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Christadelphian Aged Care S P R I N G N E W S L E T T E R
SOUTHHAVEN NURSING HOME Address: 11 Queensbury Rd, Padstow Heights
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Phone: (02) 9782 6010
Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Managers Message
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Welcome to Southhaven Nursing Home
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
Farewell to a bitterly cold winter filled with a lot of flu and cold in the community. Thanks to all our visitors for staying away whilst being sick, we were able to keep the flu from spreading to our residents. Spring is notorious for the dreaded gastro bug, so again I urge you to refrain from visiting if you or anyone you have come in contact with has symptoms so that we can protect our residents from getting sick. When visiting, please remember to wash your hands with the alcohol gel on entry and when exiting. Prevention is always better then cure. Our sprinkler system has now finally been installed and has passed the leak test. We will be patching and painting the holes in the ceilings within the coming weeks. The plasterers and painters will ensure that they will cause as little disruption to the normal running of the nursing home as possible. Thank you for your ongoing patience. During November we will be demolishing the administration block on the right hand side. This will be making way for the link between the nursing home and hostel. All precautions will be taken to ensure everybody's safety. We will keep you updated on any building works as it comes to hand. We are looking forward to our Bridal Fair on 3rd September 2014 and thank the Fitting Together Committee for all their effort in organising the day. If you have any wedding photos or bridal clothes we could borrow for the day please see Leanne at reception. The next big function at Southhaven will be The Black and White Ball which will be replacing our Spring Fair this year. This will be held in the dining room on Tuesday the 14th October 2014 from 6pm to 9 pm. Invitations will be sent out shortly. If you have any concerns please feel free to come and see me as my door is always open. Kind Regards, Peter Jessing
“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 UPCOMING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 2nd - Oriel Patterson 3rd - Bridal Fair 12th - Neil Anthony
OCTOBER 1st - Ron Blume 14th - Black & White Ball 22nd - Tony Martin
NOVEMBER 4th - Melbourne Cup 7th - Kris’s Feathered Friends
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
2 Kevin S
8 Doreen H
1 Margaret H
3 Arthur C
19 Dawn N
1 Dzidra M
17 Mona G
25 Hazel G
3 Delia M
18 Edna C
26 Rose K
4 Valerie H
19 Matlida G
28 Thalia S
6 Beatrice M
21 Norma P
29 Donald B
12 Evelyn J
26 Cora O
14 Doris M 14 Christopher G 17 Clare B
Southhaven
26 Dora K
Black & White
Ball
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Please join us for a wonderful evening of music & dance
“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. “ !
JUNE
Activity Reviews
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations - High Tea
On Wednesday 4th June, our residents had a wonderful surprise in store. As our residents made their way to the dining room they found the place decorated with fine tablecloths and delicious finger food. Soothing classical music filled the air in the spirit of our English High Tea. However this wasn’t all - there was more to come! Heads turned with surprise and glee to find the Queen entering the dining room. She had come to thank everyone for celebrating her birthday and began socialising with our residents. The joyous atmosphere continued throughout the day with everyone enjoying their delicacies and their surprise visitor. A big thank you to all staff, especially the kitchen staff that provided us with the beautiful food for this occasion. Brilliant work, thank you!
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JULY
Feathers and Friends - “ For the elderly, animals serve as keys to their past.” - Phillip Devitt On Wednesday 9th July, our residents had a visit from Feathers and Friends. This day we saw our nursing home filled with all kinds of birds with radiant colours. Our residents were able to feed these gorgeous creatures and took great joy in watching them in the dining room. These birds also made a number of room visits to those unable to go to the dining room. Our residents were able to take photos with the birds perched on their hands, shoulders and even heads! It was wonderful to watch the happiness on their faces as they stroked these animals and enjoyed their company.
! 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.
Activity Reviews contd Activity of the Month - Carnival Theme
On Wednesday 30th July, we held our “Activity of the Month” with a Carnival theme! The dining room was transformed with colourful balloons and themed decorations. Our residents enjoyed a variety of different stalls, from the photo booth where our residents dressed up with different hats and accessories, to the mysterious fortune teller who would gaze into her crystal ball and tell our residents their predictions. Amid the laughter and games, a great moment of joy was the Piñata which burst open with delicious chocolates for everyone to enjoy. We would like to thank all managers and staff whose dedication resulted in the success of this wonderful day.
City2Surf
As the day of the City2Surf got closer, the more nervous we became. Kim, Tayla and I had entered in the “back of the pack” group but still had grave concerns about finishing. On the big day, we set out bright and early and met Bijay on the train and Mary and Joseph when we arrived at St James Station. I have never seen so many people in my life but the event was surprisingly well organised and everyone went to their respective groups to start. The rest of the CAC group had all started before us, but we were in our comfort zone at the back of the pack. By the time we had walked 4kms we were thinking enough was enough but we kept going… and going… and going. By the time we reached heartbreak hill, we well and truly had enough but by then we just kept going… and going and going. It may have been too TOLD BY hard to stop at that stage and the end was in site. The DOROTHY BRACE last part though was the hardest, especially when we saw the finish line and had to weave past and then back “Upon entering my again to the finish line. But at last we made it! We were new room I was very enormously impressed with ourselves for completing happy, I now have a the walk even if we did come in only 366 people from balcony. The next the last one to complete the race. We certainly weren’t morning, the staff came in my room racing anyone but enjoyed the day tremendously. and pulled back the curtains; I saw the trees swaying from side to side, We then joined the throng of people and had a hearty it was a beautiful sight. Then, I saw meal and went home. Although tired, we all arrived at the sun shining on my toes, it was a work early the next morning fit and well and beautiful sensation. I couldn’t have surprisingly had few of the aches and pains we asked for anything more.” anticipated. - by Margaret Watkins
a Resident’s Joy
CYC Day Photos
Resident Story - Rose K This is the very short and quick summary of Rose Kaidbey's amazing life!
Memories of Mum - By her devoted daughter, Souha When I was asked to write about the past history and life of my precious mother Rose Kaidbey, my reply was "I could write a book on her incredible life and accomplishments", but was told I somehow had to condense her story into one page‌ so here I go, I will try!! Rose K was born in a beautiful mountain village called Ain-anoub, in Lebanon, nearly 2000 feet above sea level overlooking the magnificent Mediterranean Sea. She was the youngest of six children, now sadly is the last remaining sibling. Her father was a chancellor, a great revered and respected man throughout the land. He would ride on his big white horse solving problems and disputes that arose amongst families all the way to Syria.  Her mother was the daughter of a distinguished doctor. Mother was educated in a British school in her village where she later on became a teacher herself, teaching English. She loved anything English, especially the current Queen Elizabeth. During that time she married my father, who was studying horticulture at the American University of Beirut. They decide to migrate to Australia in 1951 with two young children - myself aged 5 and my brother aged 6. We arrived in this vast, big, huge country totally alone; I can only image how difficult it must have been for them. But in no time at all, my parents got a position in an orphanage in Carlingford where we lived as a family. By day, my mother worked as a cook preparing all the meals for the children and by night she went to night school studying a secretarial course. My father by day was the gardener at the orphanage and by night worked for the telephone company. My brother and I joined in with all the children and their activities whilst our parents were busy working. Before long, mother worked alongside my father in our own landscape nursery business. She loved flower arrangement and soon excelled in the business, but later she decided to accept a position offered to her by Cumberland Newspapers at Parramatta to further her secretarial skills and the love of writing. In 1963, she made her first trip back to Lebanon feeling very homesick for her beloved family and decided to incorporate a business deal within her trip, promoting "Victor Mowers" to the Middle East, which become very successful. She became quite a celebrity. I remember reading one article on the front page of a Lebanese newspaper, saying in the very flowery Arabic language "Our beautiful Rose left us for a while leaving behind her the essence of her name, but is now back after enchanting Australia with her delightful perfume�.
Resident Story - Rose K contd When she returned back to Australia, she took on a position as supervisor with the Yellow Pages where she oversaw all the country regions in NSW with 25 girls under her training and direction… she loved that job! She was an ardent reader and enjoyed discussing metaphysics, comparative religion and science with anyone that was interested. She was a lecturer at the Theosophical Society in Sydney and a member for 55 years. She loved playing the piano never taken a lesson, played only by ear. Her creativity was endless - from sewing curtains with matching cushions to sewing clothes for yours truly at very little notice. What she could do with bits of material, lace, button, wool, was astonishing. She belonged to the View Club, and the Embroidery Guild, she was one of many who helped embroider a huge work of Australian flowers that now hangs in the Springwood Museum. She spoke fluent Arabic, English and French. Her last venture, at 70 years of age, was a culmination of her creative ability; opening up a beautiful craft centre at Oatley, where anyone could come and learn how to embroider, spin wool, tatting, ribbon embroidery, patchwork, painting on woodwork and glass, with special classes for children on school holidays, and the list goes on! Yes, maybe I am biased, but any of my friends that ever met my darling mother would be enthralled with her warm gentle presence, her wise words of encouragement and love, and never forgotten by any of them… until this day she is remembered by them, and they would acknowledge that she has been a mentor and inspiration throughout their lives. She was and still is to me a beautiful woman, inside and out. Yes, her mind is tired and doesn't work so well these days, but the essence is still there; her loving spirit and smiling face says it all - love, love, love. One of Rosie’s favourite sayings, when things were down and anybody needed help, would be “One speck of God’s holy light vanishes all darkness”. Another of Rosie’s encouragement sayings, was “Never let it rest til your good is better and your better is best”. One thing I remember more than anything, was as children and even as adults if my brother or I, and then when my son Jahaan was born (who she just adored) were unwell, she would sit near our bed all night long until the morning light came through the window. I can still see her silhouette in the darkness, feeling so protected, comforted and cared for, knowing all was well because my darling mother was so close giving her love and devotion. That's why I am now doing the same for her, sitting beside her while she sleeps, feeding her favourite fruits, caressing her white hair, holding her hands, talking to her tenderly until her last breath. God bless her and keep her under His Divine light; content and free from discomfort, until the Almighty receives her back into his arms. This is my prayer for my darling mother, "Rosie".
Staff Profile - Hawa Jalloh Hello everyone, I come from Sierra Leone. I arrived in Australia on the 19th January 2007. I really like Australia but I miss home because my sister, brother and dad are there. My mum passed away in August after I came to Australia. We came as refugees because in 2001 and 2002 there was a war in my country. There were rebels who killed and tortured people and we had no food, no clothes and we had to walk from our country to another country (Guinea) to find refuge, where they fed us. My sister in law used to send money to us to buy food, pay for transportation and rent. We stayed in Guinea for 1 year, then Paris and then we obtained a visa to come to Australia. Australia gave us a case worker who looked after us by helping with doctors, centrelink, medicare and all the necessary survival things. We first lived in Blacktown, and then moved to Bankstown where I worked for Primo, but fell pregnant 6 months later. I did my nursing course because I did not want to go back to the factory and began working at Bankstown City Aged Care. 2 years later I fell pregnant with my 4th child and left there. I was able to work for CAC through a nursing agency and then I was offered permanent work at Southhaven. I am glad to be in Australia because of the fear of living in Sierra Leone. I feel safe now. My girls are happy here. I am married to Ibrahim and have 4 children. Their names are Jariatu, Adama, Isatu and Haja. Two were born in Sierra Leone and two in Australia. Their ages range from 4 to 18. All girls!! I like Australian food and my favourite would be fruit and rice. I cook a lot. My kids like sport and I watch them play. My husband is a security officer. When I first came to Australia it was very hard for me to help my kids because the education is so different. My girls went to a free study course on weekends in Chapel Road. They taught them how to speak English correctly and took them on outings to see parts of Sydney. They soon fitted in with other Australian children. My girls go to Bankstown Public School and Bankstown Girls High School. I am really happy with how Australia educates my girls; I appreciate this opportunity so much. I love working for Christadelphian Homes, they are so good to me and I am so thankful for that. We are all friendly here. I love all the staff and I love all the residents. I am so thankful for Australia but one day I would like to return home. When my girls grow up and marry, my husband and I would love to go back to Sierra Leone if we can afford it. My home country is peaceful now. Everything is good here, but my family cannot come. Maybe I can go back home for a visit one day. I leave my life to God and I thank God because I am here today.
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others� Philippians 2:4
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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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 CARING FOR YOUR BACK We only get one back. We need to take care of it every day whenever we are lifting, working and moving generally. Back pain can affect our enjoyment of life and interfere with our lifestyle.
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Here are some tips on maintaining a healthy back: • It is important to try to maintain the natural curves of your back whenever lifting. Try to maintain moderate flexion of your back, hips and knees when you are lifting and adopt a stable position. • Always lift and carry objects close to your body. • Squat or kneel instead of stooping. • Think before you lift and plan your lift. • Lunge or squat if you are lifting from below mid-thigh height. • Maintain a good posture when you are sitting. Avoid slumping in your chair and position yourself so you are not stretching to reach the desk/ keyboard. • When sitting, use a chair with a backrest and sit with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. • Know your own limits – never lift anything that you feel is too heavy for you. Get someone to help you.
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AVOID • Lifting and twisting. • Reaching above shoulder height or overreaching. • Twisting your neck or back. • Sudden jerky or uncontrolled movements. • Carrying a load on one side of your body. • Reaching across your body, especially when supporting a load.
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By following these simple guidelines you can help to protect your back. - Lesley Gosling, Southhaven Physiotherapist
Volunteer Corner
“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers” - Terri Guillemets We are so grateful to all the volunteers at Southhaven who give so generously of their time despite the on-going upgrade and disruptions around the home (and lack of parking!!). They have been such a blessing and help with the residents and we’re looking forward to having some light relief in the form of our Black and White Ball for our residents and their families. We have some new volunteers who have joined our team to help out - in the kitchen, with feeding residents and with one-on-one visiting. No matter how big or small the task, your help is very much appreciated. We have also had some volunteer training including Dementia education to assist with our care of the residents, and we will be having a pastoral care training course starting in October if any family or volunteers New Volunteers: Brian & Rebecca would like to attend. We would like to say goodbye to two very long term volunteers: Joan and Hazel. An enormous thank you and God bless from us all. Farewell: Joan & Hazel
SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Joan Cranston Joan has been a volunteer at Southhaven for the past 4 years since she moved into Padstow Heights. This is her story: “My mother had died leaving me with the feeling that I had not done enough for her. I have since come to realise that this is not an uncommon feeling. Her death left such a void in my life, which encouraged me to seek voluntary work. Now I realise at the time my motives were for the most part selfish. After making various enquiries I seemed drawn to Calvary Hospital. Through the patients who were dying and allowing me to share with them so much of their past lives, meeting their families and becoming part of those last weeks together, now gave my life a new meaning. It didn’t take me long to realise I was receiving more than I was giving. I have always found it easy to do things for my family and friends, but this work showed me that many people do not have family and friends to support them in hospital – many have outlived their loves ones, and to see a smile of welcome when you walk into their room is something you have to experience. I am now a voluntary bereavement counsellor and have the opportunity to follow up some of these relatives which is not only a privilege for me but continues to give meaning to my life. Looking back I realise just how much of this kind of care is appreciated. My only regret is I had to lose my mother before I became aware of the needs d others in similar situations.”
If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Cathy Strachan on 0435 814 411 or cstrachan@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.