C h ristade lph ia n A g e d C a re
2 0 1 7
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
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) 4235 7600 Email: admin@chomes.com.au
Manager’s Message Welcome to Ridgeview I would firstly like to thank all the residents and family members for their support over the past three months while we have dealt with the recent lightning strike affecting many aspects of the operations at Ridgeview. We should have the majority of repairs attended, including the Cal system and telephones. We do encourage you to provide us feedback and appreciate your patience through this difficult time. In line with feedback provided by one of our residents’ family members, we will be placing feedback forms at each care station to allow ready access to forms to provide us feedback. We have had quite a lot of feedback over the past few months from residents and their families and this has allowed us to refine what we are doing to ensure we are meeting the needs of our residents and families. We are excited to have Katie Dalton, our new Care Manager, start at the Home. Katie comes with a wealth of experience both in management and education. We have put a profile in the newsletter so you can learn more about her. Katie has been working closely with the staff at the Home to refine roles and responsibilities so they are more aligned with the organisations goals and so the staff are feeling well supported. This will flow onto the care provision for residents at the Home. In an endeavour to address the behaviours of staff in the workplace, we have implemented a number of strategies including the recent development of the Pulse culture program. Christadelphian Aged Care has taken the step to focus on creating a specific culture with our staff. 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 business. 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 this year. continued over page
Manager’s Message cont Further to this, the Care Manager has been working closely with the Registered Nursing staff and held a Leadership Day on March 24 in an endeavour to address team work through leadership and Models of Care. The ‘go live’ date for the new model of care was March 27, 2017. It is clear from the feedback provided that this change and structure is imperative to improving the provision of care at our Home. The clinical management team, the Care and Compliance Team, has been restructured to ensure that we are focusing on a more proactive approach to the provision of care and ensuring compliance with care requirements. This team will commence coordinating more family meetings so we can identify from you things we are doing well and things we can improve and we encourage you to contact us to arrange a conference with the Care and Compliance Team. We have two care and compliance officers, with one focusing on the Amethyst area and the other on the Sunshine and Sapphire areas. This has allowed the Care and Compliance staff to really get to know the residents and their family members to ensure we are meeting the care needs of our residents. We have implemented many initiatives at our Home over the past few months. Some of these include: 1. A cafe area upstairs in the Sapphire area. As this program develops we will keep you informed. 2. A new care station for staff in the Sapphire area at the back of Sapphire for closer supervision of the residents 3. New laundry services for the Sapphire residents The summer was a lovely one, although the heat was at times a little stifling. Improvements were made to the air-conditioning system so we should not have the issues we experienced last summer next time. You would have noticed the commencement of many improvements at the site. Through the positive and creative feedback we receive, this allows us to plan and to continually review what we do. Thank you to all who have assisted us in our continuous improvement process. Please continue to provide us with the constructive feedback. You would have noticed many new staff faces around over the last couple of months as we have successfully filled all our Registered Nurse and Care Staff vacancies. With this will come the need for extra support from the management team as our new team comes together. I look forward to what 2017 will bring and look forward to hearing from you as to what is working well and what areas you feel we need to improve. Kind Regards, Michelle Murphy
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
2 Margaret J
1 Georgina
4 Yvonne
6 Nancy
2 Norma
6 Jorma
8 Pat
3 Gerard
16 Ivan
10 Melva
4 Margaret
21 Joan
11 Betty
5 Maggie
22 Walter
14 Morris
7 Peter
24 Gladys
20 Ruth
7 Hope
27 Ann
22 Audrey
8 Sheila
30 Patricia
23 Petra
10 John 10/7
30 Isabella
24 Olga
16 Nadeo
31 Hildegard
26 Reg
16 Noeleen
27 Oswald
19 Arletta
30 Patricia
20 Pilar 23 Berta 23 Margarete 28 Noel 28 Helen
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUNE
14th - Krises Karaoke / Armchair Travel / Happy Beats
JULY Armchair Travel - America
AUGUST Happy Beats concert
Keep updated with all the latest news and photos by “liking” us on Facebook! facebook.com/christadelphianagedcare
Activity Reviews SAPPHIRE Hello from Sapphire! A lot has been happening over the past three months and everyone has been very busy. We have celebrated St Patricks Day and Easter, with our Easter fun day an enormous success. Residents not only enjoyed the entertainment, Easter Bonnet Parade and photo booth, but also the lead up, when they made sweet treats for the auction and designing Easter bonnets. (photos on next page) Anzac Day was commemorated with the laying of the wreath, followed by afternoon tea in the courtyard and reflection of what Anzac Day means. Residents are enjoying our weekly bus trips. We’ve visited Tiger Putt Putt for a morning of mini golf and morning tea, a fishing trip to Minnamurra and lunch (sadly nothing was caught, though we all had a ton of fun). Thank you to Wayne (Ridgeview Bus driver) for providing the rods and bait on the day. We’ve also been to Silvers Café Kiama for high tea. This is a lovely quaint place is full of fine china and old-world charm. Lunch was enjoyed at the 1950s Nostalgia Café ‘Rockabellas’ in Robertson. Fish and chips on the lake foreshore was shared with three large pelicans and a hoard of seagulls. We’ve enjoyed several pleasant morning teas to local scenic spots around the Illawarra, including Stewart Park, where we watched the sky divers, Cook Park Gerringong with our friendly black crow and Mt Keira, where we watched the mist part over the escarpment revealing our beautiful coast line. Lots of trivia, memory and word games have kept our minds active. Our latest game is word finding, making as many words as we can out of one big word. This a fun group game with lots of laughs at some of the funny words that come up. Monday morning discussion group is growing, with residents picking the topic and leading the conversation. There have been some interesting topics; our residents are a thorough source of information, especially on local history. The Wellness Spa is booked out each week. Residents receive a 30-min treatment with massages, nail care, tea and coffee and of course, total relaxation. Bingo continues twice a week, there’s a monthly birthday cake, along with beer ‘n’ bowls and craft. Until next time, Vikki (RAO Sapphire)
Bus Trip - Photos
Activity Reviews AMETHYST Amethyst area has been busy with Easter decorating and preparing for our fun day. Now that Amethyst has two RAOs working on Wednesday, residents have been enjoying exercise, ball games and trivia also time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Our courtyard therapy involving massage meditation and current affairs discussion is growing in popularity. We look forward to the next three months with all our wonderful residents. Thanks for your continual support. Love, Jean & Donna (RAOs Amethyst)
SUNSHINE During the last three months in Sunshine, we have had the great opportunity to have Mandy Rose come to our Home in the secure dementia area (Sunshine). Mandy is a doll artist and takes our old dolls and makes them life-like. These are then utilised for doll therapy. The residents love the babies and as they talk, sing and share the babies around it’s lovely to see the smiles and laughter these babies bring. The look on our resident’s faces is awesome. Thank you Mandy Rose. We now have Patrick and Rose-Marie, both named by our residents. We have beauty, daily tea and toast and many different activities throughout the day. We look forward to another busy three months with you. Love, Stacey (RAO Sunshine)
ADULT DAY CENTRE The Adult Day Centre was busy making crafts for St Patricks Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. The Garden Program with Bill (Volunteer) has continued to be a great success for residents to go out doors and socialise. The Ladies group on Mondays and Men’s group on Thursdays are going well. The Bunnings workshops have been working well for the Men’s group and we have had plenty of helpers. A big thank you to Trina Stacey and Cheyanne. If you would like your family member to attend Adult Day Centre, please let me or Kim know. Thanks, Debbie
Easter Fun Day - Photos
Activity Reviews LIFESTYLE TEAM We have had a wonderful three months with our Easter fun day being a big success. Our residents went fishing, played putt putt and enjoyed many morning tea and afternoon tea bus trips to places all around the Illawarra. Residents are now enjoying a barbecue fortnightly and love the selection of lamb chops rissoles and sausages and of course barbecue onion. This is a very popular event now and many residents want to attend. Residents are now enjoying Happy Hour every Friday at 2pm in all areas - they come along listen to music, enjoy some light trivia or play some table games. We let residents decide what they want to do on the day and sometimes they just like to talk. We are driven by what our residents like to do and encourage total input by them at our events meetings. Our Adult Day Program is running really well and we encourage families to tell us if there loved one would like to attend. We enjoyed a trip to the movies and lunch at Hogs Breath for Mother’s Day. Residents enjoyed watching ‘Going in Style’ and they look forward to our next movie adventure. La Belle Nails attend Ridgeview monthly and for $10 will attend to our residents nails. Please see our Lifestyle staff if you would like your family members nails attended to. We celebrated Nurses Day with a barbecue and dress-up day as Fairies and Elves. We are celebrating Mother’s Day by holding a biggest afternoon tea on Wednesday May 17, with all proceeds going to this charity. I would like to thank everyone that donated to this wonderful charity and will give more updates next newsletter. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any suggestions or questions, and thank you for the last three months. We are looking forward to the next three months with new adventures. Love Kim (Lifestyle Coordinator/Team Leader) Could family’s please John Lee celebrated his 101st Birthday on May 14 with family and staff. Happy Birthday John!
provide baby photos of their mum/dad as we will be having a competition later on in the year. Please drop them in or email me klillie@chomes.com.au
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
Staff Profile - Katie Dalton We welcome Katie Dalton our new Care Manager who joined the Ridgeview team in late January. Katie has been a Registered Nurse for nearly 30 years and has come to Ridgeview with a strong and diverse clinical, education and management portfolio. Over the past months, Katie has been getting to know our residents their families and all of our Ridgeview team. Her transition into Ridgeview has been smooth and I know she is enjoying the journey and her new role. Katie has a passion for aged care with excellence in the delivery of individualised clinical care for our residents. Her commitment to this is being seen in the education, skilling and supporting of our nursing staff to enable them to provide the best care possible. Katie has been focused on how our nursing teams deliver person-centred care and our model of care was introduced in April. This model has been implemented in conjunction with the promotion of the leadership role of our registered nurses. We are evaluating the project and look forward to the feedback. Katie’s energy, openness, values and love for her work means she is a part of our Christadelphian Ridgeview family and we look forward to continue working together to give our residents the best care possible.
Resident Sheila volunteers at Mission Australia Every Tuesday, Sheila is up early, dressed, with her packed lunch in hand, all ready for another day of volunteering with Mission Australia Dapto. Sheila’s smile and enthusiasm says it all about how much she enjoys her weekly day of volunteering. Sheila is always keen to get to work and when she returns to Ridgeview, tells staff and residents stories of all the things she has done throughout the day, people she has met and new skills she has learnt. “I just love it, the time goes so quickly and am really enjoying myself”, Sheila says. Sheila is busy throughout the day pricing, sorting, tidying clothing and shelving, displaying items for sale and has now progressed to operating the cash register. “I’ve met so many new friends and enjoy myself so much that the Supervisor has to remind me to take my morning tea and lunch breaks!” “It’s great as it gets me out and about”. Sheila is no stranger to working in Op Shops as she previously worked at the Uniting Church Op Shop at Dapto two days a week. Sheila is also very excited to be volunteering at Ridgeview labelling resident clothing, organising the lost property and assisting in the Café when it opens.
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 Lolly Trolley The Lolly Trolley, run by Volunteer Rhonda, makes it rounds every Tuesday morning from 11am. The Lolly Trolley stocks a variety of items including chocolates, lollies, chips, biscuits, cold drinks, personal items. Kiosk changes Our Kiosk in Sapphire (Level 1) will soon be running in conjunction to the Happy Days Café. This exciting new space will be open every morning Monday to Friday between 10am and 12pm. The café will be selling tea/coffee, cake of the week and toasted sandwiches. We plan to launch the new café mid June. Volunteers Wanted – Resident Clothes Labelling I am looking for some volunteers who would like to join the Volunteer program at Ridgeview to assist with labelling resident clothing with our industrial labelling machine. Our aim at Ridgeview is to significantly reduce the amount of lost clothing by labelling all residents clothing with our industrial labelling machine free of charge. This is an ongoing job, as we label entire wardrobes and any new clothing that is purchased by residents and families. If you can spare an hour or two once a week and interested in joining the Volunteer program at Ridgeview, I’d love to hear from you. Ridgeview’s Retro Cookbook We have had an overwhelming response with the sale of the Ridgeview Retro Cookbook. We have currently SOLD OUT, but are now taking orders for those wanting to purchase a cookbook. Each cookbook has a selection of recipes from residents, families, staff and volunteers and has been beautifully bound and illustrated throughout. Please see Diane at Reception to order your copy of the Ridgeview Retro Cookbook for only $10 each. They not only make a perfect addition to your kitchen, but make a lovely gift.
If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, please do not hesitate to contact me:
Michelle Chate on 4235 7612 or mchate@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral Care Coordinator
Volunteer Corner During the month of May, we celebrated National Volunteers Week. On behalf of the residents, families and staff at Ridgeview Aged Care, I would like to express our appreciation for all our volunteers and your valuable contribution to our facility. We are so grateful for the energy, enthusiasm and dedication you bring to your roles as volunteers. You come to us with a willing spirit, with warm smiles and friendly hellos. They say the best present you can give a person is your time. You give not only your time but also your talents, liveliness, patience and commitment. Whether we see you once a week, once a fortnight or once a month your loyalty precedes you. You are a vital part or our community. We truly appreciate your dedication and hope you recognise, as we do, the valuable role you play in helping to enhance the lives of our residents. We want to let you know that for the times when we are not around to say hello, good bye, thank you or how is your day going‌ know that you are important and we appreciate you and that you are an integral part of our Home. We celebrate our volunteers not just during Volunteer Week in May or National Volunteer Day in December, but every day and are so grateful for your time and presence at Ridgeview. Thank you for your continuing support. It is through the positive efforts of people like you that we create a caring and more compassionate world. Thank you‌ Des, Christine, Muriel, John, Sally, Patricia, Sue, Corinne, Mandy, Jeanette, Jan, Mal, Maureen, Carol, Cindy, Cheryl, Rhonda, Jacalyn, Bill, Anne, Narelle, Janette, Kay, Marina, William, Cheryl, Denise, Sandra, Barbara, Kath, Anthony, Patricia, Bernadette, Paul, Lyn, Peter, Fay, Paul, Kaitlyn, Chloe, Maureen, Flora, Fay, Bob, Jessica, Eva, Molly and Oscar. God bless you! - Michelle
Poem: A Tribute to the Dog on the Tucker Box I have been sitting here Since God knows when I’ll still be here at kingdom come I am a dog you should know that And why I am sitting along this track I do not bark I never bite I sit here quietly both day and night My master said as he rode away Mind that box do not stray I listen for a voice I knew so well That was kind to me I loved him well He liked a drink a smoke or two But he always knew when that would do There were no cars to run him down I hope to goodness he did not drown The horses have strayed and the wagon has gone And I am left sitting here all alone If you should pass me on your way Don’t forget to say g’day. By Chilla Myles (The Man from Two Wagga’s)
Happy Mother’s Day
Poem submitted by Elizabeth Craft (resident). Written by her late husband’s Uncle.
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 stove or oven and create a hearty winter soup or casserole. • Carrot • Broccoli • Pumpkin • 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
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Disclaimer: All photos and stories have been published with consent of relatives and residents involved. Thank you for your submissions.