HVC Community News August 2014 by Hunter Valley Care

HUNTER VALLEY CARE

COMMUNITY NEWS August 2014

Activities Calendars Inside

Four New Profiles News from June & July

Editorial Hello and welcome to the August edition of Community News! Firstly, you may have noticed that the magazine was missing in action last month. Due to an overwhelming schedule, we unfortunately had to miss the July issue, and for this we apologise. However, we’re back and raring to go this month with a bumper edition of the mag! This month, you’ll find pages and pages packed with the latest news, photos and activity recaps from all our facilities. You’ll read about 90th and 100th birthday celebrations, Christmas in July luncheons, pyjama days and sweet treats; you’ll also get a first look at Amaroo’s soon-to-be therapy dog (one word: adorable). And that’s just a few of the things featured inside – so get reading! There are also four brand new profiles of some of our wonderful residents and staff members. You’ll meet two residents from Fig Tree Point: the lovely Pauline Black, a relatively new resident, and the wonderful Eleanor Emmerson, who you may remember from the cover of the June Community News! Our featured staff members this month are Kerry Rhodes of The Sanctuary and Peter and Leisa Woolnough, both of Waterview. We hope you enjoy this jam-packed edition of Community News. As always, if you have any feedback or suggestions regarding the magazine, please don’t hesitate to contact Kate or Claire and have a chat. Happy reading!

About us Hunter Valley Care COMMUNITY NEWS is a monthly newsletter published by the Hunter Valley Care Family to promote communication with our residents, their families, our staff and the wider community. For more information contact Kate Austen: kate@hvcare.com.au Claire Bradshaw: claire@hvcare.com.au

On the cover Jim Grant, Geraldine Moore, AO Tracey Watt, and Joan Meldrum from Waterview, kit-up in traditional Newcastle dress before heading out for a stroll around the block.

Hunter Valley Care strives to set the future direction for life choices in the Hunter region. We actively seek feedback from residents in our care as well as their families; this is a fundamental element that drives ongoing improvement to the quality of the services we offer.

Have you clicked ‘Like’ on the Hunter Valley Care Facebook page yet? If not, head over and do so today to get HVC pics, news and updates in your feed! Visit www.facebook.com/HunterValleyCare and help us build up our online community.

For feedback contact us: Head Office Street: 78 York Street, Teralba NSW 2284  Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285  Phone: (02) 4955 6400 Fax: (02) 4955 6411  Email: info@huntervalleycare.com.au

HVC Resident Profile

Eleanor Emmerson Eleanor Emmerson is a relative newbie at Toronto’s Fig Tree Point, and last month I had the absolute pleasure of getting to know her a little better. Eleanor was born in Tenterfield. As the only child of a father who had “itchy feet” she grew up all over New South Wales: Orange, Taree, Tamworth, Maitland, then finally Sawyers Gully, Cessnock, and Kurri. This nomadic lifestyle meant Eleanor attended many singleteacher country schools. She distinctly recalls being the top of the year 4, 5 & 6 class in one town – as she was the only student in that age group! Eleanor met her husband in Kurri, and they settled in Cardiff. It was here they raised their seven children. (Yes – seven!) While not an unusual number of children for the time, Eleanor recalls it was quite difficult raising her babies with little support. When their youngest child was two, Eleanor had to return to work and found herself at Stockton Hospital as a domestic. It was while working at Stockton that she decided to get her nursing registration. First Eleanor had to finish her schooling, which she did in six months by correspondence, while working and raising seven

children. To achieve this she would get up at 3am, and study by snatching five minutes here and there in quiet hospital corridors and on work breaks. (As an aside: I find it hard getting out of bed AND dressed before 8am, so it was at this point I decided Eleanor’s middle name must be ‘perseverance’ or perhaps ‘hard-work’. I never did ask her though!) Eleanor stayed on at Stockton for her training, but soon after graduating moved into aged care. She spent the next 15 years at Allandale, a teaching hospital for ‘Geriatric Nursing’ as it was called in those days – and which has since closed. When I asked Eleanor what she liked about aged care nursing, this self-confessed chatterbox said she just liked talking with people. And as an aged care nurse, Eleanor could really get to know and build relationships with her patients, which she found most rewarding. Eleanor has always liked to keep her mind active. After gaining her nursing registration she studied welfare and herbalism, and she has always had an interest in writing. She loves learning new things and is not planning to stop any time soon. These days, Eleanor is honing her computer skills with the

help of staff member Brittany, who visits most days after her shifts. (“She’s a real sweetheart!” says Eleanor.) Eventually Eleanor would like to start writing short stories using the computer. By the sound of things she is already pretty skilled when it comes to social media, and her Facebook account helps her keep in touch with her 17 grandchildren, and where no doubt she enjoys photos and updates of her 27 greatgrandchildren! I don’t know about you, but I think 27 great-grandchildren is a pretty impressive legacy for a single child from Tenterfield. And after chatting with the lovely and interesting Eleanor – I don’t think anyone could wish for a more beautiful greatgrandmother! KC

What is Eldertopia? Eldertopia is a term seeping into modern language, first used by Dr Bill Thomas international authority on geriatric care from New York. (http://thegreenhouseproject.org) Dr Thomas describes Eldertopia as: “A community that improves the quality of life for people of all ages by strengthening and improving the means by which (1) the community protects, sustains, and nurtures its elders, and (2) the elders contribute to the well-being and foresight of the community. An Eldertopia that is blessed with a large number of older people is acknowledged to be “elder-rich” and uses this wealth to advance the good of all.” Sound good? We’ll learn more about Eldertopia in coming issues of CN. 3

HVC Staff Profile

Peter and Leisa Woolnough wanted to seek a career closer to his heart. Peter’s regular visits to Amaroo, where his mother was a resident, led him to consider entering the aged care industry. After speaking with Amaroo’s Director of Nursing, he was directed to Waterview, where he was put through all the necessary training – and he’s worked there ever since!

Peter & Leisa Woolnough are something of a dreamteam at Waterview. The married couple are two of Waterview’s longest-serving staff members – Peter, an AIN, has worked there for 18 years, and Leisa, AIN and Medication Nurse, for an amazing 25 years! This month, we thought we’d get to know the pair a little better in a double profile. Peter was born in New Lambton, where he lived before moving to Adamstown. Formerly a roof tiler, he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his job; he

Leisa was born in Waratah and grew up in Windale. She worked in a casual position at Rockmans for a couple of years until work ran dry there. Leisa then decided that she needed to re-evaluate her career path; like Peter, she wanted to work in a job that she truly loved. Down to a choice between vet nursing and aged care nursing, Leisa chose the latter, and, again like Peter, has been at Waterview ever since! Leisa has also had family connections with HVC – her nan was a resident at Waterview for three years. The pair are obviously both dedicated to and passionate about their jobs. Peter says his favourite part of the role is keeping the residents happy; Leisa says, ‘I just love it.’ And

with a combined 43 years of experience between them, we think it’s safe to say they’re both pretty great at what they do! Peter and Leisa’s threeyear wedding anniversary is coming up this October. Both are family-oriented and enjoy motorbikes and travelling; Leisa says she would like to see as much of Australia as possible before venturing overseas to some dream destinations. A past trip down the Great Ocean Road seems particularly close to Peter and Leisa’s hearts, and for good reason. With Peter having never seen the Twelve Apostles before, and Leisa having only seen them from a distance, the pair went on a scenic helicopter ride that took them right up close to the beautiful landmarks – and during the flight, Peter proposed! (Doesn’t it just bring a tear to the eye of all the romantics out there?!) What a lovely couple to have as part of the Hunter Valley Care community. We wish Peter and Leisa all the best for the future and hope that they’ll stay around at Waterview for a long time to come. CB

Amaroo’s therapy dog She has been born! Meet the newest member of the Amaroo community - a little bichon frise puppy born in June. Currently still with her breeder, the pup will take a temperament test (standard for all therapy dogs at nine weeks old), and after that she can go to her new home with one of the qualified Hunter Valley Care staff. Still to be named, Amaroo residents are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this adorable little girl, and we are sure she will be in for lots of cuddles. 4

Amaroo’s newest little girl at (left) three days old, and (top) a few weeks old. We can’t wait for cuddles!

HVC Resident Profile

Pauline Black We’re always inspired by the range of residents we meet at Hunter Valley Care’s facilities. Some are talkative and outgoing, others more quiet and shy – but all of them are interesting in their own way! Fig Tree Point’s Pauline Black falls into the quieter category, but we were so pleased to be able to chat with her and learn a bit more about this lovely and talented resident. Pauline was born and raised in Kurri, where she lived until the age of 20. She has one sister, who now lives in Hobart. Pauline grew up in a musical family. Her father was an exceptionally talented violinist; he learned his skills from a teacher who, Pauline confides, was quite an eminent musician in those days! Pauline took up the violin herself and, more recently, taught herself to play cello. As well as her home life, Pauline’s work involved music as well; for several years she worked in one of Newcastle’s premier music shops, Paling’s. Established in Newcastle in 1892, the store was one of several branches founded

by William Henry Paling, a notable Dutch musician and businessman. The Paling’s store sold instruments and sheet music and was a very popular destination for the musicians of Newcastle. Pauline’s creative interests and talents do not stop at music, however! She is also a gifted artist and enjoys drawing and painting. Her room at Fig Tree is decorated with examples of her artwork, including a delicate painting of bamboo in the Chinese style, and some beautiful portraits of her husband, Neville, from different periods in his life (one is pictured here). Pauline and Neville had five children, who now live all over the world: from England to Ireland all the way to China, where her son is currently teaching English to schoolchildren. Pauline has lived at Fig Tree Point for a few months now. She enjoys the beautiful views

and peaceful atmosphere of the area, as well as activities such as exercise classes and theme days. (You may be able to spot evidence of the latter in the above photo of Pauline: she’s wearing a floral lei in celebration of Polynesian Day at Fig Tree!) A quiet soul with a lovely smile, Pauline seems perfectly suited to the peaceful waterfront atmosphere at Fig Tree Point, and we are so pleased to have her as part of our community. CB

Waterview News Waterview residents have been on some great outings throughout July, including a trip to Toronto to celebrate an ‘Aussie Bush Christmas’, and lunch at Kahiba Bowling Club complete with a concert by country music star Adam Price. Adam will be visiting Waterview on the 22nd of August for a Country & Western concert – hopefully we will see some staff members dressed in their cowgirl and cowboy best! Also coming up in August is Jeans for Genes Day on Friday 1st (staff members, take note – a $50 voucher

is up for grabs for staff who come to work wearing their jeans!). On Friday 5th, there will be a special Show and Tell Doll Therapy Day, and on Thursday 21st, staff will host Household Memories Day, in which vintage household items with interesting histories will be shown and reminisced over. Residents and staff continue to enjoy their regular trips to Macquarie Life Church for morning tea and games. The lovely Macquarie ladies always make a special effort, with lovely homemade treats and delicious coffees from the fancy coffee machine! 5

HVC Staff Profile

Kerry Rhodes Newcastle where she raised her beautiful children. A carer by nature, Kerry gained her Certificate III AIN qualifications in 2000. She worked in Home Care and at a few large aged care facilities before joining the close-knit family at Tingira Heights in early 2012.

Kerry Rhodes has been a personal carer at The Sanctuary, Tingira Heights for just over two years; however, she has been working in aged care for many more. One of seven children, Kerry was born and bred in Narrabri, in the central north of New South Wales. Upon her marriage she moved to

The small community feel of The Sanctuary suits this practical country girl down to the ground, and she loves being able to spend so much oneon-one time with the residents. The independent lifestyles retained by residents at The Sanctuary require Kerry to be a bit of an all-rounder; whether she is driving residents to their appointments, planning dinner parties and social events, taking shopping trips, or helping residents with cooking and housework, her role varies

Queen’s Birthday Celebrations

on a daily basis and keeps it interesting. Additionally, keeping current with the latest changes in Aged Care is also essential. As Kerry loves to keep her mind active, the ongoing training her position requires ticks the box. When she is not working, Kerry concentrates on the simple but important things - spending time with her loved ones. After a period of living away, it seems her chicks are all gravitating back to Newcastle, and I don’t think Kerry could be happier! Although she doesn’t seem old enough, she has a few young grandchildren and is enjoying lavishing loads of attention on them! The lovely Kerry is a warmhearted and caring member of the Hunter Valley Care community, and we hope she will stick around for many years to come! KC

Remember when...

Back in June, our facilities celebrated the Queen’s Birthday long weekend with some lovely high teas, quizzes and games.

Did You Know? • Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birthday is the 21st of April. Her Majesty turned 88 this year. • In 2007, the Queen became the first British monarch to have celebrated a diamond wedding anniversary (60 years).

...a giant kangaroo called Matilda was the Brisbane Commonwealth Games mascot? Shown here at the opening ceremony in 1982. While you might remember watching it on TV, did anyone from HVC attend the games?

• Just as you may receive a letter from Her Majesty on the occasion of your 100th birthday, you can also apply to receive a congratulatory message for your own diamond wedding anniversary! 6

Hunter Nature CC BY-SA 3.0

The Striped Rocket Frog Litoria nasuta While not as big or brightly coloured as some frogs, the Rocket Frog is notable for its extralong legs and impressive leaping abilities! Leaps up to 4 meters long have been observed – not bad for a frog that only grows to 5cm in size. The Central Coast is the Southern-most distribution of the Rocket Frog, it is more suited to the sub-tropics and tropics. They can be found in open forests and swamps, usually close to streams and ponds. They are also moderately common in Hunter backyards – especially those sporting a pool or pond! Rocket Frogs can be easily identified by their

pointed snout. Their back is grey to dark brown with darker stripes, and there is a broad dark stripe on the either side of the face.

Ken Green Turns

In July, the lovely Ken Green from Fig Tree Point celebrated his 100th birthday. A special party was held in his honour which many of his friends and family members were able to attend. A beautiful cake from the residents was made and decorated by our lovely chef, Deborah, and of course there were letters from all the appropriate people: the Prime Minister, the NSW Premier, the Governor General and Her Majesty, the Queen. Ken thoroughly enjoyed himself – so much that we hear he already has the whisky and apple slice planned for his 101st!

support

The Sanctuary News The Sanctuary at Tingira Heights welcomed a new manager in July. Tez Wrathall recently moved from Sydney to join the Hunter Valley Care family, and is enjoying getting to know all the lovely residents in the Sanctuary’s little closeknit community. In other news, the fabulous Kathleen Hellyer celebrated her 90th birthday in July - Happy Birthday Kathleen! Also, the Sanctuary ladies are still enjoying their monthly art classes with Helen Belcher, and hopefully we will have some photos of their creations to show you in the coming months.

• emotional • spiritual • grief • personal • family There is no easy way around grief… it is the natural response to the loss of someone special. Likewise, major life events such as change of circumstance or illness can leave you distressed. Hunter Valley Care has Chaplains available for the support of residents and their families. Should you feel you need some help through these times, do not hesitate to contact a Chaplain.

Rev. Delma Geary 0412 684 698 Pastor Sue Jenkins 0422 086 760 chaplain@huntervalleycare.com.au 7

Dolls, pyjamas and ECMs: news from Amaroo Residents and staff of Amaroo have had a couple of busy months with lots of occasions to mark. In June, the beautiful Kath Blackmore had her 90th birthday! This significant occasion was celebrated with a lovely cake and visits from family members. In addition to all the regular activities such as concerts, bus trips, housie, balloon tennis and armchair

travel, was an exhibition of lovely dolls from around the world loaned by Mary Fisher’s family. In July Amaroo also had a pyjama party to help raise funds for two Amaroo staff members with cancer. This day also coincided with the final work day of Angela Martin, Amaroo’s ECM, who has left us to follow new career adventures. While we were sad to see her leave,

On her last day of work Angela Martin got to wear her PJ’s!

Amaroo reception turned wild on pyjama day!

Joan Dunn, Mary Fisher, and Margaret Patrick at art classes.

Mary Fisher with the beautiful collection of dolls.

Ivy Jansson: dolls around the world.

Francis Bush: dolls around the world. 8

all of us at Hunter Valley Care wish Angela the very best for the future. Keep us up to date with your adventures, Angela! And of course, we are pleased to introduce our new ECM, Shelley Haines. Shelley is new to the Hunter Valley Care family, and so we look forward to getting to know her in the coming months!

Amaroo staff members don their PJ’s for a good cause.

Mollie Clewett with some dolls from around the world.

Lurline Costellodolls: dolls around the world.

Christmas in July Have you ever wanted to experience a cosy winter Christmas? Sparkling white snow, crackling fires, cups of eggnog and hot roast dinners… Well, while snowfall and fireplaces may have been out of the question, our facilities sure got into the Christmas in July spirit by putting on some wonderful winter feasts! At Waterview, a delicious Christmassy luncheon was held on July 29th. Menu items included roast pork, seasoned chicken, turkey, seasonal veggies, greens and gravy – and let’s not forget the plum pudding and brandy custard for dessert! All this lovely food was followed by a relaxing afternoon spent watching a Christmas movie.

Enid Woolley’s daughter Bev helps serve out the trifle at The Sanctuary’s Christmas In July lunch.

Winter turned on a superb sunny day for Christmas in July at The Sanctuary, and residents dressed up to celebrate with family members over a festive luncheon. The staff outdid themselves - providing the most amazing array of seafood entrees, cold cuts and salads, followed by a roast with all the trimmings, and finally a sensational desert, with plum pudding, lemon meringue pies and an outstanding trifle made by staff-member Carina’s mum (see pictures)! It was the perfect way to spend the day with family and friends!

Mabs Ferris of The Sanctuary and daughter Laraine.

Suzann Rosevear and daughter Anna at The Sanctuary.

Joan Ross of The Sanctuary and nephew David.

International Day of Friendship The 30th of July marked the International Day of Friendship, an annual day of celebration created by the United Nations in 2011. While it is more commonly celebrated in places such as South America and India, we think it’s a great occasion to reflect on the meaning of friendship in all of our daily lives. Friendship is a particularly important aspect of the aged care community. Whether it be residents enjoying a cup of tea and a chat together or having a laugh with staff members, friendships have the power to brighten the days of everyone in the Hunter Valley Care community. 9

Enid Woolley of The Sanctuary and daughters Bev and Barb.

Fig Tree Point Recap June and July were busy, busy, busy at Fig Tree Point – so much has been happening! Below is a recap of just some of the events residents have enjoyed. NAIDOC week was celebrated with Aboriginal arts and crafts, the Queen’s Birthday called for high tea, and Bastille Day was a great excuse for a French-themed breakfast, lunch and more high tea (involving profiteroles, croissants and other yummy pastries!). Residents have also enjoyed some great bus trips in the past two months, to venues like Potters Brewery, Awaba House, Forries at Forresters Beach, and Sal’s by The Lake at Speers Point, in addition to all of the usual activities including art therapy, cooking, concerts, birthdays and more. The refurbishments continue at Fig Tree, and with painting now completed in Extra Services, the Nursing Home is next on the list. Staff and residents are enjoying the new colour scheme and can’t wait to see the

furnishings that will shortly complete the look! Fig Tree has also welcomed many lovely new residents during June and July. We hope they are settling in well and we look forward to getting to know them in the coming months. Coming up in August is a Mariachi-style Mexican theme day (which promises to see the staff don some interesting costumes – stay tuned for photos!) and a concert in Extra Services by some intriguing-sounding guests: ‘The Funky Octogenarians’. All I can tell you about these special karaoke performers is that they are intimately familiar with the residents of FTP. Hmm. Staff members perhaps? But who? We’ll have to wait and see... Fig Tree Point would also like to send a special ‘cooee’ to long-serving volunteer Jenelle Pusic. Jenelle normally calls Bingo every Monday down in Extra Services, but is currently recovering from surgery. Staff and residents are thinking of you, Jenelle, and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Allan Wrigley takes a break from painting.

Edna Welling with family during art classes.

Volunteer Helen Belcher with Jean Sunol.

Verlie Martin looks relaxed during exercise classes!

Karaoke: Staff member Sharon with Jean Sunol.

Kathleen Kirkby at Karaoke!

Shane Johnson with Amy Burns: Pyjama day at FTP.

Norma Threadgate and visiting family.

Helen Smith looks rugged up for winter.

Happy hour: Sharon Brooks and Ray Denny.

Muriel Carlson: There’s always time for dancing...

Agnes Lloyd: and everyone finds their own style!

Sweet Treats at Waterview One grey July day at Waterview recently, residents experienced the perfect recipe for a cosy winter’s afternoon: sweet treats in the form of milkshakes, Dutch pancakes and a chocolate fountain! The afternoon began with the chocolate fountain, which was recently purchased by Waterview with money raised from raffles. (Other purchases included an outdoor table and chairs set and a popcorn machine – keep an eye out for those in future issues!) Once the fountain was flowing, Activities Officer Kerry made delicious skewers of oranges, strawberries and bananas, dipped in chocolate and rolled in sprinkles!

A tray of chocolatey deliciousness!

Meanwhile, Activities Officer Tracey demonstrated to residents how to make mini Dutch pancakes with a special pancakemaker. These too

Residents eagerly awaiting a taste

of some yummy chocolate-dipp

ed treats.

were dipped in chocolate and sprinkles to make yummy pancake-lollipops. (Special thanks to Tracey for preparing dozens of pancakes the night before to ensure there were enough to go around!) To finish it all off, Kerry made some moreish milkshakes with caramel, strawberry and malt. After a few laughs over Kerry’s slight mishap with the milkshake-maker (milkshake fountain, anyone?), residents rated their drinks a 10/10! We’re sure everyone is looking forward to another sweet treat afternoon next month.

Kerry gets the chocolate fountain up and running.

Tracey demonstrates the fiddly process of Dutch pancake making.

A batch of Tracey’s lovely mini Dutch pancakes.

Margaret Williams about to try a yummy chocolate skewer.

Jessie Brown enjoying her choc-pancake-pop!

Jean Delore with a tasty malted milkshake.

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Hunter Valley Care Contacts Amaroo Aged Care Facility  Street: 66 Dudley Road, Charlestown NSW 2290  Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285  Phone: (02) 4943 3675  Fax: (02) 4942 3075  Email: reception@amarooagedcare.com.au

The Sanctuary – Independence with Care  Street: 31 Tinglewood Close, Tingira Heights NSW 2290  Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285  Phone: (02) 4947 1010  Fax: (02) 4914 8704  Email: sanctuary@elss.com.au

Fig Tree Point Aged Care Facility  Street: 7 Harris Street, Toronto NSW 2283  Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285  Phone: (02) 4950 4133 Fax: (02) 4950 5078  Email: reception@figtreepoint.com.au

Waterview Aged Care Facility  Street: 16 Cumberland Street, Teralba NSW 2284  Post: PO Box 3310 Glendale NSW 2285  Phone: (02) 4941 7000  Fax: (02) 4958 5276  Email: ecm@waterviewagedcare.com.au

Star Pics

Fig Tree Point’s Freda and Activities Officer Greg Slevin at Dominos. July marked a special birthday for Amaroo resident, Kath Blackmo re, who turned 90!

d Kim Kathleen Hellyer and good frien h at share a Christmas in July lunc The Sanctuary, Tingira Heights.

Don Thompson and Iris Conway making sure no chocolate goes to waste on Waterview’s Sweet Treats Day!