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Christadelphian Aged Care S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R
SOUTHHAVEN HOSTEL Address: 11 Queensbury Rd, Padstow Heights
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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) 9782 6030
Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Managers Message
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Welcome to Southhaven Hostel
Hello to all The Christmas season is upon us and we are all preparing for the entertainment, food and other festivities that go with it. I would like to wish you all a wonderful, Christmas and a very Happy New Year where we will all get to enjoy our beautiful newly renovated building. As you are aware this building is no longer called the Hostel, our new name is Southhaven Riverside and the nursing home is now Southhaven Tree Tops. The whole site will be joined together very soon. Peter Jessing is Facility Manager, Margaret Watkins Care Manager and I am Sales and Hotel Service’s Manager. The three of us will be working closely together to ensure your time here is a pleasant one. As always I would like to remind you that our doors are always open if you are concerned about anything. To the wonderful staff, I would like to thank them for their ongoing support of me over the past year which has been difficult at times to say the least, due to the renovation. They have been extremely loyal and have never complained about the difficulties that we have had to face. Thank you also to our residents and their families for bearing with us through the noise and disruptions of the renovations. You have been so understanding and we thank you for that. We look forward to happy and peaceful times ahead in our new building. Bye for now, Kim Howard
“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 DECEMBER
JANUARY
25 Noella
7
Julie
29 Karen
9 Bill
FEBRUARY 4
Jessie
11 Margaret 24 Phyliss
Activity of the Month 17th - Christmas Party
JANUARY Activity of the Month Karaoke
FEBRUARY Activity of the Month Chocolate Fountain
Resident’s Request Poem In memory of Virginia Cameron, 2014 Do not ask me to remember Don’t try to make me understand Let me rest and know you’re with me, Kiss my cheek and hold my hand I’m confused beyond your concept. I’m sad and sick and lost All I know is that I need you, To be with me at all cost Do not lose your patience with me, Do not scold or curse or cry I can’t help the way I’m acting, I can’t be different, though I try Just remember that I need you, That the best of me is gone Please don’t fail to stand beside me, Love me ‘til my life is gone
Activity Reviews
Cattle Duffers - Flat picnic area in Georges River National Park
Close to Hurstville, Cattle Duffers Flat picnic area is a fun and relaxed grassy picnic area popular with all ages, but especially families with young children. There’s plenty of room for the kids to run around, along with a lot for adults to enjoy too. The picnic area is set alongside the river, so after a short drive from the hostel, we settled in, relaxed and enjoyed a riverside morning tea. We were surrounded by majestic gorge scenery in a setting of tall open eucalyptus forest, featuring smooth-barked apples, red bloodwoods and Sydney peppermint. I f yo u ’ r e f e e l i n g a b i t adventurous, Cattle Duffers F lat picnic area can be reached by following Ridge walking track. The track offers spectacular scenic views of the river and gorge hillsides. After which we ended the morning with our customary ice cream. Other bus trips included: Como Pleasure Grounds which was our morning destination. We had a beautiful sunny morning, where we enjoyed each others company over morning tea. These beautiful ground over look the Georges River and the surrounding bushlands. We remembered former resident Ray Symons, who told us of the history of the area, especially that of the Como hotel. “The Como Hotel was built in 1878 for the German construction workers on the railway. It was later owned by the Catholic Church and the various other publicans after that. Poet Henry Lawson is said to have been a regular visitor. And in 1996 it was burned down. What we see today is a replica of the original.” And East Hills Park, which is located on the Georges River and is a beautiful spot for a picnic or get together. It was here that we stopped for morning tea, as we sat in the peaceful surrounding looking at the river, and at the people fishing, either from the old wooden bridge or their boats. We even got friendly with some canines and their owners.
Activity Reviews
Halloween - Carol McKay never
disappoints to amaze the residents and staff. Here she is entertaining everyone on Halloween. Thank you Carol for always smiling and brightening up everyone’s day.
Melbourne Cup - Staff and residents joined together in front of the TV and watched the
Melbourne cup together. Everyone got into the spirit and showcased their lovely hats. Sweeps were popular and so was the wine cheese and crackers. A pleasant afternoon was had by all.
Secret Smells activity
Resident Story - Jean & Bill Jean grew up in Sydney in the Miranda area. She loved sport, playing Tennis on Saturdays, and spending time at the beach on Sundays. Jean’s brother was also one for the beach, belonging to a surf club and winning the surf/ski races. Albert Charles Ambrose, who prefers to be called Bill, also liked to play tennis and that was how they met, playing the game they loved. Jean and Bill were married in 1951. They have two sons and grandchildren. Apart from their love of playing tennis, they also loved playing table tennis and they were members of a table tennis club in San Souci and the captain of the team was our own Howard Erwin, best known as Ernie. Ernie’s sister Val also used to play at the same venue. Also, the owner of the Darrell Lea chain played table tennis at the club. Jean and Bill recall that one of the highlights of being at the club (apart from playing the game), is that every Monday a plate of chocolates were bought in by the owner of Darrell Lea. They also like to watch professional baseball, and their grandson plays rounders (a bit like baseball). Jean recalls that she attended one of his games and was then asked whether she would like a go batting; Jean jumped at the chance! They were playing the three strikes rule and Jean’s first and second strike of the ball was okay, but her third strike sent the ball to the other end of the field, to which her grandson said "way to go Nan" - it made her smile and that was only six years ago. Jean and Bill like being at Southhaven and enjoys going out on the bus trips and the next outing is to Carss Park, which is their old stomping ground. Thanks for sharing your story with us Jean & Bill
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
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
I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have given so much of their time during the year to helping others. They have visited our residents and brought light and joy to their days despite the ongoing noise and mess around them during the difficult times of renovation. This has been done in so many ways, from running the kiosk, doing church services, craft classes, pastoral care, music or chatting during a visit. It’s the care that means so much, so thank you. We’ve said goodbye during the year to a number of volunteers who have retired due to ill health or moving away and lots of them have offered their time here for many years. We thank them for their time and all we’ve learned from them is much appreciated. I’d like to wish all the Southhaven residents and their loved ones a wonderful holiday season and everything of the best for 2015. God bless you all, Cathy
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.
Joan
Kendall 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
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
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. - Joann Snow Duncanson
Bereavements - Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the Spring period.
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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