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Christadelphian Aged Care S P R I N G N E W S L E T T E R
MARANATHA
Address: 1582 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503
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Phone: (07) 3482 5333
Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Managers Message
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Welcome to Maranatha
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
Spring is almost here! Our sub tropical climate in south east Queensland means the arrival of spring is less dramatic than in the cooler climates of southern states. Here in Brisbane spring is announced by occasional afternoon showers punctuating the clear skies and sunny days of winter. Nights become warmer as the old moth eaten blanket of the night sky is patched by clouds and grass which has been driven underground by the dryness of winter and is refreshed and reaches its green fingers up through the soil to once again change the landscape from brown to green. Although winter in Queensland is more of a friend than a foe we are mindful that this is not so in other parts of the country or indeed the wider world. In many countries winter is an endurance test, an ordeal which can only be borne because of the promise of spring. Imagine if we did not have seasonal changes, no cold, dark winters, no hot, blistering summers; only endless days of perfect weather, each day a carbon copy of yesterday and an accurate prediction of tomorrow. Thankfully God in His infinite creative wisdom has spared us from a world of climatic perfection! If we had no winter, we would not find spring so pleasant. If we had no summer we would not welcome the coolness of winter and just think of the conversational opportunities we would miss if we couldn’t comment on changes in the weather! As it is with the weather so it is with our lives. If we did not have sadness we would not know happiness; if we did not have adversity we would not welcome comfort and prosperity; if we had did not experience the joys of youth we could not savor the richness of age. The Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes records for us these well known words “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Autumn, summer, winter or spring; adversity or comfort, youth or age, with each state a little more is added to the picture of our lives. If the entire picture was light its content would be indistinguishable. Lets be thankful we have shades and shadows which along with brightness and warmth create the contrasts we need to give our lives true depth and meaning. Kind Regards, Kathy Hallmark
“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
Upcoming Events & Birthdays UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
13th - Village Fair 10am
24th - Coach Trip
4th - Melbourne Cup Day
19th - Maranatha’s Inaugural Spring Ball/Pfizer Day 10am
31st - Birthday Party
11th - High Tea
20th - Family Carer’s Support Group 26th - Birthday Party ~ “Country & Western” 29th - TAFI Shoes
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
6 Alisa M
1 John B
2 Teg K
11 Joan M
3 Norma B
4 Edith W
12 Gladys B
3 Kay P
5 Beth A
17 Marjorie B
3 Teresita M
7 Joan T
18 Leonard M
7 Mavis R
9 Fay N
18 Jeanette M
9 Rosemary W
11 Veronica G
19 Donald C
10 Phyllis C
11 Wally W
14 Mavis R
14 Shirley W
15 Lyn H
15 Carmel W
19 Iris M
17 Merle F
20 Alec E
18 Lois L
23 Joyce B
20 Helen B
26 Phyllis C
22 Dorothy P
29 Olwynne D
22 Dorothy H
31 Brent O
24 Diana P
31 Carol S
26 Eric S
31 Frances S
30 Jean W
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SEPTEMBER
Activity Reviews JULY
Portofino’s Fashion - “Playing dress up begins at age 5 and never truly ends”(Kate Spade)
Fashion is always changing, slightly elusive and extremely self validating. While the world at large may consider New York, Paris or Milan the major hubs for style, Vogue sometimes fails to mention Kallangur. Every year “Portofino’s Fashion” visits the residents and staff of Maranatha with all their fashion items, clothes, scarfs, shoes and jewellery. It is a wonderful day with the volunteers, administration, nursing staff and management all banding together to entertain the residents with a live ‘Catwalk’, thereby allowing the most discerning buyer a glimpse of how the items look.
Our beautiful EN, Sue
Kathy, our illustrious leader and chief (otherwise known as our Director).
Kerry, our vivacious Resident Services Officer
Ailsa, our stylish volunteer
AUGUST
Ekka- Queensland’s Best on Show, otherwise lovingly known as
the EKKA, came to Maranatha. Music, agriculture and barn yard animals were all present on August 13th bringing with them loving memories of the sights, smells and joys of the crowd pleasing favourite “The Ekka”. The day began with a bang with “Wayne” singing (till he could sing no more) all of the residents favourite songs and all time hits of yesteryear. This was followed by an Agricultural Video and a Fruit & Vegetable display. To finish the day’s events Old MacDonald’s Travelling Farm came to visit.
Activity Reviews contd Azalea Wing - In the past few months, we have had many
hidden talents in Azalea wing come to light. From first class jewellers, to Master Chef ’s in the kitchen, Azalea wing has been a hive of activity to say the least. Beading beautiful hand-made jewellery proved to be a favourite activity among our residents of Azalea in July. Vera, Kay, Gladys, Leila, Alec and Kitty demonstrated their keen eye for detail as they constructed beautiful bright pieces of jewellery to treasure for years to come. The residents took great delight in parading up and down the halls of Azalea for all to see and admire. Alec and Diana crafted chocolate and banana milkshakes which were greatly received by the residents of the wing, as they perfected their culinary skills in the kitchen We also identified some Picasso’s in the making, as Gladys and Kay crafted some beautiful acrylic paintings to display within Azalea.
More Ekka Day photos
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Resident Story - Mary H
Our beloved Mary was born in Lancashire, England in 1922. Her father was a cricket player and played for England, this was at a time when “professional” players did not get paid to play so he had to also have a job – he was a” bobby” and Mary together with her family lived in the Lancashire police station. Mary went on to be a teacher and taught throughout the depression until the war. During the war she worked for the air force, in the weather forecasting office, this was to help the fliers – the planes and the bombers who needed the weather before they could complete their missions. It was there that she meet her husband who at the time was also working as a weather forecaster, and was a teacher as well – Stanley Harris. They moved to Yorkshire after their marriage and it was at this time that she took on the religious beliefs of her husband and became a Christadelphian. Her 3 children were born in England and it was after their birth that they decided to immigrate under the assisted scheme, they had originally wanted to go to New Zealand, but New Zealand was only taking on single people so they came to Australia. At every port they stopped at, they were met by Christadelphian’s, they finally arrived in Sydney after 6 weeks on the boat and stayed with a couple of Christadelphian until they both obtained jobs as teachers in Newcastle. Her first class had 53 children in it; they stayed and worked in Newcastle for 15 years. After the passing of her husband Mary started travelling and has been around the world 5 times. She has been all though Europe, including Russia by train. The reason she wanted to travel was to see have other people lived and the homes they dwelt in. Mary feels that she had a very blessed life, both due to experiences and to the people who have been part of it. A coat of arms, that Mary designed and stitched herself (picture on right) – The Red Rose is for England and the White Rose is for Scotland. The Lion shows the unification of Scotland and England. The Star of David is for Israel and her religious beliefs, the boat that they sailed to Australia on. And the wattle of NSW their new home.
Staff Profile - Corinne Robinson I was born in Papua New Guinea in 1972 and came to this beautiful country Australia when I was 8 months old. I was a twin but sadly my sister did not make it to full term. I am engaged to be married to my very long term partner Damien, ‘the absolute love of my life’ whom I have known for nearly 27 years. When we were 25 years old, we backpacked around the world and had the most amazing adventures. We visited Thailand, Nepal, Malaysia, India, Paris, and Holland, Germany and worked in London for 1 year. When we returned to Australia we bought our first home together in Morayfield, which we lived in for 1 year. We did a lot of painting, created some beautiful gardens and then
sold the house making a nice little profit which took us on a new path of adventure. Over the past 15 years, we have lived in and renovated 7 homes, bringing to life old Post War and Queenslander homes and restoring them to their former glory. We are now happily living close to the sea at the edge of Nudgee in a wonderful community with our 2 Border Collie dogs. I have been working at Maranatha Aged Care for approximately 3 years and absolutely love it (free cuddles and kisses). Some residents tell me they know when I am near, because of my laugh. I know I have a good belly laugh, I can't help it… but laughter is so good for the soul! So there you have it, a little window into my life.
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 "
! 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. Maranatha offers Tai Chi on Wednesday and gentle walks Monday to Friday at 9am. On Monday only the gentle walk class is followed by soccer. On Thursday at 3.30pm, join us for Fitness Fun with our Physio. An exercise program can 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.
Volunteer Tribute It is both with a heaviness of heart (because of her departure) but also with joy (for having been blessed to know her) that we give tribute this month to a wonderful volunteer - Maureen. Many of you may have met Maureen during her time at Maranatha, unfortunately due to her declining health she has had to cease her volunteering. Maureen grew up in Dapto, NSW and moved to Queensland with David (her 2nd Husband) in 1995 due to bad arthritis. Maureen is the eldest of 5 children and went on to have 5 children of her own, they are all grown up now with children of there own, 5 boys and 5 girls. She had a very special mother who would go without to help her friends, this special love and kindness was embedded in Maureen. Her father would take her to watch the NRL (go the Blues). It was around 3 ½ years ago that Maureen walked into Maranatha to see if she could become a volunteer. She met with a very lovely lady called Ruth. After talking to her and completing a short walk around, Maureen knew that she had found her calling. Ruth, together with other volunteers and staff (Joan and Nurse Judy) would later become very special friends. Maureen started her volunteering by doing hand and feet massages but felt that God had something else for her. It turned out that the something else was “Pastoral Care”. Having completed the course Maureen became more involved with the residents in a one on one capacity. Sadly 2 years ago Maureen found out that she had early stage Parkinson’s, but being the troopers that she did not allow this to stop her, no one could tell of the pain she was in because of the great big smile she would greet everyone with. However this battle became too WHY BE A VOLUNTEER? much and in July, it was with great sadness that Maureen let the staff of Maranatha know that she It’s not for money, it’s not for fame could no and it’s not for any personal gain longer It’s just for love of fellow man volunteer. It’s just to lend a helping hand It’s just to give a little of self That’s something you can’t buy with wealth It’s not the medals worn with pride It’s just for that feeling deep inside It’s that reward down in your heart It’s feeling that you’ve been a part of helping others far and near That’s what makes you a VOLUNTEER
Her love and thanks goes to all the residents, staff and volunteers of Maranatha.
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.
You tickled my feet, And laughed at all my jokes. You taught me to believe, In having high hopes.
When I scratched my knee, Or if I bumped my head. When I was afraid of the dark, Or that thing under my bed. When I cried in the night, Or even in the day. You were there for me, To make it all okay.
You are my father You did what you had to do. But more than a father You are my friend too. You made everything good, That was once bad. I just want you to know I love you Dad.
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.