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
RIDGEVIEW
Address: 95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527
Phone: (02) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Manager’s Message Welcome to Ridgeview
Hello to all! We have had a very windy and wet winter here at Ridgeview, but you wouldn’t know, as we have enjoyed so many events and activities and we have extended our Wellness Program to include a Wellness Spa, providing relaxation services to our residents. We have implemented buffet breakfasts and lunches for the residents in Sapphire, with some residents from Amethyst also attending. This has provided the residents with a variety of hot breakfast items, with crumpets being the favourite. Residents are not only able to have more choice with meals, including cereals, juices, and fruits but they are also improving their mobility and maintaining their independence while getting their meals. Breakfast and lunch has become a very social time, with residents interacting, taking their time to enjoy their leisurely breakfast and assisting their fellow residents. It is a lovely experience for the residents and the staff. As we move into the warmer months, the preparations for Christmas are lifting everyone’s spirits and residents in the Adult Day Program are currently making the most creative decorations yet, which families and carers will be able to view at our Christmas Party arranged for December 16. Residents and their families will be receiving invitations to this lovely event and I am told that the Kitchen and the Resident Activities Officers are looking at topping the Winter Wonderland event held earlier this year. Please look out for your invitations as we all look forward to sharing this lovely occasion. continued over page
Manager’s Message cont We have recently developed an events committee at the Home. The events committee is attended by any residents who would like to bring their skills, knowledge and ideas to the management team to ensure that we are meeting the wishes of the residents. These meetings are held every second and fourth Friday of the month in the Private Dining room in Sapphire at 2:30pm; we are happy to have relatives and loved ones also attend this. The Adult Day program is gaining momentum and residents enjoy attending the program and participate in the many activities available, including cooking, watching movies and crafts. We sadly farewell our Care Manager and are in the process of recruiting for this role. Please be assured that the care needs of the resident are our highest priority and we encourage you to discuss any issues or concerns with us. Please feel free to take one of my business cards from the front entrance should you wish to contact me regarding an issue. We have received some fabulous feedback this year and some very innovative suggestions to improve the site. Feedback provides us with guidance on how we can improve the experience for our residents and their loved ones, so we encourage feedback. Feedback forms are available at the front entrance to the facility on the left hand side where you sign in and out. We are excited as the year draws to a close about what the future holds for us in 2017. Kind Regards, Michelle Murphy
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
4 Bozna
4 Russell
2 Derrick
4 Rosemary
7 Maria
3 Lucie
7 Ella
9 Anthony
5 Stoja
10 Jean
9 George
5 Eloi
11 Jose
9 Stella
14 Vicki
12 Patricia
9 Eileen
18 William
17 Helen
11 Jose
19 Paul
19 Hana
14 Dulcie
23 Maria
19 Corrie
16 Noreen
25 Sibella
28 Maxwell
20 Anna
28 Barbara
31 Bernardo
22 Stefan
29 Marie
24 Irene
UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER 2nd - Silver Bell Tappers 8th - Ainslee Collection are coming at 2pm with wonderful scarves and jewellery you can purchase. 14th - Chrise’s Karaoke 15th - Bunnings Workshop onsite 16th - Resident’s Christmas Party Sways & Choral society to perform
Activity Reviews AMETHYST Hello from Amethyst! Amethyst residents have been busy enjoying the spring weather by reclining outside in the fresh air. Activities enjoyed while outside include craft for upcoming events (e.g. Poppies for Remembrance Day, Melbourne Cup hats etc.), newspaper reading, staying abreast of current events and reminiscing. The Amethyst garden bed is now flourishing and our resident Chicca is maintaining our roses well. Thanks, from Jean (RAO Amethyst)
SUNSHINE Hello from Sunshine! In Sunshine, beauty now happens daily and residents are enjoying being fussed over, having hairstyles created and make up attended. The chore program is giving our residents purpose. Music Therapy is on every Monday, with residents using all types of instruments to express themselves; this has had a wonderful calming effect. Happy Hour now happens every Friday afternoon at 2pm. Resident favourites are the cocktails that Stacey creates for them, and also the nibbles they enjoy while watching a movie. Thanks, from Stacey (RAO Sunshine)
SAPPHIRE Residents have had a busy couple of months. Pink Ribbon Day was a great success and afternoon tea was amazing. Thanks to everyone wh o s u p p o r t e d t h i s wo r t hy c a u s e . Melbourne Cup was enjoyed with some novel hats and plenty of bubbles.
Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE CONTIUNED Residents are now able to book a spa treatment, with the recent introduction of the Wellness Spa. Kate (RN) and I are taking appointments for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for therapeutic massage and hand and foot spas. The spa experience is proving very popular and appointments book up fast, so please see your RN, Kate or Vikki to book. All of our regular activities, bingo, choir, knitting, cards, discussion groups and craft, are still well attended. Tai Chi has returned, due to popular demand, on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. It’s good to see some new faces as well as some old ones in the group. It is 30 mins of deep breathing and gentle movement - please come along gentlemen, don’t be scared!
We are looking forward to the Christmas season with some festive activities planned. Christmas trees and decorations will soon be up. After lunch, movie time has become popular with the theme changing weekly. So far, Western Week has been most popular. If any families have a hoard of green enviro bags (Woollies) not being used, donation of these would be appreciated as I have a pet project they can be used for. Happy Hour happens every Friday in Sapphire at 2pm, with a cold drink, nibbles and lovely music. Thanks everyone for your ongoing support and help, Vikki (RAO Sapphire)
Activity Reviews ADULT DAY PROGRAM The Adult Day Program is running well and we now have Ladies Club on Monday, Tuesday is our Garden Club, with our wonderful volunteer, Bill, and Thursday is Men’s Club. Residents are enjoying lots of different activities in this program, including fine dining. The Adult Day Program operates Monday to Friday. Please let me know if your family member would like to attend. Thanks from Kim (Lifestyle Team Leader)
LIFESTYLE TEAM Hi from Kim! We have had a wonderful three months, with lots of great events to look forward to in the next three months with you. Please don’t hesitate to approach any of the Lifestyle team with ideas we love making things happen that our residents enjoy. Thanks from Kim (Lifestyle Team Leader Coordinator)
Mother & Daughter High Tea and Fashion Parade We held our very first Mother and Daughter High Tea and Fashion Parade this month. It was a full house as residents, families and volunteers enjoyed the beautiful fashions from Golden Girls Fashions. Vikki, Jean, Carol (volunteer), Rhonda (volunteer) and special guest Michelle (Facility Manager) were our lovely models for the day. Our wonderful kitchen staff prepared an array of delicious treats for our High Tea. This was another successful event that allowed residents and families to go clothes shopping, purchase items that were modelled plus many more in the Golden Girls range.
Resident Story - Elizabeth Craft Elizabeth Craft was born in 1936, at the then Strathmores Maternity Hospital in Wollongong. Elizabeth had one brother and grew up in Gwynneville (Wollongong). Elizabeth attended St Mary’s College and completed her Intermediate Certificate. After leaving school, she commenced working at the Silky Knit Factory, making ladies underwear. The pay wasn’t that good at £3.10 a week ($7.10 today). Elizabeth later went on to work at the Steelworks. “It wasn’t all that exciting, but the pay was better at £25 a week ($50 today)”, she said. Elizabeth met and fell in love with William John Craft (also a former Ridgeview resident). They later married in 1963 at Our Lady of the Fatima Catholic Church in Wagga, and afterwards built and set up their first home at Mt Warrigal. Elizabeth and Bill had one child, Chris, in 1967. They owned a caravan down the coast at Dolphins Point where they would enjoy many family holidays. Elizabeth has fond memories of her son Chris on a windsurfer with their little Sydney Silky (Whisky) who used to ride the windsurfer with Chris. Elizabeth learnt to do flower arranging by florist, Joy Cole. Once qualified, she kept busy making wedding bouquets and flower arrangements every Tuesday for Warilla Bowling Club and other big events. Elizabeth also kept busy with a number of volunteer positions such as Shellharbour Hospital Auxiliary as a Pink Lady (20 years); carer for Heart Support Australia; Shellharbour View Club (40 years); BHP Retirees Assistant Treasurer with husband Bill, and also at Stella Maris Catholic School library covering books and helping the nuns get the school library up and running. Elizabeth remembers a funny story when her son Chris was growing up. Chris used to tell the kids across the road that his Mum was a witch (because she had a bump on her nose). One day, she was out the front yard sweeping and the kids across the road saw her with a broom, screamed and ran inside - obviously believing she was a witch after all. “I really enjoy being at Ridgeview, meeting and talking to new people, going to concerts and special events, crocheting at Knit n Natter and having a relaxing massage in the Tranquility Spa!”
Staff Profile - Stacey Gough Hi! My name is Stacey. I have three children and grew up in Toowoomba. I was born in Wollongong, then when I was nine, we moved to Toowoomba and at the age of 25, I returned to the Wollongong area. I enjoy spending time with my children and friends. I am the newest member to the RAO team working in dementia specifically. I really love giving residents purpose and enjoyment. Please pop in and say ‘hi’ - I am in the Sunshine area Monday to Friday.
Activity Assistant Program We welcome Phoebe, Kaitlyn and Lara to Ridgeview as part of the Activity Assistant Program. During November to January, the girls will be assisting with activities and events run by the Leisure and 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.
Tranquility Spa The Tranquility Spa opened at Ridgeview this month, offering residents a dedicated space for relaxing indulgences. Treatments include hand and foot massages, spa treatments to rejuvenate hands and feet and nail care. Residents can also be pampered with therapeutic and aromatherapy massage, providing a relaxing treatment to a specific area or as a whole body experience. All spa treatments are free to residents and can be personalised to suit individual needs. Those who have visited the Tranquility Spa are booking again before they leave - so it must be a positive! Many comments from clients reflect the benefits of being pampered - such as a good night’s sleep, reduced pain and tension, as well as the mental relaxation a session can offer. Treatments are offered in the seclusion of the Day Spa with aromatherapies, beautiful music and total escape from the hustle of our busy facility. Appointments are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Those residents who have already experienced the spa are booking their next appointment before they leave, to ensure availability. Other residents interested in indulging in one of our treatments can book an appointment through Kate or Vikki, Monday to Friday.
Ridgeview Physiotherapy WELL FOR LIFE - A HEALTHY APPROACH TO AGEING At Ridgeview, we are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and the more physically active and connected with others you are, the better you can feel regardless of age, even if you have some health issues. Physiotherapy is an important component of care in residential aged care. It is widely acknowledged that adequate levels of physiotherapy can help older Australians improve or maintain optimal function, health and well-being. The Physiotherapy Team Ridgeview Physiotherapist - Abdul Chatila Registered Nurse - Kate Thomas Ground floor Physio Aides - Sheree and Judy First Floor Physio Aide - Emma Our main goal is to support all residents at Ridgeview to promote and maintain quality of life. Fitness levels and physical ability vary from person to person. You become less fit if you Residents have not been active for a while, or if you have health problems or have been unwell. Start Physio Care slowly and build up gradually. It’s important to Physio do regular exercise to maintain fitness, strength aide team and balance. Even a few days of not being active can lead to some physical decline, especially in older people. Doing some activity is better than doing none. Finding the right activity for you Ridgeview has a range of activities such as group life exercises, Tai Chi, walking groups, day program seated exercises each week that residents can participate in to promote Strength Balance Flexibility and General wellbeing. You can still be active, even if your mobility is limited or impaired due to arthritis or other health conditions. Chair-based exercise, assisted walking and standing may be good options for you. Physiotherapy Assessment • Assessment conducted by Physiotherapist • Referrals can be made directly to Physio or Registered Nurse Care Needs • Physiotherapist will produce a plan to address requirements Services • Depending on the request or condition one of the physiotherapy team members will address
WWII Veteran Remembers the Trauma of War Ann Higginbottom served in the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) which was the women’s branch of the British Army during the World War II. Ann was just 20 years old when she joined the army and served for almost two years before leaving for family reasons when she married. Ann’s duty was as a driver during her service. She would drive the ambulance to London and pick up the bodies and wounded. Ann would also drive the trucks during the blitzes (bombings) in the darkness of night, with no lights on! It was during this time that she witnessed the death of her best friend, whose truck was bombed in front of her. Her favourite duty was to drive the ‘well to do’ (even Churchill) and high ranking officers to functions, including driving to Buckingham Palace. She loved this time and used to tell some great stories. Ann married Albert Higginbottom, who served in the English Navy during the war. They had known each other up until the age of five, when Ann moved and grew up in London, never to see Albert again. However, one day on the train coming back from leave, they met once again, got chatting and fell in love. The couple set a date for their wedding, but Albert went missing in action and didn’t turn up for the ceremony. He later was found and came home for Christmas. There was no risking it a second time, so they quickly got married on Christmas Day, 1945. Ann remembers her time in the army as hard, seeing terrible things that have stayed with her to this day. She has always struggled with the trauma of those events. Today, at 93 years old, we are blessed to have such a wonderful woman with us at Ridgeview. Every year, Ann performs the duty of laying the wreath for our Anzac and Remembrance Day services. During this ritual, you see the emotion and hardship she endured in her eyes and cannot help but be moved. Despite a hard life, Ann is always bright, happy and loves to have a dance. Ann has always been fit and on the go due to a very busy live. A fine lady and truly beautiful veteran.
Catering When residents enter Sapphire dining room, they can now choose to have their meals brought to their table or go up to the buffet and choose their meals themselves. Buffet breakfast began in September and has been wildly successful among residents who love having more choice over what goes on their plates. It's been so popular, that we now provide a buffet lunch as well, and may extend it to dinner in the future. Physiotherapy assistants are on hand to help the residents who want to come up and serve themselves, and the staff have found the new sense of independence is translating into other areas of the residents' lives. This new way of self service is helping residents maintain their capabilities. Skills that had previously been lost, such as serving themselves and preparing what they want on their plate, they are actually getting back and enjoying the experience.
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.
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.
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.
Volunteer Corner As we come to the end of 2016, I would like to take this opportunity to say “THANK YOU” to our team of volunteers at Ridgeview. On behalf of Christadelphian Aged Care management, staff, families and residents… THANK YOU. Whether it is an hour here and there or many hours a week, together we make a BIG difference at Ridgeview. Your willingness, enthusiasm, smiles, encouragement, support and assistance is greatly valued and appreciated. If you are interest in joining the Volunteer Team at Ridgeview, please contact Michelle Chate (Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator) directly on 4235 7612. Gardening Group Residents are sharing gardening tips and helping plant flowers and herbs during a new program at Ridgeview Aged Care. Bill is a volunteer at Ridgeview who runs the gardening group as part of the new Adult Day Program for residents and family members who wish to enjoy the great outdoors, potter around and soak up the sunshine. The gardening group met together for the first time last week, where they planted some seedlings of basil, coloured flowers, carrots and coriander. This week, the residents and families saw the seedlings starting to sprout and grow. Bill is also growing some cherry tomatoes and showed residents how to care for them and stake them as they grow - and next week he will be bringing in black tomatoes! The group also planted cuttings of geraniums, succulents and orchids and Bill shared the secrets of successfully propagating cuttings - dipping them in honey before planting them. Residents reminisced about the gardens they used to grow, their favourite plants and some of their tips to successful gardening. One-on-One visits for the Elderly Volunteers Kay and Jane have commenced one-on-one visits, with selected residents, throughout the Home. Recreation therapists often use one-on-one visits to respond to the needs of those who avoid social settings. One-on-one visits provide caregivers and volunteers with the opportunity to develop rapport and trust with individuals, which is so important in residential care settings. Residents are enjoying this special time to be engaged in a variety of social interaction such as reading aloud, playing games, enjoying trivia, looking through photo albums, storytelling, magazines/books of interest or enjoying a coffee, fresh air and chat. This is a very important part of day to day life within our Home and allows our residents to have not only social contact, but connections to the wider community.
Volunteer Corner Monthly Devotional Services Each month we hold a Devotional Service run by our volunteer Peter. These services are suitable for any denomination where we come together to read and reflect on God’s Word and sing hymns. These services have been very popular with residents enjoying a simple Bible message, music and coming together in fellowship. We hold our Devotional Services once a month on a Tuesday morning commencing at 10.30am in the Sapphire Chapel. All welcome. Resident Clothes Labelling Many thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers who are labelling resident clothing which is significantly reducing the amount of lost property. This service is FREE OF CHARGE and available to all residents. If you have NEW or EXISTING clothing that requires labelling: 1. Place in a bag clearly labelled with name and room number 2. Give to Di at Reception who will pass this on to Michelle Chate Clothing is labelled every WEDNESDAY and will be returned to your room. If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me: Michelle Chate on 4235 7612 or mchate@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER - Maureen Buchanan My name is Maureen Buchanan. I have four adult children – two boys and two girls who all live in the Illawarra. I am a grandmother of nine beautiful grandchildren; five boys and four girls and love spending time with my family. I also enjoy writing articles for an overseas company. My voluntary work is also an important part of my life including working as a Pastoral Care Volunteer at Ridgeview. The staff and residents are wonderful people and I feel appreciated and supported every time I visit. My faith is an important part of who I am, as is my Church community. When I visit you at Ridgeview, I see you as a unique person with a unique history and enjoy spending time listening to you.
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.