Chamberlain Gardens Summer Newsletter 2016

Christadelphian Aged Care 2 0 1 6 / 1 7 S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R

CHAMBERLAIN GARDENS Address: 53-67 Chamberlain Rd, Wyoming NSW 2250 Phone: (02) 4329 8000 Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message Welcome to Chamberlain Gardens Welcome to our Summer 2016-17 newsletter.

As I write this, Christmas is only a few weeks away; the Home is decorated throughout and the staff are getting into the festive spirit wearing their Christmas t-shirts.

Visitors who arrive at Reception are greeted with a display of festivity, with a beautiful nativity scene to remind people of the meaning of Christmas, accompanied by fairy lights, a glorious Christmas tree and our singing Father Christmas. The feeling when you walk through the door is one of warmth and joy.

Our residents living in the Coastal and Garden units will be having their joint Christmas lunch Wednesday, December 7 with a wonderful Christmas Menu, and of course a visit from Father Christmas. Not to be forgotten, our residents living in our Horizon Unit will be having their Festive meal on Wednesday, December 14.

Loved ones are invited to join us for our Pre-Christmas Resident and Relatives Nibbles Night to be held on Tuesday, December 20 in the Garden lounge and courtyard. I look forward immensely to meeting everyone at this wonderful time of celebration. We have three beautiful hampers that will be raffled off that night with all proceeds going to the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’, where the money raised will go towards giving the healing power of a wish to children and teenagers fighting a life-threatening medical condition this Christmas. Tickets for the raffle are available now at our Reception. This is our final fundraiser for 2016 and again we thank the generosity of residents, staff and visitors who have supported our fundraisers for Epilepsy Action Australia, Camp Breakaway, ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, Children’s Medical Research and NSW Cancer Council.

As we near the end of the year, I would like to thank our wonderful staff and volunteers for the ongoing care they provide to our residents. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and New Year season and look forward to a wonderful 2017 together.

Kind Regards, Sue Thacker

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

DECEMBER

Horizon 6 Elva Hemley 7 Elsie Beck 7 Pete Keeling 18 Niels Petersen 27 Jane Massey Garden 21 Ronald Gasnier 22 Keith Maunder 30 Edwin Williams Coastal 6 Keith Link

Horizon 11 Thelma White 16 Edith Green 19 Beverly Keenan Garden 7 Kim Field

Horizon 1 Gloria White 2 Dulcie Hubbard

3rd - Lowes “Seniors Clothing” range available for onsite purchasing at 10.30am

14 Maria Humphreys

14 Robin Behrens 15 Max Miller 8 Harry Vanderweeson 15 Dot Skinner 21 Maureen Dalziel 20 Malcom Whyatt 21 Jean D’Arth 21 Gwen Alexander Coastal 25 Nellie Wallington 22 Joan Stone 27 Shirley Leishman Garden 9 Grantly Mawhinney 2 Cecil Smethurst 24 Eve Collier 8 Annette Lynch 26 Joyce Reichel Coastal 2 Patrick Mullen 11 Kevin Duffy 15 Wendy Worthy 24 Maurice James 26 Betsy Harris 27 Joan Wilson

7th - Garden & Coastal Residents Christmas Lunch and Concert at 12pm 14th - Horizon’s Christmas Lunch and Concert Wednesday at 12pm 20th - Family and Residents Christmas Drinks & Nibbles Garden Courtyard from 5pm

JANUARY 11th - Mark Wheatley 16th - Evan Haswell 25th - Antiques Road Show (guitar and singing)

Christadelphian Aged Care

2017 Resident Movie Calendar

Residents at all our Homes and Villages recreated a favourite movie for photos that have been printed as a wall calendar.

All residents will receive a copy for Christmas.

If family or friends would like a copy, please see Reception.

Activity Reviews AUGUST The month of August started with a concert from Arthur Cromer, who filled in for our regular Suzy J, who unfortunately for us, has moved to Queensland.

Elvis visited Monday 8 August and kept the residents entertained; must say that Elvis has lost a lot of weight over the years!

Tuesday 9 was Census night and what a huge job for RAO Sharon, who filled in a form for every resident!

Mark Wheatley was here to entertain on Wednesday 17.

Mark is a paramedic, who sings and plays the guitar and likes to entertain residents on his rostered days off. Mark sings country music, and is a regular up at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Loss Bonkers is another popular group who have been coming to the facility for three years now. Loss Bonkers are a group of retired musicians who decided over a few lemonades they would like to give back to the c o m m u n i t y, a n d decided to form a band and entertain at Aged Care homes. Loss Bonkers are a big sound and were here on Wednesday 24, along with their drums, guitars and keyboard. They sing a lot of music from the ‘60s, so they often have staff and residents up and dancing.

Evan Haswell who has been coming for years and likes to sing all the Old Time Songs, was here on Monday 29 August. Evan arrives in his Hawaiian Shirts, he engages with the residents and reminisces about times gone by.

Wednesday 31, Singing Hands entertained us, who are a group of ladies who ‘sign’ along to m u s i c . Th e s e ladies are amazing, and they encourage and show the residents how to ‘sign’ along to the songs.

Activity Reviews SEPTEMBER September started with Father’s Day. All our men were given gift bags of chocolates and mixed lollies on the morning of Fathers Day. Julz was here Wednesday 7 September; she sings a medley of rock and roll and ‘old time music’ from the ‘50s and ‘60s. The residents enjoy Julz, but unfortunately she has since moved to Queensland.

Our first Men’s BBQ after the winter period had to be cancelled due to rain, and because of the number of men we have attending, we no longer have an area under cover big enough to hold everyone.

Greg Dimmock was here on Wednesday 21. Greg plays a range of different instruments including the didgeridoo. He sings Australian songs and recites poetry, and is very entertaining. Greg travels around Australia for the Education Department with his act, entertaining children and the aged in isolated areas.

The residents in each area have continued to enjoy their Fish and Chip bus outings, and now the weather is warming up, we will be having picnics and sausage sizzles to add some variety.

With the warmer weather approaching, now is a reminder to families to maybe check their loved ones wardrobes for suitable summer clothing and ensuring they have a sun hat for those sunny days.

Activity Reviews OCTOBER Saturday October 1 was ‘International Day of the Older Person’. It was also the Labor Day long weekend.

Wednesday October 5, we had a professional photographer come to the facility to take some photos of some of our residents for a 2017 calendar that the homes are putting together. The theme of the calendar is ‘Movies’ and we chose the movie Grease. We were lucky enough to be able to hire our costumes from Laycock Theatre; they had performed Grease and had all the costumes. The residents who were chosen for the shoot came from all three areas of the home. We had lots of laughs and they really got into the role and looked fabulous in their costumes. The photographer will superimpose the background, ready for publication. We look forward to seeing the calendars, which each resident will be getting as part of their Christmas present.

Black Sheep Karaoke arrived Wednesday 5. They are a lot of fun, and the residents have a good time singing with the encouragement from Black Sheep and their microphone!

Mark Wheatley returned Monday 10, and we held the concert outside garden under the pergola as it was such a beautiful morning.

Evan Haswell returned for the month, and on Wednesday 19, we had the Combined Men’s BBQ, which takes place in the Garden Courtyard. We had 27 men from all areas who enjoyed a beer in the sun while eating a BBQ cooked by the RAO’ consisting of sausages, marinated chicken, potato bake, beetroot and coleslaw. It’s nice to see the men engaging with one another and the BBQ was enjoyed by all.

Every area is now having a Movie and Ice cream afternoon. The movie is one picked by the residents, and the ice creams are in a cone, which the residents love.

Sunday 23 October was Grandparents Day here in Australia.

Tuesday 25 October we had a choir called ‘The Survivors’ come and sing for the residents.

This choir is made up of people who have survived a stroke, and one of our residents Bill Lucus was their founding member. The sound was incredible, and it was a very humbling experience for all who attended.

The Frantastics Choir entertained on Wednesday 26; they are large theatrical group who sing, use comedy and props in their act and are a big sound.

One of our residents in Horizon, Dorothy Skinner, used to be a member of the group and they were thrilled to see her in the front row.

Resident Story - George Blake George was born in Botany Bay and is one of four children, two boys and two girls. George attended Banks Meadow Primary School and then went on to attend Gardner’s Road High School, Botany. George said he didn’t like school, but did enjoy sport - playing football and cricket. George said he was quite good at sport but was very small, and this made him a target.

Upon leaving school, George completed an apprenticeship as a Tool Maker, but would help his father in his electrical business on the weekends. George decided there wasn’t going to be much money in becoming a tool maker and the fact he enjoyed electrical work on completion of his apprenticeship, George studied and completed an electrical apprenticeship. Once qualified, George worked with his father and took over the business when his father passed away. George asked his mother for his father’s records of the business after his father had died, and his mother replied ‘What records?’ - it was all in his father’s head! George said the business was a 24 hour, seven days a week business and he stayed working in this business for 50 years, retiring and folding the business at age 72.

George was married to his wife Norma for 62 years and they had two boys, Denis who lives in Gosford and son Dale, who recently passed away; he has four grandchildren and one great grandchild who live in Orange.

George and his wife lived in his parents’ house once they were married and eventually pulled down his parents old house, subdivided the land, and George and his wife built a house on one of the blocks and lived there for 85 years. George still owns this house today.

George said his neighbours home, which would have to be 100 years old, was sold recently and went for over a million dollars. George said he is amazed at the price, and can’t understand how young people can afford to buy now days. George said his street has changed a lot over the years, and where there were once family homes, there are now two/ three story apartments.

George said he had few hobbies as was always working, but did enjoy playing cricket, rugby league and tennis. George said he has had a good life; his wife looked after the children and the money while he worked. I asked George if he had had animals and George said he had had budgies years ago. He said he had one that was just beginning to talk and one day was sitting on his shoulder and fell into a pot of boiling water! so after that he decided he wouldn’t have any more pets. George and Norma travelled to Queensland a lot as he had a son living there, and they also visited Victoria.

George said he is very happy living here (he has not had the best of health, it wasn’t where he expected to be) but is being looked after well and said the staff are lovely. George said your health is worth millions.

Staff Profile - Mark Miller BUS DRIVER Just recently, we have farewelled our beloved Mark, who has been driving our bus for the past five years, to enjoy retirement.

Mark was born in Kogarah, to Gordon and Nancy Miller. He is the second eldest of five children; he has two brothers and two sisters and lived at Woolooware, near Cronulla. Mark attended Woolooware Primary School before his parents moved the family to Blacktown and Mark attended high school at Blacktown Boys High. Mark didn’t mind school, he was academically ok but come years 11 and 12, Mark struggled and spent a lot of his time wagging and playing football!

Mark’s first job was working for PGH Ceramics, which supplied bricks and ceramic tiles. Mark worked in the dispatch office, then worked as a sales rep on the road. It was during this time Mark married his wife Judy, who he had met at his church. Mark held numerous positions before moving to work for Hodder and Stoughton, book publishers. Mark and Judy moved to Tasmania for Mark’s work - he was the Hodder and Stoughton Rep for Tasmania. They lived at Lindisfarme for a couple of years and their daughter Alesha was born there in 1978.

Mark and family left Tasmania and, with the church, joined a mission group and held a position in Central Australia working with the Ernabella Community, South Australia. Mark managed a community store run by the local Aboriginal Community and his position was to train the community how to run the business, which included a deli, supermarket and clothing store, which Judy managed. His son Richard was born in Alice Springs after an emergency flight with the Flying Doctors to Alice Springs.

Not long after this, Mark and the family moved to Tonga, where Mark managed the church-owned ‘Friendly Island Bookshop’ which supplied books and stationery for all schools in Tonga. Mark lived in Tonga for 7 years and absolutely loved the people, culture and lifestyle. His youngest son David was born in Tonga in 1983. Mark said he played a lot of squash while living in Tonga with his kiwi mate and enjoyed family life on the island.

After being away for so many years, Mark and Judy decided to move back to NSW in 1985 where they bought their current house in Woy Woy and have been living there for 30 years. Mark worked in various positions, commuting to Sydney, working mostly in retail (bookshops).

Mark has always enjoyed sport; he played cricket, squash, rugby league and golf for many years and now follows the Sydney Swans and Parramatta Eels.

Mark gave up work 10 years ago to become his mothers carer, and eventually his mother became a resident here in Coastal. After the death of Mark’s mother, he worked as a volunteer at Chamberlain Gardens for a short time before the manager at the time offered Mark the bus driving position. Our previous driver left to become his parents’ carer. Mark has been driving the bus for five years and said he has loved the company of staff and residents, the fish & chip bus outings, the sausage sizzles, the bowling outings, the various trips to coffee shops, going up one way roads, the occasional bumps into poles and the many laughs.

Mark and Judy wish to travel next year with their caravan, and explore the parts of Australia they have yet to visit. Mark is the very proud grandfather of seven grandchildren, with another on the way, and is looking forward to spending time with them, going to musicals and to shows.

All the staff here at Chamberlain Gardens wish Mark a happy retirement. We hope he and Judy enjoy good health after a few anxious moments this year, and both residents and staff are going to miss you a great deal. Take care and keep in touch.

love

1 John 3:18

Pastoral Care

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

GRIEF: COPING WITH SPECIAL OCCASIONS Birthdays, Religious Celebrations, Anniversaries, Holidays You may experience an unexpected increase in your feelings of grief on special days that are important and meaningful to you and your family. For example - birthdays, anniversaries (especially the anniversary of the death), Christmas or Easter, or any other special family traditions. These feelings can also be triggered by other occasions such as hearing a meaningful song, smelling a particular perfume, or visiting places that bring back memories. It is normal to feel this heightened sense of loss with this type of reminder. It is common to wonder why you are experiencing increased feelings of loss and not understand the cause, only to realise that a significant date is approaching or has passed.

It can be useful to plan ahead for these days, realising they may be difficult.

Depending on the individual, you may like to spend the day alone or with friends and family, or keep yourself occupied in some other way. You cannot change the circumstances but you can change the way you approach these occasions.

Religious celebrations are supposed to be a joyous time and most people spend them with family. Again it will be normal to experience increased anxiety and heightened grief when anticipating the first occasion without your loved one. Be prepared for this to be a time of intense grief and sorrow, as family traditions at these times can bring painful reminders of your loss and loneliness. It is difficult to smile and pretend everything is okay when inside your heart is breaking.

It is your choice whether you wish to continue with your family traditions as they were or change things – for example: go somewhere different for your family holiday, or change the seating at the Christmas table, or open gifts at a different time. Perhaps you could start new traditions in memory of your loved one like sharing fond memories or donating to a special charity.

Difficult feelings may come and go or be mixed with happy feelings and memories too. Don’t feel you’re not coping as well as you should. It is very important to realise that you are unique and you will grieve in your own way and in your own time. There is no right or wrong way. The grief doesn’t end, but it does change and will become less intense as you adjust to a new world without your loved one.

You could: Plan what you want to do or do not want to do during the special occasion Accept that your distress is normal Do something to honour your loved one – plant a favourite tree, hang a special ornament on the Christmas tree…

Recognise that the absence of your loved one will cause pain no matter what you do. It is often a time of bittersweet memories. Sharing these reminiscences with friends and family can be helpful.

Give yourself permission to have fun and be happy in the same way as you allow yourself to mourn. Feeling happy is not a betrayal, and neither does it mean you have forgotten your loved one.

Tell people what you might find helpful. Sometimes others are unsure of how to help.

Take it slow and easy. Rest if you feel tired and don’t over commit yourself for that occasion.

By Cathy Strachan, Pastoral Care Coordinator, Casa Mia

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

Poem - Betty’s 90th Birthday This poem was supplied by a resident’s family and was written by one of their family members for Betty’s 90th birthday.

There once was a girl called Betty Whose mother’s name was Ettie She lived with her Auntie Rene And played with her sister Enid.

Betty grew up in a suburb called Campsie

Which she thought was a little bit fancy Weekends were busy, especially with sports Tennis being a big favourite in any sport.

She married a soldier whose name was Doug, Then along came Stephen her gorgeous son.

Sat 3 Dec

10.30am

Chamberlain Gardens

Golf then became her beloved game Which she even played in the rain.

A homemaker she was, as she loved to clean, Everything in its place so it could be seen And now she is turning ninety so bingo is her game

Weekly winning chocolates but they aren’t all the same.

Oops we nearly forgot as we need to be fair

To mention Betty’s immaculate hair.

So as we gather and enjoy lunch together Let’s all have some fun as we go ‘hell for leather’.

SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Mariki Nel Mariki has been at Chamberlain Gardens since May 2016. I was so excited when she came to me looking to volunteer and had also recently gained skills through her local Presbyterian church in Pastoral Care. Mariki has been helping teach English as a second language for three years through the local church and felt like broadening her volunteering to include the elderly.

Some of Mariki’s passions are card making, a variety of crafts and spending time in the garden.

Mariki found it easier to break down barriers and get to know the residents through helping run the weekly coffee shop activity. Mariki often brings in fresh flowers and greenery to decorate the coffee shop tables and then gives the posies to residents and staff. It is a beautiful gesture.

Mariki loves working at Chamberlain and it brings her happiness and fulfilment. She said she always goes home feeling great inside.

Mariki has only lived in the Gosford area for three years, after moving down from Rockhampton, where she lived for five years. Mariki loves the coastal lifestyle and has been a wonderful asset to our team at Chamberlain.

Volunteer Corner It is incredible how fast this year has flown. It seems like yesterday that it was Christmas and we are only weeks away from it again. We are looking forward to celebrating another full year of volunteering and pastoral care with a Volunteer Christmas Lunch on December 12.

I have so much to be thankful for as another successful year draws to a close. The gifts of time and presence offered by our wonderful volunteers and pastoral carers. Thank you to you all! The smiles and laughter, the tears and loss. The privilege of seeing my local community embrace the sick and elderly in our home and supporting our staff is always warming no matter the season.

The seasons in which we find ourselves throughout each year comprise far more than the changing months and temperatures. Sometimes our situations and circumstances and the emotions surrounding them often puzzle us but I believe it does not bewilder God. He is watching over us and he reassures us in Romans 8:8; “Whatever we may go through now is less than nothing compared to the magnificent future God has planned for us.�

We will be having our final Family and Carers support group for 2016 on Wednesday December 14 in the end lounge room in Horizon. All family and friends of residents are welcome to attend and if you have any special requests for topics or information sharing, that can be arranged as well. Our group is very friendly and informal. It is made up of family and friends of residents who have come together and enjoy the support and ability to bounce ideas off of other people in a similar situation. We have a cuppa and chat in a round table discussion. I am very grateful for the families who attend as it not only helps them but it assists me in my care of their loved one as we share together the changing needs of each resident. This group will continue to run on the second Wednesday of each month, starting in February 2017. All welcome!

Our resident Bible and Prayer group held on a Monday and Thursday morning has been well attended again this year. We have been reading from both the Old and New Testament as well as having a devotional reading and discussion and some songs, hymns and prayers each time. This is an activity which is highly valued by the residents who attend and they have formed some lasting friendships with one another and also reach out to others through the strength gained in our group time.

Just a reminder that Pastoral Care is available here in our facility. If you or your loved one would like confidential spiritual or emotional support, please let staff know you would like to speak to a pastoral carer or contact me directly.

Wishing you all a Splendid Christmas season filled with Gods richest blessings of family, friends and love.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, 
 please do not hesitate to contact me: Liz McKay on 0435 785 244 or lmckay@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Read, Rest & Relax!

CHRISTMAS POEM Take a heap of child-like wonder That opens up our eyes To the unexpected gifts in life Each day a sweet surprise Mix in fond appreciation For the people whom we know; Like festive Christmas candles, Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter, A dash of Christmas food, (Amazing how a piece of pie Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness; Wrap it up in love and peace, Decorate with optimism, and Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe, We know we will remember To be in the Christmas spirit Even when it’s not December.

Written by Joanna Fuch

Chocolate Snowballs • 200g dark chocolate, chopped • 100g unsalted butter, chopped • 3/4 cup (165g) caster sugar • 3 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 1/2 cups (225g) plain flour • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1 cup (150g) icing sugar 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Place the dark chocolate and chopped butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water over low heat (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water).

Stir mixture until melted and smooth, then remove the bowl from the heat and stand for five minutes to cool.

3. Using a wooden spoon, stir caster sugar into chocolate until dissolved. Gradually add eggs, stirring until well combined. Add vanilla, flour, cocoa and baking powder and mix until a smooth dough. Cover and chill for no more than 30 minutes to firm.

4. Use hands to roll two level tablespoons of the dough into a ball. Repeat until you have 14 balls. Sift the icing sugar into a dish, then dip each ball into the dish and dust heavily in icing sugar and place on the prepared trays about 2cm apart. Bake the snowballs for 10-12 mins until firm to the touch. Cool on the trays.

Makes 14

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