Community Matters EDITION 04 WWW.CALVARYCARE.ORG.AU
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1300 797 522
Welcome As the months have passed, we find ourselves already half way through the year and in the middle of winter. In this edition, we provide some great tips to keep you safe during the colder months and throughout the year. The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine has progressed. Read more on getting yourself prepared for the vaccine. While vaccination is not mandatory, Calvary strongly encourages clients and staff be vaccinated against COVID-19 for their safety and wellbeing.
A reminder, vaccination against influenza (flu) remains important this year. Receiving a vaccination provides optimal protection in the peak period of flu circulation, usually from June to September in most parts of Australia. Did you know? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people who are 65 years and over are eligible for a free flu vaccine. We also meet Alba, who years after her husband passed away, discovered letters he had written to her.
Alba’s colourful life encourages us all and gives a new meaning to love. As always, thank you for your continued interest and support of our work.
Suggestions Do you have a story to share? We want to know more about you. ccc.communications@calvarycare.org.au
Driver and vehicle safety Being a safe driver means being alert, always driving to the conditions of the road environment and being ready to take action at any time. • Do not follow another vehicle too closely when it is raining or the roads are wet as it is more difficult to stop. Increase the gap between you and the car in front. • Turn your headlights on in dark and inclement weather. Although you might see the road ahead of you, it does not mean another driver will see you. Use your fog lights if you have them. • Use your air conditioner to prevent the windscreen from fogging up. If you do not have an air conditioner, use the demister and, if necessary, open the windows.
It also a good idea to develop confidence using other modes of transport which might help reduce your reliance on car transport and help to keep you fit and healthy (such as the train, bus or walking). • When foggy, do not put your lights on high beam as this only lights up the fog and makes the road more difficult to see. • If your windscreen is covered in ice, use cold water to wash it off. Never use hot water! You can use a card to scrap it off. Give your car time to warm up.
We all share the road, so we are all responsible for driving safely. Whether you are an experienced, older or new driver, there are some things you can do to improve your driver and vehicle safety. • Carry an old mattress protector or blanket in your car ready to throw over the roof in a hail storm. It is also handy to place on the wet ground if you have to change a tyre in the rain.
Stay safe on the road by monitoring your health.
• Check your jack and tools are where they should be and the spare tyre has air in it.
Get your eyes checked annually. Make sure corrective lenses are current.
• Ensure your windscreen wipers are clean and in good condition.
Get your hearing checked annually. If you need hearing aids, make sure you wear them while driving.
• Keep a small torch in the car. • Make sure your roadside assistance membership is valid. • Fill up water bottles and keep them in the boot. • Keep a first aid kit in your car in case of emergencies. Visit your state or territory’s road and transport authority website. Search for keywords like older drivers, road rules, and fitness to drive to find specific information.
Speak to a Support Worker or Case Manager about driving you to appointments, shopping, or social outings.
Regular check-ups are critical to keep you in the best possible driving shape.
Exercise. Regular strength and flexibility exercises can help improve your reflexes and range of motion, ease pain and stiffness, and help you maintain enough strength to handle and drive a car. Talk with a doctor about how ailments or medications can affect your driving ability. For example, if you have glaucoma, tinted eyeglasses can help to reduce glare. Get plenty of sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential to safe driving.
6. Turn to solar
Energy saving. Keep your bills down
Consider installing solar panels on the roof of your dwelling to cover lighting and heating needs. While this means a big upfront cost, it can save you money significantly in the long run. Check for government rebates. 7. Compare electricity providers Compare providers to find out which one has the best deals.
When it comes to energy, it is not a one size fits all. A range of factors like home entertainment and technology products, the climate or type of dwelling you live in can determine the amount of energy used in individual households. Get informed and understand your bills. Find out how much you can save and what is behind energy price increases.
3. Wash clothes with cold water
1. Install energy efficient lighting
4. Switch off appliances at the wall
Light bulbs can contribute a surprising amount to your power bill, especially if you have old incandescent or halogen light bulbs. Energy efficient light globes use less electricity and last longer. 2. Adjust the thermostat Adjusting the temperature setpoint by 1°C can save around 10% of the energy consumption of your heating or cooling unit (Canstar Blue 2021).
Hot water consumes more power. Also consider any eco settings on your washing machine. Appliances like televisions, microwaves, dishwashers and even phone chargers consume electricity when not in use. Consider buying a smart power board to stop standby electricity. 5. Close doors and curtains The harder an air-conditioner or heater has to work, the more power it will use. Try blocking draughts around the house to trap air inside.
Energy Made Easy is a free Australian Government energy price comparison service for households and small businesses in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. In Victoria, you can use Victorian Energy Compare. In the Northern Territory, refer to the Power and Water website for retail electricity information.
Find out more: energymadeeasy.gov.au compare.energy.vic.gov.au powerwater.com.au
Sewing the seeds in the garden of life
Alba left school at a very young age. She learned to sew and worked in a factory sewing parachutes for soldiers. A few years on, the factory closed and the opportunity came to travel to England for work.
“
You are my true love and desire of every day.
”
The first day she arrived in Birmingham it was a cold and wintery day. She recalls a young gentleman named Joseph approached her and started speaking German. Alba did not understand him, but they used verbal cues and their body language to communicate. Joseph proposed to Alba after two months of meeting her. A year later, they were married. It didn’t take Joseph long to learn Alba’s Hungarian dialect. In fact, Joseph knew five languages - German, Hungarian, English, and Romanian, as well as his native tongue, Italian. They stayed in England for 19 years. Alba was sad to leave their Park Lane home behind, (“just like in the game Monopoly,” she says). However, she saw the move to Australia as a new adventure. Alba continued sewing which included couture wedding dresses. Alba and Joseph frequently attended the Villa Borghese reception venue in Melbourne. She made dresses and suits for the owners weekly for over two years. Alba and Joseph were married for a blissful 61 years. Seven years after his passing, Alba was cleaning, and found some envelopes. After sifting through, she realised they contained letters Joseph wrote to her professing his love and undying gratitude for Alba being the best wife and mother in the world.
Alba is always keeping busy in her home. During the colder months, she keeps warm with the central heating but is very energy savvy. She uses the lights only after dusk, turns off all appliances when not in use and has light sensors. Since Joseph’s passing, she has taken an avid interest in gardening, keeps her backyard in full bloom, and grows her own fruits and vegetables. Since 2017, Alba has appreciated the support provided by Calvary in particular from Support Worker Gayle, who visits fortnightly to deliver services. They have formed a great friendship. Both enjoy knitting - especially baby clothes for their great/ grandchildren.
My Dear Darling wife, I am still under the influence of the wonderful weekend you give me and it make me love you ever more. I love you forever. Josi
She was very surprised and truly touched by the words her husband wrote. She often reads the letters to keep his memory alive. Alba said Joseph was the best man and husband she could have ever asked for. The couple worked in many volunteer roles for over three decades at their local council and at various charities and churches. With a rich culture and faith, Joseph kept close to friends at the Vatican. The couple received an Apostolic Benediction (blessing) from Pope Paul VI for emigrating to Australia in 1968, which is in a framed certificate in Alba’s dining room, and another in 2008, from Pope Benedict XVI after they hosted some of his advisory staff in their home during their tour.
“
My mind wanders towards you and your most intimate beauty.
”
Alba and Gayle in the garden.
COVID-19 vaccination preparation
COVID-19 vaccination information Health.gov.au/ resources/publications
This information will help you prepare for your COVID-19 vaccination. • Find out who will be prioritised for vaccination by visiting health. gov.au/covid19-vaccines.
• Plan ahead. It is important that you receive two doses of your COVID-19 vaccination.
• Make sure your details are up to date with Medicare, (note that you can still have a COVID-19 vaccine if you are not eligible for Medicare).
• At your appointment, discuss any questions you have about COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Check to see if you can book a COVID-19 vaccination by visiting covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov. au/.
• Tell your immunisation provider if you are under the age of 50 years, if you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any medications.
Whether you are vaccinated or not, there are things you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. • Practise good hygiene. • Practise physical distancing. • Follow the limits for public gatherings. • Understand how to isolate if you need to.
Your home and garden Over time, some daily tasks or activities can become challenging. Calvary is committed to providing you with various supports and services so you can continue to live independently in your own home. We can assist with house cleaning, laundry and ironing, light gardening, lawn maintenance, and minor home modifications.
www.calvarycare.org.au
1300 797 522 1300 66 00 22
Calvary is a charitable Catholic non-for-profit organisation with more than 12,000 staff and volunteers, 14 public and private hospitals, 17 retirement and aged care facilities, and a national network of community care centres. We operate across six states and territories within Australia.
Continuing the Mission of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary
551 Blackburn Road Mt Waverley VIC 3149 Australia T 1300 797 522 ccc@calvarycare.org.au www.calvarycare.org.au
You have received this newsletter as a valued client of Calvary. Information is accurate at time of printing.
Established in Sydney in 1885, by the arrival of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary in Australia, our mission is to provide health care to the most vulnerable, including those reaching the end of their life.
Calvary Community Care