Christadelphian Aged Care S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R
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RIDGEVIEW Address: 95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527
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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) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Managers Message
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Welcome to Ridgeview
Dear Friends, I am pleased to introduce Ciji Jose as our new Nursing Unit Manager of High Care and Jaina Varghese our Nursing Unit Manager of Low Care. Jaina is already a familiar face to many of us and she has just returned from maternity leave after the birth of her second child. Ciji is new to Australia and has worked extensively in Ireland and India, bringing a wealth of knowledge and professional experience to us here at Ridgeview. These two ladies will take responsibility for the staff and residents in their individual areas and have my full support. As always, I am happy to be available, at any time, for any families or residents who have concerns or who are unsure of how our home operates. May I take this opportunity to thank you for your understanding over the last few weeks when we had to discourage visiting during our recent Gastroenteritis outbreak. This was an extremely difficult time for us with sick residents and staff but we are all clear again. As our residents are already quite frail, our focus was to prevent spread of the illness and so we had to ask people to only visit if really necessary. We also isolated residents and went into Infection Control mode using protective clothing etc. Our Cleaners were increased, as were all our nursing, laundry and catering staffing levels and we managed to isolate the illness to our High Care area. Our staff did a wonderful job. Please remember not to visit if you are ever unwell. A virus such as influenza or gastro can be life threatening to our residents and can spread very quickly. Our local hospitals have asked us to pass on their request for families to consider “Advance Care Directives”. This is a form that we can provide you with that allows you to give your consent for types of care should a loved one become gravely ill. When we are transferring residents to hospital for medical advice or treatment, the hospitals are asking that we send a copy of this form so that appropriate decisions for care can be made. Of course, nothing replaces a conversation in this regard when and if the time comes. However, a discussion had ahead of time can help to make these difficult decisions. I am very happy to explain this further personally. Our RN’s also have copies of the” Advance Care Directive” form if you would like to have a look and consider. We are looking forward to a very busy December with lots of Christmas Cheer. Please feel welcome to join us for any of our Christmas festivities. It would be really helpful if you could let us know in advance what your family plans for Christmas day and any plans for holidays at this busy time as well. Karlene at Reception will be happy to pass on any details to the wards so we can have residents ready to be collected, necessary medications etc. Just ring Reception and Karlene will arrange for you. Have a really Merry Christmas and thanks for all your support in 2013. Warm Regards, Michelle Megson
“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
DECEMBER
UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
2 Joy
3 Joseph
3 Lucie
4 Bozna
10 Bettie
5 Stoja
4 Ljuba
10 Vera
7 Estelle
5 Maureen
11 Jose
9 Albert
5 Joyce
11 Alice
12 Evelyn
7 Dorothy
11 Frank
16 Senta
12 Winifred
14 Dulcie
17 Leila
13 Dawn 14 Georgina
16 Noreen 16 Conception
19 Paul 19 Anne
Celebrate New Year Concert with Suzie Matilda’s Farm Visit Australian Cultural Day
17 Helen
17 Lindsay
20 Gladys
19 Corrie
28 Kamalan
22 Ray
21 Carmen
20 Alfred
24 Rosina
FEBRUARY
21 Cheryl
25 Frances
23 Maria
25 Sibella
28 Ross
28 Barbara
31 Bernado
28 Joseph
Christmas Parties - 12pm Xmas Lights Tour - 7.30pm 13th - Sunshine 16th - High Care 19th - Hostel (1pm)
JANUARY
Valentine’s Day Greek Cultural Day School Visits return Concert - TBA
Activity Reviews
SEPTEMBER
Hi all, the last 3 months have again been busy here at Ridgeview. September has seen us celebrate with our annual events - Hostels Country Hoe Down and Sunshine & High Care’s Country Dance. Both events were a great success. Meagan and our volunteer Carol taught our residents how to Line Dance for the dances which was enjoyed by all every Wednesday afternoon.
Cultural Day - We celebrated Hawaiian Day as our Cultural Day.
Residents and staff enjoyed singing, dancing and loads of fun for Hawaiian Day Happy Hour.
During September, there was so much excitement as we had visits from two local preschools. The children from Mountain View Early Childhood Centre and Mt Terry Preschool brought so much laughter and joy as the residents were entertained by these energetic and bubbly Preschoolers. The children had prepared some songs to sing, as well as a special gift they had made for each resident. The staff and residents thank both Preschools for visiting Ridgeview.
OCTOBER We enjoyed a concert with Keith Murphy and we also celebrated German Cultural Day.
NOVEMBER
Activity Reviews contd
We celebrated Remembrance Day on 11th November. We had a Melbourne Cup afternoon with sweeps and bubbly with our residents. Suzie J Concert came to help celebrate Spanish Cultural Day and the Silver Bell Tappers came to perform also. Our Volunteer, Meryll, came and held a makeup class for our residents. The physio’s also held a “Feet Fitters” display where our residents and families could purchase suitable footwear. We now have our Christmas Hamper Raffle which will be drawn during the Hostels Christmas Party on Thursday 19th December - “good luck to all”. Tickets are available for purchase in the foyer. This is our major fundraiser and all proceeds are put back into the recreation department for exceptional entertainment and resources. The Weekly Knitting Group with volunteers is a great success. Many bright coloured rugs have been made for the Wrapped with Love and sent to disadvantaged children. Our twice weekly school visits from Mount Terry continue. Also St Joseph’s School visits twice monthly.
St Joseph’s School visit
The first Monday of each month we celebrate residents birthdays with a morning tea. Labelle Nail & Beauty visit monthly, offering nail and beauty treatment to our residents. Please let the RAO’s know if you would like an appointment. All our residents are again enjoying weekly bus trips with our new volunteer driver Wayne. We look forward to our “Christmas Lights” bus trips in December. Our Monthly Men’s Group/ Ladies group and Happy Hours are enjoyed by all our residents.
We have had a wonderful 3 months with all our residents and look forward to more happy times with you all. Regards Kath, Kim, Jean, Geraldine (RAO TEAM)
Hostel’s Country Hoe Down
Sunshine & HC Country Dance
Life After Placement Support Group
At Ridgeview Aged Care we offer a support group for Carers who are living through the placement process. Even if your loved one has been in care a long time, you may like to come along and share your experiences. Robert Pinchin (Dementia Advisor) facilitates the support group, giving many years of experience with family carers and people with dementia. The group meets on the third Monday of the month at 1pm to 3pm in Hostel Internet Lounge – afternoon tea provided. “Several months ago I became involved with the LAP Support Group run at Ridgeview. Despite the fact my parents came to Aged Care voluntarily, there have always been those feelings of guilt – “could we have kept them in their own house a bit longer?”, “should we care for them in our own home?” and “are they being look after?” to name a few. What a relief to find others in the group with the exact thoughts, questioning if you have made the right choice and being able to share your concerns, not feeling you are alone at this difficult time. Just being able to talk to someone in the same position is reassuring.” (Jacalyn)
Staff at Ridgeview joined in the “Relay for Life” in September raising over $4000 for this great cause to raise money for Cancer. We came 9th out of all the teams there with our fundraising. We can’t wait to do it again next year.
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 - Bruce Miller Bruce was born in 1937 in Kiama and has 2 brothers. Bruce grew up on a dairy farm and went to Gerringong Public School then had to attend Nowra mixed school as there was no high school in Kiama. Bruce travelled daily from Gerringing by bus. Bruce remembers the bus breaking down a lot. Bruce grew up in a sporty family. He has enjoyed all sports including tennis, football and cricket. He was very involved in Gerringong’s Footy Club for many years. Bruce met his wife Helen on a blind date 46 years ago. Helen is also a resident at Ridgeview. They have been married for 45 years and have 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. We thank you Bruce for sharing your story with everyone at Ridgeview.
Staff Profile - Meagan Higgins Hello everyone! I am Meagan Higgins, Physio Assistant at Ridgeview and I am happy to say I have been here for the last 2 ½ years. I would like to tell you a few more little interests about myself: • I was born in North Sydney on 8th September 1972. • I moved to Kiama and have lived there for 36 years with my family. • My whole family, mother, father and my 2 brothers are hairdressers and have local businesses. • I have 2 beautiful daughters Molly 15 years and Murphy 11 years; they are my pride and joy! • I love to travel the world. My most memorable experience was to Mount Everest in Nepal. I have been there twice now. • I enjoy running long distance - I am doing a marathon in September this year. •
I collect John Lennon and The Beatles Memorabilia and have been collecting for 25 years.
Well, there you are, a little about me. But I must say of all the wonderful events and moments in my life would not be made possible without sharing them with such wonderful people. Thankyou
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
It’s hard to believe I have already been at Ridgeview for 6 months! and as we approach the end of another year, I would like to thank all the wonderful volunteers who give up their time each week to come to Ridgeview and assist in so many ways. During the past few months, we said farewell to two wonderful volunteers. Barry Welsh, who did weekly bus outings and Lynne Savage who ran our Kiosk on Fridays. It has been wonderful to get to know you, and thank you for volunteering at Ridgeview. On behalf of the Staff and Residents we wish you both all the best. You may have noticed something missing in the car park Friday afternoons … yes the bus has now resumed its much loved weekly outings. Wayne is one of our new volunteer bus drivers who is taking Residents around Wollongong on weekly outings. Residents have been enjoying outings to Jamberoo, Kiama, Wollongong, Steelworks, Port Kembla and not forgetting the popular Maccas stop for a soft serve ice cream on the way home. Our knitting group has continued to grow, with 8 COMPLETED BLANKETS for Wrapped with Love (WOW that’s 224 squares knitting by the residents). We have a very keen group of about 8 residents, that make their way up to Hostel to enjoy a morning of knitting, a chat and of course a cuppa and biscuit. Jan, Marge and Jeanette (volunteers) have been extremely busy taking squares home and knitting them together with a lovely crocheted border around each blanket. Help Needed: If you would like to sew some knitted squares together, please contact me on 4235 7612. I’m sure there are enough squares to go around and the volunteers would love a hand. We welcome Michelle (new Activities Assistant Volunteer) who comes in for 3hrs every morning to assist with the activities program in the Sunshine dining room. BINGO has always been a popular activity for Residents on Tuesday and Thursdays and Carol (volunteer) is faithfully there each week to assist staff and residents to make this activity even more enjoyable. Anne (volunteer) will also be assisting once a fortnight for Tuesday BINGO. Ridgeview Library has been receiving some much needed TLC thanks to Mal. Each Wednesday, Mal has been busy organising and cleaning up the library area. This has been a HUGE job. All books are in the process of being colour coded, categorised and shelves labelled. Once this is complete, we will be commencing a Mobile Library Trolley each Wednesday for residents. I would like to thank Keiran (volunteer) who has been able to source a pool table and foosball table. New pool balls, cues, table cover and cue holder have been purchased for our pool table. The pool table is located in Hostel lounge room and Residents are now enjoying a game or two with friends, family and visitors. On Tuesday and Thursdays each week, we are very fortunate to have Mt Terry Primary School students visit and play table games with the Residents. This has been a great time for both old and young to develop relationships, interactions and friendships. The staff and residents would like to thank Mt Terry Primary for visiting each week – it is greatly appreciated. We are very blessed as well to have St Joseph Catholic High School visit the residents on Fridays once a fortnight. The students attend a range of activities including assisting with Thai Chi, table games and reminisce. On 11th December a group of Year 10 St Joseph students will be coming to Ridgeview for the day! The students will be involved in a wide range of activities including assisting with the RAO morning program, Thai Chi, gardening in High Care courtyard, painting and other resident activities during the day. If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program at Ridgeview, please do not hesitate to contact me on 4235 7600, 0434 421617 or mbonner@chomes.com.au
“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” - James Barrie
Michelle Bonner, Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator 0434 421 617
Volunteer Photos Volunteers Marilyn and Carol assisted RAO’s with ‘no bake’ cooking. After making yummy coconut balls, we enjoyed a cuppa and having a taste of our cooking. Volunteer Karen with grandchildren Bailey and Sarah assist with the Chicken Dance and YMCA!! ---> Volunteer Karen with grandchildren Monique and Bailey planted a new herb garden in Sunshine courtyard. The herbs planted will be used by kitchen staff. We also planted the daisies from the country dances around the pond. Monique and Bailey enjoyed cooling off in the pond !!
Hello from Jacalyn Preston! I have been involved with the Ridgeview family since 2009. I have helped out on the odd occasion over the years and since retiring last year have become a member of the volunteer team. While growing up, our parents were involved in many volunteer organisations. We have been brought up to “always give back to the community”, something Mum & Dad have done since losing their home to bushfires in 1957. They were overwhelmed with the support given to them at the time and have continued giving back ever since. This has been passed on to me but it is not just giving back – volunteering also gives to you. I really enjoy being able to do things for the residents which may seem small to you but means a lot to them.
Resident Ross and Volunteer Keiran enjoy a game of pool
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.