Casa Mia - Newsletter Summer 2013

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Christadelphian Aged Care S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R

CASA MIA Address: 28 Alma Road, Padstow NSW, 2211

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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!

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Luke 2:10-11

Phone: (02) 8707 6010

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Casa Mia

Thank you to all Residents, Families and Staff for their warm welcome. It has been a very busy first three months and I am looking forward to many more here at Casa Mia. Firstly I would like to say how impressed I am at how lovely the staff are and what a beautiful vibe Casa Mia has. It is always a buzz with laughter, singing and many more beautiful interactions that occur moment to moment.

I would like to thank all the Residents and families for their input into renaming the sections of the facility. The names of the sections are now:Section 1 - Primrose House Section 2 - Magnolia Way Section 3 - Rose Garden Section 4 - Frangipani Lane Section 5 - Strawberry Fields I think these names are beautiful and very fitting as they flow out onto our beautiful garden.

As Christmas approaches please let staff know of any special arrangements that you are making for Christmas Day, to ensure that we have your loved ones ready for any special event or visit that they may have on this day.

Wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas Regards, Sharon Fletcher

“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 10th - Resident’s Christmas Party 18th - Shoe Party

JANUARY 23rd - Australia Day Celebrations

FEBRUARY 14th - Valentine’s Day

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

2 Audrey

7 Gordon

4 Jane

8 Dana

11 Jean P

5 Monir

14 Jean S

17 John

5 Vernetta

16 Frances

18 Ishbel

8 Guiseppe S

17 Valma

18 Guiseppe T

11 Marjorie

20 Flora

23 Ivy

21 Norman

21 Robert

25 Valerie

29 Nancy

31 Reg

Activity Reviews SEPTEMBER

Connecting Hands, Connecting Hearts, Connecting Worlds

The Residents and Staff welcomed back to Casa Mia the Pfizer team, on September 20th. Much joy and enthusiasm from everyone made for a rewarding day where the age divide was shortened and the broader community reached our doors.

It was lovely to see such a large organisation as Pfizer leading the way in re-establishing links for the Residents to their communities. So often, Aged Care Facilities become their own community with few links to our broader neighbours.

Having the group from Pfizer come in and have meaningful interactions with Residents, stop and listen to their stories and be interested in their life experience made for a rewarding day, not just for the Residents but also for the Pfizer team. Our sincere thank you to the Pfizer team, for an enjoyable day.

Ten Pin Bowling Competition On the 29th August, six of our residents - Franco, Steve, John,

Robert, Reg & Robyn joined in a Ten Pin Bowling competition with 5 other Aged Care facilities at the Villawood AMF. After a little morning tea, they began the game. It was very exciting to watch our team knocking down pins left right and centre. Everyone had a wonderful time and after an hour and a half they were more than ready to hop on the bus and head off to the Bankstown RSL for lunch. During a lovely roast dinner with ice cream to follow, the winning teams were given their medals. Casa Mia proudly accepted the bronze medal for 3rd place and Reg took home a gold medal for the highest individual score. Congratulations Casa Mia and a big thank you to the organisers of the competition.

Activity Reviews contd NOVEMBER

Men’s Club

Our men’s club went out for morning coffee to Bunnings. Six of us took the facility to the store in Milperra. The six were: Carlton (Bus driver & RAO assistant), Ed Snelling (Volunteer) and four residents; Tommy Warrington, Reg Johnson, John Budge and Franco Rigutto.

We parked the bus by the garden centre and then a short walk through the garden to the café, we relaxed their and had coffee and cake.

The staff in Bunnings especially in the café was very friendly and helpful making sure that the coffee was not too hot for the residents. I myself learnt that on certain Saturday and Sunday mornings, they taught helpful hints and tips in carrying out DIY. I did ask whether their was something like that during the week and staff member Mel (who turns out use to do RAO work herself) suggested that it may be possible to set something up for the residents, so I may pursue that avenue.

The residents loved the trip out, the change of scenery, recalling the times they used to go to Bunnings, and just being out with the boys, made it an enjoyable morning out.

Combined Concert On the 18th September, Casa Mia was filled to overflowing with not only

the Christadelphian singers but the children from Heritage College. The staff brought as many residents to Primrose House as they could to enjoy the music without realizing how crowded it was going to be. We were amazed at the attendance on the day and with Betty on piano the choir was soon in full swing.

The children’s singing was delightful and they were kind enough to sing a couple more times throughout the facility to the enjoyment of those who were unable to attend.

After the concert all the visitors were treated to lunch outside in the garden.Thank you to all those who were kind enough to volunteer their time to entertain and chat to our residents.

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. Fruit basket or flowers.

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.

ACTIVITY ASSISTANTS PROGRAM We 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.

Resident Story - Rose Holthouse My mother, Rose, was born in March 1930 and was the last born in a family of five; her siblings names are Hilda, Burnard, Dorothy, Alf and Rose. Rose was named after her grandmother she didn’t get to meet because she passed away before she was born. Dorothy and Rose are the only two still alive. Dorothy lives in South Australia, which is a shame because they were very close.

She spent her early childhood in a house in Fairmount Street, Lakemba and moved when she was a teenager to a unit in Maroubra which was across the road from the beach.

She met her husband to be in 1947, his name was Jack, he was a lifesaver on Maroubra Beach when she was 17 years old. In the 1950’s, Jack fought in the Korean War and when he returned he married Rose on the 14th March, 1953 when she was 23 years old.

They built a house in Panania and had 3 children - Jann was born in 1956, Ian was born in 1959 and Neil was born in 1963.

In her early working life, Rose did typing and shorthand. After she married and the children were in high school, she worked in a Shell garage (before self-serve) filling up petrol, checking tyre pressure, washing windscreens and typing customer accounts on a manual typewriter. She worked there for 10 years until she retired.

Her old boss Chris, who ran the service station, still sends her a Christmas card every year.

Her husband Jack passed away in August 1985, two weeks after his 59th Birthday. While he was alive, they did a lot of travelling by car with their caravan in tow.

She lived in the same house for 57 years (25 years on her own) until she turned 80. She did voluntary work with Meals on Wheels for 15 years. She joined Parramatta Walkers, a bushwalking club and was an active member for 12 years. She was a member of Probus Club and was a founding member with Shotball for Seniors for over 10 years. She loved being active and loved working in the garden.

She went on many holidays all around Australia including New Zealand and Canada. She was a great photographer.

The day the Harbour Bridge opened, it was her 2nd Birthday and her family walked across it on that day. On her 70th Birthday on Sunday 19th March 2000, along with Jann, Ian and Neil, they climbed the Harbour Bridge to celebrate her birthday and the Harbour Bridges’ birthday.

Her achievements were climbing Mount Warning twice, making it to the summit of Ayres Rock and climbing the Harbour Bridge when she was 70 years old.

Thank you for sharing your story with everyone at Casa Mia, Rose.

Staff and their New Uniforms

Staff Profile - Carlton Alexander Johnson My parents were born in Jamaica. Dad in the Parish (County) of St.Mary and mum in the Parish (County) of Clarendon. Separately, they moved to the UK in the 1950s and it was in London that they met and married. I was born in the swinging sixties and as children, my sister and I went to the local Sunday School which happened to be run by the Christadelphians. I went through the Sunday School years and later was baptised in my early twenties..

In 1978, I started working for Bermans & Nathans which was later renamed Angels. It is the largest costume house in Europe suppling to the West End theatres to movies such as Titanic to TV shows such as Downton Abbey and a couple of the Underbelly series here in Australia and also countless fancy dress parties. I was lucky enough to work at one of the theatres on a production of 'Singing in the Rain' for six months. And my colleagues and I dressed the Coca Cola staff in costume for a 1930s party in the South of France.

HOBBIES: I like to travel – I have been to many countries which is so easy from London. A train from St.Pancras railway station in London will take you into the middle of Paris and then onto Europe.

I thank God that I have had much opportunity to travel to so many beautiful places.

I do miss our annual holiday to France and Europe. But there’s new adventures that await travelling around Australia and Asia.

I met Robyn Hocking at my ecclesia in December 1995; a Sydney girl who went to the UK to work for two years, arriving in 1993. (She stayed seventeen years).

March 1996 we started dating January 1997 I came to Australia for the first time and met the future in laws April 1999 Robyn’s family came to the UK for our wedding May 2001 a second visit to Australia with one year old Matilda April 2004 Third visit to Australia with one year old Atarah November 2006 Fourth visit with four month old Silas January 2011 we emigrated to Australia with the family.

I was introduced to CAC by the then Volunteer Coordinator the lovely Gillian Pooley, and I did two months as a volunteer and then eventually became a paid worker as Bus Driver/Admin Assistant. It has been great working at Casa Mia, all the staff is great, the residents lovely and the manager Sharon Fletcher, RAO Sue Geddes and receptionist Anna Stefas are superb. I hope that I have been useful to them.

I do miss my family and friends back in the UK, but not the cold weather. Roll on summer.

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 Casa Mia. I look forward to as much involvement as you can give.

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 Casa Mia 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 Casa Mia. They give a hand with choir, bus trips, play board games, and play the piano and a host of other things including chatting to our residents, sharing quality time with them.

We are very sad with the passing of Jim Granter in November.

Jim visited Casa Mia for many years reading the Bible and talking to residents, and his time and efforts are much appreciated. Judy and his family remain in our prayers.

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.