Ridgeview 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

RIDGEVIEW Address: 95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527

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Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message

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Welcome to Ridgeview

I have recently joined the Christadelphian Aged Care group as the facility manager at Ridgeview Aged Care and have over 15 years in management both in the public and private sector.

I come to Ridgeview from the Public Hospital system and was, most recently, the Deputy Director of Nursing and Director of Nursing at both Shellharbour and Port Kembla Hospitals overseeing the provision of Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Services.

I am excited to be given the opportunity to work in Aged Care and I am reviewing our current practices and procedures to ensure that Ridgeview is seen as a leader in the provision of Aged Care.

Regards, Michelle Murphy

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

2 Patrick I

3 Joseph S

3 Lucie D

4 Bozna T

4 Russell B

5 Stoja Z

11 Jose V

9 George B

14 Vicki P

12 Patricia L

9 Stella W

18 William G

12 Winfred B

9 Eileen A

19 Paul D

14 Velika I

11 Joze L

19 Ann H

17 Helen C

11 Alice G

22 Raymond R

19 Corrie DeM

13 Peter F

23 Maria M

19 Hana S

14 Dulcie T

25 Sibella M

23 Betty F

16 Noreen J

28 Barbara J

23 Maria K

20 Anna S

24 Dennis C

22 Stefan M

28 Maxwell F

24 Irene B

DECEMBER 1st - Mt Terry Junior School Choir (Sapphire) 5th - Christmas Carols (Sapphire) 7th - Suzie J Christmas Special (Sunshine) 16th - Resident Christmas Party with Keith Murphy & visit from Santa 18th - Family Day 11am-2pm

31 Bernardo H

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”.

Karlene Hlis, RSO, would love to hear from you and have a chat about the various individualised needs Ridgeview Aged Care can offer your loved one.

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

Leisure & Lifestyle Program Ridgeview is currently reviewing the provision of Leisure and Lifestyle programs at the site.

We are currently involved in a Leisure and Lifestyle project with the aim to unify and strengthen the leisure and lifestyle’s documentation, programs and staff with focus on the Consumer Directed Care and Best Practice philosophies.

To ensure the success of this project, we have recently recruited a Diversional Therapist and Occupational Therapist to assist with developing programs to improve the care and lifestyle for the residents at Ridgeview.

We have commenced works on our outdoor garden for our Sunshine residents with the commissioning of a local artist to paint a country scene, which will become an activity wall. There are plans in place to also develop the garden area to ensure that we have an appropriate Dementia specific area for our clients.

We were fortunate recently to have a proposal put forward by Wayne, one of our Volunteers, to increase the outings for residents for the site with visits to Bunnings and other outings catering to the needs of our residents. The Resident Activities Officers accompanied some of the residents recently to the Christmas Shop to do some early Christmas shopping.

Along with the plans for the commencement of the Café as discussed in the last newsletter, we are planning on engaging some of our gifted Volunteers in cooking treats and sweets. Michelle, our Volunteer Coordinator, will be visiting Port Kembla Hospital to meet with their Volunteer Coordinator to talk about the Volunteer program they have in place, which is along similar lines to the services we would like to provide.

WELLNESS A staff survey was conducted recently to look at how we as managers can better support the staff. Staff have advised that they feel that there should be more celebration and recognition of staff members who go that extra mile.

We have implemented the STAR award at Ridgeview, which is a ‘Staff Thank you and Recognition Award’ awarded to our hardworking employees who are identified by their colleagues as going above and beyond.

We have also implemented a massage service for the staff on a Friday and staff can book in to get a massage at the site.

To ensure the wellness of our residents, the occupational therapist and the Leisure and Lifestyle team have been conducting numerous activities, including individual massage, Yoga and Tai Chi. We are looking at increasing the number of wellness activities for both our residents and staff over the coming months.

HESTA AWARDS Each year HESTA offer awards for staff that are outstanding, work diligently and have made a significant individual difference to our residents in their line of duty. This year, Jennifer Arkwright the previous Facility Manager nominated Kristen Kehagias.

We are very pleased to announce that Kristen received an award in Individual Distinction.

Activity Reviews AMETHYST Amethyst residents have been enjoying the bird shows, concerts, sing-a-longs and scenic bus trips.

During the month of October, some of the gentlemen participated in a wonderful and very informative morning at the HARS Air Museum at Albion Park Rail.

We have also started a regular exercise program which also includes Tai Chi on a Tuesday the program incorporates active exercises and gentle stretching. We also have included an outdoor therapy session which includes gentle hand massage relaxing music, reading and current affairs.

With the warmer weather we have been experiencing lately, we have been spending more time outdoors, doing some of our activities and exercises, enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and admiring the beautiful gardens areas.

Best wishes from Jean xxxx

Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE We have been very busy for the past three months with concerts, bus trips and luncheons. 
 The Ridgeview residents are now enjoying a 2nd monthly shopping trip. We had fun enjoying table ten pin bowling, golf chipping and carpet bowls in Sapphire. Also, each morning we have enjoyed table games followed by craft and reminiscence activities, sing-alongs are very popular.

In addition, we now celebrate Cultural Day every month with food, music, presentations and after a bus trip luncheon to match our cultural day. So far we have celebrated Africa, France, Germany and coming soon is Scotland.

It’s been a great joy spending the last 3 months with you all and look forward to many more. If you have any ideas for lunch trips activities, please let Kim know.

Merry Christmas, Love Kim xxxx

Activity Reviews SUNSHINE Sunshine has been busy this past 3 months with many of our art projects displayed around the ward. We are having regular table games with the assistance of 2 volunteers helping out a couple of times a week. With this popular activity, the afternoon program is underway and proving successful, especially for our enthusiastic wanderers. Aromatherapy foot and hand massage is now a regular part of this program. Music has become a very big part of our day and being incorporated in other activities, such as exercise and reminiscence. Old time sing-along is always a favourite with Sunshine residents. Residents are enjoying more time outside for garden walks morning teas and newspaper reading. Sunshine is having a regular monthly bus trip for scenic drives and ice creams. Christmas festivities are underway and a big thank you to those families who have donated numerous magazines and Christmas music.

Best wishes for Christmas, Vikki xxxx

Resident Story - Ruth Tootell My name is Ruth and I am 92 years of age and live at Ridgeview in Albion Park, where I love all the girls and guys who help me out. I enjoy playing Bingo and having a chat with Anne, Naney and Cornie who sit with me at my table.

I was the youngest child of 8. My father died when I was born, so I was raised by my mother on her own. She used to work hard to keep a roof over our heads. My brothers and sisters practically raised me. They worked in the cotton mill and were gone from 6am till 6pm and left me on my own so I brought myself up (I didn’t do a bad job at all did I?) I lived in Farmworth near Bolton Lancs in England and this is also where I met my husband. I was 16 when we first met and we married at 19 and had my first son Graham, followed by my daughter Val and followed by my youngest son Andrew.

We came over to Australia after my daughter had moved over to Australia and had my first grandchild. We moved to Wollongong where I used to play bowls for Wollongong City and I was the President. Wollongong City bowls then closed so we went to Figtree bowls; my husband and son Graham played bowls also. In the same year, all 3 of us won the ‘Pairs’ and the very first coloured photo taken for the Illawarra Mercury. I love showing off my photo to friends and family.

Ruth has a fond memory where she recalls: ‘my mother gave me a penny to buy chips for dinner but instead I kept it and went dancing at night’

POEM

Christmas is a coming, The goose is getting fat Won’t you put a nickel In the old man’s hat If you haven’t got a nickel Then a penny will do If you haven’t got a penny, Then God bless you supplied by Resident Ken Cox who used to say this when he was a little boy

HATS FOR RESIDENTS Reminder for families – as Summer approaches and residents enjoy the sunny weather, please provide your family member with a wide brimmed hat.

LOST PROPERTY A lost property box will now be located at Reception. Please see Diane (Receptionist) if you are your family member has lost items.

Staff Profile - Karen Fleming Karen joined Ridgeview Albion Park in August this year as the Care Manager.

With a nursing career spanning over 30 years, the last 17 years have been dedicated to elderly care including Palliative.

Karen brings an innovative approach to care and although her skill set is vast, her greatest expertise lies in the person-centred approach and feels privileged to be a part of the residents journey. Karen’s approach in getting to know the residents as a person (beyond diagnosis) and ensuring that the older person and their carer’s are involved in the day to day decision making, provides care that is responsive and individualised.

Karen has studied complimentary therapies and likes to combine these where possible with her clinical nursing. Many residents in Karen’s care have slept more soundly thanks to the lavender sachets tucked under their pillows.

Karen is dedicated to assuring positive resident experience, as well as working with staff to improve quality, safety and service. Her focus on all aspects of the residents experience drives her towards excellence in care.

Karen is looking forward to continuing the work within the great Ridgeview team and her long term career plan is to continue learning and provide the best possible care to the elderly.

While Karen’s main passion is nursing, on her days off she is an avid reader and you will probably find her curled up with a nose in a book or taking strolls along the many local beaches.

Grandparents: in the eyes of 8 year olds Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people’s.

A grandfather is a man and a grandmother is a lady!

Grandparents don’t have to do anything except be there when we come to see them… they are so old they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the colour of the flowers and also why we shouldn’t step on “cracks”.

They don’t say “hurry up”.

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don’t have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like “why isn’t God married?” and “how come dogs chase cats?”

When they read to us, they don’t skip. They don’t mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don’t have television, because they are the only grown ups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack time before bedtime and they say prayers with us every time and kiss us even when we’ve acted bad.

Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good things, but I don’t get to see him enough to get as smart as him!

It’s funny when they bend over; you hear gas leaks and they blame the dog.

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 Christmas time 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 welcome Lisa, Kylie, Sally, Sue, Patricia, Muriel, Christine, John and Cheryl to the Volunteer Team at Ridgeview. It is fantastic to see our Volunteer program continually grow and thrive, bringing a variety of different activities and services for our residents and families.

Personalised clothing labels for residents – we have purchased a professional labelling machine to label residents clothing, reducing the amount of 'lost property' and unlabelled clothing going to the laundry.

A group of volunteers will be handling labelling residents clothing. All new residents will receive 20 FREE labels. Labels will be charged at $20 for 50 labels. Please see 20 complimentary name labels Reception to order your personalised labels. for all NEW residents on day of admission 50 labels $20 Family Day - we are very excited to hold a * Personalised labels * No more lost clothing Family Day at Ridgeview on Saturday 12th December between 11am and 2pm. There will be a number of activities including: sausage sizzle, cake and craft stalls, face painting, photo booth, visit from Santa, live entertainment from the Baringa Youth Band. There will also be the GRAND OPENING of the new Sunshine outdoor area at 12pm by Ross Peden (Chief Executive Office) and Matthew Lamey (General Manager). This will be a great day for residents, families and visitors and we thank our dedicated team of volunteers who will be running stalls and assisting staff throughout the day. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Bus Outings – on behalf of the Staff and Residents at Ridgeview, I would like to thank our dedicated bus driver Wayne for our weekly bus trips. Residents have been enjoying a variety of outings including DIY workshop at Bunnings, shopping trips, Christmas Shop, HARS airport, scenic tours, German Club Kembla Grange, Warilla Sporties and coffee shops.

C h r i s t m a s E ve n t s - O n Monday 7th, Wednesday 9th and Friday 11th December we have planned our annual Christmas Lights Tours for Amethyst, Sunshine and Sapphire. We will also be attending a Christmas Nativity Concert and morning tea by the children at St Columba Preschool at Figtree.

Volunteer Corner Knit n Natter is held every Tuesday at 11am in Sapphire. Residents are knitting squares to make rugs for Wrapped with Love. Donations of 8ply (only) wool is greatly appreciated. Thank you to our families who have already been generously donating wool for our busy knitters. Any residents who would like to join the knitting group please see RAO staff Sunny, Kim, Vikki or Jean.

Activity Assistant Program – during December and January we will have some extra helping hands to assist with activities run by the Leisure & Lifestyle team. The Activity Assistant Program is offered to Christadelphian young people between 16-25 years who may be interested in a career in Aged Care.

Oak Flats Year 9 students – throughout 2015 we have been very fortunate to partner with Oak Flats High School in obtaining a group of Year 9 students.

Theses bright and bubbly students have been volunteering one day every fortnight. I would like to thank Alysha, Tenae, Semira and Rachael for their dedication each fortnight and being so incredibly helpful with a variety of tasks. You will be greatly missed and wish you all the best as you commence Year 10 next year. Please come and visit us again soon.

Volunteer Profile SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER Kathryn Vella My name is Kathryn Vella and I Volunteer on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I am interactive with residents and enjoy playing activities and also going on Bus Trip outings with them. I am getting lots of experience working closely with the residents and hopefully in the near future, I would love to be employed at Ridgeview.

I have been living in Albion Park for the past 19 years, married with three boys. My husband Robert is a tow truck driver for Quickhitch Towing, a company that works very long hours. In his spare time, he loves going fishing on his boat and he is also a Scout Leader for the Albion Park Scout Group. My son Mathew is 19 years old and works for Flagstaff (disability employment). He is involved in Scouts for Albion Park. My second son, Justin is 15 years old. He is in Year 9 at Albion Park High School and is involved in Scouting but will be sadly leaving Scouts at the end of this year to go to Navy Cadets next year.

Finally, there is Nicholas who is 8 years old and also is involved with Scouts.

I am involved with the Scout Committee, helping with the Scouts on camps and cooking duties. I enjoy outdoor activities, cooking, gym workout and I love interacting with the residents playing games, etc.

I have recently completed Cert III in Employment and Training and Cert II Work Vocational Introduction to Aged Care at Shellharbour Tafe.

Next year I will go back to Tafe to complete Cert III in Aged Care.

Being a part of the Volunteer team at Ridgeview and meeting so many different residents is very rewarding and gives me so much pleasure to be part of the Community.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Michelle Bonner on 0434 421 617 or mbonner@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

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.