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Christadelphian Aged Care W I N T 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
Managers Message
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Welcome to Ridgeview
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. nnn
Gal 5:22-23
Dear Friends, Flu season is almost here. Already this morning we have had to ask one relative not to visit as she has flu symptoms. Flu is potentially fatal to our residents. We actively encourage all staff and visitors to have the Flu vaccine to reduce the risk of flu spreading in our home. Please understand the seriousness of our concern. We usually get comments such as “it’s just a cold”, “I’ll wear a mask”, “I won’t be seeing anyone except my loved one”. If one person comes in with active Flu, we can potentially have an outbreak in just a few days. We insist staff do not come to work if they have such symptoms and ask for your support with this as well. All of our residents have been offered the flu vaccine, and most residents have been vaccinated. If you have any concerns about this I would encourage you to speak with Ciji or Jaina, our NUM’s in each area. All new families and residents are now being invited to a Welcome Morning Tea on the last Friday of the month at 10am in our library. We recognise that there is a lot to take in when you first join us at Ridgeview and this will provide the chance to sit down over a coffee with our Managers to ask any questions and to meet other new residents. I’m looking forward to meeting our new arrivals! We really do encourage feedback – it’s how we know how we are going. Our “Comments and Concerns” Feedback form is located in Reception with a locked box for the completed form just above the visitor’s sign in book. Feel free to make use of this form for any issues that don’t require immediate attention. For any urgent issues, please speak with a staff member who can assist you with your concerns. I am happy to be contacted at any time by phone – mobile: 0435 836 818. I hope to see as many relatives as possible at our upcoming “Roaring 20’s” Ball – see inside our Newsletter for details! Kind regards, Michelle Megson
“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 Cultural Day = Italian 13th - Catholic Mass 10.30am 16th - Anglican Service 1.30pm 29th - Combined Christadelphian Concert TBA - Keith Murphy Concert
JULY Cultural Day = USA 1st - Robyn Roberts Puppet Show 10.30am 4th - Iris Singers Morning Concert 10.30am 30th - Kris’s Karaoke 1.30pm
AUGUST Cultural Day = UK 13th - Kris’s Bird Show 10.30am
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
2 Margaret
2 Norma
8 Bernard
6 Nancy
2 Maureen
8 Mary
8 Pat
3 Gerard
10 Patricia
10 Melva
5 Maggie
11 Jennifer
11 Nicolas
7 Peter
23 Elsie
11 Betty
8 Tekla
25 Alma
23 Marjorie
16 Nadia
30 Patricia C
24 Olga
23 Berta 28 Helen 28 Pilar 28 Doreen 29 Harold 30 Leslie
Activity Reviews
During March, we celebrated Seniors Week with a trip to the Sydney Seniors Concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. It was a long day but the residents really enjoyed it. We also went to the Albion Park Seniors luncheon and concert. There were many performers and a delicious baked dinner. The week was topped off with some Belly Dancers on the Fr i d a y a t R i d g e v i e w providing a wonderful week overall.
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April - We had Keith Murphy perform also the Happy Beats. We held an Anzac Day Ceremony and our Cultural Day was Indian with many staff dressing up in cultural clothes. The children from Mount Terry Primary School visited and brought some of their Easter hats for us to see. We also made our residents an Easter basket full of eggs.
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May - We had Jodie O’Shea perform a special event. Jodie entertains on cruise ships and our residents enjoyed her singing. Also Kris’s Karaoke and The Sways performed for our residents. Mother’s Day was celebrated with lucky door prizes and a rose and chocolates was given to all out lovely ladies on Mothers Day.
Staff News
Kath (RAO) turns 40 in May
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Kim (RAO) turns 50 in June
Renee, our educator, left to pursue other avenues in her career. We wish Renee all the very best in her next working adventure.
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. 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. - Helen Steiner Rice
RAO Department
The RAO department continues to have a Monthly Men’s Group, Happy Hour, Cultural Days, monthly Ladies Group, School visits twice weekly and not forgetting our Bingo twice weekly. Exercise and Tai Chi is run every morning by our Physio department which also includes a morning walk x 3 weekly. We have started a fun social program every morning from 10.00 to 12.00 with table games, massage, movies, music, nail care, balloon games and more which changes daily. Come join our newly formed choir with Kath and the volunteers. Singing is wonderful for the spirit so please join us. You don’t have to have a great voice, just a great desire to have fun.
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Hospital Art with Jean has been a great success. We have some returned pictures from Hospital Art that we are now proudly displaying in high care with one of our residents Joan. Please take one of our monthly calendars which are situated next to the sign on book in Admin The Roaring 20’s Ball is coming up in August; keep an eye out for posters about dates and times of these events. We urgently need BINGO PRIZES. Our residents love their bingo and we are running low on prizes. Katherine and John Lee celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary. They didn’t want a party, so a quiet lunch for two was arranged by the RAO staff with their family making them a cake. Katherine and John enjoyed a glass of wine and each others company in the private dining room in Hostel Few Words from the Kitchen We are very busy getting ready for the new winter menu which will commence on the 1st June. We are replacing the Wednesday salad with a Hearty Roast. We have incorporated some of your lovely ideas, as well as some of the old favourites, so we are sure to please. Just a reminder that at any time, you are welcome to have a chat with myself or any of the kitchen staff regarding your food likes and dislikes, and if there is anything we can help you with regarding your food choice, we most certainly will. Thanks, Aly
News & Upcoming Events
Pool - Do you like to play pool? Then Tuesday mornings at 11am is the time for you to join Volunteer Bill in the Hostel lounge room. Experienced or beginners - all welcome. Enjoy meeting other residents, or just come to sit, relax and enjoy watching a game. Looking forward to seeing you.
Knitting Group is on EVERY Wednesday at 1.30pm in the Hostel lounge room. All knitters are most welcome to come, relax and have a chat to our volunteers Jan and Jeanette. All materials are supplied.
Friday 6th June, 2014 10am – 12 midday Eftpos Available and shoes provided on the day *****GREAT CHRISTMAS IDEA!****
Feet Fitters is a small mobile shoe business specialising in footwear for seniors. Feet Fitters welcome family and friends to attend the show also - this can be particularly helpful as it can be difficult to get mum or dad out to the shops to find the right shoes! We carry quality brands such as CC Resorts, Cloud Comfort, Grosby, Propet and Julius Marlow as well as orthopaedic footwear. With a starting price of $45 - there is something for every budget.
ROARING 20’S BALL CHRISTADELPHIAN C HRIST TADEL ADELPHI PHIA AN Moorebank Ecclesial CONCERT
High Care/Sunshine - Thursday 21st August, 1-3pm Hostel - Thursday 28th August, 6-9pm
food Finger Food and drinks included Come and listen to some fantastic live music in the Sunshine Dining Room - ALL WELCOME -
Sunday 29th June at 3pm
entertainment glittering great gatsby themed ball
Cost $10 per head for each family member Residents free Please see RAO’s or Karlene on Reception for further information and bookings
Resident Story - Jean R
I was born in 1926 in McGrath Street, Fairy Meadow. My parents were both business people. My father was a butcher. He built the shops at Coniston near the railway station and opened a butcher shop. We lived behind the shop. Later he opened another one in Elliotts Road, Fairy Meadow and made friends with all the migrants at the hostel who would come in for meat. Everyone helped in the shop. During the war it was my brother's job to harness up Trixie and deliver the meat. Trixie's paddock was where the Coniston Hotel is now. I remember the blackout where you had to put brown paper on your windows at night in case of attack by the Japanese. Mum and Dad took in English sailors who were on leave from their ships. I finished school at Smiths Hill Girls High and studied Showcard and Ticket writing, Commercial Art, Drawing and Ceramics at Technical College while working at Darlings Jewellers in Crown Street. I did some part time modelling as well. In 1950, I married Bill who was in the RAAF. Bill's sister Alice is in Ridgeview too. We had two children and lived mostly in the outback where Bill worked for the GPO and later ABC radio and TV. Later we moved to Canberra where I worked in the Public Service for many years, as well as working in the fashion departments of David Jones and Grace Bros on the weekends. In the holidays I travelled all over the world. I have done a lot of painting and some of my works can be seen by searching the internet under my name, Jean Juleff Mitchell. I still consider myself an artist though I can no longer paint due to bad eyesight.
Staff Profile - Cassandra Furnell
Many of you know me as Cassie and I am the Residential Service Officer at Ridgeview. I came to Ridgeview just over two and half years ago from Sydney and the bonus was to live in the beautiful Illawarra. I have travelled around Australia and also to Europe which I love. I once travelled on the Indian Pacific and this changed my mind about travelling. I love to see changes in the country side and I suppose this is why I love where I live out on a farm. My work life has taken me to many different types of work, including Nursing, Youth Worker, Practise Manager and Clinical Supervisor. Working in Aged Care, I enjoy bringing residents into care and building a rapport with family and friends. Ridgeview is a beautiful environment to spend my working day in; I
enjoy every aspect of my role here at Ridgeview. Starting with talking with relatives, to resident’s coming into care and ensuring that their stay is a fairly pleasurable experience. We now have a monthly morning tea for new residents and their relatives to meet Facility Manager and Nurse Unit Managers and to have a chat. I enjoy swimming, collecting antiques, aircraft, music, violins and especially anything from around the 1920’s. I think I was born at the wrong time. I love having friends over for dinner or around a bush fire outside looking at the stars. At the end of the day I go home to my beautiful little old farm house with no bath ( I do have a shower) and I’m greeted by my two beautiful poodles Monty and Mia. So toodle pip for now!
Mursic Family Poem MY FATHER AND MOTHER
You were both married, so young and free, in a country you will love til eternity. How quickly life changes in what you must do, escape from a country so dear to you. You didn’t know where or what you would do, when you left in the rain, in the middle of the night, with nothing, but your three children and beautiful wife. You hid in the bushes both day and night, with the enemy wanting to take your life. You waited so still, so quietly too, for the right time to flee for a life anew. To leave everyone behind was a hard thing to do, your mother, father, brothers and sisters too, must have taken a lot of courage to do. You came to Australia, to make a new life, with three little children and one still to come. The boat trip was long, and so sea sickly too, with each day passing, bringing challenges new. You learned a new language, which must have been tough, to get through each day was hard enough. With the same sun shining up in the sky, you knew things would get better as each day goes by. You made wonderful friends, with families too, and enjoyed all the things that were new. You both worked very hard, each hour of the day, to make things better in a country new, and the growing family too. So much hardship should never be, coming to just one family, but you made it through and through, with love in your hearts to all of us too. family. Just look at us now, all happy and free and with such a big family. th of you. We are all different in the things we say and do, except for thee loving of both you. is way? God only knows why things had to happen this It was to save your life with generations of Mursic’s to come. Life goes on with beautiful memories too, of a family of love that grew from the two of you. So how do we thank you for the sacrifices made, and the love we got from your everyday, Keep smiling and be happy too, for all the good things that have happened to you. Enjoy your life and live happily ever after, keep warm under the same sun in the sky, from where you were born years gone by. All my love, Kathy (Fathers Day 2008)
Thank you Sydney Roosters who donated two signed photographs to Noel, one of our residents. Noel was very surprised to receive his mail and is proudly displaying his signed photographs in his room.
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
Physio Corner
The Physio Team at Ridgeview will be hosting a "shoe show" by FEET FITTERS on 6th June at 10.00am. There will be an arrange of winter shoes for every need. All shoes will be properly fitted and can be purchased on the day. We welcome residents, families and friends to come along on the day and browse the range. As the cold weather moves closer, and we reach for our winter woollies so do our residents, who feel the cold much more than we do, especially on their feet. We ask that if purchasing BED SOCKS that you do so with safety in mind. Socks are one of the key contributors to slips and falls, with many residents unaware that walking in them can cause such a hazard. There are many snuggly and fluffy varieties around, but not necessarily safe. We recommend you purchase socks that have a non slip sole, with a grip pad that covers the whole foot from heel to toe. These are still suitable to sleep in but a much safer alternative to the regular shoe sock, stocking sock or the hand-knitted variety. Trips, slips and falls during the colder months, can increase as residents tuck themselves up in blankets, wear heavy and more clothing, move less because of cold and stiff joints. So when purchasing winter items for your loved ones, just remember that one size doesn't fit all and what might be great for us could be a hazard for our residents. Look for winter clothing that is slightly loser than actual size, cardigans rather than jumpers for easy on off, pants and dressing gowns at ankle rather than floor length. Even beanies, scarves and fingerless gloves help with keeping joints warm. Through the cooler season the Physio Team will be encouraging residents to keep participating in tai chi, active exercises, walking and attending our pain therapy program with lots of lovely heat packs. - Vikki Wilesmith, PTA (on behalf of the Physio Team)
Series of Articles: Care
Welcome to the first of a series of articles appearing in the Ridgeview Quarterly Newsletter. In this issue, I am talking about the word "CARE", which is of course synonymous with the purpose for which Ridgeview was established and is maintained. Like very many words in the English language, the word care has multiple uses and can be associated with other words where its basic meaning can completely change. When we say for example; "I don't care", or "don't be careless"we use the word care and give it a completely different meaning. One common expression used when we say goodbye to someone is; "take care". It is as well for us to remember that most of the people who become residents of a nursing home have ceased to be able to take care. There is a great deal of meaning in the name "nursing home", as it suggests that a resident will receive nursing care in an environment that is in every respect possible, a home. As many of you know I am here as a visitor to Jenny my wife who has been a resident at Ridgeview since March 2013. Having been her carer for some 3 1/2 years prior to her arrival at Ridgeview, I can claim considerable experience in the meaning of the word care. It is without question true to say that everyone who is a part of the day to day operation of a nursing home is a carer. Some much more involved in personal care yet others may be regarded as support staff, kitchen staff, working in administration, maintenance and whatever other activity, they work to maintain and to improve the quality of care to the residents. The frontline carers are the nurses and their aids who attend to the general needs of the residents and this is the area which is the most demanding but also the most rewarding of all the activities concerned. A strength of character and a good attitude is required in the provision of frontline care, without that, the activity may become short lived. There are numerous other qualities which make a perfect carer and I would like to discuss each of those qualities in detail in future issues of the newsletter. These qualities which I regard as essential qualities are; patience, sense of humour, the practice of empathy, the ability to smile when you feel like crying and above all maintain a positive mental attitude. There is a law in physics which suggests that "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction". • If you speak kindly, you will likely receive the kind response. • If you smile, you will generate a smile in response. • If you react patiently to an inpatient attitude, your continued patience will work wonders. • If you maintain a positive frame of mind at all times, the reaction on the part of the person to whom you are providing care is very likely to become positive. After you have read the newsletter you will have three months in which to think about these things and if you want to make a comment or talk to me, I will be delighted. Until then, smile and be kind. - George Mailath, Relative and Carer
Volunteer Corner We welcome Kristie and Emily who have been coming in on weekends to visit residents in Hostel. Nail care, hand massage and a chat are welcome and appreciated by our residents and staff during the weekend. I would also like to welcome Madelyn, who is doing a variety of activities across the week, assisting in morning walks, the morning program as well as the afternoon program in Sunshine. If you see a little 4 legged visitor roaming the corridors, that will be Marlo (Japanese Spitz) and volunteer Kieran who have been visiting residents in the facility? Pet Therapy is wonderful for our residents who are less mobile, lonely or sad, bringing a big smile to their faces as they give Marlo a pat and cuddle. William has been visiting residents in High Care for a chat and card games. William is also involved in the Community Visitors Scheme run by Catholic Care. We appreciate the extra volunteering he is doing for other residents at Ridgeview. William is familiar to many residents, families and staff as he has been visiting Ridgeview now for many years. William would love a game of CHESS, so if you are a Chess player please let the RAO team know (Kim, Kath or Geraldine). Our Kiosk and Lolly Trolley runs twice a week, fully stocked with lots of goodies. Kiosk is open every Friday between 3pm to 4pm in Hostel and Lolly Trolley will make rounds to the Nurses Stations, Reception and staff room on Tuesdays between 11am to 11.45am. Thank you to Jacalyn and Rhonda for providing this service each week. Tuesday mornings at 11am in the Hostel Pool Room, you will find Volunteer Bill who is playing games of Pool with the residents. If you would like a game or two, beginner or advanced you are most welcome. Or just come, watch and have a chat!!! Bill will love to see you. The library in Hostel has now been culled, cleaned, organised, colour coded and shelves labelled for our residents to easily locate books and magazines of interest. We were very thankful to receive a donation of Large Print books from Shellharbour City Library. This was a welcome donation and valuable resource for our Residents. Our Library is now FULL, with no further donations required. If you have any unwanted books, please pass these on to any of our local charity shops. I would like to thank our volunteer Mal who comes in every Wednesday to organise the library – you have made a HUGE difference and the residents really appreciate the ‘new look’ library. Did you know we have a Choir at Ridgeview? Monday afternoons you will hear a group of keen residents singing in the Sunshine Dining Room. All new members are welcome to join – so come along and enjoy singing and making music together. Volunteers Greg and Lyn would love to see you. Residents have started receiving birthday cards through our Pen Pal Program with St Columba Uniting Church Preschool at Figtree. The children at the Preschool have been busy making birthday cards and our residents have been overjoyed to receive a card with pictures that the children have drawn inside. What a wonderful way for generations to connect. We look forward receiving and sending mail to the children. If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program at Ridgeview, please do not hesitate to contact me: Shell Bonner on 4235 7600, 0434 421617 or mbonner@chomes.com.au Volunteer/Pastoral Care Coordinator
Volunteer Photos
Outdoor Morning Walk Group A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!
It is approaching 9.20am at Ridgeview Aged Care Facility and our front reception is full of excitement and chatter of our eagerly waiting residents, ready to step outside and into the glorious autumn sunshine for our “Outdoor Morning Walking Group”. Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, our dedicated group of residents at Ridgeview, accompanied by Meagan (physio aide), Kath, Kim and Jean (RAO staff) and volunteer Madeline, venture down to the local Primary School Mount Terry for an invigorating, socially exciting and let’s not forget, physically rewarding outdoor walk. Singing, plenty of Hi Michelle, conversation and the many folks we meet and greet I wanted to thank you for the very enjoyable along the path, add to the thorough enjoyment of the luncheon at the sailing club last week. morning’s adventure. With the kind donation of a rest We, as volunteers, do not expect reward for the area and bench seat from Mount Terry Public School, little things we do for the residents, but it was nice our resident walkers have the pleasure of a short rest and to be recognised and I appreciate all the work that refresh before heading home. went in to organising the day. Attending the morning walking group has brought many The venue was excellent, the meal was tasty, the individual and personal rewards to our residents. door prizes good and it was nice to be able to talk to volunteers from the other Christadelphian homes. We invite family members who wish to accompany us I would appreciate it if you could send my thanks along the “Outdoor Morning Walking Group” to meet to all involved for a perfect day. at reception from 9.15am (Monday, Wednesday and - Jacalyn Preston Fridays) and share in the fun as we all do! - Meagan Higgins, Physio Aide
Volunteer Thank You Lunch National Volunteer Week was held from 12th – 18th May, celebrating 25 years of volunteering. During this week it is a great opportunity to say THANK YOU to Volunteers, Volunteers across our organisation and in particular Volunteers at Ridgeview. We have 325 active Volunteers across all our Homes, 100 of whom attended a special THANK YOU lunch at St George Sailing Club, Sans Souci last Wednesday 14th May. A group of Ridgeview Volunteers travelled in the bus from Ridgeview to attend the luncheon. This was a first for Ridgeview as we see our Volunteer program continue to grow. Volunteers from Chamberlain Gardens, Ridgeview, Ashburn House, Southhaven and Casa Mia enjoyed a lovely lunch, as well as hearing from our Volunteers and the stories they had. A special THANK YOU to one of our Volunteer Bus Drivers – Arturo who drove the bus to the luncheon. It was greatly appreciated. Businesses from each local area contributed to prizes that were given out during the lunch. We thank those local businesses for their support and generosity. I would like to thank Blooms the Chemist, Albion Park for the lovely hamper they kindly donated. On behalf of the Management and Staff at Ridgeview Aged Care and Christadelphian Homes, I would like to say THANK YOU to all the volunteers who work in support of the elderly at Ridgeview Aged Care. Thank you for your time and commitment to enhance the lives of our residents. Thank you for making a difference. - Shell Bonner, Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
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.
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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
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