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Christadelphian Aged Care S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R
ASHBURN HOUSE
Address: 20-34 Ashburn Place, Gladesville Phone: (02) 8876 9200
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I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Saviour - yes the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem!
Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Managers Message
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Welcome to Ashburn House
Hello to Everyone, Christmas is fast approaching. We have a Christmas lunch for each section of the home which is held in the cinema. Due to limited space, we will need to limit one guest per resident. There may be extra spaces if there are residents whose relatives are not able to make it on the day. The Christmas lunches for the ESU residents and relatives and the Christmas lunch for Standard Nursing Home residents and relatives and Christmas lunch for volunteers and staff cater for large numbers and the Café area is needed to accommodate guests so unfortunately the Café will be closed on 2nd Dec, 6th Dec & 12th Dec. I apologize for any inconvenience. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry and Safe Christmas and New Year with your families and friends and to thank all the staff, volunteers, The Friends of Ashburn, relatives and residents for making 2013 the happy year that it has been. I look forward to working with all of you in 2014. Regards, Barbara Walsh ACTIVITY ASSISTANTS PROGRAM
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Luke 2:10-11
We once again welcome the Christadelphian Young People to our facility to be involved
in the Activity Assistant Program helping the RAO’s with various activities from Mid December through to the end of January. A wonderful opportunity for the young to experience “hands on” the needs of the elderly in our community and share with them their youth, their smiles, their energy and their love. The old and the young together a beautiful combination. Thank you young people for your enthusiasm and desire to care for the elderly. Enjoy your time with CAC.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thess 3:16
Message from our CFO
Sustainability is ‘the capacity to endure’. In nature, the word ‘sustainable’ describes how living systems of plants and animals continue on diverse and productive over time, even through many changes in weather and landscape. Ancient, healthy, tropical wetlands like Kakadu or remote, cold climate fern forests in Tasmania are examples of what it means to be sustainable. One day I’d love to visit Kakadu in the Northern Territory to experience its pristine beauty. A sustainable aged care organisation is one that contributes to society’s need for the daily care, nursing support, recreation and accommodation needed by many older people, consistently across the years. One of Christadelphian Aged Care’s eight values is about being Sustainable. We describe this as ‘running CAC as a professional and financially sustainable organisation’. In other words, we want to be able to care for people for a long time ahead, providing care and support for our residents and their families and also providing ongoing employment for our staff and suppliers. 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. Over the years, CAC has taken the view that it is very helpful for our organisation to be of a size large enough to weather cycles in economic conditions and government policy, employ enthusiastic and experienced staff, and be able to upgrade and improve the physical facilities we offer – our buildings, equipment, technology, furnishings and fittings. So for a number of years we have been growing in size. In November, we have been delighted to welcome our sister organisation in Queensland, Maranatha, to join with Christadelphian Aged Care in a merger. Maranatha operates as an integrated community combining a retirement village of 52 independent living units and a residential aged care facility able to care for 91 older Australians. They are supported by over 90 staff who are now part of the CAC team. Ongoing changes to regulations and aged care funding continue to impact on smaller residential aged care facilities like Maranatha. Announced changes appear to be framed to fit larger organisations such as CAC that have a corporate support team, economies of scale and extensive systems supporting their six operations. So the Queensland Board and their members agreed that it was in our mutual interest to join together. The merger allows Christadelphian Aged Care to increase its scale of operations and deliver residential aged care services in both Queensland and New South Wales via a single Christadelphian entity. In being sustainable we seek to enrich the quality of life of the people in our care by nurturing them through our compassion, service and comfortable living environment. Best Wishes, Andrew O’Toole
UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER Christmas Parties 2nd - Extra Services 5th - Low Care Unit 6th - Staff & Volunteers 12th - Standard Care Unit
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
1 Phyllis D
10 Marie F
1 Patricia R
3 Betty P
16 Sook L
2 Reginald L
5 Morna S
23 Lena B
5 Liese-Lore
7 Margaret S
26 Joan R
19 Bess B
12 Jessie L
30 Marianne C
22 Fr John
JANUARY
14 Gloria G
24 Jean W
24th - Australia Day Celebrations
23 Valerie M
25 Joyce P
FEBRUARY 14th - Valentine’s Day Couples Morning Tea
28 John F Apologies for missing Birthdays last newsletter -->
NOVEMBER 23 Olive S 25 David T 25 Kathleen G 26 Elsie W 90th
26 27 29 30
Ray L Prue M Yuji Cecily C
Leisure & Lifestyle Report
by Libby G
SEPTEMBER
Spring kept everyone busy with the annual visit from the Saesoon Korean Uniting Church bringing their wonderful traditional dancers, entertaining us with dancing, choir singing hymns and popular songs. Along with our regular weekly entertainment, church services, monthly movie mornings, art classes, knitting, bus outings and many other daily activities whereby we at Ashburn House have continued to be occupied and busy with.
OCTOBER We had a quieter October due to an unfortunate gastro outbreak within the facility and we needed to cancel and postpone many events and activities due to this. Our podiatry company reported that they had to postpone several nursing home visits due to the outbreak affecting the general community.
NOVEMBER Melbourne Cup Day was celebrated with a party in all lounge areas with residents and staff taking part in the fun and sweeps. November, the month of remembrance had staff, residents and visitors pause in their endeavours in reflection on the 11th day at the 11th hour for Armistice Day. Over our pa system we heard the order of service beginning with the fourth stanza from “The Fallen” followed by, the dulcet tones of “The Last Post”, and the one minute silence, the “Rouse” & “Reveille” and finally Australia’s National Anthem. Our Annual Sale Day was successful with a change of venue having the stallholders conduct their wares and sales in the Kata Tjuta courtyard for a change of scenery. We found that this area was easier for residents and visitors to locate on their way about the building. The annual Spiritual Remembrance Service was conducted with our combined churches having representatives take part in the planning and conducting the order of service to remember our departed residents and friends from the past twelve months. The Henley Child Day Care Centre visited Ashburn House for a morning tea and a sing-a-long where we ate fairy bread, chocolate coated teddy bears and other yummy treats reciprocating our visit to them in June. We would like to thank all our volunteers and pastoral carers for their many visits to Ashburn House throughout the year in giving their time unconditionally and enriching our residents’ lives in many ways from all weekly denominational church services, bible group, art classes, coffee shop, knitting, chat group, monthly movie sessions, men’s group, pet therapy visitors and our bus drivers. All at Ashburn House look forward to again working together in 2014 to enhance the lives of our residents further. Wishing all a very happy and safe Christmas with families and loved ones - see you next year! “May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through.” - Author Unknown
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree; the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other” - Burton Hillis
Fun Photos from Activities
Activity Review Pfizer Day - On Friday 20 September 2013, eleven Pfizer employees
(and one beautiful dog) visited Ashburn Aged Care Facility to bring some pleasure to the lives of our Residents by treating them to a High Tea and entertaining them. Cronulla Theatre was set up with fine porcelain cups and flowers on the tables on a perfect spring morning. Jenny played gentle harp music in the background while everyone was seated and served tea. The spread of food provided by the kitchen was excellent and when all the Residents had enjoyed it, the Pfizer staff did a Trivia quiz with them. They easily recognised the famous faces of the bygone Movie eras, but by far the best treat was “guess the next line� of a song. In no time the theatre was full of joyful warbling to golden oldies from The War and before! We had to repeat all the songs a few times before everyone was ready to leave for lunch. The patient and gentle spaniel spent a while longer wandering around the home visiting those who had not been as fortunate to join in the High Tea. One Resident commented that just seeing the tables so beautifully set with quality china and flowers was gift enough for her. The morning had been excellent!
OUR NEW LOOK UNIFORMS!!
In Memory:
Phyllis Cleary Donald Pilgrim Rita Dennis Alice Burns Angela Poulos Albert Lawrence John Pizarro
Remembrance Day At 11am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years continuous warfare. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months. In November the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the allied terms of unconditional surrender. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month attained a special significance in the postwar years. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance for those who had died in the war. The first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilization of over 70 million people and left between nine and 13 million dead, perhaps as many as one third of them with no known grave. The allied nations chose this day and this time for the commemoration of their war dead. On the first Armistice, 11 November 1919, the two minutes’ silence was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony at the new Cenotaph in London. The silence was proposed by an Australian journalist working in Fleet Street, Edward Honey. At about the same time a South African Statesman made a similar proposal to the British Cabinet, which endorsed it. King George V personally requested all the people of the British Empire to suspend normal activities for two minutes on the hour of the Armistice. On the second anniversary of the Armistice, 11 November 1920, the commemoration in London was given added significance when it became a funeral, with the return of the remains of an Unknown Soldier from the battle fields of the Western Front. Unknown soldiers were interred with full military honours in Westminster Abby in London and at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The entombment in London attracted over on million people within a week to pay their respects at the Unknown Soldiers’ tomb. Most other nations adopted the tradition of entombing unknown soldiers over the following decade. In Australia on the 75th anniversary of the Armistice, 11 November 1993, Remembrance Day ceremonies became the focus of national attention. On that day the remains of an unknown Australian soldier, exhumed from a First World War military cemetery in France, were ceremonially entombed in the Australian War Memorial. Remembrance Day ceremonies in Australia were conducted simultaneously in towns and cities all over the country, culminating at the moment of burial at 11am. Fours years later in 1997 the Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November Remembrance Day and urging all Australians to observe one minuets’ silence at 11am on 11 November each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts. The Red Poppy sold by the RSL is pinned to the lapel of Australians. It is the flower of remembrance chosen by Colonel John McCrae from Canada who described the red poppy, the Flanders poppy as the flower of remembrance. “In Flanders’ Fields” is a poem by McCrae written when he fought in World War One.
Hostel News - by Cecil Salmon On behalf of the Hostel residents of Ashburn House, we report the falling asleep of our beloved friend John Pizarro. He now rests from his many labours. John was known for his many activities such as his gardening, setting up and organising the library and famous for decorating his bedroom. He served to help those with their daily needs. We will miss John in many ways and he will surely be resting in peace. May his family be blessed by God in this very sad time. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” - Psalm 23:4
Christmas Gift Ideas With Christmas not far away, many of the families must be wondering what to give their loved one as a gift for Christmas. Alzheimer’s Australia suggests giving a gift to connect with the person. The stage of dementia a person is at will influence what kind of gifts is appropriate. Here are some ideas: A photo album with photo’s of significant people, places and times from the person’s life. CDs of music from the person’s youth. Framed photo’s of people and places from the person’s past. Digital photo frame with images of family, friends, special events, times and places. Relaxation CD or DVD. Hobby magazine related to person’s past hobbies and interests. Favorite movies DVD. Simple to manage clothing (named please). Fruit basket or flowers. Things to sort such as coins, buttons or beads. Some simple puzzles, games. Tactile objects such as a patchwork blanket with a variety of textures and patterns. Stuffed toys to cuddle. Pet visits. One of the greatest gifts we can give any one is our time and company.
The Story of Silent Night On Christmas Eve in the year 1818 and in St Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, north of Salzburg, Father Joseph Mohr had a homily in mind, a message for his flock on this sacred night but he needed a carol, something special to cap off the service. “Silent night, holy night, All is calm all is bright… He needed a tune and the words wouldn’t go away. He thought of Franz Gruber, a school teacher in the nearby village of Arnsdorf - a gifted musician, organist at the Arnsdorf church and occasional substitute organist at St Nicholas. Venturing into the snow on the brisk December morning, Father Joseph walked the twenty minutes to Arnsdorf to visit Franz. Father Joseph reminded Franz about a poem he had told him about and knowing it was too late, asked if it was possible for him to put a tune to it. Unable to resist a musical challenge, Franz took the lyrics and said them over and over, looking for a cadence, humming a line then scratching it down. Within an hour or so, Gruber had some sort of melody and began working out chords on his guitar, then played the manuscript to an ecstatic Father Joseph. That night December 24, 1818 the song fills St Nicholas Church. Mohr sang tenor, Gruber bass and the church choir joined the refrain of each verse, while Mohr accompanied on the guitar. The worshippers were abuzz with joy and wonder at the song and on Christmas Day it was hummed and sang in many homes around Oberndorf. Their beloved carol would be sung over and again each Christmas. The song may have stayed there if it weren’t for an organ builder named Karl Mauracher who came to repair the pipe organ at Arnsdorf in 1819 and making several trips to Oberndorf over the next few years, finally building a new organ for St Nicholas in 1825. It is unknown how he was given the music and lyrics but he carried the song to the Ziller Valley east of Innsbruk where he shared it with two local families of travelling folk singers, the Rainers and the Strassers. The following Christmas the Rainer Family singers sang “Stille Nacht” in the village church of Fugen (Zillertal). Three years later they sang it for royalty. Emperor Francis I of Austria and his ally Czar Alexander I of Russia, were staying in the nearby castle of Count Donhoff (now Bubenberg Castle). The Rainer Family performed the carol and was invited to Russia for a series of concerts. In 1834 the Strasser Family Singers sang “Silent Night” for King Frederick William IV of Prussia. He was so taken with what the Strassers called their “Song of Heaven”, that he commanded it to be sung by his cathedral choir every Christmas Eve. It spread through Europe and in 1939 the Rainers brought the song to America as the “Tyrolean Folk Song”. Since then it has been translated into over 300 languages and dialects. Various English translations blossomed, but the most definitive English version of the song was penned by Rev. John Freeman Young and first published in The Sunday-School Service and Tune Book (1863). Many have asked why “Silent Night” has become a most beloved carol. Be it the words - tender, intimate, gentle or the tune - so peaceful, memorable and easy to play and pick out on the piano. It is a quiet reflective hymn calling all to meditate on the scene. The ambience conveyed by both the gentle words and melody that create from this carol and oasis of peace. It is a song that you can feel, imagine and sing while contemplating the circumstances of the birth of the Christ Child.
Pastoral Care A WOUNDED SPIRIT Many people today are walking around with a wounded spirit. What am I talking about? I’m referring to those individuals who have been badly hurt by experiences in life, from which they have big difficulties overcoming. Maybe that’s you today. We all carry some kind of internal wound or scar, and some have deep emotional wounds. Maybe you’ve been rejected by a family member and never found resolution. It’s not sensible to ignore how you feel, for you are an emotional being, and emotional hurts can take a long time to heal - it can be a long process. Physical wounds usually come from without and are easy to understand and cope with, but there are no simple bandages for a wounded spirit. Wounds to the spirit are sudden blows, and most of the time we don't see them coming, for they usually come from those whom we love and trust the most. And that is what is so disturbing about this. A broken arm or leg is obvious - a broken heart is not easily seen. A bruise is an inner hurt or injury, and we ask “where did this come from? Why do I react like this?” It can be serious. One writer describes it “the impairment of our past can bridle our present and detour our future”. No wonder the writer of Proverbs in the Old Testament says “the human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?” (Proverbs 18:14). You can’t bury emotional pain or try to forget all about it; it will come to the surface eventually. I guess that’s why we tend to forget the bad and only remember the good. I’m sure no-one wants to stay in this hurtful place, instead we look for help, and getting professional help is always a good thing, indeed sometimes essential. You can sometimes feel violated by others, by negative words, events, actions. It’s a reaction that knocks you down and you just can’t get up again. Each day is a nightmare, and it seems you can’t heal yourself. Negative, critical words are a common assault. Someone says something so nasty and horrible that you feel devastated, and the words have penetrated into your spirit. Marriages can, and often do, be destroyed by critical words spoken between a husband and wife. How often have we seen that happen? I don’t think we realise how harmful our words can be. And gossip is another harmful action. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:8 “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts”. It’s important to remember our limitations. Sometimes we try to do everything and get stuck somewhere, trying to please everybody. We are not perfect. We do want to be loved and respected by everyone, but the reality is others will hurt us. Even betray us. That is a deep wound and a very hurtful thing to work through, a betrayal of confidence. To be betrayed actually means “to disclose a secret or confidence treacherously; to break a promise, to be disloyal to a person’s trust”. Guard against it as much as possible. Don’t inflict pain in the lives of your friends – keep confidences and be loyal. Jesus knows and understands all that you are going through. He understands how you can be wounded by rejection because many rejected Him and His own disciples abandoned Him in the time of His greatest need. He knew the tears of pain and sorrow as He grieved for His friend, Lazarus. He understood how it felt to be misunderstood because His own mother and brothers did not understand Him, and even declared that He was mad. He was also wounded and hurt by the same people that He ministered to and gave His life for. Someone has said “God does not waste an oun ce of our pain or a drop of our tears. Suffering does not come our way for no reason. He seems especially efficient at using what we endure to mould our character. If we are willing to allow Him into our lives, He takes our bumps and bruises, and shapes them into something beautiful”. Source: Chris Witts
Bereavements
Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the Summer period.
Dental Care
IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH It is a fact that more and more older Australians are retaining their teeth as they age, thanks to improved dental care throughout life, fluoride and better nutrition. However as we age, natural fatigue and depletion of the salivary flow means that it becomes increasingly more difficult to keep disease and decay in check - Bacteria builds up on teeth making gums prone to infection and tooth decay. The body is then constantly ingesting this bacteria and gums remain inflamed until the infection is brought under control. Did you know that a build up of bacteria in the mouth can be linked to many other systemic diseases? There are multiple studies that have found links between many systemic diseases and the constant ingestion of oral bacteria. Years ago, a physician who suspected heart disease would probably not refer the patient to a dentist. The same went for diabetes, chronic chest infections, or just about any other medical condition. Times have changed. The past 5 to 10 years have seen ballooning interest in possible links between mouth health and body health, and for good reason. In one recent study, people with serious gum disease were 40% more likely to have a chronic condition on top of it.* Optimal Oral Health Practices Best ways to maintain a healthy mouth as we age: 1. Twice Daily Brushing of teeth, tongue and gums 2. High Fluoride Toothpaste 3. Antibacterial Product after Lunch (such as Curacept Gel) 4. Keep the mouth moist (using products such as Biotene if needed) 5. Moderate Sugar Intake 6. Regular Dental Cleans (3-6 monthly) Regular Dentist Visits promotes better overall health By eliminating bacteria and infection and maintaining oral function (and hence vitamin intake), regular dental examinations of the teeth and gums is the best way to maintain better overall health within the Aged Care Environment. Mobile Dental Services have regular visits to Christadelphian Aged Care facilities and offer our residents the opportunity to visit a dental professional highly experienced in the dental care of the elderly, with the convenience of not leaving the Facility. Please ask Facility Manager/Care Manager for more information on this service. *Source – American Dental Association
Volunteer Corner I would like to thank everyone for the wonderfully warm welcome you have given me since I started in the new role of Volunteer and Pastoral Care Co-ordinator at the end of August. I have already met many of you, and am looking forward to seeing more new faces in the coming months. Please introduce yourself and feel free to contact me with any suggestions you may have as to how volunteers can positively impact the lives of our residents. I love new and exciting ideas, such as starting a Men’s Group at Ashburn. I look forward to as much involvement as you can give. Part of our Mission and Values is to strive for excellence in our service and care. In support of this idea, we have Pastoral Carers who come into Ashburn regularly to talk to the Residents (and their families, if there is a need). If you ever feel that someone needs a caring, listening ear, please just ask and a visit will be arranged. I have been privileged to work with some wonderful, cheerful and helpful volunteers at Ashburn. They give a hand making coffee, do bus trips, play bingo or play the piano and a host of other things including chatting to our residents, sharing quality time with them. Shirley Johnson has been a volunteer at Ashburn House for many years and is taking a well deserved rest in 2014 to do some travelling. We are certainly going to miss her in the Coffee Shop and her Monday Knit & Natter group. We will be looking forward to her return to hear all about her travels. Tony Walters has also been a volunteer at Ashburn for many years as a bus driver. We were very sad to say good-bye to him when he turned 70 and wish him everything of the best for the future. Our residents are going to miss his cheerful face! Cathy Strachan, Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator 0435 814 411 “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” - James Barrie
Read, Rest & Relax!
In our day-to-day living, most people don't know what it truly means to relax. This very word brings images of some kind of discipline or "shut-down" mode, but the fact is that relaxation can be made up of simple little things you do as you go about your normal daily routine. Simple things like breathing deeply and stretching outside in nature for 10 minutes before you start your day, reading a book before you go to bed with a candle flickering by your side, taking a relaxing walk along the beach or writing down all the things you are grateful for. Another favourite is laying out in the sun for 15-20 minutes a few times a week with cold-pressed coconut oil rubbed on your skin. All of these rituals are great ways to bring balance into your life, to de-stress and to keep you in the present moment.These simple little rituals can provide a peaceful chance to breathe, unwind and renew ourselves. Christmas Jokes Q. What never eats at Christmas time? A. The turkey - it's usually STUFFED! Q. What goes “oh, oh, oh”? A. Santa walking backwards!
Time for a belly laugh... I'm not 80 - I'm merely 28 with 52 years' experience! Growing old is like being penalised for a crime you haven't committed. 'I don't drink anymore, I can get the same feeling from standing up quickly.'
Q. What did the cow say on Christmas morning? A. Mooooey Christmas!
Fruit Mince Brownies
Makes 12
• 200g good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped • 300g brown sugar • 250g unsalted butter, choppe d
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/3 cups (200g) plain flour • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1/3 cup (35g) cocoa, plus ext ra to dust • 1/3 cup (85g) fruit mince • 1 tsp mixed spice • 1 cup (100g) toasted walnuts, chopped
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 22cm square cake or brownie pan and line the base with baking paper. 2. Place chocolate, sugar and but ter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until melted and well combined. Rem ove from heat, cool slightly, then stir in egg s until well combined. Add flour, baking powder, cocoa, fruit mince, mixed spice and nuts, stirring to combine. Spread into the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until just set. 3. Cool in pan, then dust with coc oa. Cut into 12 squares and serve. Brown ies will keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Word Scramble Unscramble each of these famous Christmas Carols. To find the hidden phrase, copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number.
Hidden Phrase: Spring Newsletter Puzzle Answer 9 letter word: Dimension
Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.