in a mess and they're worried about their kids. Maybe their health is in jeopardy with some bad news from their doctor. Maybe they are lonely, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in the depths of depression, or unable to find a job. The tough experiences in life are on going.

That's why it's so important to be an encourager and lend a hand. God made us to mix with others. You were made for this connection, and there is a universal need to belong somewhere. From the moment we're born, we long for the warmth of love and acceptance from others. In the Bible we read Proverbs 17:22 which says "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength�. Maybe that's how you feel today, and you're very discouraged, unable to smile about life. That's the time you need someone to come alongside and bring encouragement, and that's when the church is so important. Church is different to other organisations, because you can be yourself and find encouragement from like minded people. A lot of people don't understand what Christianity is all about. It's about relationships with God and with other people. Jesus said "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment". A second is equally important, "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Mat. 22:37-39).

You may well ask "How do I encourage people?� The Bible has the answer to that. In verse 24 of Hebrews 10 it says "Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds". Maybe you have a gift of encouragement and find it easy. That's really good, because God has given you that gift. Use it creatively. Others may find it a bit more difficult, and it won't happen unless we plan ahead. What's wrong with dropping a short note in the post or email someone with a brief message saying you're thinking about them? You'll be amazed at the result. Or use the phone to speak for a few minutes with that lonely friend you know who can't get out of the house. Sometimes the best way to encourage isn't through words at all it's through listening. It's by trying to understand the other person. Did you know that understanding is better than giving advice? Howard Hendricks made a wonderful statement once that went like this "You can Our deepest sympathies have impress people at a distance; you can only impact them up close. The gone out to the families who general principal here is this: the closer the personal relationship, the have lost their loved ones over greater the potential for impact", the idea of getting close to people and the Winter period. sharing with them. You can't do that from a distance. In fact, Scripture says we should do something special everyday. Hebrews 3:13 "

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Bereavements

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness". Unless we do it each day, we can forget. Hidden opportunities for encouragement will surface only as we are sensitive to other people, and look out for those opportunities.

In Proverbs 12:25. It says "Worry weighs a person down. An encouraging word cheers a person up". Can you think of friends that have said the right word at the right time? It was as if God sent them to you, as an encourager.. - By Chris Witts

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Physio Corner WHY IS PHYSICAL EXERCISE SO IMPORTANT? Exercise is important at any age, but as you grow older, it is even more important to engage in regular activity. Regular exercise can improve your health, help prevent conditions that typically develop with age and some research suggests even extend your life expectancy!

When you become older your muscles can shorten and bones can become more brittle, and elderly people can quickly lose the balance and co-ordination that they once had. Staying active helps keep the body be flexible, and routines such as stretching will lengthen muscles and help prevent shortening and deterioration. Exercise can even reduce incidents of arthritis and osteoporosis by increasing bone density and range of motion.

Regular exercise also helps keep the heart muscle in shape. Exercising at even a light intensity will raise the heart rate and improve overall fitness.

Light exercise can even help fight off common illness such as colds and flu by increasing respiratory intake. Exercising also helps the heart by lowering blood cholesterol which can block arteries and reduce blood flow to vital organs. It doesn’t just stop there, because exercise is good for your brain and can even increase your mental focus and cognition!

If all the physical benefits of exercise aren’t enough, why not just exercise to feel good! Exercise is a natural mood enhancer. When you work out, the body releases endorphins that make you feel capable. If you are fighting the psychological effects of ageing, exercise may be the key to giving you your energy and drive back. Even a short walk can lift your spirits and help you soar through the day.

So why not come and join us for some of our great group exercises or ask for an exercise program to be tailored to your needs.

Please speak to your Physio Team if you have any questions.

Note: Please remember that it is always advisable to have the doctor assess you prior to any new exercise activity.

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Volunteer Corner I am so pleased to let you know that as of the 21st July, I am now at Chamberlain Gardens 9 days a fortnight. These extra hours give me an opportunity to extend my role in both Volunteer Coordination and Pastoral Care Coordination. I am available to support both the volunteers and the residents and their families and this has a positive impact on volunteer retention rates and satisfaction as well as residents having their pastoral needs attended to more regularly.

We currently have 50 volunteers at Chamberlain Gardens covering a wide variety of roles and who assist the staff to provide the best lifestyle possible for the residents.

Volunteers are also a vital source of friendship to the residents and this past season has had us farewelling a few of our volunteer favourites.

We said goodbye to valued volunteers, Sue Mullen and Di Parry, who were both integral long term members of our Monday and Friday Knit and Chat group, held in Horizon. These ladies have helped the knit and chat group to make and donate over 28 knitted square rugs to the Samaritans foundation as well as knitted penguin suits for those penguins caught in oil slicks and also knitted baby wear for premmie babies. They are currently working on some knitted headbands with crocheted flowers on as well as some knitted marble bags to include in some Christmas boxes that we are filling on behalf of the Samaritans Purse. These are then sent to boys and girls in other less fortunate countries as Christmas gifts.

Di was also responsible for getting our kiosk up and running again very successfully over the last few years. We wish them both well and thank them for their friendship and contributions at Chamberlain.

As Sue is moving out of the area, we threw her a farewell morning tea on her last Knit and Chat visit.

We are currently in need of some more volunteer helpers for our Monday and Friday morning Knit, Chat and Craft group. If you or anyone you know likes to knit, chat, crochet, sew, embroider or are generally crafty and have a few hours to spare, please let me know. Also if you know of any community projects that our ladies could assist with, please let us know.

Volunteer Chrissie has taken over the Monday and Friday Kiosk role. She has revamped the mobile trolley and updated the kiosk products and services. Chrissie is to be congratulated on doing such a great job! Her excellent initiative and the subsequent success she is having are a credit to her commitment and enthusiasm. Any profit made from the kiosk sales goes back to help fund resident activities and supplies. Thank you for all your efforts Chrissie.

We have been having a very successful afternoon Coffee Shop in Horizon of a Tuesday afternoon, which the volunteers help run, followed by volunteers leading a piano accompanied singing session in the lounge room which the residents really enjoy.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Liz McKay on 0435 785 244 or lmckay@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Volunteer Corner contd I have also been blessed with a lot of willing gardening volunteers of late and they are keen to take on the challenge of keeping Chamberlain Gardens tidy and the masses of leaf litter under control as well as replacing some of our retired plants and shrubs at the rear of the facility. You will notice the courtyards and front entrance plants looking healthy and colourful thanks to Pauline and William continues to work tirelessly on our raking and sweeping of all areas. Thank you for your amazing efforts.

Lena, our library volunteer, has started a “Resident Magazine Exchange” in Horizon. If residents would like to bring any pre-read magazines they may have and exchange it for one they would like to read, please feel free to do so. If you don’t have one to exchange, you are still welcome to borrow and return. If any resident families have any unused magazines at home they would like to donate we would love to include them in our reading selection for the residents. Please leave them at reception or in my office opposite the Horizon Nursing Station, labelled, “Magazine Exchange”. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

We have Volunteer Pastoral Care positions available for people who have completed certified training in this area. If you are interested in volunteering some time to this valuable service or know someone who can, could you please contact Liz McKay on 43298207 or 0435 785 244.

SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Jill Cavanaugh Jill has been a volunteer at Chamberlain Gardens since April 2012. She works in our Garden section which is our secure Dementia Unit on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week. Jill assists with, craft, bingo, coffee shop, bus outings, and concerts and is a true all rounder.

Jill’s favourite activities are craft and the bus trips. Jill has formed some solid friendships with residents and staff over her years with us and is an invaluable help to all. She has a special connection with Sharon the RAO in Garden and loves working with her. Jill is hard working with an easy going nature and a great sense of humour which is incredibly beneficial when working with the elderly. Jill says she loves coming here to interact with the residents, she loves how natural and accepting they are and that they also love to have a laugh.

Jill is a local to Wyoming and lives in Chamberlain Road. She enjoys being able to walk to Chamberlain Gardens and assist in the local community. Before retiring Jill worked at the local Coles supermarket so Jill knows a lot of our residents from their time “Pre Chamberlain” living in the local community. When Jill is not at Chamberlain Gardens she loves spending time with her beautiful grandchildren. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jill for her massive volunteer contribution to Chamberlain Gardens over the last few years and recognise her outstanding commitment, reliability and service. Thanks Jill!

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Liz McKay on 0435 785 244 or lmckay@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Read, Rest & Relax!

With Age comes skills.

It’s called Multi-tasking.

I can LAUGH, COUGH, SNEEZE AND PEE all at the same time!

Hummingbird Cake

• 3/4 cup plain flour

• 3/4 cup self-raising flour • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 450g can crushed pineapple in juice, drained, reserving 1/3 cup juice • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut • 1 cup mashed banana • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1/2 cup extra light olive oil • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped CREAM CHEESE FROSTING • 125g cream cheese, softened • 1 1/2 cups icing sugar Serves 12

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1.Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease 23cm square cake pan. Line base and sides with baking paper.

2.Sift flours, soda, cinnamon and sugar into a large bowl.

Stir in pineapple, reserved juice, coconut, banana, egg, oil and 1/4 cup cold water. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.

4. Make cream cheese frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy.

Gradually add icing sugar. Beat until smooth.

Spread frosting over top of cake.

Sprinkle with walnuts. Serve.

Spot the Differences There are 10 differences between the two images in the French scene below.

Circle what is missing from the right hand picture.

Can you find all 10?

Artist in Paris

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