C h ristade lph ia n A g e d C a re
2 0 1 7
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 61:1 1
Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Manager’s Message Welcome to Ridgeview As we move into Spring, we appear to be over many of the challenges we have experienced over the last few months and with Spring comes growth and renewal. We were pleased to have Katie Dalton our new Manager join the Ridgeview Team and this has been a welcome relief for all staff to have the extra support. We were privileged to be able to hold another Christmas in July – “Jingle Bell Rock” this year, attended by many family and friends. The food was amazing, entertainment was fun with dancing and singing, and most of us ate too much on the day. Thank you to the family and friends who were able to make it on the day, it was lovely to see all the photos and happy faces. It seems that the winter cold has passed quickly and as we move towards Summer, we will be endeavouring to do more outside activities. We encourage all to attend our events committee meetings, which we hold on Wednesday afternoons at 2:30pm. We hope that you have had the opportunity to visit the New Happy Days Café and have some lovely tea or coffee and a slice of cake. The café is currently open daily from 10:00am -12:00pm. We will be looking at extending the hours in the future as we assess demand for the café. As we prepare for our upcoming accreditation, it is great to reflect on all the wonderful things we have achieved here at Ridgeview and this has only been achieved through the dedication of our volunteers, staff and family members. We have definitely come a long way in the last few years and it will be exciting to see what is in store for the future. I wish you and your families well. Kindest Regards, Michelle Murphy
News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
1 Lajos
1 Donald
8 Violet
6 Fred
2 Ted
8 Raymond
14 Iris
6 Trevor
10 Brian
15 Antonia
8 Maria
11 Barbara
18 David
10 Ursula
12 Jean
19 Chicca
15 Karl
12 Francis
20 Vera
19 Johanna
13 Hilda
21 Alan
21 Rodney
15 Daphne
24 Sheila
27 Linda
27 Norma
SEPTEMBER 8th - Bunnings Bus Trip 15th - Men’s Probus Choir Armchair Travel: Africa
OCTOBER 19th - Entertainment: Happy Beats Armchair Travel: Germany
Help Yourself to Happiness Everybody, everywhere seeks happiness, it’s true, but finding it and keeping it seems difficult to do. Difficult because we think that happiness is found, only in the places where wealth and fame abound. And so we go on searching in “palaces of pleasure”, seeking recognition and monetary treasure.
Keep updated with all the latest news and photos by “liking” us on Facebook!
facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare
Unaware that happiness is just a “state of mind”, within the reach of everyone who takes time to be kind. For in making OTHERS HAPPY we will be happy too, for the happiness you give away returns to “shine on you” By Helen Steiner Rice (provided by resident Elizabeth Craft)
Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE Hello from Sapphire! The wintry weather hasn’t slowed anyone up too much and all have been engaged in their favourite activities. We have, for the cold season, postponed our morning walk and substituted it with a news and discussion session. Residents are encouraged to bring a topic to the table that they have read or heard in the news and lead the discussion. There have been some very interesting discussions on local news. Bus trips continue, regardless of the weather. We recently visited Berry for a nostalgic visit to the iconic Berry Donut Van. Now the bypass is completed, the trip only takes about 40 minutes. A big thank you to the staff working in the van, as the residents had a lovely morning. We travelled down to Nowra for a picnic morning tea on the Shoalhaven river. It was a little windy this day, but residents enjoyed chatting to two small kiddies out walking with their mum. It’s always nice when members of the community stop and chat with the residents. Other trips include lunch at Corrimal RSL Club, with a guided tour of the club’s refurbished War Memorial. We returned to Rock-a-bella’s Cafe in Robertson, this time for a Devonshire tea and the biggest home-made scones we’ve ever seen. Bingo is held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and is very well attended. We are always looking for a variety of prizes; biscuits, lollies, toiletries, hankies and small ornaments are all appreciated. We’ve made some lovely decorations for our Christmas in July event. Keep warm and best wishes, Vikki (RAO) We urgently need Bingo prizes, as we are getting really low! Our residents love their Bingo. Donations such as: toiletries, chocolates, biscuits, lollies, costume jewellery, hankies, note pads or any item you think our residents would like would be much appreciated. We thank you for your continual support - Lifestyle Staff
Activity Reviews AMETHYST It’s been a very bust three months in Amethyst with Jean, Donna, Therese and Cheyanne now having an Outside Program when the weather permits. Residents are informed and encouraged to attend activities. Amethyst residents are enjoying weekly bus trips and the best part is the ice-cream. Our monthly barbecue lunches and lots of entertainment has been enjoyed by all. Amethyst residents have also enjoyed Armchair Travel days. We would like to welcome our new residents into our home and look forward to encouraging your ideas on what activities you would enjoy. Also, come and join your family members for coffee and cake at our new café upstairs in Sapphire. We look forward to the next three months and new ideas and activities. Kind Regards, Jean, Donna, Therese and Cheyanne (RAOs Amethyst)
SUNSHINE Hi, this month we have done a few art activities. We have made snowflakes with lots and lots of glitter and the residents names are on the glass wall also in glitter. We are enjoying the new babies that were donated and hand painted by Mandy. The residents love them and do not want them to have their naps at lunch time. The residents kiss, hug, talk, play and feed them everything they are eating. This is why the babies need to have a nap at lunchtime. They are a great addition to Sunshine and bring joy, smiles, laughter and company to the residents. The scenic bus trips are a hit every Wednesday. We travel into the mountains along Wollongong harbour, Kiama blow hole and down to Berry. The best part of the bus trip, so I've been told, is the ice-cream - even on cold days we have to stop for one. Thank you for letting me share the lives of your loved ones. Love, Stacey (RAO Sunshine)
ADULT DAY PROGRAM The Adult Day Program is running Monday to Friday in the Wattle lounge area. The Ladies Day (Monday) and Men’s Group (Thursday) are very popular. The Garden program has changed from Tuesday to Mondays with Bill the volunteer. The Adult Day Program is a place where residents can go and enjoy craft, bingo, golf games, quizzes, sing-along and table games. Bunnings workshop also visit and residents were busy making crafts for Christmas in July. Ukuleles visit us monthly now and residents have been enjoying a sing-along. We are also running fine dining daily. If you would like to attend please let Debbie (RAO) or Kim (Lifestyle Coordinator) know.
Activity Reviews LIFESTYLE TEAM We have again had a wonderful three months. Residents enjoyed our personalised barbecues, where residents from different areas can enjoy a barbecue in the new Sunshine area. Residents can enjoy lamb chops, pork chops steak and sausages cooked by one of our residents, Chicca. Residents can also enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine. Barbecues are now once a fortnight because of the cold weather. Residents are now enjoying a morning tea bus trip weekly, where they have been to the Botanical Gardens, Berry Donut Shop and Gerringong harbour. Residents enjoy a different place every week, and Wayne our driver has some great places to visit. In June, we visited Italy for Armchair Travel. July, we visited the good old USA, and in August we are taking a trip to India. Our Armchair Travel days consist of an information and quizzes DVD. Staff are encouraged to dress in cultural clothes and the wonderful kitchen make us food of that culture. Residents enjoy this activity especially the ones who never had the opportunity to travel.
Every month we visit a different place for a luncheon, and in the last three months our residents have been to Illawarra Yacht Club and Corrimal RSL, where they were met by two volunteers who took them through their War Museum there. A big thank you to Paul Chate for organising that for our residents. Residents will be going on a shopping luncheon the bus trip in August. Continued over page
Activity Reviews LIFESTYLE TEAM
continued
Our wonderful residents have been enjoying Happy Hour every Friday afternoon. Our Christmas in July was a great hit, and residents enjoyed a traditional Christmas lunch with entertainment and karaoke. We celebrated Nurses Day with a dress up of fairies and elves and also a barbecue. We are looking forward to another movie visit in the next three months. Please let me know if you have been to the movies and seen a film you think our residents would enjoy. We are working hard to ensure we please our residents and welcome suggestions for new activities or places our residents would like to visit. I am still trying to get enough baby photos for a competition - if you have baby photos of your mum or dad please email to me. Thank you for your continual support, and please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the lifestyle team. Looking forward to the next three months and new adventures. Love Kim (Lifestyle Coordinator/Team Leader) klillie@chomes.com.au
Congratulations Trina on the birth of your baby girl Ruby, weighing 8.2lb and 52cm long. Becc G is counting down to her big day in March next year, we will keep you up to date with progress next Newsletter. Jean, our RAO, celebrated her birthday with residents and staff and a lovely cake made by Trina.
Staff News
Jingle Bell Rock - Photos
Hatching Chicks Program Over the last two weeks we have been enjoying our Chicken Hatching Program in Sapphire. We now have 10 chickens and two ducklings that have hatched. Residents (and staff) have been coming near and far to see these little cuties, as well as enjoying a cuddle or two. This program has been so wonderful and is lovely to see the joy and smiles they bring to the Home. We are delighted to be keeping the chickens at Ridgeview, so we can c o n t i n u e t o wa t ch them grow. Our chicken coup will be built over the next week or so.
Labelling of Clothing All clothing for residents MUST be labelled appropriately – this includes ALL NEW clothing brought in for your resident from time to time. Our team of Volunteers offer a labelling service FREE OF CHARGE. These labels are designed to withstand commercial washing. The use of marking pens is strongly discouraged as they fade resulting in names being indiscernible. No responsibility can be taken for clothing lost when incorrectly labelled or damaged as a result of commercial washing. Please do not leave any new, unlabelled clothing in your resident’s room or wardrobe. Place clothing in a clean shopping bag – clearly named with your resident’s name and room number in permanent market. Give the bag to Diane at Reception during weekday office hours. During out of hours and weekends, please give bags (clearly labelled and named) to Staff at the Sapphire Care Station (Level 1).
Resident Story - Lorna Biehl Lorna was born on April 17, 1922 at Lakemba Hospital to Vivian and Ana Bunce and was the eldest of four children. Lorna’s family were of the Christadelphian faith and owned and operated the general store and post office at Kurmond near Richmond NSW. Her family also owned an orange orchard. Lorna went to the Kurmond Primary School until her father purchased a large piece of land at Wilberforce near Windsor. Once the land was cleared, they had cattle and grew vegetables. Lorna’s father also worked on the roads and during the War and was sent to Darwin to help rebuild the wharfs after the Darwin bombing. Growing up, Lorna attended the Christadelphian Church at Petersham and was baptised in 1938. She has been an active member of Wollongong Christadelphian Church for the past 45 years. During the war (when Lorna was about 24 years old), she rode her bike alone from Richmond to Melbourne twice to stay with family there and work. On both occasions, Lorna camped on the side of the road! Lorna worked at woollen mill "Bulli Spinners", waited on tables and was a ticket collector for a time at Wollongong Railway Station. Lorna married her former school mate Earle Biehl in 1954 and adopted four children Sue, Mark, Max and Brian. Earle died tragically from lung cancer in 1971. Lorna sold her house in Cooma and moved to Wollongong in 1972 with her four children. Lorna is also a grandmother and is particularly close to grandson Benjamin, who was born premature and has autism. She has never “seen” his disability and loves him dearly. Lorna worked very hard supporting her family through school by making curtains in her home at Figtree through an agent for Norman Ross, South Pacific Blinds, Awnings and various other retailers. Lorna was instrumental in running a women’s group at Wollongong Christadelphian Church to make items to sell with all the proceeds going to the very first Christadelphian Aged Care home at Padstow Heights (Southhaven Aged Care). Lorna used to work tirelessly and often late into the night to make items to sell, inspiring many other women to do the same. Lorna has always lived a selfless life and dedicated her time to serving others around her, Church, God and her family.
Staff Profile - Jo Hi my name is Jo. I’ve worked at Ridgeview in the kitchen for about six years and so far it’s been a fantastic journey. We have a great team in the kitchen led by Aly, who is a strong positive influence, with Di as our Team Leader. Special mention to Nessie and Nick who have so much knowledge. I have a daughter who is 23, Madelaine Kate. I like to relax in my spare time by gardening and watching tennis on TV. I love my cats Charlie and Blue, and Bella and Michy my dogs. See you around, thanks Jo.
FRIENDS ARE LIKE FLOWERS
love
1 John 3:18
Pastoral Care
Let us not with word or speech but with actions and in truth
Friends are like flowers, beautiful flowers Friends are like flowers in the garden of life
Many years ago, in my youth, I heard and learnt a song about friends being like beautiful flowers in our life. That song, at the time and still to this day, touched something in me and I find that I often look at a good friend and picture them as a beautiful flower. Friends can be a blessing that many of us take for granted as “just being there”. No matter what the occasion, an afternoon at the theatre, catching up for a quiet lunch or a quick coffee, a warm and familiar shoulder to cry on, friends are those people in our life who enjoy our company, never judge us and are always there for us. “The heartfelt council of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” - Proverbs 27:9 But sometimes, due to circumstances beyond our control, friendships can end all too soon. Circumstances such as relocation, ageing, illness and death can leave us hanging like autumn leaves on a windy day – very sad and quite vulnerable. So where am I going with this? Working in aged care and spending a great deal of time having one on one visits with many a lonely resident can give a pretty good perspective as to how important friendships have been in years past. There are quite a number of residents who have little or no family visitation due to numerous reasons, but what they do have are precious memories which can be encouraged and brought forward. Memories not only of family but of friendships formed in the school yard, at the workplace, in the armed forces, with neighbours and with social groups. Some friendships would have been made at mother’s groups, during overseas travel or even at the local pub. Some were made easily while others took time, some were fleeting while others lasted a lifetime. But with every friendship created comes the memories of that creation. I recently had the privilege of spending forty very rewarding minutes with a resident who was feeling down and lonely. When I came into her room she said, “Oh, thank God, someone I can talk to that will talk back to me”. I felt both humbled and most thankful that I had turned left rather than right in the foyer that day. This dear lady sat and cried for a short time about her loneliness and told me how much she missed her family and friends. When I felt that she was ready, I diverted her to tell me about some of her memories as a child and teenager. I heard her tell of being raised by hardworking parents who loved their five children, of how they were raised with hand-me-down clothes and shoes, home haircuts, lard sandwiches, and shared bath water, that started with the youngest child and dad as the last. How they sat on the floor of the lounge room every night after dinner to listen to the radio shows they loved, and how on a Saturday night once a month a block of chocolate was passed around and shared. She recalled a special friend from school who Our deepest sympathies have loved to sleep over at her place so she could have a lard gone out to the families who sandwich as she never had them at home.
Bereavements
After 40 minutes of crying, reminiscing, laughing and hand holding I left my resident rather reluctantly because I felt as though I had been taken on a short journey and I wanted more. Taking the time to listen and encourage memories can be a rewarding experience for all parties, it can take such little to give so much. By Jan Murray, Pastoral Carer, Courtlands Village <— P.S. I saw this lovely lady as a Pansy – pretty, bright eyed (after the tears) and smiling.
“Friendship is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others” - C.S. Lewis
have lost their loved ones over the Winter period.
Volunteer Corner WELCOME NEW VOLUNTEERS We are so blessed to have a wonderful and dedicated team of volunteers at Ridgeview. I would like to welcome new volunteers Anne (gardening), Bobby (weekend entertainer), Mandy (doll therapy for Dementia) and Merilyn (playing piano for choir). We hope you enjoy your volunteering experience at Ridgeview Aged Care. CHAPEL The Chapel (in Sapphire) is currently undergoing some changes and much needed improvements. We have purchased some new furniture and will soon be installing stained glass led light displays which will mimic the look of windows. Hymns will also be played throughout the day for meditation and reflection. As you enter the Chapel we have a Prayer Book for residents, families and staff to write in. OPENING of Happy Days Café The Happy Days Café is now open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 11.30am. We sell a variety of delicious cakes and slices, chips, chocolates, soft drink, biscuits as well as coffee, cappuccinos, hot ch o c o l a t e a n d a selection of T2 tea. Opening special - Coffee & Cake for $5 The Happy Days Café is located in Sapphire (Level 1) - follow the Café signs. Residents, visitors and staff can dine in and take in the breathtaking view and café atmosphere or take away.
If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:
Michelle Chate on 4235 7612 or mchate@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
Volunteer Corner VOLUNTEER VACANCIES We are URGENTLY seeking dedicated VOLUNTEERS to run the Happy Days Café (for two hours) on a Thursday and/or Friday morning. If you are interested in volunteering on either of these days, please contact Michelle Chate. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Operation Christmas Child Ridgeview Choir Volunteer, Lyn Brown is the Illawarra Regional Coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child) and has been putting together shoebox gifts for over 20 years. Lyn, and a team of dedicated volunteers, run Samaritan’s Purse out of a storage shed at Albion Park Uniting Church. The team put together shoeboxes and also receive them from churches, schools, groups and individuals, filled with gifts, which are then delivered to children in need around the world. Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Lyn to see first-hand how this wonderful volunteer organisation operates and what the shoebox gifts are all about. I was so impressed by the generosity and joy that this simple act of kindness gives children in need, that I thought it a wonderful opportunity for the residents at Ridgeview to get involved. The Ridgeview Knit n Natter group will be providing knitted toy ‘worms’ and other knitted items that will go inside these boxes, as well as, having weekly craft sessions to decorate and cover shoe boxes ready to be filled with a variety of goodies. I look forward to seeing the residents enjoy creating gifts to bring joy to children around the world. One more box, one more blessed child. Michelle Chate - 4235 7612 or mchate@chomes.com.au
Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Kath Hilton I am a widow with two sons and four grandchildren, who all live locally so I am able to keep in touch. I enjoy reading, meeting new people and having a chat (although I’m better at chatting than listening)! I also enjoy travelling, which I am getting used to doing by myself these days. When I retired from work, I needed something to do that was a break from looking after my husband. It needed to be something different and doing some good at the same time. So I started volunteering at "Vinnies" then later with the St Vincent de Paul Society. I am also involved with my local church, church choir, etc. I commenced volunteering at Ridgeview three years ago and thoroughly enjoy my time spent visiting the residents. The Management and Staff are great to deal with and I hope to continue this for many years to come. There is a lot of satisfaction in volunteering and being able to "give something back”. We can make someone feel better, even if all we can give is a smile.
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: Clean out bedside drawers and sort books/ magazines Open windows to circulate fresh air
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
FATHER’S DAY JOKES Q: What did the daddy tomato say to the baby tomato? A: Catch up! Q: Why are Fathers like parking spaces? A: The good ones are already taken! Q: Why did the cookie cry? A: Because his father was a wafer so long! Q: What did daddy spider say to baby spider? A: You spend too much time on the web. Q: Why did the baby strawberry cry? A: Because his dad was in a jam!
Lemon Delicious Slice • 50g unsalted butter, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup caster sugar • 1 tablespoon cornflour • 1 1/3 cups plain flour • Icing sugar mixture, to serve • • • • •
LEMON TOPPING 4 eggs 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1/3 cup plain flour 1 1/3 cups caster sugar 2/3 cup lemon juice Makes 24 pieces
1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease a 3cm-deep slice pan. Line with baking paper, allowing a 2cm overhang on all sides. 2. Place butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM for 1 minute or until melted. Set aside to cool. Stir in vanilla and sugar. Sift flours over butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer to prepared pan. Press into pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven. Set aside to cool. 3. Make topping: Whisk eggs, lemon rind, flour and sugar together until smooth. Add lemon juice. Whisk to combine. Pour over base. Bake for 15 minutes or until just set. Cool completely in pan. Dust with icing sugar. Cut into pieces. Serve.
Spring Riddles Find â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spring relatedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rhyming words that match the clues. 1. What flowers do that rhymes with mud
_________________________
2. What flowers do that rhymes with room
__________________________
3. What plants do that rhymes with pout
__________________________
4. A spring blossom that rhymes with hairy
__________________________
5. A spring flower that rhymes with hill
__________________________
6. What birds lay that rhymes with legs
_________________________
7. What a bird builds that rhymes with best
_________________________
8. What eggs do that rhymes with match
_________________________
9. What farmers plant that rhymes with weeds
_________________________
10. A month in spring that rhymes with remember ________________________
Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.