Maranatha Winter 2017 Newsletter - Christadelphian Aged Care

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

MARANATHA Address: 1582 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503

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: (07) 3482 5333

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Manager’s Message Welcome to Maranatha

As we enter into the winter months of the year, it’s a great time to reflect and enjoy the changing seasons. We need to celebrate our successes and acknowledge any opportunities for improvement.

We have celebrated the introduction of Pulse, a program that aims to create an intentional culture within our Home and across the organisation. It’s a journey of culture change, a chance to demonstrate and celebrate the care provided and how we go about it. It’s an opportunity to recognise the great work done by so many.

Just some of the great things that are happening: • Our Home continues in its commitment to enhance the environment with new furniture, accessories, and painting • We have reviewed the staffing to reflect the increasing care needs of the residents.

• A spiritual garden is on the draft board • Residents actively participating in quality meetings to provide feedback and suggestions Yet we continue on with the challenges that face aged care, the challenges for residents when they enter aged care and families to adjust to a new way of life.

As a Home, we face the challenge of facilitating that new way of life to be as the resident would like it.

A big thank you to the residents and their families that work with us, provide feedback and help us with our understanding.

A big thank you to the staff who seek to understand so we can deliver that care.

Kind Regards, Suzette Robertson - Facility Manager

Senior Village Manager’s Message Tonight, I watched a great-great-grandfather of 101 years and 38 days, jump out of an aeroplane, creating a world record. Four generations stood together as he touched down. Who is this man and what made him wish to be a record holder? Each of us have dreams and aspirations to be or do something amazing, something that is special to us alone. Being able to text a message on your mobile phone to the grandchildren, riding a Harley Davidson motorbike, learning to play a musical instrument or being able to continue playing a musical instrument. A small corner of our mind is reserved for this feat, wondering if one day it will happen.

We watch people on TV chasing their dreams - creating floating ice-cream, crooning the latest tune or coating a colourful house. As we age, our dreams may become clearer, we know we don’t want to create a floating ice-cream, but we would like to get to know about the birds that flit around the garden. Sometimes, the cares of this life can make us so anxious we can only see the tips of our toes, not the road ahead. Today, lift up your eyes and think on those dreams. Go out of your way to cheer someone else up. Today is a gift from the Lord. Don’t give way to fears and frustrations. Let them go… and decide, what is my dream.

Kind Regards, Jane Burns - Senior Manager, Retirement Villages

JUNE

JULY

3 Therese Ashwood 6 Ken Roginson

1 Maurice Bailey

UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE

AUGUST

4 John Gradwell

10 Sue (Mutsuko) Reddy

2 Nicole Seydel

5 Elise Bowker

10 Judith Hughes

2 Teresa Witheridge

5 June Venn

16 Betty Crombie

3 Betty Muller

8 George Donley

17 Margaret Amos

8 Ruth (Miriam) Wilmott

9 Pauline Dwyer

18 Colin Askin

8 Alwyn Neuendorf

12 Louise Merry

20 Thelma Steele

11 Naomi Clark

15 Lucille Gradwell 22 Margaret Hooper 11 Leila Eden 15 Ken Weldon

23 Betty Bevan

12 Lynette Hohnke

17 Joan Hassell

23 Topsy (Alice) Solomon

14 Paul Bundesen

18 Elva Smith

24 Bib Caddick

16 Betty Phillips

23 Vera Hore

24 Virginia Grosskope 18 Evelyn Stuckey

(Mary) Manion

24. Betty

24 Brian O’Brien

27 Ronald Hermann 21 Isabel Reid 28 Elvy Trappett

25 James Malcomson 29 David Pogson

22 Hazel Sonter 22 Helen Nakovics 23 Elva Kanofski 24 Daphne Scheiwe

9th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends 21st - Winter Ball: 10am 23rd - Volunteer Luncheon 30th - Birthday Party & Concert

JULY 14th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends & Bastille Morning Tea 28th - Birthday Party & Concert

AUGUST 11th - Sing-a-long with Dawn and Friends 14th - Market Day 18th - EKKA Fun Morning 25th - Birthday Party & Concert Please remember the usual weekly rostered activities like: choir, knitting and nattering, gentle bus trips, craft and painting to name a few.

Refer to you monthly program for times and locations.

Activity Reviews MARKET DAY Every quarter, Maranatha, together with the fundraising committee and other stall owners, hold a market day for the residents of Maranatha – giving them opportunity to participate in retail therapy (and who doesn’t enjoy a bargain?). On offer this quarter were cakes, toys, soaps, clothing, quilts, jewellery, Avon, cards and many, many other treasures.

If anyone is interested in participating in the next market day as a stall holder, there is no cost involved but items need to be suitably priced for the residents enjoyment – contact can be made though one of the DTs or Jane (Volunteer Coordinator).

EASTER Easter came hop, hop, hopping along this year in the form of a large, attractive bunny, who showered us with chocolate and fluffy hugs. We were also treated by the kitchen, who supplied a wonderful morning tea, so with our Easter bonnets securely fastened onto our heads we jumped head first into a wonderful day of fun, chocolate and smiles.

Many thanks to our Easter Bunny – we hope that you are able to attend next year and look forward to your continued visits.

Activity Reviews MEN’S HOUR This year, we have had the pleasure of adding Michael to our staff pool – Michael was one of the interns sponsored by CAC over the Christmas break. He now supports us as both a physio assistant and as a fill-in Recreational staff member.

Among other skills and talents, he has brought a male presence to our team that had been previously missing. The male residents of Maranatha make the most of this and every Wednesday, participate in Michael’s Men’s Hour – whether it be pool, bowls, trains, planes or some other activity of manliness.

MOTHER’S DAY Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring the mothers in our lives - natural or spiritual mothers.

It also celebrates the act of motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society.

The origin of Mother’s Day goes back to the era of the Greeks and Romans.

Today, the celebrations take place in over 46 countries of the world - giving us the opportunity to honour them and thank them for their efforts in giving us life, raising us and giving us constant support and unconditional love.

M – is for the million things she has told me O – is only that she is growing old

T – is for the many tears she has shed H – is for the heart as pure as gold

E – is for the eyes that shed many tears

R – is for the right she will always stand for Put them all together they spell mother – the one who means the world to me.

- By Daphne Scheiewe

SPECIAL DAYS This year Colin and Nancy Hill celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary – we wish them well and celebrate with them a life lived together in harmony and love.

Rosie, our beloved RN and daughter of our previous Facility Manager Kathy Hallmark, celebrated the birth of her first child this year Violet Rose on May 9.

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.

Resident Story - Nancy Hill Nancy was born in Australia and has lived in Queensland most of her life. She has travelled extensively, both in Australian and overseas, during which time she has formed a love for Queensland countryside, which evidences itself in her subject matter and painting styles. She has painted in oil, followed by many years of drawing and sketching.

Nancy taught ‘home economic’ subjects in Queensland and then travelled overseas in 1956 where she studied in Paris, France at the Le Cordon Bleu School of Cookery. She was awarded a double certificate. While in Europe for 12 months, she visited may top art galleries.

On her return to Australia, Nancy was appointed home economist for a large Australian Company in Sydney and returned to Brisbane to do a two-part television program Cooking and Dressmaking, where her sketching was used to advantage.

Nancy followed up art by studying oil painting under “Frank de Silva” at the Royal Art Society. Later she studied under Edith Miller.

She lived in Melbourne with her husband for five years and studied China painting to broaden her knowledge in all aspects of art.

On returning to Brisbane, she returned to studies of oils under the care of Eric Whisson, a well-known Queensland artist.

Nancy has paintings hung in galleries and shows in many places throughout Queensland, as a member of the Queensland Art Collective.

In 1983, Nancy started a class for oil paintings in a Queensland retirement village. The members over the years have obtained great pleasure from these classes and it continues to grow in popularity. As well as painting general scenes for display and sale, Nancy has accepted a number of commissions. One was a painting of the Brisbane Central District for a large Brisbane conference of which over 500 prints were made and distributed to most countries throughout the world.

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 As always, it has been a busy time at Maranatha with people coming and going and with April’s many public holidays, our program certainly did not go according to schedule. However, it was a busy month for all concerned.

For our memorial service in April, we installed a lovely bench in the garden outside Acacia as the beginning of the creation of a memorial garden to provide a spiritual space for our residents where they can go for quiet contemplation. This garden is overlooked by the Sunnyside Room where we are also creating a quiet retreat for residents’ enjoyment and relaxation.

The daily Bible readings are now taking place on six mornings of the week in the Sunnyside Room and we are bringing elements of the garden into this space with some beautiful pot plants. One of our residents also informed me that she looks over towards Sunnyside Room at night and it is lovely to see!

We had some beautiful handmade blankets donated by the ladies from Fig Tree Village and some are forming part of the lovely lounge area, which is Sunnyside Room, and provide colour, comfort and texture to the overall atmosphere.

As always, our lovely volunteers have helped to make our residents’ lives richer and happier in the good times and have provided comfort in PRAYER FOR TOLERANCE times of sadness. We Dear Lord, thank them for their Please grant my visitors tolerance for my constant attention to our condition. Forgiveness for my irrationality. residents and their And the strength to walk with me into the mists availability to assist at of memory my world has become. times of need. This is truly Please help them take my hand and stay awhile, Christ in action in all of even though I seem unaware of their presence. our lives.

Help them to know that their strength and loving care will drift slowly into the days to come just when I need it most. Let them know when I don’t recognise them that I will, I will …

Keep their hearts free from sorrow for me – for my sorrow, when it comes only lasts a moment – then it’s gone.

And finally, Lord, please let them know how very much their visits mean, how even through this restless mystery – I can feel their love, Amen

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” - Psalm 55:22 If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Jane Hughes on 3482 5333 or jhughes@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator

Volunteer Corner The Maranatha Fundraising Committee was formed by the Christadelphian community in 1993 to raise funds for the benefit of the Maranatha residents. Since then, the committee, comprised only of volunteers, has raised over $500,000. This has gone towards the purchase of many items chosen to improve the lifestyle and comfort of our very special residents. These items include outdoor furniture, chair beds, shower trolley, a Recreation Room for ILU Residents, the setting up of the Sunflowers Cafe, an outdoor barbecue area, the Sensory Garden, light weight wheelchairs, exercise equipment and much more.

The committee’s biggest annual fundraiser has been the Maranatha Fair, held on the second Saturday in September, which has been and still is, a much-anticipated day for the Christadelphian and wider local communities. Other fundraising activities organised over the years have been three-course dinners, bridal shows, art & craft shows, high teas, garage & car boot sales, to name a few.

A variety of smaller activities are also held throughout the year for the enjoyment of our residents, which are not always fundraisers, but rather provide occasions for entertainment and social interaction. These include ILU resident luncheons, Christmas carols, sing-a-longs and catering for various interest group functions within the Village.

Many hard-working ladies have volunteered to be a part of the committee over the years and their tireless effort and dedication have been very much appreciated.

With the change of management of Maranatha by Christadelphian Aged Care in 2013, the fundraising group has found it necessary to change their focus to adapt to the changing needs of the community. The purchase of large scale items is no longer as relevant or necessary as it once was, so we now focus more on providing activities and events which enrich the lives of the residents and give them opportunities to do things they might not otherwise be able to afford or manage, such as day trips or concerts, along with smaller items that make life that little bit more comfortable.

The yearly fair is considered a valuable way to unite our community and maintain a sense of ownership of our amazing resource. It is the committee’s wish that we can continue to fundraise to fulfil any needs that are made known to us and to do our part to add that little extra something to the atmosphere of the complex.

Being a volunteer is such a personally rewarding thing to do. The fun, fellowship and friendships we have gained over the years has given us much pleasure. Even more rewarding is seeing the results of our efforts truly make a difference in the lives of our Maranatha family.

Marantaha Fair coming soon!

Saturday 9th September

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.