Ashburn House Winter 2017 Newsletter

C h ristade lph ia n A g e d C a re

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W I N T E R

N E W S L E T T E R

ASHBURN HOUSE Address: 20-34 Ashburn Place, Gladesville

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and

WARMTH for the touch of a friendly hand and a talk beside the fire: it is the time for

HOME - Edith Sitwell

Phone: (02) 8876 9200

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message Welcome to Ashburn House

At Ashburn House, we are very excited to be part of the Pulse program, which is a cultural change program being rolled out across the entire organisation. We had a fantastic launch on April 26, where four signature behaviours were revealed to our staff to help them improve their care and interaction with others. As part of the program, we are noting down examples of when staff display the signature behaviours on a giant butterfly sticker on the wall. I encourage family and residents to comment on staff’s behaviour to management so we can write down these wonderful examples. For more about the Pulse program, please see page 6 of this newsletter.

Winter is fast approaching, which means there is a high risk of the flu. I would like to remind family and visitors to please not visit our Home if they are experiencing any flulike symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, coughing or fever.

It’s also a good time for families to check their loved ones’ wardrobes to make sure they have enough warm winter clothes, such as winter pyjamas, jackets or cardigans. If you bring any new items in please ensure you purchase the clothing labels from the reception and label the clothes, and check lost property located in Activity room on Lower Ground floor if there is anything not returned to residents.

Once again for the safety and security of our Home I would like to remind visitors not to open the door for anyone they don’t know, or are not sure about. If you are unsure please ask for assistance from our staff Kind Regards, Yan Li

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

JUNE

4 Guy M

3 Barrington L

1 Ruth S

2nd - Entertainment: Dale Ryan

8 Coral D

10 Michie U

4 Cecilia O’B

10 Betty H

17 Asterios M

5 Jeanette T

9th - Entertainment: Fiona Howe

17 Cecil S

21 Betty J

6 Hilda H

17 Margot C

30 Betty B 101st

9 Elene B

17 Gretta M

30 Catherine B

10 Mary

18 Eileen J

13 Margaret H

20 Desmond W

26 Raffaele G

26 Gwenneth H

27 Lila S

27 Thomas D

28 Elaine D 29 Luise M

16th - Entertainment: Eleni Kokkinos 20th - Entertainment: Roseanna Gallo 30th - Charles the Dance Tutor

JULY 7th - Entertainment: Ben Little 14th - Entertainment: Amanda Easter 18th - Entertainment: Roseanna Gallo 28th - Entertainment: Russell Lynch

AUGUST 4th - Entertainment: David Mason Cox

Keep updated with all the latest news and photos by “liking” us on Facebook!

facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare

11th - Entertainment: Peter & Marie 15th - Entertainment: Roseanna Gallo 25th - Entertainment: Mike Tsama

Activity Reviews RESIDENT COCKTAIL PARTY APRIL 4 On April 4, Ashburn House held a cocktail party for the residents and family members.

The Cronulla Theatre was transformed into an atmosphere of a small intimate social hub.

The residents were able to sit in small groups with their family and socialise and reminisce over a nice glass of wine and some gourmet nibbles that Polash, our Chef, put together.

There were laughs, stories and new friendships made. All in all, everyone enjoyed the evening together and it felt like the residents benefited by the normality of the event. It was just like the good old days when the residents could enjoy a social outing.

NEXT COCKTAIL PARTY:

July 13, 2017

MASTERCHEF COOKING CLASSES APRIL 9 A Masterchef Cooking Class was conducted at Ashburn House where residents made triple-flavoured ice-cream sundaes with a variety of fruits and chocolates. This activity offered residents the chance to create something new and enjoy the tasty results.

In a previous Masterchef Cooking Class, the residents enjoyed making mug chocolate cakes with Courtney.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE APRIL 20 This year's ANZAC Day was held on Thursday, April 20 with an in-house service led by Peter from the local Gladesville Returned and Services League (RSL) who kindly volunteered his time.

Ashburn's Leisure and Lifestyle Team assisted with the distribution of rosemary sprigs.

Activity - Photos

Happy Birthday

Pet Therapy

Activity Reviews EASTER CELEBRATIONS APRIL 13 This year's Easter celebration was held on Thursday, April 13 with all of our Recreational Activity Officers dressing up in Easter bunny costumes. They distributed Easter eggs to the Home’s residents with welcome assistance from our Facility Manager, Yan Li and a number of volunteer students from St Ignatius school.

Ashburn House volunteer Marie also brought her own little basket of bunny puppets, which was very enjoyable. A special music concert was also provided by entertainers Peter and Marie.

MOTHER’S DAY MAY 12 We celebrated Mothers Day on May 12, thanking all mothers in Ashburn House by gifting them with beautiful daisy flowers provided by the Facility Manager, Yan Li, and yummy nibbles cooked by the kitchen staff.

The day concluded with a fantastic music concert presented by Ben Little who is a local music artist.

Pulse: Intentional Culture Program PULSE IN A NUTSHELL Christadelphian Aged Care has taken the step to create an intentional culture with our staff to improve our already high standard of care delivery and make our organisation a happy and motivating place to live and work.

Our aim is to continue to improve our service and quality of care and are committed to developing a staff culture that delivers success in all areas of our organisation.

We have partnered with Pulse Australasia to lead us in building a culture based around our “signature” behaviours. Pulse will support us to promote and actively demonstrate the desired behaviours. To make sure we are progressing staff complete a survey three times a year to monitor the change in our culture.

The program is designed to transform the culture of our organisation and improve both the experiences and productivity of staff while at work and therefore our business performance.

CEO Ross Peden launched the program and our signature behaviours on April 26, 2017 with simultaneous events across all our Homes, Villages and offices.

CAC SIGNATURE BEHAVIOURS CAC employees have collectively committed to demonstrate four signature behaviours: WE ALWAYS WORK TO DELIGHT OUR RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND, SOLVE AND DELIVER DO WHAT WE SAY WE WILL DO WORK TOGETHER, ACHIEVE TOGETHER The behaviours have been associated with a butterfly as a symbol of transformation. An icon on each wing of the butterfly neatly illustrates each behaviour.

The program is positive and fun, and all staff can contribute and recognise when their peers do the right thing.

SPONSORSHIP & SUPPORT FOR THE PROGRAM The program is sponsored by the Board of Directors and the Senior Executives of CAC. A Culture Steering Committee has also been formed, they work with Pulse Australasia to provide oversight of the program, and support managers and Advocates along the way.

ADVOCATES & PULSE CULTURE PROGRAM The signature behaviours are promoted by Advocates (staff) at each Home, Village and office, with fun activities conducted to ensure we are all encouraged to live the behaviours. The Advocates support staff to understand and undertake the culture change we are committed to.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RESIDENTS & RELATIVES? You will see posters and “butterflies” around our Homes and Villages to promote and remind us of the signature behaviours. You may hear staff talking about “Pulse” and “Signature Behaviours” and see them involved in various activities to develop their ability to demonstrate the behaviours.

Please feel free to encourage staff or compliment them when you see the right behaviours – we are all focused on looking out for more of the positive.

Feel free to ask the Facility Manager any questions about the program or the signature behaviours.

We welcome your support as we take an intentional step on our exciting culture change journey.

Pulse Launch - Photos

Pulse Launch - Photos

Resident Story - Sofia Bernia Sofia Ynares Celerian was born in the city of Manila, in the Philippines, August 8, 1930.

Her childhood years were spent in a small country town about 30km from Manila where she attended a public elementary school. At the age of seven, Sofia started to learn piano by undertaking lessons with a teacher from another town. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War II meant her piano lesson had to be discontinued. Sofia enjoyed the piano, so she continued learning new piano pieces on her own with some guidance from her relative who was a member of the Philippine's Constabulary Band. This relative was responsible for teaching Sofia the proper “timing in music”.

Sofia studied at a Catholic high school close to Manila and graduated in 1948.

She was then accepted into the state university, the University of Philippine Diliman and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. Sofia’s first job was in a college in Cebu city where she taught general chemistry. As she missed her family, she only stayed for one school term. Upon returning to Manila, Sofia worked as a pharmacist in about a number of pharmaceutical stores. In 1956, Sofia started working for a British firm representing imperial chemical industries to the Philippines.

In 1962, Sofia married Fernando Bernia and undertook the role of stay-at-home mother until they migrated to Australia in January of 1974. They arrived in Australia with their two children, who were six-and-a-half and five years old, and hoped to make Australia their new home. In March 1975, Sofia started working in Gladesville Hospital as a typist and stationery purchaser to several of the hospitals departments. She was chosen for a new role as a secretary and was trained in how to use a word processor. Sofia became the secretary to the CEO and the Manager of the Clinical Psychologist Department until the closing of the Gladesville Hospital.

Since 1974, Sofia has been involved in the music ministry at St Michaels in Meadowbank and at the Holy Name of Mary in Rydalmere. Through this, Sofia feels that she has gained many more “children and grandchildren” from her extended parish family. In Sofia's words: “I am blessed”.

Sadly, Sofia's husband, Fernando, passed away in 1984 leaving Sofia as a single parent. Sofia is thankful to God; her children made this easier by being well-behaved, respectful and sensible young adults. Her children worked hard in their studies with both of them graduating from Macquarie University.

Both of Sofia's children are now happily married with children of their own. In Sophia's own words, she is “now 'Bita' to my four grandchildren, and I cherish my family”.

Staff Profile - Anne Rudolph Anne Rudolph was born and raised in New Zealand. In 1980, Anne migrated to Australia with her partner and her daughter, Kerri Ann, who also works for Christadelphian Aged Care. They settled in Ryde where Anne’s extended family were living.

Anne increased the size of her family with a daughter born in 1987 and son in 1988.

Anne's first job was at Duracell Batteries in North Ryde and she continued working there for seven years. Anne started her nursing career at Ryde Aged Care Facility in West Ryde in 1988. Christadelphian Aged Care took over the Ryde Aged Care Facility in 2004, and renamed it as the current Ashburn House. Anne stayed on as an Assistant in Nursing. In the following years, she upgraded her education, successfully earning a Certificate IV in Medicating. She is now approaching 30 years in the nursing and care industries.

Unfortunately seven years ago, while Anne was working in Ashburn House, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a double mastectomy. Despite her condition, with recovery she was able to return to work as a strong and happy person. She has won her fight with breast cancer with the support of her family, close friends and work colleagues.

Anne is a very social person and enjoys regularly catching up with her friends from work at social gatherings and dinners. Her favourite social activity is going out to clubs where she can play bingo and enjoy different cultural cuisines. She visits her family members in New Zealand on her holidays as often as she can Anne is a very experienced staff member in Ashburn House and is well-known and respected by staff, residents and their family members. Anne is one of the advocates for the recently introduced Pulse Program, and she is also an integral staff member in the centre's induction program, helping to transition new employees into our workforce. Anne's pleasant nature and fun-loving personality make her ideal for these two roles.

love

1 John 3:18

Pastoral Care

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

FEELING DISCONTENT? It was the famous bard who left us with the idea that “discontent” was like Winter. I guess, for those who are discontented or live with constant pain and disability, life does seem bleak and even dark.

The image that the winters of Europe or North America conjure up often seems to include an old man trudging through the snow with a load of firewood on his back. The image has the contrast of black and white, of beauty and severity.

Winter in other parts of the world can be quite different. In Australia, for instance, this is the time when the Grey Nomads, among others, are blown like falling leaves across the top end and the centre of this wide brown land because it is more tolerable to be out in these areas at this time of year.

So, like so many areas of life, Winter means different things to different people.

Winter does seem to be about the end of a cycle and the changes that happen in nature. It reminds us of our part in that cycle, especially so for those who farm or garden. It has come to be viewed as a time of rest.

To office workers or tradesmen and women, Winter might be about getting up in the dark and driving home in the dark. To outdoor workers, it might mean much more pleasant working conditions; and to retirees, it might mean opportunities to be out in the clear crisp weather to have that picnic or make that visit to friends which was not encouraged by the hot weather of other seasons. And then there is always the football…

In Aged Care Homes, we may not be very far from times of discontent. Viewed from outside, it may seem good to be able to spend long hours in bed and to have all meals provided – but colder weather can be limiting and painful. The job of Pastoral Carers is not changed by the weather. The stories still come and the temptation to respond by just saying “cheer up” to others is still present.

It might be the task for others, but living in a constant Winter can be depressing (as residents of European cities sometimes find). Many say “it does not hurt to leave a smile”; but Our deepest sympathies have ignoring the feelings behind a story will not leave a smile for gone out to the families who very long. The feeling of being heard is a constant support for have lost their loved ones us all. To leave a sense that “I have been understood” is the over the Autumn period. best warming sensation that we all can feel.

Bereavements

God leaves a message of love in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. He gives the promise of healing and renewal, of a new creation, a springtime of beauty and release, of being born again. We can each be born again by the shedding of our discontent; by living each moment as if it is a gift, by forgetting to worry about the past and by placing the future in the hands of the One who makes the weather.

By Ron Wiggins, Pastoral Carer, Courtlands

Volunteer Corner National Volunteers Week was held May 8–14, and we wish to say a big thank you to all the volunteers at Ashburn House. We are blessed to have caring volunteers who kindly give up their time in a number of ways, to run various groups and also to visit and talk with our residents.

As Volunteering Australia CEO Adrienne Picone said, “Volunteering has a range of benefits. It is essential to building strong and resilient communities, and encourages economic participation, mitigates isolation and loneliness, and increases social inclusion and community participation. Volunteers also, gain valuable skills, and develop personally and professionally from their involvement in volunteering”.

The relationship with St Ignatius High School also continues, with groups of the boys coming each holidays, most recently being here to help out with our Easter celebrations. We also make the most of any particular skills the boys have, especially musical ability and any chess players!

Our residents have been enjoying Pet Therapy visits for the first few months this year.

Many miss having their own family pets and love the chance to give Manny a pat and remember their own pets. Unfortunately, Manny won’t be back for a while but we do hope to see him again in the future.

Ashburn has also made a connection with the CALD Community Visitors scheme which matches up volunteers and residents with culturally diverse backgrounds, giving them a chance to speak in their native languages and reconnect with their backgrounds. We hope to provide this service to more of our residents in the future.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Nerida O’Neill on 0434 946 184 or noneill@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Volunteer Corner SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER Maree Thomas Maree Thomas volunteers at Ashburn House, mainly with our lovely residents on Level 1. She also has helped out with a Christmas Concert and many other activities for all our residents.

Maree’s thoughts on volunteering…

“I became a volunteer at Ashburn House as a result of the love I have for my Dad. My first priority was to care and support him in his new home and let him know he was not alone and that his life still had meaning. When I arrived at Ashburn House, I saw many people needing a hug and a laugh. My Dad and I spoke about it and we said we would do our best to bring more joy and contribute in a positive way to the residents in his new home. We get involved with fun activities including singing, talking, interacting and sometimes being silly and laughing together. Life can be full of wonder and joy even though there are daily challenges to experience that comes with aged care.

I love to bring magic into everyday life, sometimes expressing myself as ‘the Fairy Godmother’, which is symbolic of the magic and wonder of life. I also volunteer at the Children’s Hospital bringing that gift of wonder to the children.

From my experience, it’s important that people know they are loved and cared for even if that’s just a smile, a kind word, a touch, a hug, a joke or simply the blessings of the Fairy Godmother bringing meaning to their daily lives.

These are the key reasons that I enjoy volunteering and I feel blessed that I am in a position to do this.”

Thank you for all you do within our Home, Maree!

Read, Rest & Relax!

HOW TO COPE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS! 1. Dress Warmly - If you are venturing outside for appointments, a walk or a spot of gardening, layer up. Two to three layers of clothing is more effective than one heavy layer. Consider investing in quality thermals. Every wardrobe should have a hat or beanie, gloves, scarf, socks, coat/jacket.

2. Be aware of changes to outdoor surfaces - Many outdoor surfaces can become slippery during the winter months. Moss tends to develop on the ground in certain areas, and wet surfaces are slower to dry. Be on the lookout for regularly wet, slippery areas like stairs and pathways. Wear appropriate footwear with non-skid soles. Check that the rubber base on canes and walker frames are in optimal condition and replace the rubber if worn.

3. Heat the home safely - During the winter months, we all tend to heat our home environments.

Be aware that heaters and fireplaces can leak dangerous levels of carbon monoxide if not properly ventilated. This gas can’t be seen or smelled. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs that could signal excessive amounts of this gas in your home: Headaches, nausea or vomiting, confusion, blurred vision or weakness.

4. Make meal time joyful and healthy - We know with winter comes the temptation to eat high carbohydrate, starchy and sugary foods that require minimum effort to prepare. Why not spice up your meal preparation experience with your loved one – put your favourite music on, fire up the • Broccoli • Pumpkin stove or oven and create a hearty winter soup or casserole. • Carrot • Celery • Avocado • Spinach Winter vegetables you can include in slow cooked • Fennel • Okra • Sweet winter meals are: • Kale • Parsnip potato 5. Stay hydrated - Did you know it is just as easy to dehydrate in the winter months? This is because we spend much of our time in heated environments (indoors with heaters, reverse-cycled air conditioners, fireplaces), but with less emphasis on drinking sufficient amounts of fluids.

6. Stay physically active - The temptation to opt for a more sedentary lifestyle in front of the fireplace or heater during the winter months is enticing. However inactivity, coupled with reduced daylight time can contribute to mental health issues such as mood swings and depression.

Chicken Soup • 4 (about 900g) chicken thigh cutlets, skinned • 1 large brown onion, halved, finely chopped • 1 large carrot, peeled, finely chopped • 1 celery stick, trimmed, finely chopped • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh continental parsley stems • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked • 2L (8 cups) water • 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns • Sea salt flakes • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh continental parsley, extra

1. Combine chicken, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, parsley, thyme, water and peppercorns in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 40 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.

2. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a clean work surface. Hold with tongs and cut the chicken meat from the bones. Discard bones.

Tear the chicken meat and add to the soup.

3. Taste and season with sea salt. Ladle soup among serving bowls. Sprinkle with extra parsley and serve immediately.

Serves 4

Snowflake Sudoku Snowflake Sudoku

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Difficulty: CHALLENGING Answer from last newsletters Word Scramble: “A funny bunny” Copyright © 2012-2013 2010-2011 by Education.com

More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets

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