Church Link Autumn by Life Care

church link Autumn 2018

A grateful farewell Paul Tyler has left Life Care with proud memories of his term as Coordinating Chaplain and the spiritual care that is one of the defining features of our organisation. Paul joined Life Care in 2016 as chaplain at Glenrose Court and last year succeeded Bill Hall as Coordinating Chaplain. He has taken up a new challenge of acute care chaplaincy at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. In a farewell message to the Life Care community, Paul said: “Over the past two years I have been greatly encouraged by the way in which chaplaincy has become a growing part of the ‘fabric’ or DNA of the organisation. “The significance that Life Care places upon the provision of spiritual care has been a source of great encouragement. It is truly a part of the holistic approach to providing quality of care and enhancing quality of life. “I am deeply appreciative of the value that is placed upon and given to the chaplaincy team in delivering holistic care to residents and families. “My special thanks to Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, and the leadership team for their incredible support of the chaplains.

More than a century of smiles and kindness A centenarian reflects

“I have very fond memories of being a part of the team at Life Care and the shared commitment with all staff to provide our residents and their families with a genuine Live Every Day Experience. “Teamwork at Life Care really does make a difference in the lives of those in our care. “It is with mixed emotions that I leave Life Care to take up a role as part of the chaplaincy team at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. “Life Care will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish you all the very best in the coming years. Please be assured of my thoughts and prayers for you all in the future.”

Foundation of a better life How a little bit of help goes a very long way

New brand reflects Life Care innovation and commitment to inspired living

church link

New brand reflects Life Care innovation Life Care has introduced new branding to highlight its innovative and exciting approaches in modern aged care. The brand roll-out began in February with a stylish new logo and tagline promoting Life Care’s commitment to inspired living. Life Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, said the emphasis was on building brand recognition to raise awareness of the new dimensions Life Care is achieving in quality care and lifestyle choices of older South Australians. “The fact that we are a sound organisation with a proud history and a progressive and definitive model of care into the future is testament to the vision, skills and commitment of every person in Life Care,” he said.

“Our focus is on excellence in everything we do every day to make a positive difference in the lives of people in our care.” “It was time to update our brand to ensure it is relevant to our customer base and changing expectations of customers and their families.” At Home created by Life Care, is also the new name of the organisation’s community care service. This creates a sharper focus on Life Care’s commitment and excellence in helping people to continue enjoying life and independence in their own homes.

AUTUMN 2018

Doris then entered midwifery training in Melbourne and in 1944 she married Doug, who served in the Royal Australian Navy during World War ll and later became a lobster fisherman off Kangaroo Island. The couple moved to Adelaide settling at Henley Beach where they raised their two sons Jeff and John. Travel was another passion for Doris and Doug. Caring for others has been a They went on lengthy camping adventures around lifetime passion for Doris Whitman. Australia and explored Europe, the United States From strangers to family and friends, she has always and Norfolk Island. been a smiling presence and a shining example of the Doug passed away at the age of 91 in 2004, and nine years ago Doris moved to Reynella Lodge to be benefits of kindness. nearer to family members at Happy Valley. What is even more remarkable is that in her 101st Her room overlooks a blossoming garden and some year, Doris is still extending the hands of care and her own paintings adorn the walls. friendship to newcomers at her home at Life Care’s Reynella Lodge. “This is a nice place,” she said. “It is bright and friendly and the staff members are very kind and Doris is a Welcome Ambassador at Reynella Lodge meaning she is a “friendly face” and a guiding light for caring. new residents coming into residential care. “I am 101 years old, but I am enjoying my life and being able to meet new people. My faith and church “I enjoy telling people about life at Reynella Lodge have always been a big part of my life and I am very and the various activities in which they can become thankful for having wonderful family members involved,” she said. and friends.”

More than a century of smiles and kindness

“I am 101 years old, but I am enjoying my life and being able to meet new people.” Despite painful bouts of arthritis, passing the century milestone has not stopped Doris from being active in services at Happy Valley Church of Christ and in craft, gardening, reading and bingo at Reynella Lodge. She has led a very interesting life as a person who has “always been on the move.” Born in Fremantle in 1916, Doris began work as a tailoress, but her great desire was to become a nurse. “I was considered too short to be a nurse because of the demands of lifting, but after applying eight times I was finally accepted for training at Fremantle Hospital,” she said.

“I have great grandchildren in Canberra and I would like to see them more often, but they ring me regularly.” Apart from being a Welcome Ambassador at Reynella Lodge, Doris also makes life a little better for people far away. In craft sessions, she helps to make rugs and shawls that are sent to a mission in Africa. It is just another dimension of a kind and caring lady who says simply that she enjoys “looking after people.”

church link

Foundation of a better life Neville and Chris Dolling know their health limitations. Three years ago, Neville was diagnosed with prostate cancer and metastasis throughout his body that he understands may ultimately take his life. Chris suffers from acute arthritis after almost 60 years of the physical demands of nursing. However, despite the restrictive effects of their illnesses, there are no bounds to the care and compassion they offer as dedicated volunteers in support of the Flinders Foundation and its mission to help people live longer and happier lives.

“Helping people to continue being part of their community is a major focus of At Home.” Neville and Chris live at Aldinga Shores Retirement Village enjoying their independence with domestic support from At Home, Life Care’s community care service. Importantly, At Home helps them maintain the energy to promote the objectives of the Flinders Foundation and to raise funds for prevention and cure of a wide range of illnesses. In 2017, Neville became the “face” of the Flinders Foundation’s fund-raising support for the Year of Prostate Cancer Research and introduced them to an inspiring community of individuals who raise millions of dollars annually to help understand and treat illnesses that beset people from newborns to the elderly.

Church Link magazine is a publication of the Churches of Christ Life Care Inc. 128 Greenhill Road Unley SA 5061

They have led very active lives. Neville was a dairy farmer before working in the motor vehicle industry for more than two decades. Chris was a career nurse, including a period in a hospital in Papua New Guinea where her father served as a missionary early last century. Devout Christians, they involve themselves deeply in the affairs of the Lutheran Church. They have two children, Matthew and Julie-Anne, and three busy little grandchildren. But beyond family and church affairs, the Flinders Foundation is a motivating factor for the couple. “Last year, the fundraising helped Flinders Medical Centre purchase two advanced probes to more effectively detect prostate cancer, this year, we are helping to build funds for the Cancer Wellness Centre and equipment for the hospital’s neo-natal unit. The couple are deeply thankful for the assistance of At Home, with Life Care staff helping with cleaning at their retirement home. “In future, we may need more domestic support, but we have a very enjoyable lifestyle despite our health problems,” Chris said. “No matter the circumstances, if you have faith things will turn out alright. We enjoy our participation in the affairs of the Flinders Foundation and say God bless to every person we meet. “Neville and I just want to leave this world a better place for others.”

Would you like more information about Life Care or to receive your own copy of Church Link?