Life & Love Issue 36 November 2022

Life& Love

EDITOR'S LETTER

It’s been such a pleasure to receive so many colourful photographs of our homes in NSW and WA celebrating Diwali. I wish we had more pages available to dedicate to sharing this explosion of all the colours of the rainbow with our readers.

In fact, it’s been a colourful few months as a whole with special events marking Aged Care Employee Day, R U OK? Day (shout out to those delicious yellow cupcakes btw) and a very special wedding in Nepal for one of our staff members on page 29.

Our award-winning home in High Wycombe, WAKaringal Green - was also in the spotlight recently when the team from ABC’s Gardening Australia paid the gardens a visit. Don’t miss the show on November 11 where you’ll see why the gardens play such an important role in Karingal Green’s residents’ daily lives.

I hope you enjoy this bright and beautiful edition of Life & Love.

Life & Love Issue 36 | Spring 2022

EDITOR

Gabi Mills gmills@hallprior.com.au

DESIGNER Jennifer Mattison jmattison@hallprior.com.au

CONTRIBUTOR

Jacki Downs jdowns@hallprior.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ammon Creative

COVER IMAGE

Sonali Goel (Director of Nursing at Belmont Aged Care Home) and Hodo Shire (Director of Nursing at Hamersley Aged Care Home, Subiaco), celebrating Diwali. Photo by Daniel Hitchcock

Printed by VANGUARD PRESS, WA HOGAN PRINT, NSW

All rights reserved. No material published in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written authority. Every endeavour is made to ensure information contained is correct at time of going to print.

©2022 Life & Love is published by Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group.

Visit hallprior.com.au

facebook.com/ HallandPriorAgedCare

GARDENING AUSTRALIA VISIT KARINGAL GREEN: The team from the ABC’s flagship gardening show spent the day with residents and staff at Karingal Green, including CEO Graeme Prior and presenter Josh Byrne.

A WORD FROM THE

Chief Executive Officer

Our homes have been a riot of colour and activity in recent weeks, with some significant events marked and celebrated in WA and NSW.

Back in August, we marked R U OK? Day, and staff and residents tucked into cupcakes while remembering to ask that all important question and keeping an eye on each other’s mental health. We celebrated Aged Care Employee Day and you’ll see the many photographs that were taken around our homes as we celebrated the wonderful work our aged care workers do, every day of the year.

More recently, many staff celebrated Diwali with beautiful cultural clothes worn from Caroline Chisholm in NSW to Belmont in WA. Acknowledging and celebrating the diversity of our staff and residents within all our homes is something we take very seriously and we wish all those who mark the five-day ceremony a very happy Diwali.

As I write this welcome note in late October, I am looking forward to attending a Remembrance Day service at Clarence Estate in Albany. Remembrance Day is always a special day on the Hall & Prior calendar and this year we will be thinking as ever of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

In other news, I would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts and hard work of my team who are in the process of rolling out the new AN-ACC system. Standing for the Australian National Aged Care Classification, this new funding model replaces the old ACFI system. Hall & Prior welcome the new funding tool, with the hope that it provides long term benefits to our residents by providing more appropriate funding for care.

Finally, I would like to invite you to watch an episode of Gardening Australia on November 11. The ABC’s flagship gardening show will showcase the beautiful gardens of our award-winning residential aged care community Karingal Green in High Wycombe. I was particularly proud to show around the Gardening Australia team, who also filmed some of the residents potting plants and enjoying this beautifully designed landscape.

I hope you enjoy this very special edition of Life & Love

Yours truly,

GRAEME PRIOR Chief Executive Officer

Innovative pilot given official seal of approval

Hall & Prior’s purpose-built From Hospital 2 Home disability transition support facility in South Perth was praised by visiting politicians, who announced two further pilots in the pipeline. By Gabi Mills

It was a great honour to welcome the Hon Bill Shorten MP and the Hon AmberJade Sanderson MLA to our Hospital 2 Home (FH2H) program in South Perth.

The South Perth FH2H program is a key element of our Possibilities program, a specialised service offering bespoke support, re-enablement and accommodation to people with a disability.

The visit was organised to celebrate the success of FH2H and the granting of an extension for the program and the announcement of an additional FH2H pilot to be run by Ability WA in Coolbinia.

Hall & Prior and the WA Department of Health partnered collaboratively to pilot the FH2H model that supports the safe discharge of patients who no longer need hospital care and are awaiting transition to community-based support in an appropriate accommodation setting.

FH2H addresses hospital bed log jams for people who are medically fit to be discharged but until now have had no suitable accommodation options. FH2H, which has admitted over 24 participants since it opened over a year ago, is estimated to have saved 3,500+ hospital bed days.

NATIONAL MODEL

Opposite and above, Graeme Prior, CEO of Hall & Prior, introduces the Hon Bill Shorten MP and the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA to the staff and participants at the South Perth FH2H facility.

The FH2H team - including Libby Simpson and Claire Marsh - showed the visiting politicians and dignitaries around, and during the tour, Mr Shorten and his colleagues and met with staff and residents in the lounge.

Participants were interviewed while preparing lunch with residents. The ministers met and spent time with them, finding out about how the FH2H program had given them all the chance to leave hospital and embark on the next stage in their lives.

“It’s fabulous to be here, it has really made my week,” said Mr Shorten. “I won’t do anything better during my visit to Western Australia than talk to participants and the amazing staff who work here.”

Ms Sanderson said that the South Perth FH2H facility was a “fantastic success”, not only for individuals but for hospitals too.

“The initial pilot is estimated to have saved a huge 3,441 hospital bed days which is why we are so pleased to announce the establishment of a second facility,” said Ms Sanderson.

- Hon Bill Shorten MP

“Eligible people can stay in a more appropriate setting than a hospital while they plan long term arrangements, which is both much nicer for patients while at the same time assists our hospital system.”

“Our staff and program help our participants understand the support they need, plan the steps to get there and provides them with transitional accommodation and support during the process, until they are ready for safe discharge,” said Graeme Prior, CEO, Hall & Prior.

It’s fabulous to be here, it’s really made my week. “

“

IFA recognises aged care

leader

Top award for Perth-born Dr Jane Barratt, Secretary General

of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA).

Dr Barratt has been recognised as one of the Healthy Ageing 50 - 50 leaders working to transform the world to be a better place to grow old.

Selected for her extraordinary achievements in the area of healthy ageing, whether driven by personal experience, education, curiosity or passion for justice, Dr Barratt recognises that today’s systems were designed for past generations and not current or future ones.

She - together with others recognised today - are exemplars for others to follow.

The Healthy Ageing 50 is an initiative under the banner of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing that seeks to honour 50 leaders who are working to foster healthy ageing.

“I am proud to be one of the Healthy Ageing 5050 leaders recognised for their efforts to improve the lives of current and future generations of older people,” said Dr Barratt.

Graeme Prior, CEO of Hall & Prior and President of IFA, also offered his congratulations to Dr Barratt for the prestigious award.

“The work of Dr Barratt to elevate the importance of excellence in aged care is a wonderful achievement and I look forward to further collaboration opportunities with the organisation in the future,” said Mr Prior.

Based in Toronto, Canada, Dr Barratt - who grew up in the suburbs of Perth - has been leading the IFA for the past 20 years, with her work taking her to all corners of the globe advocating for better policies to improve the lives of older people everywhere.

“As an Australian, I am honoured to be recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and I could never have imagined that 20 years of international service to older people across the globe would lead to such recognition.

There are no borders when it comes to what Australians can achieve,” said Dr Barratt.

This is the second prestigious award for Dr Barratt, who in February 2013 was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal as a tangible way for Canada to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

“To be honoured on both of these occasions makes me proud to hold the position of Secretary General at the International Federation on Ageing being a passionate advocate and voice for older people across the globe”, said Dr Barratt.

The Healthy Ageing 50 is a UN Decade of Healthy Ageing advocacy initiative that aims to inspire others by celebrating individuals (and not their organisations nor affiliated entities) around the world who are already working to improve the lives of current and future generations of older people.

CYCLING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Hall & Prior team member Paul Cagulada took part in a charity bike ride in September from Perth to Bunker Bay in Margaret River, raising over $800 for 20talk, Kai-Fella and The Blue Tree Project.

20talk is a mental health awareness charity run by young people for young people. Born out of the tragic impact of suicide, 20talk aims to educate the community on all aspects of mental health through a unique and powerful model including social media and mental health first aid training.

The Kai Fella Foundation provides free workshops in schools and clubs that allow young people to talk about their challenges without judgement and providing strategies to build emotional muscle with peer support.

The Blue Tree Project began as a grassroots charity with a mission to help spark difficult conversations & kick the stigma of mental health. We’re doing this through a range

of community initiatives and events, with a particular focus within regional areas and youth.

Paul is a member of the Hall & Prior resource team and works as a care documentation coordinator. He has worked for Hall and Prior for over 11 years and started his journey with the Group at Freshwater Bay Aged Care Home as a carer while he was doing his conversion course as a Registered Nurse.

NSW team gathers next to the harbour

AFTER A COVID-19-IMPOSED hiatus, the New South Wales Hall & Prior team were eager to come together and enjoy the Executive Management Team meeting on Wednesday August 24.

It was an opportunity for the team to get together, share thoughts and plans for the year ahead as well as socialise after the formalities had ended.

Held at The Deckhouse Woolwich, the team enjoyed a full day of corporate presentations to bring synergy between the Western Australian and New South Wales operations.

It was the first time for many new faces of both teams to meet, engage and form bonds over the course of the day.

“Many thanks to the team from WA for their attendance and valuable insights, it was a pleasure to host our

colleagues,” said Kris Healy, NSW’s General Manager. There was the obligatory group photograph taken too, with Sydney Harbour Bridge sparkling in the background. See you all on December 7 for our final EMT of the year.

Fairfield kitchen worker serves up

national prize as part of Malnutrition Week

Malnutrition Week is a dedicated time to bring attention to the staggering rates of malnutrition in Australian and New Zealand communities and healthcare settings.

It‘s also an opportunity to raise awareness of the work being done to spread the word: malnutrition impacts lives.

Fairfield Aged Care Home kitchen staff member, Harwinder Kaur, who is known as Tina, took out the $100 gift card prize for Dietician Connection’s ‘Cherish A Champion’ competition.

Senior Dietician Valentina Giannelli encouraged all NSW homes to nominate colleagues, highlighting their work in the malnutrition space with the goal of collecting positive and empowering stories.

Tegan from Dietician Connection wrote: “Thank you so much for sending through this nomination and informing us of the incredible work Tina does within the Fairfield Aged Care Home. We are pleased to let you know that Tina is a winner of our ‘Cherish A Champion’ competition!”

Tina’s image and story will be shared throughout the Dietician Connections networks as a ‘Nutrition Champion’.

Tina’s role at Fairfield is not just preparing and serving food. Every day, Tina goes above and beyond to provide nourishing meals and fluids as well as offering truly meaningful food choices for her residents. Tina knows all her residents’ food preference (more than 80!) and every day, she cooks beautiful meals and homemade desserts, making sure that every individual preference is met.

If a resident experiences poor oral intake, she goes personally to speak with them and makes sure she does all she can to provide them with something they will eat.

A wonderful example of Tina’s dedication is a recent resident who returned from hospital, presenting on a texture modified diet who was not eating his meals. Tina worked closely with him to identify some foods he was happy to eat within his recommended diet and was working overtime to ensure he received the food they had agreed upon.

Tina is an excellent team player, nothing is too much to do for her when dieticians made some recommendations. She actively participates in residents’ meeting and ongoing training and education.

Congratulations Tina from the whole Hall & Prior Group and NSW network. Well done!

For further information visit dietitianconnection.com.

Dementia and Responsive Behaviours

Taking the time to work out what needs people with dementia are trying to express can go a long way to reducing behaviours.

By Katie Conciatore, Behaviour and Cognition Clinical Nurse, Hall & Prior.

However, as we have increased our understanding of dementia, it was identified that the condition doesn’t unlock additional behaviours; rather a person with dementia loses some of their abilities around communication, judgement, reasoning and memory.

This is where we as carers and loved ones need to step in, and, similar to solving a puzzle, we need to take the time to consider what the person with a dementia is trying to show us when they are agitated or anxious.

Dementia, a common occurrence in aged care, brings with it many different challenges and requires our patience and understanding. Most people have encountered someone with a type of dementia, of which there are over 130 types, whether that be through their professional or personal lives.

There was a common belief in the past that people with dementia would have behaviours BECAUSE of their dementia. That the disease, which kills brain cells and causes impairment, would unlock these “disruptive” behaviours such as wandering or repetitive questions. This was referred to as BPSDBehavioural and Psychological symptoms of dementia. This was a way to label people with dementia and it was a common occurrence to have medications prescribed for somebody’s BPSD.

When you take away those abilities, the only way to express your needs will be through showing people that something is wrong, and there we have people with dementia and their responsive behaviours. Someone with a healthy

Looking at what possible unmet needs the person has, such as the presence of pain which is the most common cause of responsive behaviours for people with dementia, hunger, thirst, exhaustion, the need for toileting or being in a busy overstimulating environment. Once we consider these things

AGED CARE EMPLOYEE DAY

A very special 2022 A

cross all of our 31 homes in NSW and WA, we paused to thank and mark the compassionate, hard-working aged care staff who make up the Hall & Prior family on August 7.

Aged Care Employee Day is a national day which celebrates and acknowledges more than 360,000 people who care for and support around 1.3 million older and vulnerable Australians.

From registered nurses to physiotherapists, gardeners and cleaners, this was our chance to pause and honour the amazing staff

who

It’s one of the most important days on the national aged care calendar and this year’s ACED was especially important in light of the immense group effort by members of the Hall & Prior aged care workforce over the past year.

dedicate their care, passion and professionalism to our Hall & Prior Group aged care homes from Hocart Lodge in WA’s south west to Fairfield in Sydney.

We are proud to say we invest in people’s futures and have excellent career pathways for all levels of staff. Each and every member of our aged care employees have made a unique contribution to the residents they care for and we just want to say thank you.

Here is just a small selection of the many photographs of our staff celebrating - and being celebrated on their special day.

Thanks for caring

CELEBRATING OUR STAFF

The staff of Hall & Prior go above and beyond every single day - and we thank them all.

Gardening Australia visits Karingal Green

It was a red letter day when ABC’s flagship gardening show Gardening Australia visited Karingal Green in High Wycombe in September, showcasing the beautiful landscaped gardens around our award-winning home in High Wycombe.

Starring some of the most familiar faces on our TV screens, Gardening Australia’s team of experts share their top tips with avid amateur gardeners around the nation each week.

On November 11, a very special edition of the show will feature WA’s very own presenter, Josh Byrne, spending time in Karingal Green’s beautiful, award-winning gardens.

It was a very exciting day for staff and residents, being able to watch the behind the scenes of a film crew and of course capture the flourishing garden spaces throughout this home as Josh and the production team from Gardening Australia spent many hours getting to know the lay of the land.

ALL SMILES Hall & Prior’s CEO Graeme Prior and Gardening Australia presenter Josh Byrne on the balcony of Karingal Green. Below, Josh with one of Karingal Green’s green thumbed residents.

Karingal Green residents were involved throughout the day, showing off the many lush areas around the home, while some enjoyed an outdoor potting activity and others were filmed walking through the wellkept lawns.

Hall & Prior CEO, Graeme Prior, and Manager of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Madelyne Glover, were both interviewed on camera, as well as Hassell Landscape Architect, Rocelyn Crowe, to talk through the planning and execution behind the design.

This was invaluable in sharing a positive message about aged care, the calibre of people who work in aged care and the effort put into the Karingal Green outdoor area by Hassell and the whole project team.

“We are very proud and looking forward to this segment airing,” said Madelyne after the broadcast date was shared.

“A special thank you to Matt and Gareth who worked so hard to make the gardens look their very best once the cameras arrived, and to all the residents and staff who joined in the fun.”

This was a highlight of the year and residents are looking forward to seeing themselves on the TV on November 11 on ABC.

This was invaluable in sharing a positive message about aged care . . . and the effort put into the Karingal Green outdoor area . . .

BUSY BEES

The Gardening Australia team enjoyed getting to know some of Karingal Green’s enthusiastic gardeners during their visit.

Diwali

LIGHTS UP OUR HOMES

It’s known as the Festival of Lights and this year, staff really pulled out all the stops to celebrate this important festival in colourful style.

Photos by Ryan Ammon.

Diwali was celebrated in style at Belmont Aged Care Home in WA on Friday October 21, with many of the staff getting into the spirit of this most colourful of religious festivals with cultural dress representing all the colours of the rainbow.

Meanwhile, on October 24, Diwali was celebrated across Australia and in Hall & Prior’s WA and NSW homes, an explosion of colour, dancing and glorious food marked the culmination of this important period for many.

As one of the most important (and largest) religious celebrations in the Hindu, Sikh and Jain calendars, Diwali welcomes the New Year and symbolises the victory of good over evil, light

over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Hundreds of our staff in WA and NSW marked the day, bringing some delightful splashes of colour to our homes. As you can see from the photos, many of our

aged care homes celebrate Diwali with special events including delicious special food, cultural dancing and staff members dressed in colourful costumes.

The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’,

which means ‘rows of lighted lamps’. As such, the five-day celebration (with the main day of Diwali on the third day) is known as the Festival of Lights. During Diwali, which lasts five days, family and friends gather to perform the ritual ‘Lakshmi puja’, which is a prayer to the Goddess Lakshmi.

It’s a wonderful, colourful time of year with plenty of delicious food to be enjoyed as well as gulab jamun, that delicious sweet which makes an appearance during Diwali and jalebi, which was served up at Mosman Park.

In Belmont and other homes in WA and NSW, marking Diwali is an important part of Hall & Prior’s approach to embracing diversity and celebrating the many cultures which make up our homes, marking their importance in a significant and meaningful way.

ALL THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW

Hundreds of staff and residents joined in the fun of Diwali, dressing up in colourful cultural dress and enjoying special celebratory food during the five-day festival.

During Diwali, friends and family gather to perform the ritual ‘Lakshmi puja’, a prayer for the Goddess Lakshmi . . .

COLOUR BY CANDLELIGHT

The word Diwali is derived from a Sanskrit word which means a ‘series of lighted lamps’ - hence it is known as the festival of lights.

DID YOU KNOW?

• As the festival marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil, many people ensure their homes are neat and tidy with bright lights everywhere.

• A feast is prepared which also plays its part in the start of new beginnings.

• Diwali occurs on the night when the new moon rises - the darkest night. During this time, diyas (oil lamps) candles and lanterns are lit. People also put henna on their hands and take part in family prayers.

• Before Diwali, there is much decorating to be done around the home with rangoli - colourful patterns drawn on the floor.

Jenny Cooper is the new Executive Manager at Clarence Estate in Albany, WA and she has some big plans for her new role. By Gabi Mills.

L&L: Please tell me how long have you been working in aged care, and what drew you to the profession?

JC: I have been working in the aged care industry since I was 15 years old. I started as a cleaner and laundry assistant on weekends when I was still at school. When I was 16, I became a carer and worked right through until I qualified as an RN in England in 2006. My Mum and my grandmother were both nurses and their love of the profession obviously rubbed off on me. In 2008 we lost our son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and after this tragedy, we worked hard to realise our dream of a fresh start and a better life for our children, moving to Australia in 2012.

L&L: When did you join Hall & Prior and in what capacity?

JC: I joined Hall & Prior in May 2018 at Clarence Estate. I began with Hall & Prior as a Registered Nurse in the residential facility. Then six months later a position as a Home Care Coordinator with Clarence Home Care became available. I worked with the Home Care team for 12 months, and the position of Executive Director of Care was advertised. I applied and was successful in gaining this role which I have been in up to my recent transition into the Executive Manager role.

L&L: What do you particularly enjoy about your role - and what are the challenges you face?

JC: I particularly enjoy the interactions I have on a daily basis with residents, their families and friends and our staff. We are very blessed at Clarence to have the most amazing team, and their dedication and care shows me each day why I continue to work in this industry. The aged care industry is a challenging environment to work in, as is any environment that involves people, as everyone’s needs and expectations are varied. However the challenges we face each day also bring satisfaction when they are overcome.

L&L: On a day-to-day basis, what makes your role special and how do you plan on inspiring staff at your home?

JC: My role allows me to be involved with both our community service and residential service which gives me variety and the ability to assist with a continuum of care for consumers.

L&L: If somebody was contemplating a career in aged care, what advice would you give them?

JC: You have to be a certain type of person to be successful in a career in aged care. Aged care nurses are definitely undervalued by other nursing sectors and the perception of aged care nursing is often far from the reality. It is a very rewarding career choice, and I would encourage anyone with the desire to enter the industry to do so.

L&L: What kind of leader are you - how do you think your colleagues would describe you?

JC: I would say that my leadership style is a mixture of democratic, transformational and coach-style. I believe that I am a forwardthinking leader who wants to improve things at every opportunity while encouraging staff to work towards their goals and achieve them, offering support when possible.

L&L: What makes for a good day in aged care in your chosen career path?

JC: A good day in aged care is when you see the residents, families, visitors and staff happy. This shows you are doing a good job for the people we are employed to care for.

L&L: What plans do you have for Clarence - and how do you relax when you have finished work for the day?

JC: Our previous leaders at Clarence have made it the amazing home it is for our residents and my hope is that I can continue to provide the same whilst ensuring any opportunities to improve are undertaken. When I get home I relax over a family dinner with my husband and children.

To find out more about Clarence Estate please visit hallprior.com.au.

Bus trips lift the spirits

there is a certain freedom attached to living life on the road and our residents here at Hall & Prior homes love to taste that freedom on our regular bus outings.

Attending Lifestyle Officers always give feedback about the wide smiles from residents that are generated by the bus outings. Often, as we head out to visit local landmarks and historic sites in NSW such as Cabarita Park, Cronulla Beach, Parsley Bay or Balmoral Beach on the North Shore, we find memories of childhood or previous visitations start to flow back to our residents and generate conversation between residents and staff on the bus. These lovely conversations boost the social connectivity of each of our residents to each other, as they form new friendships over commonalities found on the road.

The advantages of connecting to your local community are endless. For our residents living in a residential aged care setting, those benefits are amplified as it allows the opportunity to sit and enjoy

watching the world go by in a safe and comfortable environment, especially for those that are less mobile.

Enjoying the scenery from the wide bus windows uplifts the spirit and activates the memories and feelings connected with watching the community go about their daily lives. Feeling socially connected to our greater communities is a driving factor in bus outings, it is our aim at Hall & Prior to ensure that each resident has the option to decide how connected they wish to be depending on their wellness.

When the weather is right, the trips often involve a spot of morning or afternoon tea sitting in a lovely park environment. This may be on one of Sydney’s picturesque beaches or foreshores or sometimes in the historic sites or parklands - whatever the destination, an outdoor meal is something different and very enjoyable for our residents.

One the way home after a day out, we often hear wonderful stories of group singing sessions and spontaneous

gales of laughter that naturally occur as residents share what a wonderful time they have had.

Our homes always endeavour to offer lots of opportunities for those residents that would like to enjoy a bus outing, and you can find bus outing schedules on the Lifestyle & Wellbeing monthly planner. If notice is given in advance, family are welcome to come along as well to enjoy the sites with their loved one.

Please check with the Lifestyle & Wellbeing Officer at your loved one’s home for more information or the bus outing schedules.

Colourful wedding day for Sapana

For our Freshwater Bay friends, some of you may be aware that Sapana, the home’s registered nurse, has recently returned home to get married to husband Abinash Pyakurel.

We are sharing some photos of the beautiful couple and the many celebrations they had. The lavish wedding took place in Kathmandu in Nepal with at reception party at Jhapa Nepal. The ceremony took place over seven days and was a wonderful affair for all concerned.

We would like to wish them nothing but love and happiness for the years to come!

Cuddles for all

St Lukes Aged Care Home

Ataste of the countryside arrived in Subiaco in early October when an animal farm visited St Lukes on Rokeby Road.

Married couple Sheil and Colin, Suzie, Barrie and Neville along with Director of Nursing Kathleen Walden and Margaret all lined up for some cuddle time with the cute farmyard animals.

“Margaret has lived at St Lukes for over 17 years now,” said Kathleen, “and still finds such pleasure in events like this.”

TYING THE KNOT IN KATHMANDU

The happy couple. Sapana and new husband, Abinash Pyakurel.

BUNNIES AND GOATS

Farm animals were the centre of baa-ttention at St Lukes recently.

Freshwater Bay Aged Care Home

Maria turns

Tuohy Aged Care Home

Maria Silvestro was born in Francavilla, Sicily, and later became a dressmaker’s assistant.

Her beau, Vincenzo, emigrated to Australia in 1949 and she followed in 1950, when they married. They lived in Bassendean - Vincenzo worked at his parents’ orchard in Lesmurdie and Maria often helped.

She loved raising their three children whom she truly adores: Luciano, Tindara, and Giuseppe.

The orchard in Lesmurdie had an olive grove so each season it was all hands on deck to press the olives and bottle the olive oil. Maria sadly lost her husband Vincenzo in 2013.

She moved into Tuohy in 2021. Maria also has five grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren and her family celebrated her big milestone birthday with a number of small gatherings and a continuous party lasting several days. Congratulations Maria!

DUCKLINGS PAY A VISIT

Hocart Lodge Aged Care Home

Some VIDs (Very Important Ducklings) waddled into Hocart Lodge in beautiful Harvey in the south west of WA recently.

As you can see from the photographs, the residents were delighted to cuddle and stroke these gorgeous

little creatures who were transported from room to room in a little cart.

Living in a regional WA aged care home certainly has its advantages . . .

R U OK? Day around our homes

From Hocart Lodge in WA’s south west to Sirius Cove in Sydney, our residents and staff got into the spirit of R U OK? Day in fine style. Yellow clothes were worn, cupcakes were eaten and everybody was mindful to ask each other the question of the day - R U OK?

For instance, our Fairfield Aged Care Home staff and residents in NSW went to great lengths to celebrate R U OK? Day, with a beautiful floral display, a magnificent spread of sweet and savoury treats as well as a photo opportunity for anybody who wanted to join in, with a picture frame to pose behind. Everybody got into the spirit of the day, which encourages us all to check in with our friends, colleagues and loved ones, to make sure they’re OK.

Hall & Prior CEO, Graeme Prior, got in on the act too.

“It’s an important day for our Group and gives us all the chance to check in on each other in a positive and meaningful way.”

School birthday flowers

Montana Aged Care Home Sirius Cove Aged Care Home

Queenwood Girls School, located in Sydney’s lovely north shore suburb of Mosman, recently celebrated their 97th birthday and our Mosman homes enjoyed the benefits of this important event.

On September 16, students from the Queenwood Girls School came by Sirius Cove and Montana to deliver an assortment of beautiful

flowers to the residents and staff. The birthday flowers were donated by the school to the local aged care homes to ensure that the gorgeous bouquets gave the most benefit to their local communities.

The flowers certainly brought a smile to everyone’s faces, not to mention the wonderful aroma the flowers gave off that drifted down every corridor . . .

FLOWERS FOR ALL

The residents of Montana and Sirius Cove were grateful for the beautiful blooms.

at Vaucluse

DANCING IS A FORM of artistic expression and we certainly have some expressive residents here at Vaucluse!

Mark and Barbara - who perform under the name of ‘Dance Wise with Barbara & Mark’ - visit our home every second Tuesday to encourage us all to put on our dancing shoes and get up and join in.

We have an array of entertainers that visit our home to offer the sounds of various musical instruments, but Mark and Barbara are one of our favourites.

FUNKY FEET

Mark and Barbara got everybody up and dancing at Vaucluse.

Vaucluse Aged Care Home

ooncake

Magic M

Our Concorde Aged Care Home in South Perth held a Mooncake Festival, a significant cultural event for our Asian residents in this home.

This tradition is held to celebrate and give thanks for the harvest and to encourage the harvest-giving light to return again in the coming year. Our residents enjoyed a variety of moon cakes and other Asian delicacies.

Meanwhile, the Asian residents of Clover Lea enjoyed sharing their culture with the home and staff by celebrating their very own version of the mid-autumn Festival.

This traditional time is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. It is also celebrated by many other Asian countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

This celebration which is also called the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival is celebrated in September and represents the celebration of the rice harvest and many seasonal fruits. Ceremonies are held both to give thanks for the harvest and to encourage the harvest-giving light to return again in the coming year.

It is also a reunion time for families, a little like America’s ‘Thanksgiving’.

Staff and residents decorated our home and enjoyed many Chinese food delights, the whole home was especially happy to try the ‘mooncake’ which is a traditional delicacy made with base fillings of red lotus paste, white lotus paste or red bean paste, with salted duck egg yolks embedded within.

FAST FACTS

• It’s about lunar appreciation and Moon watching, and mooncakes are regarded as a delicacy.

• Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival.

• The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely regarded as one of the four most important Chinese festivals.

• A traditional Cantonese mooncake is a round pastry, with a rich thick filling usually made from lotus seed paste (other typical fillings include red bean paste or mixed nuts) surrounded by a thin crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs.

• Mooncakes are usually eaten in small wedges, accompanied by tea.

Concorde Aged Care Home

Clover Lea Aged Care Home

Foodie stars in spotlight

at Clarence Estate

My Kitchen Rules contestants Che and David have a special connection to Clarence Estate, and the Albany chefs did Hall & Prior proud in the national cook-off show.

The competition to be crowned My Kitchen Rules champs had an extra element of spice thanks to two chefs with a connection to Hall & Prior’s Albany aged care home, Clarence Estate.

Che, married to Clarence Estate’s Executive Manager Jenny Cooper, and Dave Shorter, who works at the facility, did WA proud with their consistently excellent - and spicy - menus in this year’s popular national TV cooking competition.

Their chilli-themed menu paid off with judges Manu and Matt both praising the dish, and in particular, the crispy skin barramundi with hot Thai green curry sauce (see recipe opposite).

Although Sydney couple Janelle and Monzir would eventually scoop the top honours and won MKR, Che and Dave had an unforgettable experience during their time on the show.

“The experience was great,” said Che.

“We met many amazing people along the way, who we can now call friends for life. I walked into the experience hoping to increase exposure for my hot sauce business ‘Gods Of Sauces’ and also to increase awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) which is the charity I would have donated to if myself and Dave would have won the competition.”

For Dave, the show was a life-changing experience.

“I never thought I would find myself on TV following my passion of cooking, let alone to have a best mate beside me along the way,” he said. “We may have not have won the competition but I think Che and I both walked away as winners in our own way. We made many memories in our time away that I will now keep with me for a life time.”

Congratulations to Che and Dave - we couldn’t be prouder of your achievements!

COOKING UP A STORM

Che and Dave’s Crispy Skin Barramundi with Hot Thai Green Curry Sauce & Garlic Rice

MKR boys’ dishes for yourself, here’s the recipe for a delicious spicy fish supper.

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp vegetable oil

4 x 200g barramundi fillets, skin on Lime cheeks, to serve Coriander and sliced red chilli, to garnish

Green Curry Paste

6 long green chillies, coarsely chopped

6 cloves garlic, peeled

4 kaffir lime leaves, shredded

2 large eschallots, coarsely chopped

3cm piece ginger, chopped

2 sticks lemongrass (white part), chopped

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp shrimp paste

1/2 bunch coriander roots and stems, chopped

METHOD

To make green curry paste, process all ingredients to form a smooth paste. To make green curry sauce, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add curry paste and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and cream, fish sauce, sugar and Thai basil leaves. Season. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Strain into a clean pan, pushing down on solids to extract all liquid. Stir in lime juice. Meanwhile, to make garlic rice, heat oils in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until soft. Stir in rice, chicken stock and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover with a tight fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for a further 13 to 15 minutes. Stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Place sauce over a low heat to keep warm. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Season fish all over and add to pan, skin-side down. Cook, pressing down with a spatula to keep fish flat, for about 3 minutes or until skin is golden brown and crisp. Turn and cook for about a further minute or until just cooked through. Serve barramundi and rice with green curry sauce and lime cheeks - garnish with coriander and chilli.

The MKR boys with Manu Fieldel and Matt Preston, right with CEO Graeme Prior at Clarence Estate.

Karingal Green Home Care Welcome to

If you’re looking for exceptional care in the home for your loved one, look no further than Karingal Green Home Care.

Karingal Green is a worldclass, connected aged care community from award-winning provider Hall & Prior. Our team live and work in your community and are committed to supporting people to continue to live independently in their own home. We offer a wide range of flexible programs and services and can tailor them to suit you.

Our programs include home care packages, wellness, residential or in-home respite, as well as other services which you can book through us at any time. You might like to receive some help around your home, assistance with your meals, join us for social outings, transport to your appointments, or assistance with personal care and clinical services.

HOME CARE PACKAGES

Home care packages are individually planned packages

of care designed to enable you or your loved one to remain as independent as possible.

Each package is flexible and can be individually tailored to suit your needs and goals.

DEMENTIA SUPPORT

If you or your loved one are experiencing difficulties with your everyday activities

HOME CARE AND SERVICES

The care and services provided will depend on your individual goals and needs, and will be agreed on in consultation with staff but can include the following:

• Medical rehabilitation unit

• Personal care

• Nursing care • Respite care • Shopping • Meal preparation

because of the symptoms associated with dementia, we can help. Karingal Green is able to provide specialist dementia care in addition to the services offered as part of any home care package.

For more information, call 1300 604 506 or visit

karingalgreenhomecare.com.au

• Home maintenance • Gardening • House cleaning • Nutritional advice • Laundry support • Health assessments • Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Travel to outings & appointments

• Social support & companionship

• Wellness

Keeping an

eye

on your vision later in life

Did you know that age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older Australians? The condition impacts central vision.

One in seven Australians over the age of 50 develop the condition.

Harry is 86 and lives with his partner in Fremantle. Twenty years ago, he was diagnosed with glaucoma. A decade later, he developed macular degeneration when the macula in both eyes, part of the retina, became damaged. Harry has wet macular degeneration when blood vessels grow under the retina and leak.

The macula controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, so Harry has blurred central vision and glare sensitivity.

He has been receiving support from VisAbility Occupational Therapist Keearny, offering him guidance on living aids, home modifications and assistive technology.

Harry leads a busy life but is aware that his vision is worsening.

“It’s the simple things I can’t seem to do anymore. When I go shopping with my partner, I struggle to see the labels on the food items in a supermarket.”

Macular degeneration and vision loss can have a major impact on older people, but fortunately there are solutions on offer to make life easier.

An ardent follower of sports, Harry now prefers to listen to his beloved Fremantle teams on the radio rather than watch the games.

“I start to feel dizzy focusing on a ball which is moving about on a screen.”

Living aids are available to help Harry in his daily life. These include:

MAGNIFIERS

Magnifiers come in all shapes and sizes, from hand-held to pocket, fixed stand, or desktop. All are useful for enlarging texts or objects.

Harry uses a large desktop magnifier to read the newspapers to keep up with his sports news. A yellowblack combination provides stronger colour contrast and is better for glare sensitivity than black and white.

TEXT-TO-SPEECH DEVICES

As his vision worsens, Harry may want to use text-tospeech devices. They are portable devices that translate any printed text that it reads out. Text-to-speech devices are perfect for reading letters and bank statements etc.

LIGHTING

Desk and floor lamps will provide better illumination for reading or doing any craft. Spotlights are available that fold up into your handbag.

TACTILE MARKERS

It can be tricky to see dials on a kitchen stove or microwave. Bump or tactile dots can help. Consider putting large print labels or Braille labels on tins and packets of food.

LARGE, BRIGHT KEYBOARDS

If you are using a computer, you might want to consider a keyboard with large letters.

TALKING BOOKS

Harry is now transitioning to talking books because he is struggling to read print. Hand-held audio book players take DAISY cartridges (the acronym is for Digital Accessible Information System). Both are for people with low or no vision.

You can access digital audio books from the VisAbility Audio Library. Membership is free for people with low or no vision.

READY TO READ

There are aids available from VisAbility to help people continue to enjoy books and reading.

If you or someone you know have macular degeneration or are experiencing vision loss, you can find out more about our support by visiting visability.com.au/oak

Q+A

with Tigist Habtou, Assistant in Nursing at Georges Estate Health & Aged Care Community, NSW

Better known as TG, Tigist Habtou has been part of the Hall & Prior Group’s family since 2016 and now works at Georges Estate, and loves her role at this state-of-the-art home in Penshurst.

L&L: Can you tell us what made you want to become a care worker?

TG: When I thought about what I liked doing, I knew that I enjoyed helping people. I also enjoyed offering support to people that are in need of care and assistance, so this is a job that helps me to feel that I can make a real difference to their lives on a daily basis.

L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and when did you join Hall & Prior?

TG: I joined Hall & Prior in 2016 at the Menaville Aged Care Home in Rockdale. I started as an Assistant in Nursing and the staff at Menaville were amazing and very professional in what they do - they trained me well! I was happily working at Menaville for five years as an AIN before moving to another Hall & Prior home - Georges Estate - in September 2021. I am so happy to work here as it is a beautiful home for the residents.

L&L: Tell us what an average day might look like for you.

TG: I wake up in the morning and thank God for giving me another day to live and then I give thanks for my beautiful family and friends. Then it’s off to work, where I simply enjoy completing my tasks while chatting with my residents. As an Assistant in Nursing (AIN), I have a very varied role. I spend all day with the residents making sure they are comfortable, clean and happy.

L&L: Tell us about one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for.

TG: Definitely the happy and positive greetings I get from my residents when I am on the floor. This is very rewarding for me, to see them happy with smiling faces makes me feel good and motivated!

L&L: What have you learned about yourself and those you care for while you’ve worked for Hall & Prior?

TG: I have gained lots of confidence and have expanded my knowledge in how to provide a great care service. I was very lucky to have such special training in the beginning of my carer’s career which helped set me up for success. I learned never to give up; there is always a way to make people happy and comfortable. Now that I am experienced in my role, I enjoy training new staff that come in as AIN. I always go above and beyond to train our new recruits so they can deliver quality care.

L&L: How would others describe you?

ALWAYS SMILING

TG

L&L: What is the best piece of advice you ever got about caring for others and from who?

TG: I get so much advice from our residents. My favourite is when they say ‘you are an angel’. One resident wrote to me to tell me ‘you always go above and beyond, are kind, caring and uplifting’ - beautiful words like this are better than any advice. It does also feel really great when the managers say ‘we are proud of you’!

L&L: What is the best thing about working at your aged care home?

TG: The goal of Georges Estate is to provide quality care; it is a five-star facility. It’s a big home with a beautiful heated swimming pool, cinema and lots of garden spaces which is for all of our residents to enjoy. I just love that we are able to offer all these wonderful things to the people who live here. A home this size also has lots of job opportunities to explore and work towards improving ourselves. Recently, I received the opportunity to work as a Lifestyle Officer, which I really enjoyed and valued the experience as it helps me understand another part of how an aged care home works with the different roles.

TG I think they would say I always love and respect the residents. One of the registered nurses says that I am very dependable, reliable, caring, sincere and highly skilled (thanks, Grace!). My team also say I am a hard worker, and very friendly.

L&L: What qualities are required to make a great worker in your opinion?

TG: I think you have to love what you do, especially if you work in the care industry. This really shows in your everyday work, when you love something. I believe coming to work with a positive attitude is key to keeping things flowing in the workplace. Being organised, reliable and helping each other to work as a team is also very important.

FAST FACTS

If I wasn't a care worker I wouldwork in the disability sector. What is your favourite movie? The Story of Jesus. What’s your favourite song? Amazing Grace

When I’m not at work you’ll often find me - heading off to church or spending time with my two daughters, son and husband. I also love to visit friends or do some cooking or baking!

loves her role at Georges Estate, offering quality, compassionate care.

with Tonnie Mukiibi, PCAP at Hamersley Aged Care Home, Subiaco WA

L&L: What made you want to become a carer?

TM: I have always had an interest in the health industry, and it was my aim to pursue a career in nursing. Being a carer has helped me understand what caring for the aged entails and has helped improve my skills.

L&L: How long have you worked in aged care and when did you join Hall & Prior?

TM: I began my career in aged care with Hall & Prior, and I have been with the organisation for the last seven years.

L&L: What does an average day look like?

TM: I wake up at 5:30am and drop my daughter off with her carer. I normally work the morning shifts, and I love to support my residents with their care, and little requests they have for me. I love making a difference in their lives. After work, I go home and relax on my couch.

L&L: Tell us about one part of your job that makes you feel really rewarded and connected to those you care for.

TM: The best moment is when I am able to understand the individual needs of our residents and able to meet their needs. I love to see my residents happy and smiling.

L&L: What is the best piece of advice you ever got about caring for others and from who?

TM: The best piece of advice would be from one I received from my former manager. There are four major attributes to being a great carer - respect, privacy, empathy and listening at all times. I follow this in my job daily.

L&L: What is the best thing about working at your aged care home?

TM: It is very satisfying to know that your work has touched someone’s life positively.

Tonnie Mukiibi, a recently certified PCAP, is a passionate care worker at our Hamersley Aged Care Home, and loves nothing more than making the residents he cares for smile.

Also, love the team I work with; we respect and look out for each other.

L&L: What have you learned about yourself and those you care for while you’ve worked for Hall & Prior?

TM: I have learned that I have a passion for aged care and also support my colleagues if they are struggling. The industry has made me grow as a person.

L&L: How would others describe you?

TM: I think they would say I am friendly and supportive.

L&L: What qualities are required to make a great worker in your opinion?

TM: Resilience, empathy, flexibility, good time management and good communication skills.

FAST FACTS

If I wasn't working in aged care, I would - be an electronic engineer.

What is your favourite movie? Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy.

What’s your favourite song? You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson.

When I’m not at work you’ll often find me - engaged in my small business that I run.

NEWLY CERTIFIED Tonnie Mukiibi is a supportive and friendly PCAP in our Hamersley Aged Care Home.

There are four major attributes to being a great carer - respect, privacy, empathy and listening at all times.

“ “

Vital work of OT teams celebrated

They’re the hard-working heroes who keep our residents occupied, moving and engagedand during OT Week, culminating in World Occupational Therapy Day on October 27, we will be thanking our OT and Lifestyle and Wellbeing teams.

Each year OT Week celebrates occupational therapy and promotes the many ways occupational therapists help all people to reach their potential.

This year OT Week 2022 ran from Monday 24 October to Sunday 30 October, with the theme “OT, what it means to me”.

This theme was chosen to enable OTs, residents and partner organisations to share and reflect on OT from their perspective and enable the entire OT community to shine a spotlight on the care and professionalism OTs deliver to their clients.

As such, we asked some of our team what OT means to them, and loved their responses.

Tracey Omaji, an OT at Windsor Park Aged Care Home in Carlisle, WA, had this to say about her work.

“OT to me is about striving to make our clients lives better and understanding that this looks different for every individual.”

Meanwhile, Georgia Strimaitis, pictured here at Leighton Aged Care Home’s colourful Pride event says: “To me, OT means meeting

OT means changing peoples’ lives one little interaction at

people where they are, and working alongside them to reach their goals. It means seeing people at their worst, but also at their best. OT means changing peoples’ lives, one little interaction at a time.”

KJ Yoong, an OT within our WA Health and Care Services is focused on delivering the best experiences possible to all residents he works with.

“OT is about understanding what shapes a person and drives people to keep achieving in life”

Roisin Colgan, who works as an OT at Karingal Green Health and Aged Care Community had the last word.

“OT means helping others live more meaningful and enjoyable lives.”

How can occupational therapy help you or a loved one?

Occupational therapists work with adults of all ages, children and families, who have physical, social or mental health needs. OTs can assist with rehabilitation, pain management, driving assessments, support in schools, home modifications and equipment prescriptions amongst other things.

Occupational therapists can work with you to identify

interests and goals, manage daily routines at home and in the community, modify daily tasks to make them easier to perform, and recommend activities you can participate in.

Occupational therapists work across a whole range of settings. Some of these include:

• Public and private hospitals

• Medical rehabilitation units

• Your local community health centre

• Occupational health centres

• Home care services

• Retirement homes

• Psychiatric clinics, hostels and hospitals

• Vocational rehabilitation clinics

• Tertiary education centres

• Independent living centres

• Private practice

• Schools, pharmacy and industry

To learn more about occupational therapy at Hall & Prior, please visit our website - hallprior.com.au

VITAL PROFESSION The work of our OT teams greatly add to the allied health offering in our homes.

a time.

Everyone’s a winner

On August 11, a group of residents from some of Hall & Prior’s WA homes including Leighton and Kensington Park headed to the Belmont Oasis sports facility to compete in the Live Lighter Aged Care Games against five other teams.

The competing residents and attending staff had a great day, with plenty of fun and games to be enjoyed. Volleyball, bean bag toss, bowling, ball pass and hockey games were some of the highlights and to mark the occasion, each resident received a participation medal.

The Kensington Park team’s colours were orange and morale was high, according to Crystal Beninsig, Deputy Director of Nursing.

“All our residents tried their best to do Kensington Park proud,” said Crystal. “We treated the team to Maccas for lunch afterwards and they all loved their medals awarded for their valiant efforts.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

The annual Live Lighter Aged Care Games brought out a competitive streak in the Hall & Prior teams.

A big thank you to the organisers of this great, inclusive event, and to our helpful Occupational Therapy staff and carers who attended to help out on the day.

“We’ll all be practicing from now onwards for next year’s games, said Leighton’s Director of Nursing, Bianca Meek.

Challenge accepted!

The Live Lighter Aged Care Games have become a highlight for some friendly inter-aged care home rivalry - and this year’s tournament was no exception.

Keeping fit at Karingal Green

Who am I: I am an accredited exercise physiologist. I run the group exercise classes at Karingal Green on a Monday and Thursday morning. I am also currently undertaking research at Karingal Green as part of my PhD.

On the North Side: The group exercise classes are well attended, with a record 12 residents attending the class on Monday 8 August! We focus on leg and arm strength, balance and joint flexibility. The class runs for about 40 minutes and consists of a combination of seated and standing exercises. I try to encourage all residents to stand as much as possible but always take safety into consideration.

On the South Side: The group classes are still a little small on this side; however, I have 3 or 4 regulars that attend every class. This class runs for about 30 minutes and also focuses on strength, balance and flexibility.

What do we do in the group exercise class? We use 500g and 1kg dumbbells, balls, pool noodles and body weight for most of the exercises. Although safety is an important consideration, I don’t wrap the residents in cotton wool – over time I have learnt what the residents of capable of doing and I try to challenge them, not only to improve their overall strength but also to boost their movement confidence.

The residents know that they are free to work at their own pace and have a rest whenever they feel they need one. In between the exercises, we reminisce, do brain teasers, and have a chat. All residents are made to feel welcome, and I have practicum students from Edith Cowan University to assist the residents

during the group classes who may be a falls risk or have a visual or hearing impairment.

In the afternoons I work one-on-one with the residents who are part of my research study, I visit and chat with residents, and when the weather is pleasant, the practicum students and I often escort residents who need assistance for a walk in the beautiful garden.

To find out more about Stacey’s and other exercise classes at Karingal Green, visit karingalgreen.com.au

HEAR FROM THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF RESIDENTS

ECU is investigating the experiences of older adults who have recently moved into residential aged care

If you have a family member who has been in residential aged care for 3 months, we would like to hear your perspectives on your family member’s experience

What does the study involve? You will be interviewed twice at 3 and 5 months post admission of your relative All interviews will be audio recorded and will be confidential

If you interested in participating in this study, please contact Stacey Scott 0477 539 870

Family members may participate even if the resident does not. The resident and the family member do not both have to participate in this study.

Human Research Ethics Approval REMS No: 2021 02323 SCOTT

EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY WOULD LIKE TO

Stacey is one of the exercise professionals who help our residents and community visitors keep fit at Karingal Green in High Wycombelet’s find out more about her work.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Sam Samsudeen

Sam Samsudeen, Hall & Prior’s ICT Clinical Applications Manager came to Australia as a student from Sri Lanka and has been working in the aged care sector for over a decade. He shares his favourite thingsand of course for this proud Sri Lankan, the list includes cricket, food and beach rugby.

SRI LANKAN FOOD

My favourite food is rice and curry. I love anything spicy and also love authentic Sri Lankan street food like string hoppers and achcharu.

TRAVEL

I’d love to visit the jazz district and pubs in New Orleans. Ideally I’d like to go back in time too to see Louis Armstrong play live. Otherwise, as a child I spent my days on the beach at Mt Lavinia, south of Colombo, playing beach cricket and rugby.

MUSIC

Music is an important part of my life. As the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, ‘Without music, life would be a mistake’. I strongly subscribe to this quote and believe that one should persist in exploring all forms of music in your lifetime. My current playlist includes jazz, hip hop, R&B, rap, and my favourite artist of all time, Ray Charles.

MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

There is one particular one which involves me losing my family during a hike up the Sri Lankan landmark, Adam’s Peak. The climb to the summit is about 5,500 steps and is usually done by night to enjoy the sunrise. My family didn’t want to finish the climb but I did and, aged 11, made it to the top and saw the sunrise. Unfortunately, I took a wrong turn on the way down and my mother was extremely concerned she’d lost a child. Fortunately my father did find me in the end.

CAMPING

Nothing is more relaxing than sitting down next to a fire at a campsite and having a good yarn with a few close mates.

THE GODFATHER SERIES

I was exposed to the author of the original Godfather book Mario Puzo at a young age at public school in Sri Lanka. I also love the British TV series, Peaky Blinders.

I LOVE CRICKET

In fact I adore the sport. To me, it is much more than just a sport. Cricket has been a huge part of my childhood. I enjoy both playing and watching the game. My favourite cricketer is Kane Williamson.

READING

In my spare time you’ll find me reading. I enjoy reading a wide variety of authors. My key interest has always been philosophy and literature. I am a massive fan of Oscar Wilde, and he has been a significant influence in my life. My favourite quote by Oscar Wilde is “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance!”

Differentiation (10)

Lawyer; canvasser (9)

Killed (5)

Food eaten (4)

Embarrasses; horrifies (9)

Bandits (7)

Relating to earthquakes (7)

Proclaims (7)

Eight-sided shape (7)

Emotional release (9)

Leg section (4)

Ratio; climb (5)

Extensive outbreaks (9)

Coughed (10)

Joins (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Fabricates; lies (9)

Positive viewers (9)

Less contaminated (5)

Italian opera composer (7)

Very small amount of time (10)

Grass cutter (6)

Transmits (10)

Boot polish (9)

Chemistry substance (7)

Trialled (6)

Path (5)

Rubbed leather (5)

Snakes (4)

OUR WA HOMES

LEIGHTON WEST PERTH

ST LUKES & HAMERSLEY SUBIACO

MOSMAN PARK & FRESHWATER BAY MOSMAN PARK

PERTH

ROCKINGHAM ROCKINGHAM

HOCART LODGE HARVEY

TUIA LODGE DONNYBROOK

MERTOME BAYSWATER

TUOHY MIDL AND

KARINGAL GREEN HIGH WYCOMBE

BELMONT RIVERVALE

WINDSOR PARK CARLISLE KENSINGTON PARK KENSINGTON CONCORDE SOUTH PERTH

McDOUGALL PARK COMO

AGMAROY WILSON

CL ARENCE ESTATE ALBANY

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the WA Hall & Prior aged care home of your choice

AGMAROY 115 Leach Highway, Wilson 08 9458 1524

BELMONT 5 Kemp Place, Rivervale 08 9277 2735

CLARENCE ESTATE 55 Hardie Road, Albany 08 9841 5999

CONCORDE 25 Anstey Street, South Perth 08 9367 7559

FRESHWATER BAY 67 Palmerston Street, Mosman Park 08 9384 5280

HAMERSLEY 441 Rokeby Road, Subiaco 08 9381 6542

HOCART LODGE 3 Knowles Street, Harvey 08 9729 0499

KARINGAL GREEN 53 Hawkevale Road, High Wycombe 08 6372 0400

KENSINGTON PARK 62 Gwenyfred Road, Kensington 08 9367 4870

LEIGHTON 40 Florence Street, West Perth 08 9328 9355

MCDOUGALL PARK 18 Ley Street, Como 08 9313 1700

MERTOME 30 Winifred Road, Bayswater 08 6462 7200

MOSMAN PARK 57 Palmerston Street, Mosman Park 08 9384 1769

ROCKINGHAM 14 Langley Street, Rockingham 08 9527 1757

ST LUKES 429 Rokeby Road, Subiaco 08 9381 8061

TUIA LODGE 30 Allnutt Street, Donnybrook 08 9732 3500

TUOHY 22 Morrison Road, Midland 08 9274 1756

WINDSOR PARK 110 Star Street, Carlisle 08 9472 9488

HEAD OFFICE 16-18 Mayfair Street, West Perth 08 9321 1388

info@hallprior.com.au

OUR NSW HOMES

Contact the NSW Hall & Prior aged care home of your choice

AUBREY DOWNER 23 Sunnyside Avenue, Point Clare 02 4324 2068

BEXLEY 82-84 Connemarra Street, Bexley 02 9587 7610

CAROLINE CHISHOLM 274 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove 02 9428 2466

CLOVER LEA 14 Claremont Road, Burwood Heights 02 9747 1911

FAIRFIELD 125 The Crescent, Fairfield 02 9728 1144

GEORGES ESTATE 1 Centre Street, Penshurst 02 9069 7300

GLENWOOD 34 Greenwich Road, Greenwich 02 9436 1707

GRAFTON 12 Bent Street, South Grafton 02 6642 3255

MENAVILLE 121 Frederick Street, Rockdale 02 9567 3641

MONTANA 36-38 Harbour Street, Mosman 02 8969 2600

SHANGRI-LA 107 Carrington Avenue, Hurstville 02 9580 4333

SIRIUS COVE 17 Clanalpine Street, Mosman 02 9960 7555

VAUCLUSE 13 Young Street, Vaucluse 02 9337 3235

NSW STATE OFFICE 274 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove 02 9427 8978

• Enjoy our Wellness Centre’s hydrotherapy pool and other facilities; • Relax knowing you have 24-hour care and support; and • Splash out on life’s luxuries with our package of extra services. For an exclusive tour in person or a virtual tour online, book through our website: www.georgesestate.com.au/bookatour/