Southhaven Hostel - Summer 2013 Newsletter

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

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SOUTHHAVEN HOSTEL Address: 11 Queensbury Rd, Padstow Heights

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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!

Phone: (02) 9782 6030

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Southhaven Hostel

Hello to all!

Well we are about to say farewell to 2013 and welcome a brand new year. 2014 is set to be an exciting year for Southhaven with the completion of the renovations to the Hostel building.

I think you have all been wonderful in how you have coped through some extreme noise at times and disruptions to power and water being turned off so that the work could progress.

Thank you.

Staff should also be commended for the way they have continued to go about their work day with the ability to adapt to all situations.

As I have said before it will all be worth it in the long run with us having a beautiful home to live and work in.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Bye for now, Kim Howard 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 Lights Tour

JANUARY Chinese New Year

FEBRUARY Chocolate Temptation

DECEMBER 25 Noella G 29 Karen P

JANUARY 7

Julie T

FEBRUARY 4

Jessie W

11 Margaret G

BUS OUTINGS

Activity Reviews Woronora Dam

Woronora Dam collects water from the catchment of the Woronora River, which drains into the dam and then to Georges River. The dam supplies water to residents within the Sutherland Shire in Sydney's south and also the northern Illawarra suburbs of Helensburgh, Otford, Stanwell Tops, Stanwell Park and Coalcliff.

After a seven kilometre drive from the main road to the isolated dam, we stopped for morning tea near the impressive dam. It was very quiet and peaceful. In the silence we listened to the flies buzzing around, the birds singing, the cockatoos squawking and the rustling of the leaves in the trees, all very idyllic.

The shelter was large and impressive, with tables and chairs, and a good supply of hot water, not to mention a clean BBQ area. The shelter holds about 80 people, but the 9 of us had all of it to ourselves.

It was another beautiful day and some of the comments expressed were positive: “Quite nice for a BBQ” “Good shelter to shelter you from both the sun and the rain” “It’s good here.”

“It’s nice and pleasant” “How lovely” Then after a short walk by the dam, we finished the trip with a customary Maccas ice cream.

Activity Reviews contd Camellia Collection - E. G. Waterhouse National Camellia

Gardens contains a national collection of camellias, with over 400 cultivars and species donated and acquired since its first plantings began in 1969, in addition to many other rare ornamental and native plants. The collection is of unique value to Australian horticulture. The Gardens is also a member of the International C a m e l l i a S o c i e t y, a n o n - p ro f i t international organisation devoted to the genus Camellia.

The Gardens classifies its collection according to the International Camellia Register, which is maintained by the International Camellia Society. Soon you will be able to explore the Camellia Gardens Register to view this remarkable collection.

Royal National Park - Sydney’s heritage-listed Royal National Park was established in 1879,

it’s the world's second-oldest national park. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals. Perfect for bushwalking, cycling, surfing, picnicking or whale watching, this diverse park offers everything from beaches to rainforest.

For many thousands of years the Dharawal language speaking people have lived in the area and enjoyed the diversity and abundance of the land and sea. In July 2006, this park was added to the National Heritage List.

We stopped in Audley, where we had a beautiful morning tea and we were joined by all sorts of birds, cockatoos, crows, ducks and the purple swamp hen.

The Purple Swamp Hen (Porphyrio Porphyria) is a "swamp hen" in the rail family Rallidae.

Many of the residents enjoyed the beautiful and idyllic surroundings.

Fun Photos from Spring Fair

More Spring Fair Photos

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 the hostel, all the staff is great, the residents lovely and the managers Kim & Kerrie are awesome. 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.

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.

Tribute to Anne Shane

From the Hostel Staff.

Written by Carol McKay

Not only was Anne our longest serving resident at Southhaven, but if you’d met her you would always remember her as a kind loving lady.

Anne was born August 1917 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. She spent her early years there, later meeting the love of her life Victor and marrying him.

Eventually Anne and Victor decided to emigrate to Australia, but not before their baby son Grant arrived. Once in Australia (1950s) they were introduced into the Christadelphian faith.

After many years in the ecclesia Victor passed away. It was shortly after that, that Anne came to the hostel. If you had known Anne over the years you’d think she would always be around. Anne was a kind and loving person who you could rely on for everything. She always made sure everything ran smoothly for the residents and their needs came before her own. This was by way of the residents committee which was how she cared for the comfort and needs of those close to her.

Everyone who has ever known Anne will know she dressed beautifully and kept herself very fit, always walking and exercising, and of course dancing. She would dance on any occasion, even a CD with old time music and she’d be up dancing and encouraging others to do the same.

Anne always had numerous friends, always had a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

She will always be sadly missed and always remembered.

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, and 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 Southhaven 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 Southhaven. They come in and open the kiosk, do craft, play the piano and games and a host of other things including chatting to our residents, sharing quality time with them. They also put in many long hours of hard work for the Spring Fair in October and we are deeply appreciative of their efforts.

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.