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
CASA MIA Address: 28 Alma Road, Padstow NSW, 2211
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) 8707 6010
Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Manager’s Message Welcome to Casa Mia
Dear Residents and Carers, As you are probably aware, our Re-accreditation Audit was undertaken on May 9-11. I am very pleased to let you know that three years accreditation was achieved. This is the most that can be gained and we are very proud of this outcome. I thank you all for your input into the Home and hope we can continue to meet the needs of all of our residents. You have probably seen all the butterflies around the Home. This is a project aimed at building an intentional culture by displaying signature behaviours. These are: • Always work to Delight our Residents. • Understand, solve and deliver • Do what we say we will do • Work together, achieve together While this is a project to encourage our staff, the aim is to improve care delivery to our residents. If you have seen a staff member displaying any of these signature behaviours you are more than welcome to write it down and add it to our butterfly wall. Flu season is here! We have currently administered flu vaccines to all of our consenting residents and a large proportion of our staff. Just a reminder that flu vaccine is only one part of our prevention plan and is not a guarantee that people won’t get the flu. However, it does help to minimise the effects of the flu. Our other key strategy in preventing the flu is to minimise contact with people who are have signs and symptoms of respiratory Illness. If you are unwell, we ask that you do not visit at this time. Kind Regards, Sharon Fletcher
News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
7th - Entertainment: Lauren 12th - Queen's Birthday and Visit
3 Pat D
8 Sophia K
9 Phyllis H
3 Bev H
9 Lorraine D
12 Nancye R
7 Robyn G
10 Bruce R
12 Dmytro
8 Valda W
16 Darrell C
14 Phyllis A
JULY
20 Coralie M
5th - Entertainment: Patrick Brady
10 Lawrie S
26 Carmel W
80th 14 Louisa N
20 Biruta U
15 John C
26 Anna
16 Olive C 17 Margaret Wa
26 Pat L
14th - Art Exhibition 4-6pm 21st - Entertainment: Stan Ellis 28th - Pet Therapy
12th - Entertainment: Kane 19th - Pet Therapy
AUGUST 16th - Entertainment: Stan Ellis 23rd - Pet Therapy 15th - Entertainment: Tony Martin
20 Lola D 20 Joyce K 24 Jessie G 26 Filipo T 27 Kevin P
Keep updated with all the latest news and photos by “liking” us on Facebook! facebook.com/ christadelphianagedcare
Activity Reviews DISCOVERING GREECE We have a number of Greek and Macedonian residents at Casa Mia at the moment and as we are celebrating different cultures each month, the theme for April was Discovering Greece. A local company, Acropolis Funerals, offered to give the residents morning tea and bring in an entertainer to play Greek music. We even had some Greek dancing. In the afternoon, Sue shared some cultural i d e a s a b o u t Greece, including a traditional dessert that the residents were wary about trying, but ended up loving.
ANZAC DAY We are fortunate at Casa Mia to have the Padstow RSL come to conduct a service of remembrance for those ANZACs who selflessly gave their lives so that we can live in peace and safety today in this beautiful country. There are a number of residents here who have been in service, and we all appreciated the RSL members giving us their time. “Lest we forget.�
Activity Reviews MOTHER’S DAY MORNING TEA On the Friday before Mother’s Day, Casa hosted a High Tea for families to come and share time with the special lady in their lives – mothers, aunties and sisters. There was loads of fabulous food for the ladies and plenty of lucky door prizes, pink balloons and lots of fun. This carried on all weekend – Leslie came to work in her pyjamas and curlers! A group of children also came in on Sunday afternoon to entertain all the women.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE RESIDENTS At Casa, the residents, families and staff are very generous when it comes to fundraising. We had an Easter raffle that Vicky put together, where every gift was magnificently wrapped with her special bows and ribbons, and we raised $717. Then Sue and Marilyn put hours of effort in together to create a Sale Day for residents, families and staff to buy gifts for Mother’s Day, and they raised $870 which is to go towards our new garden project. Then in a very short space of time, the Mother’s Day raffle was held, which again Sue and Marilyn put together, and this time they managed to raise $818. A very big thank you to all involved in organising these events, for their time and generosity. And of course, thank you to everyone who bought a ticket!
Activity Reviews FLOWER ARRANGING IN LAVENDER FIELDS Joseph loves playing Table Tennis
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA This is a country-wide event to raise money for Cancer Research.
The idea is to host a morning t e a a n d ch a r g e f o r t h e Devonshire Tea, and each year Casa staff and residents get behind this great initiative and invite friends and family to come and join us for a good cause and some fun.
Happy St Patrick’s Day
CASA MIA CHALLENGING CANCER How many 5c pieces can we collect to fund the fight against cancer? For the month of June, Casa Mia staff, residents and family are going to collect as many 5c pieces as we can as part of the fundraising effort for fighting against breast cancer. This drive was initiated by Samuel Johnson, whose sister Connie, is dying of breast cancer. Samuel and Connie were born a year apart so they have always been close so he decided to ride around Australia on a unicycle to raise money for cancer research and raised $1.6 million. Let’s see what we can do to help his efforts!
CASA MIA ART EXHIBITION Primrose House Lounge Wednesday 14 JUNE 2017 3-6pm All art work by residents for sale
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
Rules for Visitor Supplied Foods As we get older, our immune system weakens and our stomachs also produce less acid which makes it easier for germs to cause harm in our bodies. If elderly people do get food poisoning, they are also likely to suffer more severe symptoms and consequences. 1. All foods should be covered. In original packaging or in a container. 2. Home cooked or fresh foods should be labeled with name of resident, type of food & date supplied. 3. Packaged foods should be labeled with name of resident & open date. 4. The visitor’s fridge is checked on a daily basis. • Any foods incorrectly labeled will be discarded immediately. • Any cooked or fresh foods will be discarded after 48 hours. • Packaged foods will be discarded 48 hours after open date. Please note that expiry dates supplied on the packaging is only relevant while the item is unopened. Once opened the 48 hour rule applies 5. We regret that staff are not permitted to reheat or cook visitor supplied food, this includes kitchen staff. • There is a BBQ kit available from the kitchen for use by visitors. • There is a microwave oven available in Frangiapanni (section 4) • Food needs to be reheated to a minimum of 75°C for two minutes to kill any bacteria or viruses that might be present in the food.
Things to remember: When you bring food into the Home you are responsible for its safety. Residents might have special dietary requirements or restrictions that you are not aware of - check with the staff first. Foods that are high risk for the elderly are seafood, dairy including desserts with a cream or dairy filling, eggs and meats.
Resident Story - Margaret Davis SUPPORTING A CAUSE Margaret Davis has led very interesting life. She has three children, but was sadly widowed young. She subsequently owned a pub and a race horse, worked in property development and for a funeral company involved in organising services and grief counselling and she has a passion for being an advocate for causes like conservation and Dying with Dignity. The first week in June sees World Environment Day on Monday June 5, and World Oceans Day on Thursday June 8. Margaret is passionate about beach conservation, especially protecting the rock pools on our beautiful shores. Her advice to everyone is “If you pick up something from a rock pool, please put it back where you found it”. She said that very often the creatures and plants from rock pools are very fragile and she is part of an organisation that educates the public about these things. They also work together with the international community to clean up beaches and rock pools and check sea grasses. At present, they are lobbying for a section of the NSW coastline to get World Heritage listing to protect the biodiversity. The proposed area would incorporate Barrington Tops National Park, Booti Booti National Park, Hunter Wetlands National Park, Myall Lakes National Park and Tomaree National Park. It would include a number of threatened species: 20 types of birds, eight mammals, seven frogs and snakes, and at least 19 endangered plants.
• The problem with most communica=on is that we don’t listen to understand, we listen to reply. • The mechanics of good apologies aren’t difficult to understand: A bad apology is cagey and ungenerous, an aEempt to avoid taking full responsibility. Good apologies are about stepping up. • No one is in charge of your happiness except you. • The most beau=ful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These people have a sensi=vity, an apprecia=on, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beau=ful people don’t just happen!
Points to Ponder
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 Volunteer Education For the first time, Casa had their own Volunteer mandatory training in April. In the past, we have done it together with the Southhaven volunteers, but it makes more sense to do fire safety and training at the site where you’re visiting and meet the other volunteers who bless Casa with their time. If you missed this training, there will be another opportunity in October to make sure you have your annual skill-update. Volunteer Thank You Lunch We had our annual Volunteer Thank You lunch at a new venue this year: The St George Motor Boat Club, San Souci. It is Christadelphian Aged Care’s opportunity to say thank you to all the volunteers, from all the NSW CAC facilities, who so willing give of their time and love to help improve the quality of life for our residents. As Mother Theresa said: ‘Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.’ (see photos on next page) Personal Benefits of Volunteering Family and Carers of Fengyan Tang, a researcher at the University of residents are invited to a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, conducted research into the impact that volunteering had in the lives FAMILY MORNING TEA of older people doing volunteering. 253 volunteers, 50 years and older, participated in When: 2nd Wednesday of every the study, which looked at many aspects of their month - 10:30am volunteering experience. Fengyan Tang noted Where: Casa Mia Garden Gazebo that each volunteer showed a marked improvement in both their mental health and Looking forward to seeing you their socio-emotional health. Participants also there for a social reported that as a result of their volunteering chat and/or efforts, they noticed an improvement in their support if you self-esteem, and that they felt they experienced need it. personal growth. All in all, they all enjoyed the social aspects of the volunteering experience. We hope you too have a similar experience at Casa Mia. (Jang, H. & Tang, F. (2016). The Effects of social support and volunteering on depression among grandparents raising grandchildren. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 83, 491-507.
If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:
Cathy Strachan on 0435 814 411 or cstrachan@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
Volunteer Corner Thankyou Lunch Thursday 18 May
“Volunteers are not paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless� - Anon
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.