Southhaven Nursing Home 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

SOUTHHAVEN NURSING HOME 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 6010

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Southhaven Nursing Home As we farewell 2014 and welcome the new year we must look back at our achievements thus far.

Harmony Day was a great success which could not have been possible without the valuable contribution of the fitting together committee. Special thanks must go to the wonderful staff and families who contributed and gave freely of their time.

The Bridal fair was also a great day in our 2014 calendar. Again this was not a one person project. Families and staff all came together to make this day very special. Bridal dresses were left in our care to display and parade for the enjoyment of our residents’. A great time was had by all.

Melbourne Cup was another exciting day. It was great to see everyone coming together to help our residents’ participate in the festivities. Kitchen staff put on a great spread which was enjoyed by everyone.

The introduction of online learning for staff. Staff can now complete their theoretical education sessions online at home or at our work stations.

Southhaven Nursing Home and Southhaven Hostel have now amalgamated into Southhaven Aged Care. I will assume overall responsibility for Southhaven as the Facility Manager. Margaret Watkins role will be expanded to now oversee and manage Clinical Care for the whole site. Kim Howard will now be our Sales and Hotel Services Manager. Kim will have broad responsibility for sales, which includes ensuring that we support new residents into our service. Kim will also oversee the important functions such as catering, cleaning, laundry and the overall standards of the living environment.

To the future - it is anticipated that construction of the link to both buildings will commence toward the end of the year/early next year. The link building will provide a host of new facilities for residents at Southhaven including a café, theatre, new hair dressing facilities etc. and will greatly improve access to both buildings.

Could I please ask that you ensure your loved one has enough clothing and that the clothing is labelled as we have a lot of unlabelled clothing in our lost and found section of the laundry? Please also be reminded not to place items on top of the wardrobes as they may fall and injure someone.

Please be aware that our residents Christmas party will be held on 17th December. Due to our limited room we are unable to cater for our relatives to participate on this date. However, on 9th December at 6pm all relatives are invited to our relative cocktail party. This will be held in the meeting room on the ground floor. We would love to see you there as it is a great opportunity to catch up and have a chat. Invitations were sent with the November invoices.

On behalf of the Southhaven team, I wish you all a very Happy and Safe Christmas and an even better New Year. Kind Regards, Peter Jessing

“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

DECEMBER 9th - Relatives Christmas Party

15 Joseph B

5 Terence B

4 Edmond C

21 William M

7 Florence D

6 Marie M

23 Mounir S

8 Maria M

7 Dorothy B

27 Patricia A

10 Rita F

18 Joan B

27 Lali B

11 Marjorie M

28 Mavis P

12 Diana K

31 Margaret A

16 Joseph C

FEBRUARY

21 Barbar C

11th - Valentines Day celebrations

17th - Residents Christmas Party

JANUARY 26th - Australia Day

23 Vivia G 24 Evelyn A 28 Nora F

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

A message from Hilda S 5th Nov 2014 On speaking to Janet (RAO), chatting away about life.

Janet says, “Live everyday as it comes” and with a big beautiful smile, Hilda replied “I already do”.

Hilda is 100 years old.

Activity Reviews SEPTEMBER

Bridal Fair - Wednesday 3rd September

Reminiscing can provide personal pleasure, interesting details for our residents, and an outlet for communication with their peers.

Offering a variety of activities for reminiscing can help fill an elderly person’s day with meaning.

During September, we had a Bridal Fair at our Nursing Home. The staff accompanied by relatives made sure that this day ran smoothly for our residents. The day started with everyone gathered in the dining room watching members of our staff preparing for the day. Our residents started with hair and make up followed by watching the dining room being decorated for the occasion.

Words are feeble when it comes to expressing the happiness that filled the room as the flower girls and page boy glided down the red carpet followed by our grown-up brides and groom. The parade was beautiful. We must not forget the grand ending when we cut the wedding cake and shared light refreshments.

As our staff made their way around to each resident to feel the fabrics of the dresses, this allowed them to cast their minds back and remember their own weddings or wedding of a loved one. Reminiscing is a powerful tool to exercise the mind. A glimpse from the past can be transformed into a gift for the present.

A big thank you to the staff and relatives for making this day a great success.

Activity Reviews OCTOBER

October Festival - Wednesday 15th October

October Fest is the world's largest fun fair held annually in Germany. Our residents enjoyed a variety of games. We did this together while listening to variety of songs and music followed by traditional October Fest food.

The residents were so happy to taste the diverse kinds of drinks provided. An important part of the day was telling our residents all about “October Fest” and giving them a glimpse into the German culture. One of our loving residents, Elsa Oakshott, is German by heritage and contributed to our knowledge of German traditions and lifestyle. This educational aspect of the day was followed by a quiz to see what our residents had learnt from the October Fest.

Overall, it was a successful event because of the wonderful staff and residents we have.

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

Activity Reviews NOVEMBER

Melbourne Cup - Tuesday 4th November

Through tears and triumphs, “the race that stops a nation” continues to play a significant role in defining Australia’s national identity socially and culturally.

Well, for us at Southhaven Nursing Home it is fairly straight forward – we party with the residents!

The first and main priority is, and always will be, our residents. But, the staff work hard and also deserve to let their hair down and have a bit of fun. We encourage staff to wear mufti clothes and to bring nice hats for the hat parade and the morning hand over staff make sure the residents are dressed accordingly for the day.

The morning usually starts with each and every resident being dressed into their best party clothes. The ladies get their hats put on (which many have spent time making in activities)! The menu is full of tasty treats and snacks like chips, cheese and crackers; these are handed out all day. A nice BBQ lunch is held and there is usually entertainment!

By mid-morning, the hat parade is on for the staff and residents. The residents vote for the best hat amongst the staff and each other. Also, there is a fashion show for our ladies and the races for our men on TV. Everyone can see the day’s events and feel like they are at the races.

For the staff, we have a sweepstake which we allow the relatives to join. At the time of the race, all the residents and staff are gathered at the TV and champagne and chips run freely to the residents.

There is lots of excitement and shouts as the race draws to a finish.

Relatives are also invited to join the fun. The staff and residents have fun, and no one feels like they have missed out by not being at the pub or at the races. There is a wonderful spirit throughout the home.

Well done everyone and thank you to our staffs and relatives that make this day perfect for our residents!

Resident Story - Dora K Dora was born on November 26th, 1934 in Dublin, Ireland. She has one brother and four sisters. She met Jim at a dance and they married a few years later. They moved to England for work and lived there for 10 years. Dorrie worked at the local picture theatre or Odean as she called it. We would go to the pictures with mum to see Elvis on the big screen; she referred to Elvis as our Uncle so for many many years we thought Elvis was our Uncle (what a pity he wasn’t).

They saw a flyer for a new life in Australia and for only $10 pound each!! So Dorrie, Jim and their two daughters, Kim and Sandra, immigrated to Australia in 1965. They stepped off the boat and made the trip down to Wombarra on the South Coast. What a cultural difference to London, no inside flushing toilet was the biggest shock; imagine having to go outside to the loo in the garden. Dorrie was not sure about their decision to leave England, family and friends. Life was tough in their new homeland and Dorrie and Jim would make the journey every week to Sydney to find work and a place to rent. They both found work and moved to Rockdale for a few years until finally buying their house in Bexley where they settled for over 40 years.

Dorrie was a dressmaker and worked in Central at many of the factories there. Dorrie became the Sample maker.

In the 70’s, Dorrie opened her own factory in Carlton where she worked for many years. She employed many girls who became her friends.

Dorrie and Jim loved parties and had many many parties at their homes where dancing, singing and musicians were compulsory. These parties would go into the early hours of the morning or sometimes even days!!

Dorrie always had overseas people staying with her. She was delighted when 3 of her sister and family came to Australia to live. Dorrie was always helping other people and took great pleasure and pride in her two granddaughters Ashleigh and Lauren.

When Jim became sick with Picks Disease, Dorrie went to the Nursing Home daily to visit Jim until his passing in 1995. Dorrie also saw her sister Ann daily at her Nursing Home until her passing.

Dorrie has been on many overseas holidays to visit family and friends, which she loved doing.

Dorrie’s last holiday was to England when she was 70 to visit long time friends. She had a bad fall down stairs and had to be flown back to Sydney.

Dorrie has been at Southhaven for 2 years where she has been well cared for and this is now her home.

We are about to celebrate Dorrie’s 80th birthday on 26th November 2014. Happy Birthday Mum and Grandma!

Thanks Kim for sharing your mum’s story with everyone at Southhaven.

Staff Profile - Kumba Allieu

Hi, I am Kumba Sata Allieu. I was born on 12th December, 1964 in Sierra Leone. I grew up in a small family; 3 sisters, 3 brothers, my father, my mother and myself. I am the oldest sister in the family. My father passed away when I was 15 years old but my mother also passed away during the Civil War. Every time I think about this I feel sad.

I met my husband Tamba when I was 20 at an end of school celebration. We were married when I was 25 in a town called Kono District where I lived. We had 4 children, all boys. Their names are Sam (26), Tamba (24), Aiah (22) and Davidson (19).

During the war in Sierra Leone, it was a terrible experience for me and my family. It was a rough time. When my eldest son was 12 years old, they took him from me and exchanged him for another baby. After 2 years, I got my son back during a cease fire and I was fortunate to find my son. I felt so much joy and gratitude to God. He answered my prayers. My 3rd son was taken to Australia when he was 7 years old with his uncle. The baby I looked after when my son was exchanged was recognised by his mother and she took him back.

Because of the continuing war, my husband and I decided to walk to Guinea, a neighbouring country, for refuge. We used to walk at night and rest during the day and hide under big stones or trees so we wouldn’t be found. We had no food or water but lived off fruit from the trees. It was a very scary time because you walk and you don’t know if you would be attacked by rebels in the bush and it took a month to get across.

When we arrived in Guinea, we went on the refugee camp for 3 years and my sister in law found out we were in the camp and she helped us to get out of the camp and filed to go to Australia. In 2009, we went to the capital city of Corkoy Creek, and rented a place and remained on the refugee program to come to Australia. When we were in the camp, they gave us food, clothes, cooking utensils and safety. One sister and brother from Sierra Leone were the only ones I was in contact with.

On 6th February 2011, we flew to Australia. We were all so happy. Life for me and my family in Australia is so good. We were given every opportunity by the Australian Government to live here in peace. We were given a 3 bedroom unit in Lakemba and we are still living there now. It is small but we are just so happy and thankful. My eldest son is at Tafe doing plumbing, my 2nd son is doing Electricial at Tafe also, my 3rd is doing Law at a University in the Gold Coast and my 4th son just finished his HSC. I applied to be a volunteer at Southhaven and volunteered for 3 weeks. I had already done my AIN training in Parramatta and so Peter Jessing offered me a job. How thankful I was. My second family is Southhaven and I am so happy to be part of the team there. I am so grateful that Peter and Margaret accepted me as an employee. I have learned the Laundry at Southhaven also.

I like music, I love to dance, I love to sing and cook. I am a grandma but my grandson is in Sierra Leone. I don’t get to see him, but talk on the phone.

Maybe if I have a chance, it is my prayer that my eldest son will go back to Sierra Leone and bring his partner and child back to Australia.

Thanks to the staff I love them all because they are so nice to me. Thank you to Australia for giving me a new life.

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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