Chamberlain Gardens Spring Newsletter 2015

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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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Managers Message

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Welcome to Chamberlain Gardens

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favourite weather is bird-chirping weather - Terri Guillemets

It’s with pleasure that I welcome you to our Spring Newsletter. After a cold and eventful Autumn and Winter with those severe storms and some frosty mornings, we’re looking forward to warmer, sunnier days ahead and the blossoms of Spring. You may have noticed some lovely changes around the gardens over the past few months and this is largely thanks to our great Volunteers Pauline and Ann. We will see more of it coming together as the plants start to blossom. Thank you Pauline and Ann and to all our Volunteers for the great job they continue to do. They make such a difference and really enhance our residents lives here at Chamberlain Gardens.

We had a wonderful evening on 23rd July with our Christmas in July drinks and nibbles night. Once again it was a lot of fun with so many families attending, great food and entertainment. We were able to raise more money for Camp Breakaway with our 1st and 2nd prizes in our Raffle to add to the $1630 previously raised for them recently.

Thank you to all who bought tickets, to our wonderful sponsors and staff who donated goods for the Raffle.

Congratulations to Steve Murray who won first prize, pictured here receiving his prize with his mother Betty who is one of our residents.

Congratulations to Noela Dixon who won second prize. Thank you to all our staff and volunteers who made the night such a success.

The money raised for Camp Breakaway enabled them to buy some much needed linen for their beds. Thank you to all our residents, visitors and staff for their generous donations for this great cause. Due to your generosity we’ve also been able to raise over $500 for Jeans for Genes day recently.

When ringing Chamberlain Gardens now, you will hear a new message directing you to choose one of two options depending on who you wish to speak to. Please listen carefully as all new accommodation enquiries are directed to Head Office.

Along with many other improvements here you may notice a Pergola being erected outside the front of the facility past the kitchen. This will be built outside the staff room to enable more staff to have their breaks under cover.

We hope you enjoy this delightful time of year as we see all the gardens beginning to blossom.

Until next time, Blessings, Bev Moss

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Horizon

Horizon

Horizon

2 Joan Stafford

1 Nellie Alliband

6 Laurie McCrea

6 Irene Bates

6 Betty Murray

8 Judith Tunnington

6 Jean Bournes

6 Joan Holdsworth

11 Joyce Robertson

8 Diana Crossing

21 Jill Charlton

14 Bev McCartney

17 Jack Dixon

28 Rita Hunter

22 Doreen Smith

24 Betty Dawson

30 Elizabeth Bullen

Garden

Garden

Garden

3 Ken Mortimer

22 George Field

10 Beryl Byrnes

4 Peter Trutwein

25 Lorna Wright

21 Anne Kamphuis

Coastal

Coastal

Coastal

2 Hugh Reeves

11 John Prassinas

19 Phyllis Archer

8 Terry Atkins

21 Ron Pudig

26 Noela Hewitt

15 Ken Singleton

27 Janet Single

16 Molly Buckmaster

FAMILY AND RESIDENTS

CHRISTMAS DRINKS & NIBBLES Thursday 17th December 2015 5.30pm - Garden Courtyard All welcome

SEPTEMBER 9th - Men's Group - 2pm 16th - The Julz Concert at 2pm 23rd - Men's Group - 2pm

OCTOBER 7th - Men's Group - 2pm 17th - Suzie J Concert at2pm 21st - Men's Group - 2pm

NOVEMBER 4th - Men's Group - 2pm 11th - Black Sheep Karaoke at 2pm 18th - Men's Group - 2pm

Activity Reviews JUNE June has been another busy month with concerts; we started the month with Jerry Wall entertaining the residents. Jerry is a retired policeman and was stationed in Sydney for most of his career, so has some interesting stories for the residents.

We have a new entertainer called “Julz” and she sings a lot of Elvis and many of the songs from the 60’s, which the residents are able to sing and dance along to. “Julz” said she goes to many Aged Care facilities and she is very impressed with the obvious care and attention residents at Chamberlain Gardens receive. Staff enjoy singing and dancing with the residents.

Wednesday 17th June a number of our residents were invited to Valley View Primary School to watch the children’s Preforming Arts Concert. There are a lot of talented children around and our residents thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The children also provided and served morning tea and talked with the residents after the concert which was lovely to watch the interaction. We have year 6 children come fortnightly to play games and visit with residents in Horizon and have found this beneficial to all.

On Wednesday 17th June, The Fantastic’s Choir entertained our residents in the afternoon. This choir is made up of 16 or more retirees who meet weekly at Umina to rehearse and are all very talented with amazing voices. Nothing sounds nicer than a choir and our residents were just beaming listening to the Fantastic’s.

BASKETBALL RING We are lucky enough to have a very clever husband in Pal Greedy, who is the husband of one of our residents Margaret. I was telling Pal how I would like to get a basketball ring that our residents could use while sitting in their chairs. Pal asked a few questions and said “leave it to me”. We were amazed and excited when Pal arrived with our new basketball ring. Our residents are having so much fun; this is good for handeye coordination, socialising and gives us plenty of laughs.

Thank you so much Pal for your generous gift. Pal also made us a new quoits holder after seeing ours held together with blu tac! So many, many thanks Pal.

Activity Reviews JULY Every second Friday, a lot of our residents attend Praise and Worship, which is held in the Horizon TV room and conducted by volunteers Doug and Cindy Mogg. This has proved to be a popular morning and I would like to take this moment to thank Doug and Cindy.

This month was the beginning of our fortnightly men’s group.

This is being run by a male volunteer from Red Cross and involves group discussions, a game of pool or cards while having a beer and nibbles without the interruption from staff and with no females involved. The numbers have been increasing and in time we hope to have guest speakers attend.

Singing Hands entertained the residents on Wednesday 15th July. This is a popular group who sign in braille along to music and get the residents involved.

Thursday 23rd July was our Christmas in July Drinks and Nibbles night, which was very well attended by over 100 families and residents. This has become a popular date on the calendar and a fabulous way for families to socialise with other families and also enables them to meet the staff.

The entertainer for the night was “Julz and Friend”, the raffle was won by Steve Murray whose mother is a resident in Horizon and second prize went to resident Noela Dixon. Monies raised go to local charity Camp Breakaway. The food was once again superb - a big thank you to the kitchen staff. Another big thank you for making the night a success goes to the volunteers who came on the night and helped set up, worked the bar, handed out food and cleaned up afterwards. We were lucky enough to have three year 10 students from Central Coast Grammar School come and help on the night; Nicolas Finn, Cooper Timewell, Harrison Luke. These three were such nice boys who interacted with all the residents and have offered to come and help at our Christmas Drinks. Lastly thanks to the staff that helped on the night, especially the RAO’s, who have got this function down pat with organising and setting up.

Our next Christmas Family and Residents Drinks and Nibbles night will be held Thursday 17th December 2015 starting at 5.30pm in the Garden Courtyard, all welcome.

Friday 24th July, the Loss Bonkers came to entertain the residents. This is a group of 4 semiretired musicians and our residents love them. The Bonkers had the residents tapping their toes, some were up dancing with staff and it was so good to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Christmas in July - Photos

Activity Reviews AUGUST The month started with a concert in Horizon; Mark Wheatley is a country singer and has been coming to entertain us for the last couple of years.

The Gals were back again looking fabulous in their new costumes, and the envy to most of the staff with their amazing legs.

Black Sheep Karaoke had all the residents singing on Wednesday 12th August. The Horizon TV room was rocking, With the warmer weather, we are encouraging our residents to get outside and enjoy the sun on their backs. This would also be a good time to remind families to purchase their loved ones with a sun hat and some sunglasses, if they don’t already have them.

Every month, our residents of each area are able to attend the Fish and Chip bus outings.

With the warmer months approaching, we will be having sausage sizzles and picnics.

Our gardens have been lovingly attended to by volunteers Ann and Pauline. They have been busy pruning and replanting, which is no easy task given that most of the garden beds are filled with builder’s rubble, so they have been busy building up the soil. We are planting plants in the Garden Courtyard that are sensory; have a perfume and beautiful flower or are lovely to touch. Any cuttings, spare bulbs or plants anyone would like to donate, we will gladly take off your hands and they will be lovingly planted by Ann, Pauline and residents.

Pet Therapy with Ruby

Staff News We would like to wish AIN Holly Harding the very best of wishes with the coming arrival of her baby in September.

We will miss you and look forward to seeing you and bub in September.

Activity Photos Playing basketball in Garden

High Tea

Cooking group in Horizon making Apricot Balls

Picnic lunch at Patonga

Residents enjoying foot spas in Garden

Barry Pattison’s Birthday

Resident Story - Malcolm Whyatt Malcolm was born on 20th February, 1936 in Eyre North QLD and was one of two children. Malcolm attended boarding school at the Marist Brothers College in Mt Tamborine for his primary school years, and then transferred to Marist Brothers in Ashgrove (a suburb of Brisbane) for his secondary education.

Upon leaving school, Malcolm worked for an accounting company Troup/Harwood & Company while studying Accountancy at night school. Upon completion of his study, Malcolm worked for Commonwealth Oil Refinery’s, now known as BP as a junior accountant for 4 years.

Malcolm did National Service in 1956 and was stationed at Amberley, QLD. Malcolm took a position in Singapore, working as an Accountant for Straits Times Newspaper which was Singapore’s daily newspaper. While in Singapore, Malcolm met his former wife Jacqueline and they produced two children; a son Nigel and a daughter Karen. Malcolm also started an Economics Degree which he completed as an external student through Brisbane University.

Malcolm said he enjoyed living in Singapore, as he arrived at the end of the British rule and had servants to look after him, a gardner, driver and house staff. Malcolm said life was very good; he had hit a high point in his life and says it’s been going down hill ever since!!

After ten years, Malcolm decided to move back to Australia, settling in Manly and lived around the area until he retired. Malcolm started his own Forensic Accountancy business, where he would investigate companies that were in financial trouble.

Malcolm moved to the Central Coast in 2001 to be closer to his daughter and bought a townhouse in Narara. Malcolm had various health issues and came to Chamberlain Gardens for respite and while here, a room became available. Malcolm said it was the best thing he has done for a long long time; he said he never expected to live as long as he has and is very happy here and lucky to have found Chamberlain Gardens.

Malcolm is an avid reader; he enjoys reading Thrillers, Current Affairs and Military books.

Malcolm had played rugby league when younger and was also a Life Saver at Broadbeach QLD, as swimming was an enjoyable pass time. I asked Malcolm if he had ever saved someone and he said he hadn’t!

Malcolm travelled extensively. He loved Europe because of the different culture and said America is like here but louder and brasher.

I asked Malcolm if he had any regrets with life and he said yes, Malcolm said he wishes he knew what he knows now when he was 20.

Staff Profile - Janis Whittaker Janis was born in Gosford Hospital and has lived all her life on the Central Coast.

Janis went to school at Lisarow High School and left in 1989 when she started working as an apprentice hairdresser on the North Shore. Janis started her own hairdressing business after completing her apprenticeship and opened her own salon at Umina Beach.

Janis met her husband David at the Gym when introduced by his brother and has been happily married for 21 years. Janis has 3 children - aged 18, 16 and 14.

Janis started working at Chamberlain Gardens in 2007 in the kitchen then decided to move onto nursing and completed her Certificate lll then went on to do her Certificate lV and is one of the Team Leaders in Horizon Suite.

Some of Janis’s hobbies include card making, crocheting and fishing. Janis also enjoys travelling and one of her favourite places to visit is Bali from which she has just returned from after enjoying a 3 week break.

Poem - Water Memories going going going gone, Whatever you do you just can’t seem to hold on, Memories of just mere minutes ago, Out of your mind uncontrollably flow, Like through your fingers might run grains of sand, Like water, water running though your hands Memories, memories draining away, This time tomorrow won’t remember today, The day after that might forget where you live, Like liquid flowing through a memory sieve, And there’s no way I know of to staunch that damn, Like water, water running though your hands Memories memories seeping away, In a greater torrent more and more each day, Flowing away till you no longer recall, Who you or I even might be at all, Like rivers flowing to faraway lands, Like water, water running though your hands.

SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Doug & Cyndy Mogg Retired school teachers Doug and Cyndy Mogg have been volunteering at Chamberlain for 5 years as of the 9th of August.

Originally conscripted by the new volunteer coordinator Liz McKay, because if you can’t get your parents to volunteer when you’re the new coordinator, then who can you get?

In that time, they have volunteered in a wide variety of roles including resident visits, pastoral care, sewing & mending and facilitation of praise and worship services including guitar playing and group singing and helping at functions and events. Doug h a s also been known to don a red suit and white beard around December to deliver surprises to the residents. The residents also enjoy travelling to various corners of the globe through the Powerpoint presentations and commentary of the many local and overseas holidays that Doug and Cyndy have been on over the years, including two missionary trips to Africa. Although they live over an hour away towards Newcastle, they visit once a fortnight on a Friday.

When not volunteering or travelling, they are kept busy with their family including two children and six grandchildren and a busy social and church community life. Doug is also a member of an all boy band called the “Old Dogs” in which he plays guitar and sings.

Pastoral Care TESTING TIMES

Have you ever felt like giving up? I think many of us have ( I know I have). Certain events come in life that throw us off guard and we say “is it time to give up?”. Some of the worst tragedies that happen come when people give up. We sometimes also think that all the successful people in life have been strong individuals who had their lives altogether; not true. Let’s take a minute to talk about that. We might think of scientists, for example, like Louis Pasteur who made some amazing discoveries in the field of chemistry. He is written up in all the history books. But this incredible man suffered from a paralytic stroke at age 46 which actually made him handicapped for the rest of his life. And what about the great musicians and poets with time to entertain people with their incredible gifts?

Beethoven struggled to write his music because of his deafness. The English poet John Milton wrote some of his poetry after he became blind. So it’s amazing to see that people often discover that despite their handicaps, great work can to be accomplished. Here’s someone else; James Watt, the Scottish inventor famous for the steam engine, was a very sick man and didn’t have much money. The thing that made all these people famous and unique was not their psychical strength, emotional stability or large amounts of money – it was a sense of purpose, and a total commitment to that purpose. I sense in meeting some people that that purpose is missing because of the difficulties of life.

They give up because it’s too hard or they don’t feel they have a purpose.

Some of our problems are short-term, like a bout of flu or a falling out with someone at work. Others may last much longer: a chronic illness, a disability or an addiction, the loss of someone close to us, or an ongoing battle to overcome a personal weakness such as anger or moodiness. You may have to struggle with such difficulties for weeks, months, or even years. And sometimes problems persist even when you feel you’ve already done all you could: You’ve been praying, reading and following the Bible, claiming His promises and trying to trust God. Still you see no answer, which can be discouraging.

When you think you’ve reached the end of your rope, just hold on a little longer. Patience is often the key that opens the door to God’s blessings and sometimes we must be content to wait for His answer.

While we may expect God to put an end to our problems right now, He may know that later is a better time. God’s timing is impeccable. “He has done all things well.” (Mark 7:37.) Trust Him! Faith is believing. Faith is trusting. Faith doesn’t quit. Faith refuses to call anything impossible. Faith refuses to be robbed of its joy and peace by circumstances or battles.

Once, a little boy was trying very hard to lift a heavy piece of furniture. His father came into the room and, noting his son’s struggle, asked him “Are you using all your strength?”” Yes, of Our deepest sympathies have course I am!” the boy impatiently shouted. “Oh no, you’re not,” the gone out to the families who father answered. “You haven’t asked me to help you!” That’s the have lost their loved ones over problem with our faith and trust in God. We fail to ask for His help. the Winter period.

In cases like that, God may be testing you to see whether you will continue to trust and believe and thank Him for all the good He sends your way, even when it seems He is not answering your prayers. “We walk by faith, not by sight. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.” (2 Cor 5:7; John 20:29) God loves to see His children’s faith manifested, and He promises to greatly reward those who bravely endure the trying of their faith.

Bereavements

If God is working in your life to bring out a special quality, the process may take some time. Lumps of coal aren’t turned to diamonds overnight; so it is with our lives.

- By Chris Witts

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Volunteer Corner Volunteering has again been supporting the programs and activities run for the residents at Chamberlain. We had a very successful Christmas in July with 7 volunteers helping us to set up, serve drinks and food and generally help host our residents and their families. We were extra pleased to have three young men volunteer from year 10 at Central Coast Grammar School. All dressed up in their black pants and white shirts and ties, they looked very smart and they were a hit with the residents and staff. The staff nicknamed the boys “One Direction�. It is wonderful to see young people helping out in the greater community, especially in Aged Care. The residents love finding out what the young ones are up to and sharing a yarn with them. Youth volunteering at Chamberlain is helping to bridge the gap between the young and not so young and is a wonderful asset to our home. We currently have two high school students, Harry and Moyo, Erin who is at University and Maria who is looking for work, all adding to our volunteer program in the under 20 age group.

We had a very successful afternoon tea get together for the volunteers at the end of July. It is a great opportunity for the volunteers to meet new people, catch up with what everyone is doing and for me to share and gain information in a group setting. We will have another get together in October and then something to celebrate Christmas in December.

Two of our four annual mandatory volunteer training sessions were held in August with the bulk of volunteers attending one of these sessions. I have had some great feedback that the sessions were interesting and useful for the volunteers. Our last volunteer education session for this year will be held on the 13th October.

I have also hosted the first two Family/Carer support Group sessions in July and August.

Those who have attended have found great benefit from sharing their experiences and from the support and information available. This group aims to strengthen relationships, provide mutual support and connectedness and reduce the distress for people experiencing the transition to residential aged care. It is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10.30am. Please feel free to join us for a cuppa and a chat.

Our next Family/Carers group is on Wednesday 9th September.

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!

SPRING CLEANING TIPS Finally, springtime is knocking at our door! After winter, we’re ready to swing open the windows and let the fresh air flow in. Spring is a season of renewal. Symbolically, it’s when nature comes alive again: blooming flowers, baby animals and cleansing rain showers!

Many people grew up with a seasonal tradition: the spring-cleaning. It’s an annual reminder its time to clean house and de-clutter. For seniors, it’s a great way to shake the winter blues and reminisce. Many older adults are rejuvenated by the warming weather and sunshine. A cleanup confers health benefits as well: reducing symptoms of respiratory illness and risk for falling. A good cleaning is beneficial both physically and emotionally!

Spring Cleaning To-Do List: Discard old medications Clean out bedside drawers and sort books/magazines De-clutter; remove objects that obstruct the flow of movement through the room such as unnecessary furniture Bust dust - don't forget photographs and art on walls, blinds, vents & light bulbs Open windows to circulate fresh air

Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Cookies

• 100g unsalted butter, chopped • 200g dark chocolate, chopped

• 1/3 cup (100g) crunchy peanut butter • 2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 1/4 cups (185g) plain flour • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder • 2 tablespoons roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped Makes 24

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Place the butter and half the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (don't let bowl touch the water) and stir until melted.

Remove from heat.

3. Stir in peanut butter, followed by sugar and egg. Sift over flour, bicarbonate of soda and cocoa, then stir to combine. Fold in half of the remaining chocolate.

4. In a separate bowl, combine nuts and remaining chocolate.

5. Roll 2 teaspoons dough into a ball and place, 3cm apart, on trays. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon and press nut mixture gently into dough. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked but still soft in the centre.

Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Insect Word Scramble All of the scrambled words below are names of insects you have probably heard about. Can you put the letters in the right order to spell 19 different insect names correctly?

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