Casa Mia Summer 2014 Newsletter

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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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The angel reassured them, “Don't be afraid!" he said."I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!

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Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)

Phone: (02) 8707 6010

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Casa Mia

Dear Residents and Families, Our renovation is almost complete with only the flooring left.

We anticipate that this will be done by the 19th December.

Again, I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding.

Sadly our garden is looking worse for ware. Please be reassured that as soon as possible we will be working towards reestablishing it to its former glory.

I would also like to thank you for your support with our Cultural Food Fair. The money raised will be put towards our Wisteria Walk.

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.

I hope to see as many people as possible at our Christmas Lunch on the 9th December.

My staff and I wish all our residents, relatives and volunteers a peaceful Christmas and New Year and look forward to continuing to care for your loved ones in 2015.

Regards, Sharon Fletcher

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Message from our new CFO G’day! I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with you all and am excited to be involved in the next stage for Christadelphian Homes.

From day one, the management and staff have been most professional and courteous, demonstrating the true values and mission of the Homes at a practical level. From participating at the recent National Aged Care Conference it was apparent that the Homes has an excellent reputation within the Industry.

This is credit to the dedication of all our staff and volunteers in providing the best possible environment and care for our residents across New South Wales and Queensland.

As you are aware, the Federal Government has recently introduced its Living Longer Living Better (LLLB) legislation, effective 1 July 2014. Christadelphian Homes is well-positioned in this regard and is operating comfortably with the new framework. We have put the necessary resources in place to manage the new admissions process, providing the best range of options for our incoming residents, while ensuring the necessary levels of Government support are obtained. In light of the changing industry demands and expectations of future residents, particularly those of the “babyboomers”, we are also in the process of significantly upgrading our facilities and look for your continued co-operation as we operate our construction zones.

During the past month, we’ve been busy with fiscal year-end compliance matters. I would like to thank the residents and members for your well considered questions and feedback, particularly at the AGMs held. Please continue to provide us with your input and ideas; this is essential for the ongoing improvement in our service to you and the broader community.

In mid-November, we divested the Lakefront Village (NSW Central Coast) to RSL LifeCare in a transaction which settled on 17th November. RSL LifeCare has a large portfolio of Retirement Villages and the Lakefront Village will benefit from RSL’s scale and systems. We wish Geraldine, her team and the residents all the best for the future in what is a most beautiful environment.

My wife Cazz is a music teacher at Mona Vale Public School and in her spare time teaches piano and violin to budding musicians within our community. Cazz is expecting our first child in March, which will no doubt prove to be a life-changing event for all concerned. We’ve found out what it’ll be (boy or girl), but remain tight-lipped until the big day!

Over the next few months, I hope to get around to all our facilities to meet as many of you as possible.

In the meantime, happy holidays and all the very best for the festive season.

God bless, Rob Hall Living Longer Living Better graph sourced from www.health.gov.au

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

2 Audrey W

2 Dorothy S

4 Jane S

8

2 Beryl P

5 Monir R

12 Rateba K

11 Maisie P

5 Vernetta M

20 Flora R

17 John B

8 Guiseppe S

21 Robert K

18 Ishbel R

11 Marjorie C

29 Nancy H

18 Guiseppe T

21 Norman D

Dana T

31 Reg J

DECEMBER 9th - Resident’s Christmas Party 24th - Kane singing Christmas Carols

JANUARY 26th - Australia Day Celebration (thong throwing competition) 16th - Tony Martin Entertainment

FEBRUARY 14th - Valentine’s Day 26th - Line Dancing Ladies

Christmas Poem

You’re Invited Family of residents are invited to a

Family Morning Tea When:

Second Wednesday of every month at 10:30am

Where: Casa Mia Garden Gazebo We look forward to seeing you there for a social chat and/or support if you need it.

Cathy Strachan (Pastoral Care) 0435 814 411

Beggar’s Rhyme

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat, Please to put a penny in the old man’s hat; If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do, If you haven’t got a ha’penny, God bless you.

Bereavements

Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the Spring period.

Activity Reviews

Cultural Food Day

Each year, we plan a special day at Casa Mia and this year we decided on a Cultural Food Day which focused on experiencing the tastes of a variety of foods from different countries including China, England, Scotland, Italy, Greece and Australia.

Any day like this involves a lot of organising but our staff were equal to the task. The days leading up to the event were extremely warm and windy which proved a little difficult when setting up tents (which might have been a hint of what was to come).

Cathy organised all the flags and decorations, Ed donated drinks from our local club, Barry brought in our seedlings that he had been nurturing, Kelly’s husband, Peter, got the BBQ heated up and Sharon and husband Sean fired up the pizza oven. You could feel the excitement growing as the staff appeared in their national costumes, so many beautiful colours and styles.

Although the day finished with a freak storm, which chased us all inside, the day was a wonderful success.

Men's Club - Since the last newsletter, the Men’s Club has been engaged in…

Barbershop - this is enjoyed by the men, as they sit back and relax to easy listening music in the background while they have their whiskers softened with warm water, next lathered up, then a nice close shave until all smooth, afterwards cleaned up and if they like a splash of ‘Hugo Boss’ cologne.

Racing - this is where we pick a horse by its number, for each of the races in the afternoon, and then get all excited during the race and afterward we award a prize to those who came first, second and third after each race. It is a real fun afternoon. Even the women have joined us. Thanks to volunteers Ces and Diane for their help in running the racing.

Morning Tea - this we had out in the garden under the pergola, as we discussed various topics such as the highs and lows of the Melbourne cup, along with current news items.

Activity Reviews

Melbourne Cup

It was that time of year again the day to celebrate the “race that stops a nation”. We held the Casa Mia sweeps and residents had their horse number to be able to cheer their horses on at race time, whilst dressed to impress with the ladies in fascinators and the gentlemen in top hats and bow ties. At 3pm, everyone gathered around the televisions for the great race with residents and staff cheering on their horses, while enjoying nibbles with wine, beer and soft drink. Everyone enjoyed the day with some lucky winners receiving amazing prizes. Thankyou to everyone that helped make the day a success but a special thankyou to Vicki, Diane and Cec who continually support and help to ensure that our Residents have the best day possible.

Casa Mia & Montessori Choir

A few months ago, we were approached by the Southside Montessori School at Riverwood to form a joint project with the children of the school and the residents of Casa Mia. The idea was that the children would form relationships with our residents, beneficial to both young and old. The ultimate hope of the school was that we would join the children in a choir that would perform at the Montessori Conference to be held in November. Needless to say, the idea seemed to be crazy with the idea of them filming everyone singing at Casa Mia and then showing the video at the conference a much easier way to go. It began with Judith and Julia (teachers from the Montessori School) walking the 20 children across from Riverwood to practice with us. Lorinda, our volunteer pianist, was keen to help and over the weeks we got pretty good. Loretta, from Melbourne, took over the practice at the end and accompanied the choir on guitar. The date of the conference loomed closer and there was a question of getting a bus but that also was overcome and we were all set to go.

On Tuesday 11th November, those that were able of the Casa Mia choir, set off for the Novotel at Brighton Le Sands. The residents participating were Shirley, Lesley, Doreen, Maisie, Joyce, Nancy, Robert, Jack and Fay. We arrived with only minutes to spare and were kindly escorted upstairs by the staff at the hotel where we shown where to sit for the performance. Soon the children, dressed beautifully for the day, joined us. They were as nervous as we were but when the choir started singing and the audience clapped along, it brought tears to our eyes. Robert even did a solo of “Show me the Way to Go Home” and anyone who knows Robert wouldn’t be surprised at his choice of song. How proud we were, to see our dear residents performing in front of an audience of 200 people from all over the world. They sang so beautifully and didn’t miss a beat. After the performance, the choir received a standing ovation and as we were leaving to go, a lady stopped Jack and asked for his autograph. Go Jack!!!! Thanks must go to the residents who were brave enough to give it a go and of course the helpers on the day – Lorinda, Stephen and Cec. P.S. - A video was taken on the day of the performance and if you wish to see it, please see the RAO’s.

P.P.S. - The children of the Montessori School want to continue to visit Casa Mia in the future

Fun Photos from Activities

Snow Peas for Sale

Barry (volunteer) has been busy throughout the year making sure our mobile gardens are kept stocked with flowers and also Snow Peas. The Snow Peas have finished now but our Strawberries are ripening beautifully. It has been amazing to see how many peas were hanging there just waiting to be picked.

Sometimes we would pick the peas and the residents would enjoy eating them lovely and fresh but when there were too many Lesley (resident) was able to pick the peas, bag and sell them off for a gold coin. Who wouldn’t turn down a little bag of fresh Snow Peas. Carlton was more than happy to buy a few bags from Lesley to take home. Needless to say they sold in less time than it took to pick them. Well done Lesley!!

70th Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to Bob and Amy who on 6th December are celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary. Bob and Amy met in 1942 at a bush dance in Narromine, NSW and were married two years later.

Bob was in the Air Force, while Amy was picking oranges for the war effort in the land army. Amy believes the secret to marriage is to marry your best friend and Bob believes that everything has to be 50/50, the good times the bad, the money and the housework.

Congratulations to the happy couple who are still so deeply in love after all these years.

Raffle for Cena

This winter, the ladies of Casa Mia decided to begin knitting a blanket. With plenty of wool at Casa, soon we had enough squares to make a beautiful quilt. Marilyn our wonderful hairdresser knitted them all together and the quilt was complete.

When the quilt was finished, it was decided that we would raffle the quilt, with all money going to The Cancer Council. We raised $350 for the Cancer Council.

Everybody decided to donate the money to the Cancer Council because our good friend and co-worker Cena lost her battle with cancer.

Casa Mia was very sad at the loss of our friend with Cena being a huge part of our family at Casa Mia. The raffle was drawn and Sister Desiree Lopez was a very happy and grateful winner.

Resident Story - Don W Casa Mia would like to welcome Don Watkins. Don was born on the 18th August, 1930 in Glebe Hospital. Don’s parents owned a grocery store, and Don spent everyday of his young life at the beach body surfing. Don’s first job was working in a butcher shop making sausages.

Don fell madly in love and married Ellen and they had two daughters, Wendy and Vicky. Don has a passion for Jazz and football.

Don and Ellen travelled around Asia during their life; Don’s favourite being their trip to Japan where all the shop keepers ran away from them because they were foreigners.

Don is an avid golfer playing golf at Concord Golf Course for 54 years.

Thanks Don for sharing your story with everyone at Casa Mia.

Staff Profile - Lesley Morgan Everyone at Casa Mia knows Lesley Morgan, you may have seen her dressed as the kissing bandit or even as the Queen Mother. However, if you haven’t seen her dressed up, everybody has seen her warm smile and loud laugh.

Lesley has been happily married for 26 years to Wayne, who she met when she was 20. Lesley used to sit on Wayne's lap and tell him she would end up marrying him.

Lesley and Wayne have two children, Jai and Tenika and three beautiful grandchildren, Dre, Laylah and Tristan.

Lesley enjoys Reiki and is a master teacher in the traditional art form.

Lesley loves coming to work each day to make the residents smile and laugh. When asked why she dresses up she states, "I do it for a giggle”.

The home at Casa Mia would be a lot quieter without you Lesley.

FUNDRAISER GOAL To create a Wisteria Walk, for the enjoyment of residents and their loved ones.

The $1000 raised at the Cultural Fun Day will be used to purchase garden arbours and established Wisteria plants.

Pastoral Care TRYING TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS How often has there been a problem between 2 people because of a lack of understanding? We see it happen time and time again. It’s an age old problem – me not understanding you and what happens as a result. We call it a breakdown in communication.

Understanding is actually one key for us to live in harmony and peace with each other. The lack of understanding can have great consequences. War happens because nations do not understand each other.

Racial discrimination, broken marriages, crimes happens because people are misunderstood or people misunderstood other people.

We can be so quick to jump to conclusions about other people, especially people who are a bit different in some way to ourselves. There is so much we can learn from others when we stop and take the time to really get to know and understand them. When we stop and walk alongside someone for a while we can gain a whole new understanding of them, and are able to see their gifts and talents and those things that make them unique.

It was once written “Let us strive to understand others, than to be understood”. It’s a great statement, because we all have to learn how to get on with others, to understand them, even if that is difficult and challenging.

One of the problems is that we don’t listen to one another carefully anymore… Listening. What a lost art. Jimmy Buffett covers a song originally released by Fred Neil in the 60’s, called “Everybody’s Talkin’”. The first line of the song is a good description of today’s society, it says “Everybody’s talkin’ at me… can’t hear a word they’re sayin only echoes of my mind” Do you agree with these words? How often do you walk away from a conversation, meeting, or phone call thinking, “why won’t they just listen to me?” Or here’s a scary thought – how often do people walk away from you wondering if you listened to a word they were saying? You see it works both ways.

Maybe as we go through this life we need to slow down and listen to people’s life stories before we jump to conclusions about them. We need to try to understand people before we make judgements about them. We must hear what they’re saying – to listen carefully, Actually, listening does not come naturally to most of us – we need to work hard at it – to stop ourselves from jumping into the conversation and giving our own opinion. We all like to be listened to and understood, we feel affirmed and validated”.

Jesus is a great role model as He went around listening to and caring for others. You may know the story recorded in John 4:1-27 where He met up with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. It was midday, the hottest part of the day: Jesus sat down, weary, and a Samaritan woman joined I need to be heard…

Him to get a drink of water from the well. Jews traditionally did not speak to a Samaritan, but Jesus broke the rule and asked her to get Please don't try to comfort me by Him a drink – He opened up a life changing conversation which led telling me, "You'll be better in time.” her to realise Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ. The disciples returned I need to be heard… to the well and were surprised to see Jesus talking to the woman. She Please don't pacify me by trying to didn’t have a good reputation – broken marriages – but Jesus didn’t "top it" with a hurt of your own. condemn her – He showed an incredible ability to look past her façade or mask, but He knew this woman. He observes her actions, her life, I need to be heard… her words, and He really hears what she is saying. Like Jesus, we really Please don't look away when need to have His eyes and ears to hear and see what people are saying.

I mention that precious name!

If we do carefully listen and try to understand others, we may hear I need to be heard… hurt, anger, disappointment, loneliness, longings for comfort and Can't there be anger among sadness desires for purpose in life. In what way can we give our time, words and and misery? heart to help someone else?

Express empathy – this means to feel into someone’s pain – it’s I need to be heard… focused on the other person, instead of yourself. It’s deeper than Meet me where I am, and listen to me sympathy – understands feelings and tries to do something to Until I don't need to be help. In Brazil, they have a saying “if you’re stuck in a hole, a heard, anymore. sympathetic person will get into the hole with you. The empathic person will give you a rope to get out”.

Source: Chris Witts

POEM I Need To Be Heard

Volunteer Corner

“Nothing teaches hope, kindness, courage and compassion like helping others” - Anon Over the last few months we have had rather a busy time.

In October, we had a Cultural Day for all the residents and their families and without the help of the very valuable volunteers we would have struggled with the set up, serving all the guests and cleaning up! A very big thank you to all involved in making the day the success it was despite the howling wind and the massive thunderstorm right in the middle of the afternoon!

Recently, we have been blessed with some new volunteers; Sarah, who has offered to come in on a Friday afternoon to play the piano for the residents and Shelley, who is willing to come in whenever any help is needed. We are very grateful to these two and residents are loving the extra time spent with them.

We had a Montessori School come in regularly to practise singing with some of our residents, and Lorinda, our patient choir mistress and pianist volunteer, went with them all to a Montessori conference in the city. A big day for everyone!

Special thanks to 2 wonderful ladies; Marilyn, our hairdresser, who volunteers to run our “Cupboard Shop”.

POET’S CORNER - by R Donovan In our community live folk Who have some time to spare And use it to help anyone Who needs some extra care

And when disasters strike at times As they do in our land, Be it storm or flood or fire They’ll rally, lend a hand

They come from many walks of life And bring their knowledge, skills, To join with those who help the aged The lonely or the ill

They do not look for praise or thanks Or any accolades Don’t seek rewards for time or work When they’re asked for aid

One finds them in hospitals And in the nursing homes Some help the poor and needy Who have little of their own

They have a name, these folks who help Us cope with life, its fears They make our world a better place They’re known as volunteers.

She sources the products and wraps and prices them all to raise funds for our residents.

She does a fabulous job and we’d be lost without her!! The other lady is Vicky, who very g e n e ro u s l y d o n at e s a n d decorates many of our raffle hampers. Just look at our Christmas ones!!

I’d like to wish all the Casa Mia residents and their loved ones a wonderful holiday season and everything of the best for 2015.

God bless you all, Cathy

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Cathy Strachan on 0435 814 411 or cstrachan@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Poem - Two Mother's Remembered I had two Mothers – two Mothers I claim Two different people, yet with the same name.

Two separate women, diverse by design, But I loved them both because they were mine.

Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length, But now she was the child and I was her strength.

We’d come full circle, we women three, My mother the first, the second, and me.

The first was the Mother who carried me here, Gave birth and nurtured and launched my career.

She was the one whose features I bear, Complete with the facial expressions I wear.

And if my own children should come to a day, When a new Mother comes and the old goes away, I’d ask of them nothing that I didn’t do.

Love both of your Mothers as both loved you.

She gave her love, which follows me yet, Along with examples in life she set.

As I got older, she somehow younger grew, And we’d laugh as just mothers and daughters do.

- Joann Snow Duncanson

But then came the time that her mind clouded so, And I sensed that the Mother I knew would soon go.

So quickly she changed and turned into the other, A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my Mother.

PERKS OF REACHING 50 OR BEING OVER 60 AND HEADING TOWARDS 70 OR BEYOND! 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you 2. In a hostage situation,you are likely to be released first 3. No one expects you to run - anywhere 4. People call at 9 pm (or 9am) and ask, 'Did I wake you?

5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac 6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way 7. Things you buy now won't wear out 8. You can eat dinner at 4pm 9. You get into heated arguments about pension plans 10. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge

11. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room 12. You sing along with elevator music 13. Your eyes won't get much worse 14. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off 15. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service 16. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either

How Our World Looked Way Back When

NYC was a much less busy city, 1908

Roller skates were the hot new thing but still needed a bit of work, 1910

These guys unveiled their motorbikes for the first time, William Harley and Arthur Davidson, 1914

Rush hour looked a lot different than it does today, Chicago, 1909

Beach Police officers made sure no swimsuit was higher than 6 inches above the knee, 1922 The iconic London buses looked like this, 1928 A new vantage point was introduced to New York.

Opening day of the Empire State Building, 1931 The Hollywood sign was still the 'Hollywoodland' sign. The last four letters were removed in 1949 The Golden Gate Bridge was still under construction and looked like this, 1937 This was the tallest building in Paris, the Eiffel Tower under construction in the 1880's

Read, Rest & Relax!

TIPS TO “BEAT THE HEAT”

• Try to plan activities that require going outside during non-peak hours when it might be a little cooler.

• Move exercise indoors. Consider walking on a treadmill, or “corridor walking” instead of outdoor walks or activities.

Swimming and water aerobics are good options as well.

• Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic, caffeine-free as these ingredients have a diuretic effect). Talk with your doctor if you take medications that affect fluid intake.

• Consume food and drink with sodium and potassium to restore electrolyte balance when losing fluids and drinking a lot of water: broths or soups (contain sodium); fruit juice, soft fruits, vegetables (containing potassium); sports drinks that contain electrolytes.

• Stay indoors in cooled spaces as much as possible.

• Be aware of signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

I used to be great when it came to word play. Once a pun a time.

I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.

I used to be addicted to lunch meat but I quit cold turkey.

Little Gingerbread Cakes • 125g butter, chopped • 2/3 cup golden syrup • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar • 2/3 cup milk • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 2/3 cups plain flour, sifted • 1 tablespoon ground ginger • 1 teaspoon mixed spice • Lemon zest, to serve LEMON ICING • 2 cups icing sugar mixture, sifted • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 teaspoons boiling water Makes 8

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease an 8hole, 3/4 cup-capacity mini loaf pan.

2.Place butter, golden syrup, sugar and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes or until butter has melted and sugar dissolved (do not boil). Remove from heat. Add bicarbonate of soda. Stir to combine.

Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

3. Add egg. Whisk to combine. Add flour, ginger and mixed spice. Whisk until smooth. Spoon mixture into pan holes until half-full.

4. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre of 1 cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make icing Place icing sugar, lemon juice and boiling water in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Spoon over cakes. Stand for 5 minutes or until icing starts to set. Top with zest. Set aside until set. Serve.

Word Sudoku

18/11/2014 11:22 am

Word Sudoku adds a twist to the usual sudoku which makes the puzzle a little more interesting. 6 different letters are used instead of numbers.

The basic goal remains the same: every row, column, and 2Ă—3 square has to contain one of every letter used in the puzzle.

Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions. about:blank

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