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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
For as the earth brings forth its
sprouts
and as
a garden causes
what is sown in it to
sprout up,
so the Lord God will cause
righteousness and
praise
to sprout up before all the nations.
Isaiah 61:11
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Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Manager’s Message
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Welcome to Ridgeview Finally the colder weather is behind us, and with the warmer months ahead we have the opportunity to get out of the Home and into the sunshine. We have recently welcomed our new Care Manager, Helen Spyt. Helen comes with a wealth of experience in aged care and has some fabulous new ideas for the site. Feel free to call her or pop in a feedback form if you have any suggestions or feedback. Plans are well underway for the Family Day Father’s Day celebrations, with a Medieval Theme. The invitations should have been received for the event scheduled for September 10 from 11am-2pm. The residents are busy assisting in the planning of this exciting event. They are currently producing original works of art for the inaugural art auction. We have exciting things planned for the new season, with the al la carte breakfast for Sapphire commencing late September and the opening of the Spa Room and service. The ‘Winter Wonderland’ event held in July was enjoyed by all and we were very happy to see such a large turn out of relatives and loved ones. Food was abundant, as with any good Christmas celebration and raffles were well received. The residents assisted with making treats and decorations for the event and it was these little touches which made it feel like Christmas. We were visited by Frosty the Snowman and the photo booth provided the opportunity for some great pictures. If you thought that raffle was good, we have a better one for the Family Day Father’s Day event! We are endeavouring to improve the Home and you will see we have adorned the Dining and Lounge rooms with lovely decorations. Michelle Bonner has given these areas a touch of magic. continued over page
Manager’s Message continued The dementia area has undergone an environmental audit and actions developed from this have started to be implemented. You will see some changes occurring across the site. The Sensory room for residents with dementia is currently being developed to provide a gentle stimulation of sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and movement in a controlled way. The goal of a sensory room is to enhance feelings of comfort and well-being, relieve stress and pain and maximise a person's potential to focus, all of which help improve communication and memory. The Adult Day Program began in early July and provides for social interaction for our residents. The program is evaluated on an ongoing basis and we value and feedback or suggestions to improve the program for the site. Volunteers are encouraged to assist with this program, as they add value and a personal touch. Our residents recently attended the African Circus in Shellharbour, escorted by the Leisure and Lifestyle team and Wayne, our bus driver. A fantastic night was had by all and it highlighted the success of having evening events. Leisure and Lifestyle staff will be planning some more night-time events off site. We have many more activities and events planned for over the Spring and Summer seasons, with Halloween, Melbourne Cup and Christmas not too far away. I would like to thank all the residents and relatives who have provided feedback either face-to-face or through the feedback process, as this has allowed us to more closely meet the needs of our residents. I would encourage you to contact me if you have any concerns or suggestions, as I value the feedback provided. Kind Regards, Michelle Murphy
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
1 Lajos
1 Donald
8 Violet
2 Margaret
2 Edward
10 Brian
2 Elva
3 Allan
10 Stasia
6 Joyce
6 Trevor
11 Barbara
14 Iris
10 Ursula
12 Francis
18 David
15 Karl
12 Jean
18 Marjorie
16 Maria
13 Hilda
19 Chica
18 Sybil
15 Daphne
21 Betty
19 Johanna
18 David
21 Alan
27 Linda
27 Norma
24 Sheila
27 Kathe
26 Claude
28 Beryl
28 Peter
28 Shirley
UPCOMING EVENTS Resident & Relative Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday of each month at 10.30am in Sapphire Area Entertainment: Happy Beats and Probus Men’s choir to visit DIY Bunnings Workshop Our lovely ladies from La Belle Albion Park come to facility on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and for only $10 will do residents nails. Please see RAOs if you would like your families nails attended! 10th September: Father’s Day Medieval Family Celebration from 11am-2pm
Activity Reviews AMETHYST Residents have been very busy these last few months, creating beautiful craft items for our Winter Wonderland in July. They made lovely table decorations and decorations to hang in main areas of our facility.
We also enjoyed a ‘Trip to England’ with Armchair Travel, enjoying food from their culture and learning about their country. Our wonderful manager, Michelle, organised a trophy for our monthly bowls game we call ‘Beer and Bowls’, which is enjoyed by everyone. Our first winner was Reg from Amethyst who became our first ever ‘Bowler of the Month’ at Ridgeview.
We are looking forward to the next few months with you all and don’t forget if you have anything you want to do, let me know I’ll do my best. Thanks from Jean, your happy and friendly RAO ☺
Activity Reviews SUNSHINE We have had a very busy couple of months, with some new activities introduced to the program for Sunny residents. To meet the needs of the less-engaged people with dementia, we are using tactile and sensory stimulation. Items such as fiddle boards, hand muffs and lap rugs are used to encourage stimulation through touch and has been working well with those who display hand or finger rubbing, known as 'picking'. The muffs are also warm and cuddly for hands on a cold day. We also have some fabulous tactile boards to be mounted on the walls for visual stimulation when walking around sunshine. A big thanks to Michelle (FM) and her family for their weekend work shop to make the boards. Thank you to the Switzer family for the donation of a fish tank which is now in our lounge room, completing the tranquil atmosphere of the unit and complementing the Tranquillity Garden. Welcome to our new volunteer Corinne, who will be assisting with our doll therapy program. The aim of this program is to provide opportunity for nurture. It is proving to be a lovely and engaging activity for all of us. Our daily chore program continues to be popular, with several busy bees involved daily. Folding laundry is the favourite chore, with a lot of chatting and giggling as well. Our bus trips continue weekly, though a little shorter with the colder weather, however attendance is good with the bus full most weeks. Finally, a big thank you to all of our generous behind the scene helpers who donate wool for our projects, crochet the rugs, knit the hand mitts and bring in magazines. Cheers until next time, Vikki (RAO) and Sunny Residents
RAO Activity Photos
Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE We have had a busy three months. In June, our ‘Armchair Travel’ was to England, with a visit from the Queen. July’s was to America, where residents enjoyed food and information about America. August’s ‘Armchair Travel’ is to Brazil, to coincide with Olympic Games and we are also going to do the medal tally in Sapphire daily. We now enjoy monthly bus trip luncheons and regular shopping trips. We also hold monthly morning tea bus trips, one of the favourites being to Killalea National Park. The residents’ favourite place for lunch at the moment is to the German Club, where they can enjoy a home cooked meal, a glass of local ale and a go on the pokies. Residents can also enjoy a cuppa and cake there. Our Winter Wonderland event in July was very popular, with residents assisting to make all the decorations and sweets for this event. Residents made White Christmas, Rumballs and Fruit Balls. Probus Men’s Club entertained in Sapphire and Sing Australia visited Sunshine and Amethyst areas, where they sang Christmas carols and entertained us all. The residents enjoyed their turkey dinner with their families, thanks to our wonderful kitchen here at Ridgeview. We look forward to the next three months with you all. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for activities or places to go on bus trip luncheons. Thanks for all your support, Love Kim xxxxxx
Staff News
Baby News: A few of our nurses are expecting new additions to their families. Rhi Rhi is having a little boy, due soon, Kylie is having a girl and Bebe is expecting a baby. We wish them all the best with their new bubbies. Di our wonderful receptionist is expecting a new grandchild in October and we welcome back Bernadette from maternity leave after 10 months. Engagement: Congratulations to Bec and her partner Cory on their recent engagement
Wedding: Congratulations for the upcoming event of Kandiss and Clint’s wedding in October. We wish them all the best in their new life together. Staff Farewells: We said goodbye to Heidi, our educator - we will miss her very much!! Helen K is now our new educator. Massage: Kate has now completed her Cert 4 in Massage and is offering a staff wellness program by massaging staff one day a week. Please book in via a list in the staffroom. P.S. Kate likes dark chocolate ☺
Staff Profile - Helen Spyt
Care Manager
I started work at Ridgeview on July 1, 2016 as the Care Manager and have been warmly welcomed. Born and raised in Oak Flats, I feel that I have come full circle with work and travel. I have been fortunate to live and work in some beautiful and exciting places such as Dunk Island, Mount Isa, Hobart, Geelong and overseas in the United Arab Emirates for about six years. Apart from starting my career at Port Kembla District Hospital as an Enrolled Nurse, I also worked in the NSW Police Force before taking on tertiary study to become a Registered Nurse. My interests lie in perioperative nursing as a theatre nurse and also with aged care. Returning to the Illawarra means I can catch up on friendships and try to improve my woeful golf game. I love the local markets and coffee shops; you’ll also find me walking the beaches and trying my hand a new recipes. Pop in to say hello and feel free to ask for any assistance or information that may need. Cheers, Helen
RIDGEVIEW
Medieval
FATHER’S DAY Family Celebration Saturday 10th September 11am - 2pm
Come dressed in MEDIEVAL theme!
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
• • • •
• Medieval Photo Booth with visiting Knights • Craft & Book Stalls • BBQ, Cakes and Popcorn • Live Entertainment @ 11.30am Resident Art Auction @ 12.30pm Workshop @ 1pm Raffles and major prize of a BBQ drawn @ 2pm Medieval Games – Feed the Dragon
Pet Therapy Program at Ridgeview The benefits of pet therapy are well known, but when you see it firsthand, it is truly amazing to see the transformation of residents who would normally be quite reserved. Their eyes light up and a smile beams across their face; it is a precious moment in time. I would like to introduce two four legged volunteers and their owners to the Pet Therapy Program: • Molly (with owners Bob and Fay) • Dave (with owner Jacinta) We have been extremely fortunate at Ridgeview to be able to receive weekly visits, cuddles and pats from Molly and Dave. A bit about Molly… Molly was a rescue dog who was badly treated for years and she is now transforming lives by spreading her magic through the Pet Therapy Program at Ridgeview. Fay and Bob (volunteers) rescued Molly from the RSPCA and her docile nature made them soon realise she would be perfect as a therapy dog. “From the information given to us, Molly was badly treated for her first two years and I often liken the treatment to having the ‘dog’ knocked out of her,” Fay said. “The normal doggy behaviour such as barking, whimpering, snapping, disobeying commands, messing in the house and being generally disruptive are missing from her nature.” They began volunteering at Ridgeview in March, where Molly quickly began to make an impact in the lives of our residents. Molly visited a resident who was immobile and on a bed with her sons and, after being put in her lap, the resident broke into a big smile. “As we were leaving the visit, the sons called to us and told us that was the first really demonstrative reaction they had seen from their Mum since she had become unwell and I could see they were deeply moved by this,” Fay said. Another time, Fay was sitting with a resident who was very upset and confused but when Molly arrived, her confusion was replaced with a lovely smile and tears of joy at seeing and nursing her. Other residents who were previously not keen to be social now invite the three of them into her room for a chat. Molly looks quite the pampered pooch, and is decked out with her fancy neck scarf and personalised volunteer name badge as she walks throughout the corridors greeting residents, staff and visitors. “The smiles of delight from the residents is infectious and you can’t help but sharing in the joy she brings in her quite wee gentle way,” Fay said. “I truly believe this wee dog has been sent by God to show everyone she meets the true meaning of love and caring,” she said. A bit about Dave… Dave is a seven-month-old King Charles Cavalier and, with proud owner Jacinta, is bringing smiles and delight to the residents at Ridgeview. Dave definitely loves his cuddles and pats as well as having a little snooze on the residents laps when he tires out. It is so lovely to see the residents respond with smiles as this lively little pup enters the room with tail wagging a dozen times a minute!
Ridgeview News UKULELE VOLUNTEERS VISIT SUNSHINE Our amazing Ukulele volunteers (Sue, Patricia, Sally, Muriel, John, Des and Christine) will now be visiting Sunshine on a Thursday morning once a fortnight. Our Sunshine residents and staff enjoyed a wonderful morning of singing and dancing as we went down memory lane.
FISH TANK IN MEMORY OF ROB SWITZER Sunshine has a colourful new addition to their lounge room - a fish tank donated by the Switzer family, in memory of Rob Switzer (Sunshine resident). This is a thank you from the Switzer family who wanted to give back to Ridgeview and to Sunshine by providing a living memory. The family have also generously arranged for Pet Stock, Albion Park to maintain and clean the fish and tank every fortnight on an ongoing basis. Ridgeview would like to thank the Switzer family and Pet Stock for your generous donation and time. Our residents, families and staff are all enjoying these colourful living additions to our lounge room.
LIBRARY TROLLEY The Library Trolley (run by volunteer Narelle) delivers The Advertiser and Seniors papers, library books, magazines, Ridgeview newsletter and puzzles to residents throughout the facility every Wednesday morning. Donations are required for any of the most recent magazines such as Womans Weekly, New Idea, Better Homes and Gardens, Gardening etc and would greatly appreciated for the Library Trolley. Please leave at Reception marked ‘Michelle Bonner’. Thank you
LOST PROPERTY Our Lost Property is located in the Sunshine courtyard. Please have a look with your family to see if anything belongs to you.
Ridgeview News RESIDENT CLOTHES LABELLING Many thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers who are labelling resident clothing which is significantly reducing the amount of ‘lost property’. This service is FREE OF CHARGE and available to all residents. If you need new or existing clothing labelled: 1. Place in a bag clearly labelled with name and room number 2. Give to Nursing staff who will pass this on to Michelle Bonner (Volunteer Coordinator) Clothing is labelled every Wednesday and will be returned to your room.
NEW ADULT DAY PROGRAM Our NEW Adult Day Program is now up and running in the Wattle Lounge/Dining room, Monday to Friday between 10am to 3pm. Residents are enjoying a variety of programmed activities based on their interests and abilities such as cooking, craft, tables games, trivia, movies, etc. Monday - Ladies Day Thursday - Men’s Day Friday - Dementia Tuesday & Wednesday - variety The Wattle Lounge/Dining room has undergone a ‘makeover’ with residents enjoying a fine dining experience for lunch and tea/coffee throughout the day. The aim of the Adult Day Program is to encourage residents throughout the home who don’t normally attend activities to come out of their rooms, interact and form friendships. Regards, Cathy Castles - Lifestyle
Ridgeview News BIRTHDAY CARDS HAND MADE BY LOCAL SUNDAY SCHOOLS We are very thankful for the children of Southern Highlands and Sutherland Christadelphian Sunday Schools who have been very busy hand making birthday cards for our residents at Ridgeview. This new project has been so wonderful with residents receiving a special birthday card and balloon on their birthday, as well as being sung ‘Happy Birthday’ by fellow residents and staff. It is fantastic to see the joy and happiness that a simple gesture can bring to our residents to help celebrate their birthday and making their day extra special. Thank you so much Southern Highlands and Sutherland Sunday Schools.
Left: Southern Highlands Above: Sutherland
Potato Chips - supplied by resident Anne O’Reilly A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word... As twilight approached, the boy realised how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever... When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?” He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!" Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected." Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally! Have lunch with God…… bring chips.
Volunteer Corner SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER Corrine We would like to welcome new volunteer, Corinne, to Ridgeview. Corinne has experience working as an AIN for over 18 months and now cares for children with disabilities. “My passion is working in the Leisure and Lifestyle area of aged care and in particular residents with dementia”. Corinne has introduced a s p e c i a l i s e d p ro g r a m t o Sunshine, known as Doll Therapy. Doll Therapy, as a care tool, is similar to other therapeutic interventions such as music therapy, aromatherapy, art therapy and other sensory pursuits. Selected residents are enjoying cuddling, singing, dressing and nurturing our babies. “Doll therapy is bringing so much joy and happiness to our residents, especially those who don’t normally talk or interact – seeing their faces light up as they talk, nurse and sing the babies off to sleep is very special”. Doll therapy can provide satisfaction and comfort to residents with dementia. It provides them with the opportunity to nurture and satisfy an emotional need that wouldn’t be fulfilled otherwise.
Volunteer Corner Winter Wonderland Celebrations Ridgeview transformed into a Winter Wonderland as we celebrated our very first Christmas in July. Our day was a HUGE success with over 90 family members joining with us to celebrate a wonderful day together! Our amazing kitchen staff prepared a feast of roast turkey and baked vegetables with delicious sweet treats, that had been handmade by the residents. We had two live entertainers - Probus Men’s Choir, Kiama performing in Sapphire and Sing Australia performing in Sunshine and Amethyst, singing Christmas songs to add to the atmosphere. Special thank you to everyone who participated in our Winter Wonderland celebrations. Lifestyle team, who worked so hard on making decorations, cooking and decorating; kitchen staff for a delicious feast; residents who made decorations and cooking; volunteers who made decorations and for assisting on the day (set up and packing up) and all staff who helped on the day. If you are interested in joining the Volunteer Residents, staff, volunteers and families all program, please do not hesitate to contact me: enjoyed a wonderful day together. We even Michelle Bonner on 0434 421 617 got a special visit from Frosty the Snowman! or mbonner@chomes.com.au Winter Wonderland photos over page Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
Ridgeview Aged Care
… is publishing a COOKBOOK! The cookbook will be made up of recipes from our residents, families, staff and volunteers.
We urgently need: MORE RECIPES!! 1.
Place recipes in box at Reception.
2.
Include your name (to be published with your recipes Closing date: Friday 30th September Thank you for your support
Winter Wonderland - Photos
Read, Rest & Relax! MEANING OF THE OLYMPIC FLAG The five Olympic rings represent the five major regions of the world - Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Every national flag in the world includes one of the five colours, which are blue, yellow, black, green, and red.
Apricot Tarts with Honey Cream
• 1 1/2 x 200g packets shortbread biscuits • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 100g butter, melted • 1 1/2 cups thickened cream • 2 tablespoons honey • 4 large (400g) fresh apricots, each cut into 6 wedges • Icing sugar mixture, to dust
1. Grease eight 2cm-deep, 10cm (base) round loose-based fluted flan tins. Process biscuits and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add butter. Process to combine. Divide mixture evenly between prepared tins. Using the back of a spoon, press mixture over base and sides of tins. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. 2. Using an electric mixer, beat cream, honey and remaining cinnamon until soft peaks form. 3. Carefully remove biscuit cases from tins. Divide cream mixture between cases. Top with apricot wedges. Dust with icing sugar. Serve. Makes 8 tarts
Olympic Alphabet Challenge
Can you come up with an Olympic themed word for each le5er of the alphabet?
Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.