Ridgeview 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

RIDGEVIEW !

Address: 95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527

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Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Ridgeview

Dear Friends, Ciji Jose and Jaina Varghese, nurse unit managers (NUM) have been acting in the role of Facility Manager within Ridgeview Aged Care since Michelle Megson left us last month.

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

Jaina is a very busy mother of two young children and she has been working here at Ridgeview for the past 4 years.

Ciji, who is also a busy mother of two young boys, joined Ridgeview from Ireland over a year ago. Both are senior registered nurses who bring a wealth of clinical knowledge and care expertise to our elderly residents.

Ciji and Jaina provide clinical and management support to staff at Ridgeview.

We have had to postpone some activities and events due to a flu outbreak that is currently affecting the community as well as our home. We will resume normal events and activities once the outbreak is over. We would appreciate if you could kindly assist us at this time by abiding with our infection control procedures.

Please consult with the registered nurse on duty or management if you have any questions.

Many thanks to all residents, staff, family and friends for your kindness and co-operation during this time.

Kind regards, Management

“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

RAO Department

June - We celebrated Italian Cultural Day with a lovely concert with Keith along with Italian cultural cuisine. We also had a bus trip to Robertson’s Pie Shop for lunch. We had a concert perfor mance by the Moorebank Christadelphians and Krises Karaoke performed giving our residents the opportunity to get up and have a sing.

They loved it!

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July - We celebrated USA Cultural Day and our residents enjoyed burgers and fries outside on the patio. A great day was had by all. We had Robyn Roberts Puppet Show perform which the residents loved. Our Irish Singers performed also.

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August - We had Chris’s Bird Show and a luncheon Trip to Robo Café Piroettes We still have our monthly happy hour, men’s group, monthly choir, weekly knitting group and twice weekly school visits and don’t forget our Bingo twice weekly.

RAO’s would like to thank residents and families for their continuous support and we look forward to the next 3 months with you.

Please feel free to take one of our monthly calendars which are located at the front foyer near the sign on book Love Kath Kim and Jean xxx

! can “Any man be a father.

It takes someone special to be a dad.

Fun Photos from Activities

Activity Reviews

On Sunday 29th June we enjoyed a lovely concert by the Moorebank Christadelphian Ecclesia. It was so wonderful to have such a large group travel from Sydney to perform for the residents on the weekend. We were treated to a variety of familiar songs, musical items (flute, guitar, piano) and learnt some beautiful new songs.

It was great to see Carly and Jacqui again, who worked over the Christmas holidays with the activities assistance program.

What a wonderful afternoon. We thank Moorebank for their performance and chat afterwards. We look forward to another visit soon.

“On behalf of Moorebank Ecclesia I would like to express how enjoyable and rewarding it was to share an afternoon of music and songs with the residents at Ridgeview. It was particularly heart warming to see the joy in the faces of our friends at Ridgeview when our young people and children sang songs of praise and worship to the one who heals all our ailments, our living and loving Heavenly Father” - Peter Nedelkovski (Moorebank Ecclesia Recorder) “I loved the residents joining in and singing along with us, and seeing the smiles of appreciation over familiar songs” - Ruth Devis (Moorebank)

LIFE AFTER PLACEMENT GROUP Don’t forget our Life After Placement support group which happens on the 3rd Monday of every month from 1-3pm held in Hostel Internet Cafe (afternoon tea provided).

We’d love to see you there!

BINGO PRIZES Our Residents love their Bingo and we are getting low on prizes. If anyone could donate suitable gifts, it would be greatly appreciated

News & Upcoming Events MESSAGE FROM STAFF TO FAMILIES

With Father’s Day and Christmas fast approaching, it is time for a spring clean of our residents wardrobes. Could all families please check there loved ones wardrobes in regards to suitability and excess clothing and remove what isn’t needed to allow space for new items and please remember all new clothing and toiletries are to be labelled. Thank you for your cooperation.

Family information: Advance Care Directives are to be completed for all our residents. This assists staff with knowing the care wishes of the family member and the resident. Please see the RN when visiting in regards to completing the above. Thank you.

Staff News

Kirsty Lewis, one of our nurses, turned the big 40 in August. Happy Birthday Kirsty!

Sinchu Tom has now gone on Maternity Leave awaiting her new baby that is due on 8th September. Good luck Sinchu, we hope to see the new baby soon.

RESIDENT & RELATIVE MEETINGS Mondays 2.30pm - Sunshine Dining area 1st September, 6th October & 3rd November

! Church Dates ! ! !

Catholic Anglican

Fridays 10.30am

Mondays 1.30pm

September 12th October 10th November 14th

September 8th October 13th November 10th

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our Kitchen girl, Di turned 50 on 28th August.

Happy Birthday!

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

2 Margaret

3 Allan

9 Sarah

2 Elva

17 Ken

10 George

2 Jenny

27 Kathe

10 Nevena

12 Benito

28 Shirley

10 Brian

12 Eileen

28 Beryl

10 Stasia

SEPTEMBER Cultural Day = UK (24th) 1st - Ladies Group 1.30pm 10th - Arcadians 1.30pm 19th - Mens Group 1.30pm 19th - Bus Trip TBA 24th - Happy Hour/Concert

OCTOBER Cultural Day = German 9th - Nursing Home Roaring 20s Ball 16th - Hostel Roaring 20s Ball

13 John

11 Barbara

13 Jean

12 Franes

14 Iris

15 Daphne

19 Chica

15 Dorothy

NOVEMBER

21 Betty

27 Norma

Christmas Craft Concerts with Keith and Suzie J

26 Catherine

Pen Pal Program with St Columba Preschool If you have had a birthday in the last few months, then you would have received a special letter from the children at St Columba Preschool. It is an absolutely delight for our residents to be remembered on their special day and to display their beautiful card that has been made by the preschool children aged 3-5 years (not to mention their cute little drawings inside).

The children have also written a letter which is on the Sunshine noticeboard, together with photos and drawings. It is nice for the residents to read and see what special projects the children are doing.

We look forward to this continued friendship and thank St Columba fo r b e i n g i nvo l ve d i n t h e Volunteer Program at Ridgeview.

RIDGEVIEW LIBRARY & LIBRARY TROLLEY Library Open Daily Books, magazines, crosswords, adult literacy sheets, find-a-words. If you would like a visit from the library trolley please see Kim, Kath or Jean

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Library Trolley

Wednesdays 1.30-2.30pm The Ridgeview Library has a wide range of books that can be borrowed at any time. All books have been put into categories which have been colour coded for your convenience. Most books are now LARGE print.

Resident Story - Anne O Anne was born in Shepparton, Victoria. The first girl of her family, she grew up with four brothers and had a happy childhood.

Her father worked as a journalist and when she was 3 the family moved to Young due to his work. A year after moving there, Anne’s father sadly passed away.

Anne joined Red Cross while she was still at school and would go to hospitals to talk and sing with the patients as well as take flowers to them; this is where Anne found her love for flower arranging.

Anne married her husband at the age of 19 and had 2 daughters and 1 son. The family moved to Wollongong in 1964 due to their daughters ill health. Anne joined the Girl Guides with her girls and spent time with them going on breakfast hikes. Her husband sadly passed away after 54 years of marriage.

Anne is a whizz at making lamingtons, making a record of 120,000 of them in one night! This was to help raise money for people who were less fortunate. Anne is still actively involved in Red Cross and continues to attend monthly meetings and help raise money. Recently she proudly received an award for her services and contribution to the community.

Anne enjoys knitting and sewing and can be found each afternoon playing Rummikub with her fellow residents in the hostel dining room.

Thanks Anne for sharing your story with everyone at Ridgeview.

Staff Profile - Kath Castles I was born in Ryde Hospital and grew up in Mt Druitt and Penrith until moving to Port Kembla in 1989 with my mother. I first met my husband Brendon when I was 16 and we were married in April 1996. I have two wonderful children, Michael who is 17 and Chantal who is 15.

I was a volunteer at the Lake Illawarra Police Youth Club for 15 years before joining St John Ambulance in 2005, where I am second in charge of my Division. I have attended many events to provide first aid assistance such as the Bathurst Races, Easter Show, City 2 Surf, New Year’s Eve and the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

I have two beautiful horses named Flash and Tilly who I love to spend as much time as

possible with and I enjoy going for rides on them with my family. If I’m not riding or doing duties for St John, I can also be found spending my free time fishing with my best friend Shane.

Thanks Kath for sharing your story.

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. Ridgeview offers Tai Chi and morning walks three days a week, Active Exercises twice a week and an exercise program can be tailored to your needs.

Please speak to your Physio Team if have any questions.

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

- Physio Team

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Article: Empathy

by George Mailath (Relative & Carer)

Empathy was recently a part of an education session held for the benefit of mainly Nurses’ Aids, but also for any interested members of the staff of Ridgeview, as well as any member of the resident’s families who may feel they will get some benefit from subjects discussed.

This subject along with others considered to be essential parts of caring activity, was mentioned in the first of these articles appearing in each quarterly newsletter. It was hoped that we would receive some comments which were unfortunately not forthcoming and the reason was found to be that very few of those receiving the newsletter read the article. The reasons for that as well as the reason for written notices posted around the facility in an effort to remind staff members of certain important functions to be performed, are also rarely if ever being read, will be part of the subjects presented at a future education session.

Empathy has often been referred to as the biblical reference which suggested that we should “do unto others as we would have them do unto us”. It would not be accurate to argue that one has no relation to the other because the biblical quotation can indeed be said to be forming the basis of the practice of empathy. It should however be understood that the practice of empathy if correctly applied, goes much further than the quote from the Bible in consistently and earnestly mentally placing ourselves in the shoes and looking through the eyes of those who are under our care.

We could say that the practice of empathy consists of a constant stream of questions where we look for answers which will tell us how we would react if we were placed in the stead of the person for whom we care.

On the way to achieving a full understanding of how empathy works we should give considerable thought to situations where empathy is necessarily an important component.

It is not terribly difficult to conjure up situations in our imagination where we decide to apply the practice of empathy and then, through self analysis pass judgement on how effective our mental exercise was. These mental experiments could involve situations which are normally encountered in our day to day activities where our actions are likely to have an effect on the person involved.

Let us use an example relating to the approach of the time when the shift we are engaged on is about to come to an end. If the day has been relatively difficult and stressful the approaching time of the cessation of today’s activities, in other words knock off time, is likely to provide some feeling of elation as you commence thinking about going home, joining your family around the dinner table, and then spending a pleasant evening watching television or perhaps you planned to go and see a show with a friend rounding off a pleasant evening.

Having conjured up this vision of pleasantries you ask yourself the question “how would I react to witnessing such elated behaviour when here I am, stuck in this wheelchair until they come and put me to bed, I have no family surrounding me, nobody takes me to see a show so, I really have nothing about which to be elated.’

There can be a myriad of such examples which, if we think about it, will surely teach us something about the practice of empathy.

This will of course not be the only time this subject will be discussed and progressively the practice of empathy will be hoped to become part of everyone’s day-to-day thinking.

Volunteer Corner I look back over the last 18 months and reflect on how much the Volunteer program at Ridgeview has grown and developed. I am so thankful that we have such a wonderful, caring group of men and women who give of their time each week to serve our residents by assisting in so many different areas of our Home.

We welcome a number of new volunteers to Ridgeview. Robyn, who is assisting Physio team in Sunshine as well as 1:1 visits in Hostel; Jaimilee is assisting with various activities as well as learning about nursing; Tanayia is doing administration work as well as pet therapy with Kahlua and Jenny is seeing residents 1:1 and assisting with various activities.

Angela (Volunteer) has been coming in to visit the morning program and residents in High Care with beautiful ‘Victoria’. Victoria is a Chihuahua and the most placid little princess you have ever seen. For such a little dog, she is brings so much love and joy to our residents… oh not forgetting our staff. You just want to take her home!! Victoria was absolutely adorable when she came in during PJ Day wearing her special little dinosaur pyjamas, making everyone just melt.

Ridgeview Choir is learning a lot of new songs, developing quite a repertoire. Experienced pianist, Lyn, is wonderful playing the piano and bringing hubby Ern along to raise enthusiasm, provide entertainment and add to the male singers. If you’re walking by the Sunshine dining room, pop in and have a listen and be entertained by our Choir. We are planning our very first Ridgeview Choir Concert in September/October so keep an eye out on the noticeboards for this special treat.

The Ridgeview Library will now be going Mobile!! Every Wednesday between 1.30pm to 2.30pm Mal (Volunteer) will be visiting residents who wish to borrow books. There will also be some adult literacy sheets, crosswords and find-a-words available on the trolley if you’re not a reader. If you wish to receive a visit from the Mobile Library please see Kim, Kath or Jean (RAO team).

If you hear residents asking for MILO… don’t think Nestle!! They are actually asking for MARLO who visits with Kieran (Volunteer).

KNITTING UPDATE… keep posted for a special afternoon tea to celebrate what our knitting group have been making throughout the year. You are in for a treat. This keen group of knitters have knitted their way through 26 Knee Rugs to date and counting. Each rug has been croqueted around the edge and labelled with ‘made with love by the Ridgeview Knitting Group’. I would like to especially thank Volunteers Jan and Jeanette who not only come in to sit and chat with the ladies each week, but also are busy at home sewing up Rugs and croqueting around the edges. You are greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program at Ridgeview, please do not hesitate to contact me: Shell Bonner on 4235 7600, 0434 421617 or mbonner@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Volunteer Corner

Why not give volunteering a go!

Do you have a few hours to spare each week?

Are you looking for ways that you can serve in the community?

The volunteer program at Ridgeview is involved in a wide variety of activities throughout the Home and welcome new volunteers to join our team.

Please contact Shell Bonner (Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator) Monday - Friday to discuss further volunteer opportunities available at Ridgeview.

I look forward to hearing from you.

SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Wayne Clifford My name is Wayne Clifford. My early childhood years were spent in the western NSW country town of Nyngan. Our family later moved to the Illawarra region.

I completed my secondary and tertiary education locally and now work in the engineering division of a large manufacturing company.

I got to know a lot of the residents and staff while my mother Beverley was a resident at Ridgeview. During Mum’s time there, I was made aware that the regular bus outings were not able to run as they no longer had anyone to drive the bus.

I guess that was when “I got my call” – ha !! did I really hear someone say “Wayne you can do that??” I organised to have some flexible time off work on a Friday and became the ‘Ridgeview Bus Driver’.

What an interesting and rewarding adventure this has turned out to be for me!! Sharing the many interesting stories and life experiences with the wonderful residents and staff at Ridgeview. “I only wish my income earning job was half as rewarding”.

New Dates for Spring Ball ROARING 20’S BALL High Care/Sunshine - Thursday 9th October, 12-3pm Hostel - Thursday 16th October, 6-9pm

food Finger Food and drinks included

entertainment glittering great gatsby themed ball

Cost $10 per head for each family member Residents free Please see RAO’s or Karlene on Reception for further information and bookings

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.