Southhaven Summer Newsletter 2015

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

SOUTHHAVEN Address: 11 Queensbury Rd, Padstow Heights

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Phone: (02) 9782 6010

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message

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Welcome to Southhaven

Another year has passed us by and here we are heading full throttle into 2016! I am sure we will have another great year.

We will see a lot of changes as the Link building structure recommences and will be complete this year. Thank you for your patience during the construction. I will keep you informed of the changes as they come to hand.

Could I please remind you to 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.

Resident’s Christmas lunch will be held on Wednesday 16th December. Relatives are not formally invited to this as we cannot accommodate due to room size restrictions.

Relative’s Christmas cocktail party will be held on Wednesday 9th December 6pm–9pm on Level 4 Riverside.

Formal invitations will be sent with the December invoices. I hope to see you there.

We urge you to organise a wheelchair from your local chemist if you are taking your loved one out during the Christmas period. We are unable to lend out our chairs over this period as we will not have enough here for our other residents.

If you have any concerns please feel free to come and see me as my door is always open. For the best possible care we need to work together.

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

Regards, Peter Jessing

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

2 Betty W

7 Florence D

1 John S

18 Bill H

7 Gwen G

4 Jessie W

21 Bill M

7 Julie T

4 Ted C

DECEMBER 2nd - Museum in a Box Riverside 7th - Padstow Park School Children - 10am 9th - St Therese Catholic Healing Mass - 10am

23 Mounir S

9 George D

6 Marie M

25 Noella G

9 Marjorie B

7 Dorothy B

27 Patricia A

10 Barbara G

11 Margaret G

11th - Church Service - 10am

29 Karen P

10 Rita F

16 Marie H

15th - Community Volunteer Painting - Riverside 11am

31 Margaret A

11 Marjorie M 12 Diana K 16 Joseph C

9th - Family Christmas Cocktail Party - 6pm

16th - Residents Christmas Party 16th - In-House Entertainment

by Ian Blackney 16th - Riverside Entertainment

23 Vivian H

Thank You Treetops Cafe

Southhaven RAO’s would like to thank all who kindly donated books for our library which is in Treetops Café.

Activity Reviews FATHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Father’s Day is an occasion when we can make our dads feel special. It is a day where we can express all our affection towards them in many different ways. You can present them with gifts, you can cook their favourite food, conduct activities to make their day, sing songs for them, take them for an outing and many other activities. One way to make our residents feel special at Southaven Nursing Home is by celebrating that special day outside in the garden, having a barbecue hosted by our volunteer Brian, cooking sausages while chatting to each other and listening to their favourite songs. After finishing their lunch, we had a concert which completed their day and nothing is nicer than seeing the smile on their faces thanking everyone for a beautiful day.

On behalf of Southhaven Nursing Home, we would like to wish all our residents a Happy Father’s Day!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE International Day of Peace was celebrated on September 21 to bring awareness to peace. In Australia, we celebrate this day to bring attention to the importance of peace to us as individuals, in our homes and in the hearts of those who live here.

Peace is the mother of progress. Without peace, a nation cannot make any progress -“ Peace begins with a smile”! It is said a smile can light up a room, so imagine what a world of smiles can do. If every day someone does something kind for someone, it will create a world of peace and harmony.

At Southhaven Nursing Home, we celebrated this day, beginning with Father Steve who sang peace songs on the piano and our residents sang along passionately. Not to forget the beautiful happy hour we had after that where our residents enjoyed a drink and nibbles with each other.

We all spoke about the importance of this day which gave a chance for our residents to express their thoughts and how important it is to live together in peace.

And we all agreed with the saying: “ Peace is not something you wish for; it is something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away”.

Happy International Day of Peace to you all!

Activity Reviews OCTOBER - ACTIVITY OF THE MONTH World Bread Day with Turkish/Lebanese Coffee Let us face it, bread is probably the best food in the entire world!

That is why at Southhaven Nursing Home, our October activity of the month was “World bread day with Turkish/Lebanese coffee”!!

Our residents enjoyed watching and smelling the bread baking slowly in the bread maker with everyone agreeing that the only thing that can ever beat the sweet scent of a cake baking in the oven is the smell of delicious bread filling the dining room with the most heavenly smell!

Not to forget the aroma of our Turkish/Lebanese coffee that made our residents experience a different type of coffee which made their day.

Everyone had a great time eating and drinking while listening to their favourite music.

Looking forward to many more fun activities to come ☺

Resident Story - Judith Durscher

Judith was born in Sydney; the youngest daughter of Harold & Ruth Johnston.

Judith’s older sister is Marion, who along with her husband Reuben are very involved and supportive in Judith’s ongoing care and happiness.

Judith was a local girl. In her very early days, she was living in Dolls Point and attending Sans Souci Public School. Her high school years were spent at Kogarah Home Science.

Judith’s working life was one that led her to become very knowledgeable in the area of furniture/fabrics. Initially owning an antique furniture shop called “Granny’s Place” at Dolls Point with her first husband, who was a wood carver, she later went on to work with both Grace Brothers and later again David Jones in their fine furniture departments.

At David Jones, Judith worked long hours but this coupled with her in-depth knowledge of furnishings led her to become a top sales-person within her area.

Judith’s favourite sport was snow skiing and she became an excellent skier and skied at many overseas resorts including Switzerland, France, Canada, USA and New Zealand (which she used to love to do with her husband and occasionally with her nephews Martin and Craig). There are medals from many of these resorts hanging on Judith’s bedroom wall. She was also an excellent water skier and skied on a single ski.

During her early years she competed in Physical Culture and Tennis (both of which she did with Marion.)

love

1 John 3:18

Pastoral Care

Let us not with word or speech but with actions and in truth

THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS It's that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of "Merry Christmas" to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas? For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don't have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.

Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

Luke 2: 4-19 says: "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.� When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Why did He come? Why did God send His son to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He sent Jesus to us so that one day, He would grow up to become a very important part of history. His story (history) is one of truth, love, and hope. It brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins.

Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sin nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus.

Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole.

Bereavements

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

"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." I John 1:9 We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a "Merry Christmas." The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met. - By Martha Noebel

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Volunteer Corner

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude” - Cynthia Ozick We’ve had so many volunteer activities begin and new volunteers giving of their time over the spring months. Thank you to all our volunteers for their generous contributions of time and care for our residents.

Summer Volunteer Birthdays Happy Birthday to Daphne, Ros R, David Mc, Mavis, Julie, Marion, Ken G, Wendy Mc, Ruth, Irene and Helen who have birthdays over the Summer months.

Welcome We welcome the following volunteers to our Southhaven team; please make them welcome when you see them around.

Linda is assisting Carmen with activities in Treetops on Saturdays Regina is assisting our wonderful nurses in Treetops on Tuesday and Thursday mornings Mele is assisting the nursing staff in caring for our residents on Wednesdays and Fridays Stephen and Loueze are running a monthly art class on Tuesdays Helen is a very welcome addition to our team; she is assisting our RAOs and admin staff on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays Mele

Linda

Farewell Joan C. is retiring from volunteering at Southhaven after many years of visiting and brightening the lives of residents and their families. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Regina Volunteer Opportunities We always need volunteers. Our current priority is for volunteers to chat to our residents and accompany those who are more mobile on short walks around the facility. If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering at Southhaven, please get in touch.

New Location If I’m not walking around the facility talking to residents and volunteers, you can find me at the nurses’ desk on Level 3 in Riverside.

This is around to the right after you enter through the automatic door. I’m enjoying my new spacious location which is much easier for everyone to find!

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Wendy Gould on 0400 016 809 or wgould@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator Tue, Wed, Thu: 9:30am-4pm

Volunteer Corner Activity Profile - Art Session New volunteers Stephen and Loueze have already taken Riverside by storm with a themed art session for International Peace Day on 22nd September.

Stephen and Loueze have come to us with a wealth of experience in running art classes for various community groups, and in volunteering in the community.

The residents are already looking forward to the next art session on Tuesday 27th October.

Resident Service Officers When friends talk to you about the frailty of their parents or grandparents, uncles or aunts, neighbours or other loved ones, you might like to share this newsle:er with them, recommending Christadelphian Homes as a “home away from home”.

Kim Howard, Sales and Hotel Services Manager, would love to hear from you and have a chat about the various individualised needs Southhaven Aged Care can offer your loved one.

Call 1800 246 637 or email admin@chomes.com.au

Advice on Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients

By Joy Glenner

Dear family and friends; please try to understand What I am now, not think of me as I was.

I am alone, shut in, with my fears My frustration, my forgetfulness.

Forgive me if I strike out at you.

Why do I do that?

What has happened to me?

I cannot cope in this alien world.

I feel threatened, I am frightened.

Speak softly, approach slowly.

Repeat again and again what you want of me.

Those twisted tangles in my brain Have messed up my world.

Be patient, for I do love you, And I need your help and love So very, very much.

-­ Your Alzheimer’s Patient

Read, Rest & Relax!

Laughter is the best medicine

An elderly man was having hearing problems and went to see a specialist. The doctor fitted him with some hearing aids that brought his hearing back to full strength.

After a few weeks the man came back to make sure the new equipment was working properly, which it was. The hearing specialist said, “It all seems perfect. Your family should be delighted you can hear everything now.”

“Oh no,” the man responded. “I haven’t told any of them. I just sit quietly, listening carefully. I’ve changed my will four times.”

Christmas Trifle

• 4 x 85g packets strawberry jelly crystals • 2 1/2 cups boiling water • 1/2 x 800g light fruit cake, cut into 3cm cubes • 2 tablespoons brandy (optional) • 2 cups Pauls Double Thick Vanilla custard • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries • 125g fresh strawberries, hulled, sliced • 300ml thickened cream • 1 teaspoon icing sugar mixture, sifted • 50g white chocolate, grated fresh raspberries and hulled, quartered strawberries, to decorate Serves 6 Tips: You could use leftover fruit cake or pudding in this trifle and replace brandy with orange juice

1. Place jelly crystals in a heatproof bowl.

Add boiling water. Stir to dissolve crystals.

Stir in 400ml cold water. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until just starting to set (it should have a thick, syrupy consistency).

2. Arrange cake in a 13 cup-capacity serving bowl. Drizzle with brandy, if using. Spoon half the jelly over top. Top with custard. Sprinkle with raspberries and strawberries. Spoon remaining jelly over top.

Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

3. Using an electric mixer, beat cream and sugar in a bowl until soft peaks form. Fold through chocolate. Spoon mixture over trifle. Top with raspberries and strawberry quarters and grated chocolate.

Serve.

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