Ashburn House Summer 2014 Newsletter

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Christadelphian Aged Care S U M M E R N E W S L E T T E R

ASHBURN HOUSE

Address: 20-34 Ashburn Place, Gladesville Phone: (02) 8876 9200

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The angel reassured them, “Don't be afraid!" he said."I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Email: admin@chomes.com.au

Managers Message

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Welcome to Ashburn House Hello to all!

We definitely felt summer is here when the temperature soared to mid 40s last Sunday. Make sure we drink plenty of fluids and remember to slip, slop and slap.

Barbara Walsh ended her 37 years of aged care service when she decided to retire. The send off party was a success with a good turn up of staff, residents, family members and volunteers. Plenty of multicultural food and lots of pictures to remember Barbara; we wish her well in her retirement.

Facility Manager’s position has been advertised and they have already started on interviewing applicants. In the near future, we will have a new Facility Manager. I hope we will all continue to support whoever gets the position. In the meantime, I am assuming both roles with the support of the head office team. I will continue my role as Care Manager when the new Facility Manager’s position is filled.

The high tea was a success and everyone enjoyed the day. This event raised a good sum of money to buy a mobile garden for residents who are unable to come to the garden and appreciate nature. I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their effort in making it an event to remember.

The Christmas season is around the corner. Invitations have been sent for the Residents and Relatives Christmas party. We are looking forward to seeing you here and enjoying the party. The dates for the Christmas party are posted on both lifts.

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Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)

Thank you to everyone who helps to make Ashburn a wonderful place for our residents to live. I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Warm Regards, Cora Inzitari (Care Manager)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Message from our new CFO G’day! I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with you all and am excited to be involved in the next stage for Christadelphian Homes.

From day one, the management and staff have been most professional and courteous, demonstrating the true values and mission of the Homes at a practical level. From participating at the recent National Aged Care Conference it was apparent that the Homes has an excellent reputation within the Industry.

This is credit to the dedication of all our staff and volunteers in providing the best possible environment and care for our residents across New South Wales and Queensland.

As you are aware, the Federal Government has recently introduced its Living Longer Living Better (LLLB) legislation, effective 1 July 2014. Christadelphian Homes is well-positioned in this regard and is operating comfortably with the new framework. We have put the necessary resources in place to manage the new admissions process, providing the best range of options for our incoming residents, while ensuring the necessary levels of Government support are obtained. In light of the changing industry demands and expectations of future residents, particularly those of the “babyboomers”, we are also in the process of significantly upgrading our facilities and look for your continued co-operation as we operate our construction zones.

During the past month, we’ve been busy with fiscal year-end compliance matters. I would like to thank the residents and members for your well considered questions and feedback, particularly at the AGMs held. Please continue to provide us with your input and ideas; this is essential for the ongoing improvement in our service to you and the broader community.

In mid-November, we divested the Lakefront Village (NSW Central Coast) to RSL LifeCare in a transaction which settled on 17th November. RSL LifeCare has a large portfolio of Retirement Villages and the Lakefront Village will benefit from RSL’s scale and systems. We wish Geraldine, her team and the residents all the best for the future in what is a most beautiful environment.

My wife Cazz is a music teacher at Mona Vale Public School and in her spare time teaches piano and violin to budding musicians within our community. Cazz is expecting our first child in March, which will no doubt prove to be a life-changing event for all concerned. We’ve found out what it’ll be (boy or girl), but remain tight-lipped until the big day!

Over the next few months, I hope to get around to all our facilities to meet as many of you as possible.

In the meantime, happy holidays and all the very best for the festive season.

God bless, Rob Hall Living Longer Living Better graph sourced from www.health.gov.au

News & Upcoming Events UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRAURY

1 Phyllis D

16 Sook L

1 Patricia R

3 Mavis D

22 Margaret P

2 Reginald L

3 Betty P

24 Josephine B

5 Liese-Lore

6 Christine F

26 Joan R

14 Giuseppe

DECEMBER Christmas Parties 2nd - Fitzroy & Katherine 5th - Ku-ring-gai & Minnamurra 8th - Daintree & Kimberley

JANUARY

7 Margaret S

19 Bess B

12 Jessie L

21 Dorothy P

14 Gloria G

22 Fr John

FEBRUARY

17 Elaine M

25 Joyce P

22 Noeline N

25 Beverley H

14th - Valentine's Day Couples Morning Tea

27th - Australia Day Celebrations

Staff News - Farewell Barbara Walsh Barbara Walsh has been a part of Christadelphian Aged Care for over 30 years. As a nurse in the public hospital system Barbara went to Southaven for a six week relief and felt she could make a difference to the lives of the elderly and stayed on for many years with a break of six years working for another aged care company before coming back on board as Deputy Director of Nursing at West Ryde while the new Ashburn House was being built in Gladesville.

After two years and having settled well into the new Ashburn House, Barbara stepped into the role of Director of Nursing replacing Gail Barbarler. So the time has come after ten years of being back in the arms of Christadelphian Aged Care Barbara Walsh has retired in order to spend more time with her partner and to undertake more extensive travelling.

Many staff from past and present gathered for a large farewell meal at Ashburn House to wish Barbara well in her future. Barbara made a speech stating her heartfelt warmth toward residents, their families and to the staff of Ashburn House.

Leisure & Lifestyle Report

by Libby G

We have had happy days due to the lovely weather experienced over Spring, with our residents having spent pleasant days out on the balconies and patios during activities. We have experienced some wild weather leading into summer and anticipate heat filled days ahead.

On the Leisure & Lifestyle front, the usual daily activities continue with Church Services every week from four denominational areas. Weekly Entertainment in the past few months consisted of the old favourite Ricardo, Dale Ryan, George the Entertainer, Mira from Stage Door, Ben Little, Rosanna Gallow and Russell Lynch providing musical enjoyment with residents singing along and playing percussion to many songs. I guess you could say we have our own house band at times! Piano sing-alongs have also been popular.

Our weekly Men’s Group indoor bowls session has proved to be a popular pastime, with some finding they have a natural skill for this sport, having not played it before! Others have reminisced their days of competitive lawn bowls with one resident taking to wearing his previous club’s jacket to the game.

Knit and Natter continues fortnightly on the same popular vein, during which the ladies attending enjoy a special morning tea. Marianne’s Chat Group on alternative fortnights continues to have residents open up on their opinion from a range of topics. Patricia’s Art Classes are gathering pace with many interesting decorations, hats and paintings presented for Christmas.

Residents and staff were thrilled to have a whole day visit from our favourite pet therapist “Copper” the giant Labradoodle. He shared an office with Inja when resting and was happy to give his time to all who asked him! Others to visit have been Rosie the tiny Maltese Cross, who is still pretty in her old age, Cooper the Schnauzer, Tim and Bob Bichon Friese, just to name a few. These dear animals make many a person smile with their enthusiasm to please.

The Pfizer group made their annual visit, volunteering for a day assisting residents with a special barbecue lunch which they cooked.

Twenty two students from Ignatius College Riverview have completed a community service after school with us that were completed within a term. These visits spanned over five days a week with small groups attending in that time.

Our special “High” Morning Tea was a tremendous success with many anticipating the next one.

Volunteers are assisting with a monthly special afternoon for the hostel residents held in Ku-ring-gai Lounge.

The annual Spiritual Remembrance Service was held in November, with more staff involvement in the service encouraged as a change of format. Members of our combined churches have performed the duty for the past five years, having come together as one community and supplied a moving service for all present.

Thank you to our bus drivers Geoff and Tina who have done a wonderful job helping us take our residents on scenic tours of our beautiful city and beaches.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Christmas as we look forward to a new year of peace, good health and happiness to all.

“The deeds you do today may be the only sermon some people will hear today” - St Francis of Assisi

Photos from Activities

Photos from Activities Barbara Walsh's Farewell

High Tea

Resident Story - Mavis D Mavis Evelyn Russell was born on December 3, 1913 to Ivy and Harold Russell in Marrickville. Her siblings were Alva, Peggy and Lloyd. Mavis was called on to help with the family as Lloyd was an asthmatic and Ivy needed to devote all of her time taking care of him and saving his life many times. Lloyd went on to become a robust man and a veteran of 25 City to Surf runs!

Mavis liked the movies and so did her cousin Errol Flynn. Errol also often went ice skating with Mavis and Ivy and he attended Shore Grammar at this time. Errol’s father Dr Theodore Thompson was head of Biology at Belfast University. Mavis comments of Errol “Such a nice boy and so handsome, Cousins with the girls couldn’t leave him alone – he just didn’t stand a chance.”

Errol Flynn Mavis was about sixteen at this time and had a boyfriend who owned a sports car and she used to meet him down at the station – her mother never found out!

Mavis learned piano and by seventeen had graduated with 1933 her cap and gown from London School of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium in July 1930. Tennis was also high on Mavis’ agenda and with her friend Minnie teamed up to play regularly. Trips to the snow were enjoyed on school excursions combining with Sydney Boys High. In 1932, Mavis was on a float with girls from Sydney Girls High crossing the Harbour Bridge on its opening.

With the Depression mounting, soon most of the street where the Russell’s lived was out of work and Ivy and Harold were feeding the street and fending off the unionists.

By the mid thirties an A Grade tennis player, Alan Downer was playing the banjo mandolin in Miss Porter’s Band and Mavis was asked to play piano at a do with them. The story goes that one evening after practice Miss Porter told Alan to please see Mavis safely home. In 1938, Mavis and Alan married.

Mavis was a Sunday school teacher at Hurlstone Park church where lasting friendships with Mavis Hazzard and Joan Field began. Recitals were in fashion Married in 1938 and Alan Downer played the “Sentimental Bloke”. Mavis and Alan were keen ballroom dancers and were seen as well on the way to ruin by the older folk of the church!

Separated from Alan by the war, Mavis took a job in the bank and spent evenings working soup kitchens for the troops. At this time, one of Alan’s cousins had gone to America and married a show girl, of which didn’t last, yet Mavis maintained contact with Violet (Peaches) and developed the American link with the Reinauers of Texas of which continues today. Alan thankfully came home safely from the war.

The Downers resided in Queen Street, Ashfield raising their children there. Picnics were popular with all the kids in a Hillman Minx or an Austin A40 and they would go to the bush at Penrith or the Royal National Park.

Downer Family in 1968 continued on next page…

Resident Story - Mavis D contd The next phase in Mavis’ life was the move to Canberra with the bank and a warm welcome from more to be life friends. Alan and Mavis were soon immersed in the church with Mavis running girls gymnastics classes.

Canberra was a great life of bonfires, church camps, endless parties and fun.

The children were disappointed when the family moved back to Sydney settling in Cheltenham where the Downers were welcomed into the community. Mavis supported her children’s education supporting them through high school and university.

During the sixties Mavis took a job at CSIRO Radio Physics to support the higher education of her family.

Later, Alan and Mavis travelled the world together visiting South Africa, Europe and the USA where they had relatives. After Alan passed away, Mavis travelled to the USA on her own at the age of 74 to stay with Lloyd.

Mavis appreciates her privileged life and turned 101 on the 5th December and says that the key to good health and a long life is to keep busy of which she does as a resident of Ashburn House and continues to direct her needs and wishes for activity. Staff often enjoys a reminiscent chat with Mavis Downer a woman who has endured living through many eras of our Australian and world history and can still relate many of her life stories.

Cecil’s Corner Hello Everybody, Again, I write an article with the activities recorded in the pages of our news in the hope of helping in the Hostel section of our home.

With the seasons playing to their time and winter having lingered of cold days yet, spring is still functioning with flowers and birds nesting whilst summer is trying to power ahead; but let us wait on the power of God. He makes the time of creation.

We welcome new residents to our home and are saddened by some members who have passed on, so let us try to cheer all in their time of grief. We are blessed by staff that serve us one with another and in our efforts help serve each other to make life a happy place to live at Ashburn.

“Your love O Lord endures forever” writes the psalm of David.

- Cec Salmon

A resident of Ashburn House for 8 years, 91 years old Cec is still writing his snippit.

Thanks so much Cec for your contribution to the newsletter.

Bereavements - Our deepest sympathies have gone out to the families who have lost their loved ones over the Spring period.

Staff Profile - Katinivia Lapuaho (Via) Katinivia Lapuaho was born on the peaceful island of Nuku Nuku, known as the friendly island, is a part of Tonga. Living in Tonga is an idyllic, healthy existence of sunshine, pristine beaches and loads of bananas, mangoes and paw paw!

One of six children, Via had one sister and four brothers. Family lifestyle in a country that has no mortgages or rents, home is set up in villages and built close to relatives in order for all to care for each other and make sure no one goes without. There are no aged care facilities in Tonga and families care for their elderly living with them. Such is the communal way of life, if someone is out of food another will ensure they are fed and kept in supply; there will always be someone to step in and assist anyone in need. Children go to school on the island and may attend college after primary school.

Via’s mother migrated to Australia first to set up home ready to bring her children over. They settled in Campsie and the children schooled at Burwood. Via arrived in Australia, aged fifteen, and attended Year 10 at Burwood Girls High where she enjoyed sport, particularly Volleyball.

Working life included customer service in a designer clothing warehouse and other related fields.

Via decided to become a nurse after her sister Florence encouraged her to apply at Ashburn House to train six years ago and is now a Certificate 1V in Nursing, specialising in dressings.

Via met her future husband, Josh, living next door to each other in Strathfield and has four children, three boys and a girl, and nine grandchildren of which they enjoy spending time with often.

In October 2001, Via and Josh lived in the USA, residing in San Francisco where Via was a carer for a German woman, travelling as often as possible to see the country and relatives of Josh. They returned to Australia towards the end of 2002.

Besides having a passion for nursing, Via likes working with her hands doing craft activities, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, enjoys singing in the choir, travelling around Australia and to her homeland of Nuku Nuku to see family and friends and especially spending quality time with her family.

PERKS OF REACHING 50 OR BEING OVER 60 AND HEADING TOWARDS 70 OR BEYOND! 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you 2. In a hostage situation,you are likely to be released first 3. No one expects you to run - anywhere 4. People call at 9 pm (or 9am) and ask, 'Did I wake you?

5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac 6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way 7. Things you buy now won't wear out 8. You can eat dinner at 4pm 9. You get into heated arguments about pension plans 10. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge

11. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room 12. You sing along with elevator music 13. Your eyes won't get much worse 14. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off 15. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service 16. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either

Pastoral Care TRYING TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS How often has there been a problem between 2 people because of a lack of understanding? We see it happen time and time again. It’s an age old problem – me not understanding you and what happens as a result. We call it a breakdown in communication.

Understanding is actually one key for us to live in harmony and peace with each other. The lack of understanding can have great consequences. War happens because nations do not understand each other.

Racial discrimination, broken marriages, crimes happens because people are misunderstood or people misunderstood other people.

We can be so quick to jump to conclusions about other people, especially people who are a bit different in some way to ourselves. There is so much we can learn from others when we stop and take the time to really get to know and understand them. When we stop and walk alongside someone for a while we can gain a whole new understanding of them, and are able to see their gifts and talents and those things that make them unique.

It was once written “Let us strive to understand others, than to be understood”. It’s a great statement, because we all have to learn how to get on with others, to understand them, even if that is difficult and challenging.

One of the problems is that we don’t listen to one another carefully anymore… Listening. What a lost art. Jimmy Buffett covers a song originally released by Fred Neil in the 60’s, called “Everybody’s Talkin’”. The first line of the song is a good description of today’s society, it says “Everybody’s talkin’ at me… can’t hear a word they’re sayin only echoes of my mind” Do you agree with these words? How often do you walk away from a conversation, meeting, or phone call thinking, “why won’t they just listen to me?” Or here’s a scary thought – how often do people walk away from you wondering if you listened to a word they were saying? You see it works both ways.

Maybe as we go through this life we need to slow down and listen to people’s life stories before we jump to conclusions about them. We need to try to understand people before we make judgements about them. We must hear what they’re saying – to listen carefully, Actually, listening does not come naturally to most of us – we need to work hard at it – to stop ourselves from jumping into the conversation and giving our own opinion. We all like to be listened to and understood, we feel affirmed and validated”.

Jesus is a great role model as He went around listening to and caring for others. You may know the story recorded in John 4:1-27 where He met up with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. It was midday, the hottest part of the day: Jesus sat down, weary, and a Samaritan woman joined I need to be heard…

Him to get a drink of water from the well. Jews traditionally did not speak to a Samaritan, but Jesus broke the rule and asked her to get Please don't try to comfort me by Him a drink – He opened up a life changing conversation which led telling me, "You'll be better in time.” her to realise Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ. The disciples returned I need to be heard… to the well and were surprised to see Jesus talking to the woman. She Please don't pacify me by trying to didn’t have a good reputation – broken marriages – but Jesus didn’t "top it" with a hurt of your own. condemn her – He showed an incredible ability to look past her façade or mask, but He knew this woman. He observes her actions, her life, I need to be heard… her words, and He really hears what she is saying. Like Jesus, we really Please don't look away when need to have His eyes and ears to hear and see what people are saying.

I mention that precious name!

If we do carefully listen and try to understand others, we may hear I need to be heard… hurt, anger, disappointment, loneliness, longings for comfort and Can't there be anger among sadness desires for purpose in life. In what way can we give our time, words and and misery? heart to help someone else?

Express empathy – this means to feel into someone’s pain – it’s I need to be heard… focused on the other person, instead of yourself. It’s deeper than Meet me where I am, and listen to me sympathy – understands feelings and tries to do something to Until I don't need to be help. In Brazil, they have a saying “if you’re stuck in a hole, a heard, anymore. sympathetic person will get into the hole with you. The empathic person will give you a rope to get out”.

Source: Chris Witts

POEM I Need To Be Heard

Volunteer Corner

Over the last few months we have had rather a busy time.

In October, we had a High Tea for all the residents and their families and without the help of the very valuable volunteers we would have struggled with the set up, serving all the guests and cleaning up! A very big thank you to all involved in making the day the success it was.

We have had our regular Bingo, Knit & Natter and Conversation Groups and Movie Days with our volunteers, but recently we have been blessed with some new volunteers: Lindsay who has offered to work with the Men’s Group, playing bowls and chatting, and Patricia who has offered to help with the Art Classes since Jill has been so ill, but also to begin a monthly High Tea in the Kuringai Lounge for our residents. We are very grateful to these two, and residents are loving the extra time spent with them.

We had the annual Ashburn Sale Day in November which is an opportunity for the residents and staff to source gifts for Christmas and we had a lovely range of products this year. Again, a very big thank you to those who took the day to come and benefit our residents who are unable to get out to do their shopping.

Ashburn House has a Remembrance Service on the last Friday of November each year in memory of those who have passed away in the previous 12 months. This year was the first time the service was run entirely by the staff instead SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER of volunteers, to give them Patricia Zuluaga the opportunity to pay their Patricia came to Ashburn to volunteer in July this respects. year, having only been in Sydney for 4 months.

We have another 2 young She was born in Colombia into a big family and gentlemen volunteering as married young. She had 2 sons (both studying to Baristas in the coffee shop. be medical doctors) and a daughter, as well as doing Please come in and enjoy the a year of a business qualification but as she was already running her own coffees that Andrew and business, she didn’t finish. She has always been passionate about fashion – Mick make for you. beauty and clothing - and has been helping with décor and flowers for I’d like to wish all the functions at Ashburn, as well as helping with craft and art classes for our Ashburn residents and their residents. She also helps the ladies with their hand-and -nail care, and loved ones a wonderful sometimes does their make-up for them. She loves working with our holiday season and residents and once a month hosts an afternoon high tea in Kuringai Lounge. everything of the best for Patricia has been going to English classes since she arrived in Australia and 2015. has made amazing progress. When her youngest son arrives here for Christmas he is going to be very impressed with his Mom. We are very God bless you all, Cathy blessed to have this wonderful woman working with us at Ashburn.

If you are interested in joining the Volunteer program, L-R please do not hesitate to contact me: Andrew Cathy Strachan on 0435 814 411 & Mick or cstrachan@chomes.com.au Volunteer & Pastoral CareCoordinator

How Our World Looked Way Back When

NYC was a much less busy city, 1908

Roller skates were the hot new thing but still needed a bit of work, 1910

These guys unveiled their motorbikes for the first time, William Harley and Arthur Davidson, 1914

Rush hour looked a lot different than it does today, Chicago, 1909

Beach Police officers made sure no swimsuit was higher than 6 inches above the knee, 1922 The iconic London buses looked like this, 1928 A new vantage point was introduced to New York.

Opening day of the Empire State Building, 1931 The Hollywood sign was still the 'Hollywoodland' sign. The last four letters were removed in 1949 The Golden Gate Bridge was still under construction and looked like this, 1937 This was the tallest building in Paris, the Eiffel Tower under construction in the 1880's

Read, Rest & Relax!

TIPS TO “BEAT THE HEAT”

• Try to plan activities that require going outside during non-peak hours when it might be a little cooler.

• Move exercise indoors. Consider walking on a treadmill, or “corridor walking” instead of outdoor walks or activities.

Swimming and water aerobics are good options as well.

• Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic, caffeine-free as these ingredients have a diuretic effect). Talk with your doctor if you take medications that affect fluid intake.

• Consume food and drink with sodium and potassium to restore electrolyte balance when losing fluids and drinking a lot of water: broths or soups (contain sodium); fruit juice, soft fruits, vegetables (containing potassium); sports drinks that contain electrolytes.

• Stay indoors in cooled spaces as much as possible.

• Be aware of signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

I used to be great when it came to word play. Once a pun a time.

I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.

I used to be addicted to lunch meat but I quit cold turkey.

Little Gingerbread Cakes • 125g butter, chopped • 2/3 cup golden syrup • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar • 2/3 cup milk • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 2/3 cups plain flour, sifted • 1 tablespoon ground ginger • 1 teaspoon mixed spice • Lemon zest, to serve LEMON ICING • 2 cups icing sugar mixture, sifted • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 teaspoons boiling water Makes 8

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease an 8hole, 3/4 cup-capacity mini loaf pan.

2.Place butter, golden syrup, sugar and milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes or until butter has melted and sugar dissolved (do not boil). Remove from heat. Add bicarbonate of soda. Stir to combine.

Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

3. Add egg. Whisk to combine. Add flour, ginger and mixed spice. Whisk until smooth. Spoon mixture into pan holes until half-full.

4. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre of 1 cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make icing Place icing sugar, lemon juice and boiling water in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Spoon over cakes. Stand for 5 minutes or until icing starts to set. Top with zest. Set aside until set. Serve.

Word Sudoku

18/11/2014 11:22 am

Word Sudoku adds a twist to the usual sudoku which makes the puzzle a little more interesting. 6 different letters are used instead of numbers.

The basic goal remains the same: every row, column, and 2Ă—3 square has to contain one of every letter used in the puzzle.

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

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