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Christadelphian Aged Care W I N T E R N E W S L E T T E R
MARANATHA !
Address: 1582 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503
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Phone: (07) 3482 5333
Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Managers Message
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Welcome to Maranatha
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. nnn
Gal 5:22-23
Almost half of 2014 has passed, days are drawing in and extra blankets are being put on beds. Time has tiptoed by so softly that its passage has been almost unnoticed and all at once we find ourselves on the brink of winter. Here in Queensland we welcome winter as a season of kinder weather. Days are sunny, skies are blue and nights are cool and clear. Rugging up in warmer clothes is more of a pleasure than a necessity and we look for opportunities to enjoy warming our hands around mugs of hot, hearty soup and toasting our toes in front of open fires. We know that summer with its long steamy days is crouching just over the horizon, ready to pounce and settle itself over us again, always returning before we really expect it. In this day and age those of us who work or live mostly indoors are able to modify our environment so effectively (air conditioning in hot weather and heating in cold) that seasonal changes become something of novelty for us. The impact of seasonal change is blunted by technology, the presence that pervades every aspect of our 21st century lives. Science has made astounding gains in making our lives more and more physically comfortable, cosy and connected but I am sure that these benefits technology brings have come at a price. When I look at the people who live at Maranatha, people who lived most of their adult lives without all the benefits technology brings, I see reflections of the wide Australian skies in their eyes, the sun and the sea in the lines and creases on their faces; I see a world of hot, sultry days in their tanned complexions and in the contours of their hands lie stories of riding horses and running barefoot, mastering skills and making do. Their world has been imprinted upon them. I wonder what we will see when we look at the generation who are embarking on adulthood now? Rather than the glories of God’s creation will their eyes reflect the cold light of a small screen? Will they display the pallor of an indoor life? And will their hands be smooth and bland from an over protected and cossetted existence? Life is an adventure and each day is unique. We should embrace it directly – get outdoors and get amongst it! Build experiences and memories, then when age takes it toll and our world narrows, sometimes to the dimensions of a room, we can travel the paths of our mind to long ago days. Through the minds eye we can see the dancing shadows of a bonfire, feel the winter sun on our skin, enjoy once again the changing seasons and know, with pleasure, that we are an essential part of this wonderful creation. Kind Regards, Kathy Hallmark
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” - Philippians 2:4
Message from our CEO I would like to thank the residents of Southhaven Hostel, Casa Mia and Maranatha for their patience and understanding as the renovations at those sites continue. Whilst our staff do as much as they can to minimise the disruption to our residents, inevitably, given the scale of the refurbishment being undertaken, residents may become unsettled. Please speak to the facility manager if you have any particular concerns or suggestions as our staff continue to deal with day to day practicalities. Due to the nature of the equipment used and constant movement of people, care facilities suffer significant wear and tear and the renovation works at these 3 sites will revitalise the environment and amenity for our residents. In the next few months we will be commencing some painting and re-flooring at Ashburn House, Ridgeview and Chamberlain Gardens. Shortly we will advise residents and families of start dates. This work does not involve major construction so any disturbance to residents should be of a minor nature. 1st July is the implementation date of the new funding arrangements and other provisions of the Living Longer Living Better legislation. The legislation introduced by the former Government brings significant change to the aged care sector with an expansion of Home Care services and funding changes for Residential Care which will impact both consumers/residents and facility operators. Information regarding these changes can be found on the Living Longer Living Better website. Alternatively, specific information relating to Christadelphian Aged Care is available on our website. The existing arrangements for most residents who have entered into care prior to 1st July are "grandfathered" under the legislation. It is a privilege for Christadelphian Aged Care to look after all those who choose to live in our Homes, and I would like to once again acknowledge the dedication of all our staff and volunteers in providing the best possible environment and care for our residents. Regards, Ross Peden
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUNE 14th - Family Carers Support Group 20th - Coach Trip “Bribie” 27th - June Birthday Party / Cancer Council Big Morning Tea plus concert
JULY 12th - Family Carers Support Group 23rd - Commonwealth Games (until 3/8) 25th - July Birthday Party then Concert by Steve Hyndman
AUGUST 22nd - Coach Trip “Mystery Destination” 29th - August Birthday Party Masquerade then Concert
JUNE 1 4 5 8
Shirley B John G June V George D
9 Pauline D 13 Dulcie M 15 Lucille G 15 Ken W 16 John S 17 Joan H 18 Elva S 19 Jim M 22 Kevin M 23 Vera H 27 Jessie P 29 Stan C
JULY
AUGUST
6 Ken R 10 Judith H 16 Betty C 20 Thelma S
1 2 2 3
23 24 27 27
8 Ruth W 11 Naomi C 11 Pauline S 11 Leila E 15 Ben K 16 Betty P 20 Jenny D 22 Beth B 22 Hazel S 24 Dorothy N 24 Daphne S 24 Val T 26 Kit C 27 Alisa P 28 Victor V
Alice S Robert C Ronald H David P
Maurice B Nicole S Teresa W Betty M
Activity Reviews APRIL
Special Outing - Story by Sue Collins | Photos by Graham Worsnop
Maranatha residents look forward to our coach trips every 2-3 months, so one glorious sunny Friday in April about 30 passengers boarded the Cross Country Tour coach under the watchful eyes of DT Ruth and her assistant Joan. On our way to visit plant nurseries in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, our first stop was a pleasant spot with a great view of the Glasshouse Mountains – here we had a delicious morning tea presided over by cheery coach captain Mike. Most passengers are members of our Garden Club. Those of us living independently still enjoy memories of gardening in the past, so all were pleased to arrive at Manawee Garden Centre at Buderim. One resident was thrilled to buy a fruit salad scented Salina, a plant he hadn’t seen for years. On arrival at our second destination, Fairhill Native Plants and Botanical Garden at Yandina, we were seated under an airy gazebo with our lovely lunch. Then we all had a happy time inspecting the plants and of course the shop, while some received some helpful advice on their gardening problems. Well satisfied with our day out, we all reboarded the bus for the trip home, although on arrival at Maranatha we were all saddened to say farewell to Ruth – it had been her final coach trip and indeed her final day working for the benefit of all of us at Maranatha.
Go Maroon’s!
Retaliation of the Blues
Activity Reviews contd GENTLE BUS TRIPS Every fortnight the residents of Maranatha together with the divisional therapy team head out for an adventure. One of their favourite haunts is Suttons Beach, located an easy 30 minute drive from the hostel. Armed with smiles, tea, cakes, biscuits, blankets and hats (no adventure is complete without provisions) they set forth with the help of volunteers to see the sun and the sand.
MAY
International Nurses Day
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International Nurses Day is celebrated each year on the 12th May (being the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth) and while the theme for this year’s day was A force for change - a vital resource for health, we decided to celebrate it in our own unique way. The day began with bandage races, mummy wrapping and medical skits. Pin the heart on the skeleton and “medication” rations for residents.Laughs abounded when our manager (and nurse) was wrapped in toilet paper and these cheerful giggles continued as nurse “Funny Bones” (our DT-Nancy) and Dr. Scar (Rodney from Maintenance) preformed vital surgery on our volunteer Kevin.
Activity Reviews contd MAY CONTD
““All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother” - Abraham Lincoln
Mother's Day - is a time to show our appreciation not only to our own
mothers, but to motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. It has become a tradition at Maranatha to celebrate Mothers by way of a “High Tea”. This year Joan did a wonderful job making all our ladies feel special and there is no better way for us to show you the day than by photos. Daphne, Elva and Meryl
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Joan (DT) and volunteer Sue ensured that everyone had a warm cup of tea served in lovely bone china. Joan’s hand made cups and napkins were presented to each resident
Dishes were also part of the day – thank you Sue, Olly, Carolyn and Betty, our wonderful volunteers
Jean, Ruth & Kitty
Poem -A Mother’s Love A Mother’s love is something that no one can explain, It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain.
Kitty, Vera, Gracie & Dulcie
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may, For nothing can destroy it or take that love away. It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, and it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking. It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns, and it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems. It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation, and it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation. A many splendored miracle man cannot understand and another wondrous evidence of God’s tender guiding hand.
Annie, Nancy & Olly (volunteer)
- Helen Steiner Rice
Resident Story - Miriam E Maranatha has been blessed over the years by the wonderful residents that it supports, their history and their presence are Maranatha personified. And while we acknowledge their time spent here with us, today we would like to take a moment to stop and remember a wonderful woman. Miriam lived at Maranatha for some 15 years. She was born 15/3/1914 and passed away 2/5/2014, just after celebrating her 100th birthday. Miriam probably would not like to be called the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, she was too humble for that. Miriam served her God all her life. The Bible was her life. The Truth was her life. Miriam also was an artist. From her early childhood she would win prizes by entering the Courier Mail children’s competitions. This artistic ability stood her in good stead all her life. Miriam painted some beautiful paintings but never put her name on them. However, she is credited with notable Christadelphian Biblical Charts such as Daniel, Zechariah and Revelation. She also was the artist for the book “God’s 7000 Year Plan” Despite raising children and caring for her husband Miriam took young ones through to baptism, learned and taught Hebrew and her home was always open to many boarders. Miriam was an avid bible student who knew its contents from beginning to end and back again. However you don’t get to 100 without forgetting a thing or two. So each day, with open bible, Miriam would rediscover some new and exciting bible gem and then tell everyone. On one of these occasions she was reading from Genesis 2 verse 25 where it says “and they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” to which Miriam added, “well they jolly well should have been”. Miriam along with those who sleep in Christ await the resurrection and to hear those words “enter thou into the joy of my Lord”. Story by Robyn Clark
Staff Profile - Kathy Hallmark Kathleen Hallmark (nee Coe) grew up with her older sister, Bronwyn and parents Bob and Doreen in the quiet seaside town of Whangarei, New Zealand. As the youngest in the family, Kathy was often subject to her older sisters pranks-of-endearment. Kathy remembers guarding her dinner during grace so Bronwyn couldn’t lace it with large amounts of salt and pepper. Needless to say, Kathy was a patient and kind and gentle child, qualities that would become foundations for her transition into the nursing profession. Kathy began her nursing career when she completed her final year of high school. She learnt, what was then the trade of nursing, at Waikato Hospital. In the days before workplace health and safety, and fair treatment policies, being an apprentice nurse could be a harrowing experience. Kathy often recalls these trying days, ‘If you hadn’t been screamed at, you hadn’t been to work. We used to live in constant fear of the matrons. Sometimes they would throw things at you. If you were lucky, it would be a kidney dish. If you were unlucky, it would be a bedpan.’ Kathy then used her qualification as a nurse to travel to Australia. Since her humble beginnings, Kathy has worked as a nurse in many different specialties of nursing. From the operating room to the remote community, from Melbourne to Brisbane and from agency to aged care. Nursing is not Kathy’s only love. She also has a love for cooking and gardening. Kathy inherits her love of gardening and nature from her father. She is continually planning new designs for the garden and has, on many an occasion, been known to actually enjoy weeding. Kathy learned to cook from her grandmother. She begun cooking for her family from the tender age of 10. She says, ‘I just couldn’t stand to eat my mother’s abhorrent food any longer.’ She finetuned her culinary skills by working in gourmet restaurants as a waitress in-between nursing jobs. One of her favourite weekend activities is cooking elaborate feasts from across the continent for her friends and family. Kathy’s father was a Christadelphian, however she was raised as a protestant and was not baptised as a Christadelphian until later in life. She has a profound love of God and a deep knowledge of the bible. Her cooking skills are greatly appreciated in the Church and she often caters for camps, events or hosts lunch. She finds joy in lending a helping, loving hand to those in need and her brothers and sisters often seek her help, support and wisdom. Kathy lives in Woodford with her husband; David, Daughter; Rose and Son-in-law; Tim. Her son Samuel lives in Brendale but always makes it home on the weekend for one of his mother’s home cooked meals. Kathy is a great lover of animals and is currently the doting caretaker of her cat, Cindy, winner of the world’s most pathetic animal. Kathy and her family have been a part of Maranatha for 14 years. Her husband David worked for many years as the gardener and all-around handyman. Her children Rose and Sam spend many a school holiday in the respite room. Venturing out to play lawn bowls or board games with the residents. Kathy is passionate about aged care and always endeavours to improve the quality of care she provides.
Pastoral Care BRINGING COMFORT Life has a habit of causing disruptions and we face difficult times. And then we need to face up to loneliness, being weary in mind or body, separation from friends or family, and the loss of someone close to us, sickness and pain. And the list goes on. Sorrow is a universal emotion common to all people. For example - an old man in his mid 80's said one day to his son "What good am I now? Why does God leave me here? I feel so useless". Or a lady who just lost her husband after 45 years of marriage. She wrote in a note "I miss him so much after all these wonderful years. I cry a lot. Is it wrong to weep and feel such sorrow?" These are real issues, and maybe you can relate to them personally today. These are examples of real life experiences. In these times, we need someone who can bring help and comfort. There are times in all of our lives when we experience loss and need to be comforted. We may lose our job, or a relationship, or a dream, or a loved one. During any season of loss and grief we may feel afraid, powerless and alone. What we need most during these times is to be comforted. We need the strength and hope that come from knowing deeply that we are not alone - from knowing that the God of all comfort has promised to be present with us in times of loss. God's very name is Comforter, or ‘paraclatos’. God stands beside us, with us, listening to our complaints in the middle of the night. Listening to our quiet rage and frustration and despair, God speaks softly and says, "I am with you. I will help you. Is my arm too short that I cannot reach down to earth and help you up? Is my arm too short that I cannot help you stand again?" Our God is a God of comfort. God stands beside us and pulls us up when we are down. Psalm 34:18 says "The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope." Life begins and ends with comfort. A tiny little baby is born and this new born baby is startled by the newness of life, and the new born baby cries out. That baby is then comforted and cuddled by an attending nurse, trying to calm that baby down. The years fly by far too quickly, and that little baby becomes a dying grandma or grandpa, and at that point, that elderly baby needs to be comforted as he or she prepares to die. And so life begins and ends with comfort. And every day and every month and every year in between, human beings are designed in such a way that we need to be comforted and also give comfort to others. Our God is a God who comforts. Our God is a God who stretches his hand from heaven to pull us up when we are down. God comes to us when we are down and out, washed out, tired out, worn out. God comes down to us and comforts us just by listening to us; just by listening to the howling of our aching hearts. A favourite author Henri Nouwen once wrote about the need to have a friend who understands and helps us and brings comfort to our lives. This is what he says: When we honestly ask ourselves which people in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares (book Out of Solitude). Our deepest sympathies have According to the Bible, God is the "Father of compassion and the God gone out to the families who of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles" (II Corinthians 1:3-4). have lost their loved ones over God is a God of comfort who actively seeks to comfort us. To receive the Autmun period. comfort from God is to let God be present with us during our times of distress. It is to let God sit next to us and listen to whatever we need to say; it is to let God hold us and remind us that we are loved, we are valued and we are not alone. "Letting God be God" means letting God give himself to us as our Comfort in times of loss and distress. Sometime read Matthew 11:28-30. Allow yourself to hear this direct invitation from Jesus to come with your burdens. "If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle nnn and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy and this burden is light”. - By Chris Witts
! Bereavements
Volunteer Corner May 26th saw the annual Volunteer’s Morning Tea, or thank you morning tea take place, this year at the NorthLakes Golf Course. Some people find accepting thanks for something they do from the heart very difficult and not needed. With this in mind I think that the day might better be named “Appreciation Day” – a recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone. Synonyms include respect, prizing, cherishing, treasuring, admiration, regard, esteem and high opinion to name but a few. So in appreciation of all the wonderful volunteers that Maranatha residents are blessed with, Thank you - for all that you are and all that you do. Thank you for your thyme
“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful” - Hazrat Inavat Khan
Anne Forster, Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator aforster@chomes.com.au
Volunteer Tribute Maranatha is blessed both in quantity and quality when it comes to its volunteers. Over past newsletters we have acknowledged and thanked those that work in small groups, from the shopping trolley to the fund raising committee. However today we would like to say thank you to Kevin Brockhurst. Kevin has been with Maranatha for 19 years and over that time has become an integral part of the lives of those that live and work here. From general maintenance, stocking of care items to card games and enthusiastic participation in fun events to entertain the residents, Kevin has always been there… here is his story. Kevin worked as a Lineman for the P.M.G and Telecom. His first job was the erection of aerial lines and cable joining. He also provided telephone service in the outback. Being stationed at Roma his area covered towns like Cunnamulla, Charleville, Augathella, St George, Dirranbandi and down to Miles. Together with his wife Kevin has been blessed with 6 children – all of which are boys. This blessing has now been further extended with the arrival of 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. One of Kevin’s greatest pleasures was attending sports events and watching them play. Kevin’s own personal interests include tennis, football, golf and he has always been a prolific reader of books. 19 years ago, Kevin decided to look for Volunteer work and by what he calls a “stroke of luck” he came to Maranatha. His jobs over the years have been building gardens, painting and cleaning units, various odd jobs and lately putting out weekly supplies, playing cards and talking to residents. Over the years he has met some wonderful people at Maranatha and he believes good people are the real gold in life, so he considers himself a rich man in the friends he has made and he values them very highly.
Valuable is the work you do Outstanding is how you always come through Loyal, sincere and full of good cheer Untiring in your efforts throughout the year
! Kevin with George, Jean & Heather
Notable are the contributions you make Trustworthy in every project you undertake Eager to reach your every goal Effective in the way you fulfil your role Ready with a smile like a shining star Special and wonderful - that's what you are!
Kevin with Shirley, Jean, Heather and Annie.
Read, Rest & Relax!
TOP 4 RELAXATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELDERLY 1. Muscle Relaxation - In this technique, participants are encouraged to focus on tensing up and then releasing and relaxing the muscles in their main muscle groups, including their shoulders, arms, fingers, legs and toes. 2. Visualisation - This technique involves participants imagining partaking in their favourite activity in a beautiful place, such as relaxing on a sandy beach in the Mediterranean, standing on the top of a mountain in the Alps or swimming in a crystal clear lake in the Caribbean. 3. Gentle Exercise - Non-strenuous exercises, such as Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi, are popular amongst the elderly, allowing them to gently stretch and strengthen their bodies while focusing on their breathing techniques. 4. Listening To Calming Music - Soothing music can help to ease fear and anxiety in the elderly.
FUNNIES - The Importance of Walking • • • • •
• My grandpa started walking 5 miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old and we have no idea where the heck he is! • I like long walks, especially when they’re taken by people who annoy me. The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again. I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing. Every time I hear the dirty word ‘exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate. I do have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them. We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Lemon Delicious
• 100g unsalted butter, extra to grease • 1 cup caster sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Grated zest of 2 large lemons, plus juice of 3 large lemons • 4 eggs, separated • 1/2 cup self-raising flour • 2 cups milk • Icing sugar, to dust • Blueberry compote, to serve
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Serves 8
1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a 28cm x 20cm baking dish.
2. Place the butter, caster sugar, vanilla and lemon zest in an electric
mixer, and beat until thick and pale. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3.Fold in half the flour, then fold in the milk. Fold in the remaining 1/4 cup flour, then fold in the lemon juice (don’t worry if the mixture looks curdled at this stage). Set aside.
4. Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the lemon mixture, then pour into a prepared dish.
5. Place the dish in a large roasting pan and add boiling water so it comes halfway up the sides. Bake for 40 minutes until golden and set on top. Dust with icing sugar and serve with blueberry compote.
Winter W e ather 1
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18 www.CrosswordWeaver.com
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ACROSS 3 The process by which snow or ice changes to water. 7 A period of very cold winter we ather that damages 8 11 12 14 16 17 18
plants. Intensely cold temperature. The temperature felt by the human body when wind makes it fe el colder than the actual temperature. Mildly cold fe eling. Bright with sunshine. Snowfall that is so he avy one can se e little or nothing on the horizon. Ice crystals on a froz en surface; " Old Jack _______." A large mass of snow that slides down a mountain.
1 A standardiz ed me asure of how hot or cold it is
outside. 2 R ain that fre e z es as it falls. 4 A tool used to me asure the temperature. 5 W ater that falls to the e arth in the form of rain, hail,
mist, sle et, or snow. 6 Pieces of ice falling from the sky. 9 A solid form of froz en water. 10 A storm with he avy snow, strong winds, and severe
cold. 13 C overed with snow. 14 A mixture of snow and water. 15 Precipitation in the form of small white ice crystals
that form inside clouds. 17 Thick water vapor that makes it hard to se e.
W O R D B A N K : Avalanche, bliz z ard, cool, fog, fre e z e, frigid, frost, hail, ice, melt, precipitation, sle et, slush, snow, snowy, sunny, temperature, thermometer, whiteout, windchill.
Autumn Newsletter Word Search Solution:
The hidden TV show is: THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW
Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.