ABOUT LIFE SPRING 2014
• Engaging earlier with people on their ageing journey • All ages enjoy our way to Live Every Day • Launch of our new website • Grand opening of new Aldinga Beach Court • People and Places
New extension
VACANCIES AVAILABLE
With our strong and unwavering belief in Live Every Day and the Life Care Charter, we have developed five guiding principles fundamental to creating a better ageing experience.
Are you looking for quality aged care accommodation in the South?
Aldinga Beach Court
Newly extended aged care residential home
Life Care’s newest aged care residential home, Aldinga Beach Court, has undergone an exciting new extension and accommodation is now available.
Call 1800 555 990 or visit www.lifecare.org.au for more information or to arrange a tour.
Quality aged care services and accommodatio
Life Care at Home · Respite Services· Retirement Living · Residential Servic
About Life is the official publication of the Churches of Christ Life Care Inc.
Corporate Services 263 Melbourne Street North Adelaide SA 5006 Telephone: 08 8239 9800 Facsimile: 08 8239 9850 www.lifecare.org.au
Our Mission: Our purpose is to partner with people to embrace life and Live Every Day.
COVER Life Care’s Intergenerational Days, including visits by players from the Adelaide Crows, have been a spectacular success in bridging generations for fun times together. Our cover picture shows four generations of one family enjoying festivities at Parkrose Village. Resident Thelma Sweet was joined by daughterin-law Dianne Sweet, grand daughters, Rebekah and Anna, and great grand children, Sarah, Penny, Naomi and Edwina. Full story inside.
CONTENTS Our Vision: Life Care is an innovative provider of quality services to the ageing. We are recognised as a preferred option for active ageing and an employer of choice for staff. This is achieved by an outstanding team working in a flexible and integrated approach with volunteers and partners.
CEO’s Report Launch of our new website New Life Care Way workshops in October Grand opening of new Aldinga Beach Court All ages enjoy our way to Live Every Day People and Places
FOCUS ON ENGAGING WITH PEOPLE CEO’s REPORT
Life Care truly believes that ageing is not a disability or a policy problem to be solved. Rather it is a natural part of life that should be celebrated. It is a unique experience that varies according to personal characteristics, outlook, well-being and family circumstances. Life Care is dedicated to helping older South Australians and their families to navigate this journey. Our emphasis is on engaging with people and their loved ones earlier to help plan and make informed decisions that in the long-term will deliver the best outcomes in our shared endeavour to Live Every Day to the fullest. I have often stated that Life Care does not strive to be the biggest aged care provider in our State. But, unquestionably, our mission is to be the best. Through our planning processes and policies of continuous improvement, I believe we are achieving this status in the design and function
of our built assets, in the quality of our services, and the commitment to excellence among our staff and volunteers. Recently, we officially opened the $9 million redevelopment and expansion of Aldinga Beach Court in the first major showpiece of a master planning process that will over the coming decade transform each of our residential living facilities. This edition of About Life reports on that special occasion. We are committed to delivering 21st century aged care through advanced design, superior built form, integrated systems and services, and innovative work practices. To reflect this approach and to encourage conversations with customers and their families earlier, Life Care has refreshed its website and its printed communications. This has been an important and timely process, and I particularly congratulate Deborah Muldoon, General Manager Innovation and Service Development, and Kane Pryzibilla, IT Manager, for their leadership in this area. Meanwhile, internally, the latest phase of our Life Care Way workshops continues to build on our values, policies and procedures to deliver truly positive ageing experiences.
Allen Candy
Life Care is committed to partnering with people as they age, to share the journey with them and to assist with services and advice wherever and whenever we can. Aldinga Beach Court About 15 months ago, Deborah Muldoon and I visited aged care facilities in England, Holland and Germany to inspect the latest overseas developments in aged care. While that trip reinforced in our minds that Life Care is at the leading edge in its field, there were aspects that we have embraced in our planning, particularly to address the growing need to support residents with dementia. In the redevelopment of Aldinga Beach Court, we have included colour coding concepts adapted from our experiences overseas. It has been shown that people, even with advanced stages of dementia, are still able to discern and relate to colours after other language cues have faded away.
Our ongoing Life Care Way workshops continue to build on the principles that support our partnership with people in positive ageing experiences
The colour cues have been adapted to various houses and rooms at Aldinga Beach Court to help residents better move around their surroundings.
EARLIER TO PLAN SERVICE OPTIONS
His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, the Governor of South Australia, and Mrs Scarce officially open the redeveloped Aldinga Beach Court with Life Care Chair, John Stock OAM, and Allen Candy
I again take this opportunity to thank Residential Services Manager, Sue Mark, and her staff and volunteers for the way they responded to operational challenges during the redevelopment process.
Intergenerational Days Life Care’s Intergenerational Days, supported by the Adelaide Football Club, have brought a great deal of joy and excitement for residents, clients, families, staff and volunteers.
contribution to Life Care’s defining standards. I look forward to enjoying this evening with as many staff members as possible. Welcome
In terms of design, function and service modelling, the new Aldinga Beach Court has set benchmarks that will be applied as we progressively move to new capital works at our other facilities.
These events at Reynella Village and, more recently at Parkrose Village, have been a great success in bringing together people of all ages from various parts of our community.
We have already started planning for the redevelopment of Roselin Court and have recently acquired two properties north of the facility to allow for our expansion and to provide greater operating flexibility.
There have been up to four generations of one family at the Intergenerational Days and it is another way in which Life Care can better engage with the loved ones of those in our care.
Life Care’s 10-year Master Plan also has the redevelopment of its recently acquired Beulah Road property at Norwood in priority focus, while at Reynella Lodge we have a vision for a 120 bed aged care facility through a major expansion.
Staff Awards 2014 This year’s Staff Awards celebration will be at Glenelg’s Stamford Grand Hotel on 7 November. I encourage staff members to nominate colleagues who they believe deserve awards in recognition of their commitment and
On behalf of management and staff, I extend a warm welcome to Susan Wirth, the new Residential Services Manager at Reynella Lodge. Susan succeeds Raelene Madden who has taken on a new projectbased role coordinating our volunteer services and student placements. Raelene has provided wonderful leadership at Reynella Lodge over the past five years and she is well equipped to take on her new role. Allen Candy Chief Executive Officer
PARTNER WITH PEOPLE ON THEIR JOURNEY Life Care has launched a new website to better reflect our commitment to being a service partner for people and their families as they become engaged with aged care in its various forms. A major thrust of Life Care’s online profile is to encourage people to begin the conversation about aged services earlier. “It is about starting that conversation within families and then looking to Life Care as a service partner to provide advice and to help people understand the care options that can be tailored to individual circumstances,” said Kane Pryzibilla, IT Manager. “We wanted to get away from the traditional concept of being an aged care provider and present ourselves as a genuine partner in the ageing experience.” “This process involved a great deal of research and a complete review of our website and printed communications. Importantly, we have refreshed our profile with a clear understanding of how the needs and expectations of people have evolved in aged care.” In terms of starting the conversation, the website features the following words: “As we grow older, it can be hard to start the conversation about what your family’s changing needs are. It can be a difficult conversation, but it doesn’t have to be.” “It’s something we all need to talk about, but often we are afraid to. We don’t know the right questions to ask or where to find the correct information. We are often unsure of the options available and are worried about how it will impact on our loved ones.” “We encourage you to talk to Life Care. We will listen to your questions, ask about your, or your family’s needs, and provide some
The home page of the new Life Care website: www.lifecare.org.au
Our clear understanding of how the needs and expectations of people have evovled in aged care options and solutions that will help with your decision making.” “Life Care understands this can be a challenging time as you navigate your way through a whole range of options.” “We understand what you are going through, the questions you may have and the decisions you might need to make, and we want to work with you to make the process for you and your family a positive one.” Kane said the website would be an evolving portal that would display new visual features including virtual
tours of Life Care’s various facilities and services and vision of a family beginning the aged care journey while engaging with Life Care. “A great deal of care has gone into the wording and structure of the website to ensure it is easy to navigate and motivates people to begin the conversation earlier.” “Importantly, we will be working to embrace the words and language featured on the website into our daily work practices to ensure clear consistency with the message we deliver to residents, clients and their families.” Kane paid tribute to the internal project team and consulting firms Katalyst Interactive, Jennie Bell Ink and Detour Design for their work in refreshing the website and other material in Life Care’s promotional portfolio.
THEEVOLVINGNATUREOFTHELIFECAREWAY Life Care recently ran further workshops for all staff members to support the development of the Life Care Way. Twenty five sessions were held across our five residential sites to build staff engagement on the guiding principles that underpin our commitment to Live Every Day. Michael Rasheed, General Manager People and Culture, said the workshops emphasised that Life Care’s employees are the face of our organisation and demonstrate “our brand” in their daily presentation of care. “In that context, we sought ideas from staff members on new and better ways to deliver quality care as individuals and team members,” he said. “We have collected and analysed each one of those suggestions and as part of our next workshops we will
The Life Care Way workshops seek even better ways to deliver quality care as individuals and team members outline the initiatives that have been implemented, those that will be embraced into our work practices, and others that require further exploration.”
The next round of the Life Care Way workshops will be held in October and then annually around that time of the year. “Workshops will again be held at each of the five sites to include every Life Care staff member,” Michael explained. “We will report on employee initiatives supporting our partnerships with people to create better ageing experiences.” Tanya Perry and Stewart Mitchell will again facilitate the October workshops. “The opportunity to work with Life Care staff members is something that Stewart and I always look forward to,” Tanya said. “We have facilitated the Life Care Way workshops since 2011 and are constantly amazed at the enthusiasm and energy of all who attend.“
Facilitator Tanya Perry ... “many of the creative ideas generated by staff members at the workshops have been put into practice”
“Many of the creative ideas generated by staff members at the workshops have been put into practice in support of the Live Every Day philosophy while the sense of teamwork within Life Care grows every year.”
ALDINGA BEACH COURT A SHOWPIECE The three-stage development at Aldinga Beach Court was jointly opened by His Excellency Rear Admiral the Honorable Kevin Scarce, the Governor of South Australia, and Mrs Liz Scarce. Thirty-five new beds at Aldinga Beach Court will provide an excellent opportunity for the residents and families of Aldinga Beach and the southern suburbs who want to stay within their local community as they age. Life Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, said the expanded Aldinga Beach Court was a showpiece of aged care excellence with a range of innovations representing international best practice, particularly in relation to assisting individuals with varying levels of dementia. “As a not-for-profit aged care provider, Life Care has made a major investment in meeting the emerging needs of an ageing population in the southern suburbs and across Fleurieu Peninsula,” Mr Candy said. “The additional new beds complement Life Care’s other offerings in the area so that a
Mrs Scarce, who is an aged care volunteer, chats with Aldinga Beach Court resident, Thelma McLeod, 88 local continuum of services can be provided as the needs of people change from community activities, to care and support in their homes,
respite services for carers, to independent living and residential accommodation.” “Life Care is committed to offering a wide diversity of services to meet individual needs and to assist people to remain active and independent in their local community.” “Aged care is constantly evolving to meet new demands and expectations. The expansion of Aldinga Beach Court is a shining example of how Life Care is at the forefront of change to deliver quality ageing experiences that are embedded in our commitment to provide people in our care with opportunities to Live Every Day.”
Former Life Care Chief Executive Officer, Kingsley Curtis, with staff members (from left) Therese Denison, Cindy Graham and Alison Tymmons, who have been at Aldinga Beach Court since its opening in 1995
“The completion of stage three at Aldinga Beach Court is the first step in a Master Plan to comprehensively upgrade or rebuild all of Life Care’s residential living facilities in South Australia over the next decade.”
OF OUR EXCELLENCE
DEMENTIA CARE INNOVATION ATTRACTS INDUSTRY LEADERS The outstanding features of the redeveloped Aldinga Beach Court are already attracting industry leaders from across South Australia and interstate. Soon after the official opening, Residential Services Manager, Sue Mark, welcomed Julie Smith and Elizabeth Oliver from Catholic Homes Inc. WA. The visitors were also co-hosted by Anne Kelly, who provided dementia care consultancy services to Aldinga Beach Court.
His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, and Mrs Scarce on a tour of Aldinga Beach Court with Life Care’s Chair, John Stock OAM, and Residential Services Manager, Sue Mark
The Governor said the extension and broader improvements to Aldinga Beach Court incorporated a number of innovations that would make it far easier for residents, their families and staff to Live Every Day to greater effect. “The principles upon which Life Care operates emphasise the importance of tailoring services for the individual and of assisting all those with whom it interacts to maximise their personal wellness,” he added. “We should all strive to make ageing a positive experience.” After the opening, His Excellency and Mrs Scarce were escorted on a tour of Aldinga Beach Court by Allen Candy, Life Care’s Chair, John Stock OAM, and Residential Services Manager, Sue Mark. The official opening also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the role of Life Care’s former Chief Executive
Officer, Kingsley Curtis, for his vision and actions in purchasing greenfield land to develop Aldinga Beach Court in 1995. Kingsley, who was CEO from 1990 to 1999, said Aldinga Beach Court resulted from a great deal of hard work.
“Elizabeth and Julie were particularly interested in the dedicated memory loss and capability unit in the new Kuitpo House with its special features and programs to engage with residents in every day life, based on their identified strengths.” “We were happy to share our success stories with them and they were very impressed.” “It was a valuable networking opportunity with another respected aged care organisation and it demonstrated how Life Care is leading the way in its dementia care programs.”
“Today I can reflect on that effort with a lot of pride,” he said. “We wanted Aldinga Beach Court to be special in its built form to blend into the local environment and be bright and airy.” “It was also pleasing that all of the initial staff members at Aldinga Beach Court came from the local area.” For more information about residential living and other services at Aldinga Beach Court, phone our Enquiry Team on1800 555 990.
Touring Aldinga Beach Court (from left) Julie Smith and Elizabeth Oliver from Catholic Homes Inc. WA, Anne Kelly and Sue Mark
BRIDGING GENERATIONS AS YOUNG AN
Life Care is continuing to bridge generations in family days of fun and excitement. Intergenerational Days held recently at Reynella Village and Parkrose Village have brought the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of residents together for shared enjoyment. Through its unique partnership with the Adelaide Football Club, Life Care has also welcomed visits by Crows
players to add further excitement to the events for all ages.
facilities and services representing the entire Life Care community.
Players Sam Kerridge and Andy Otten shared kicking, handballing and marking skills with youngsters at Reynella Village while Lewis Johnston was the star attraction at Parkrose Village.
Residents and their families, along with Life Care staff and volunteers, have hailed the Intergenerational Days as a great success.
While they have been hosted to date by Reynella Village and Parkrose Village, the events also involve residents and clients from other
All have been welcomed – from babies to toddlers, teenagers and older family members – to engage with each other and celebrate Life Care’s mission to help everyone with whom we interact to Live Every Day. The event at Parkrose Village brought four generations of one family together. Resident Thelma Sweet welcomed her daughter-inlaw, Dianne Sweet, grand daughters, Rebekah and Anna, and their children – Sarah, 4, and Penny, four months, and Naomi, 2, and Edwina, three months. “One of my grand daughters came all the way from Derby in Western Australia,” Thelma said. “It is just wonderful to have us all together, especially with the babies.”
Lewis Johnston leading the boys in kicking and marking skills
Life Care resident of 30 years, Shirley Rumbelow, said: “I have nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They couldn’t make it today, so I am borrowing other children for cuddles. It is beautiful to bring different generations together like this.”
ND OLD JOIN IN FUN AND EXCITEMENT
Deane and Valmai Radbone with grandsons Guy, 11, and Hugh, 12
Keen Crows supporters, Valmai and Deane Radbone, welcomed their grandsons, Guy, 11, and Hugh 12, to the event at Parkrose Village. “It is really special for the boys to be here and to meet Lewis Johnston,” Valmai said. After leading a skills session with the youngsters, Lewis awarded the “Rising Star Award” to Pulteney Grammar student, Alex Redshaw, 17. Lewis said: “It is great to be here and to share some time with the kids and with older supporters of the Adelaide Crows.” “Some of the residents have been supporters of the club from day one and it is great to know that the footy is still bringing excitement into their lives.”
Lewis Johnston enjoying the keyboard skills of Wendy McDougall
Val Smith and grand daughter Kirby, 5, and Shirley Rumbelow
RON’S VIVID MEMORIES OF BRAVERY Command 172 Squadron based in Devon.
PEOPLE & PLACES LIFE CARE AT HOME
In most cases, war leaves an indelible mark on people who have experienced its horrors. Even in peace, memories of faces, places and experiences from conflict can sometimes become so vivid that it is like they are being relived. It is an agony and a contrary ecstasy that affects thousands of former soldiers, sailors and aviators. Ron Cooper, a former Royal Australian Air Force navigator, was troubled by those memories for almost 70 years until, at the age of 93, he recently returned to the scene where war cast its biggest shadow on his life as others around him lost theirs. Initially, the thought of that pilgrimage was forbidding. But he ultimately agreed, and the return to a famous air force station in England where he was based in World War ll actually had a happy ending for the Frewville grandfather. Age has not diminished Ron’s accurate recall and his handshake is as strong as a 21-year-old. He keeps well and active with support from Life Care at Home and, at last, he sleeps better having visited the grave of one of the closest mates he lost in action during the war. This modest man has spoken little about his war experiences until now, and it is a story of remarkable bravery and tragedy, and one in which sheer luck spared some and deserted many. Ron specialised in astronavigation, the ability to use the sun, moon, planets and stars to navigate and fix positions. With this skill set, he was posted to the British Coastal
The British Vickers Wellington twinengine aircraft of 172 Squadron were fitted with Leigh Lights, powerful searchlights used to spot German submarines on the surface of the sea at night. These so-called U-Boats, based on the French coast, left their moorings at night using darkness to steam undetected on the surface across the Bay of Biscay to the Atlantic where they would dive at daybreak and wreak havoc on allied shipping. The pilots, navigators and gunners of 172 Squadron had the treacherous task of flying at night to detect the U-Boats and dive to within 30 metres of the sea surface to illuminate and attack the enemy vessels. Ron was attached to the squadron for about 18 months flying 51 missions in all sorts of weather and sea conditions. His crew had their share of success, but on a few occasions their aircraft was damaged by cannon and machine gun fire from the U-Boats, fortunately not badly enough to bring them down. Others were not so lucky. The squadron lost aircraft and many men on those frightening night missions before the influence of the U-Boats was overcome. Early after arrival in England, Ron was posted to the operational training station at Cranwell, the legendary RAF base in Lincolnshire where he had some of his most horrific experiences of the war. Pilots and navigators from various countries, including England, Australia and Canada, lived closely together in huts at the station and they were tasked with conversion training on aircraft from RAF Bomber Command on exercise flights across land and sea. Ron believed that some of the aircraft were not even airworthy,
Vickers Wellington aircraft as flown by 172 Squadron
yet they took off many times in the most extreme weather conditions including hail, snow and sleet. “Dreadful things happened among that group of men,” he said. “On one occasion, the aircraft on which my close Australian friend, Dave Lyon, was navigator, emerged from thick cloud and was fired upon and shot down by the light aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.” “Because the aircraft was off course and lost due to the shocking weather, it had appeared without warning from the cloud and the HMS Ark Royal fired to repel what appeared to be an enemy attack. All crewmen on the plane were killed.” Ron saw another of the ageing aircraft explode on landing at Cranwell killing all aboard, including an Australian colleague. Quietly, he reflects on the tragic twists of fate that over a number of months took the lives of 24 men based at Cranwell. “We should never have been flying questionable aircraft in the appalling weather conditions with which we had to contend almost daily,” he said. “Most of the men died in accidents they could not avoid.”
AND TRAGEDY IN THE NIGHT SKIES
“I am lucky at my age to have the wonderful support of Life Care at Home. It has helped to make many things possible for me”
Ron Cooper ... “I am one of the lucky ones, but I will never forget the camaraderie, the commitment to uniform and the mates with whom I served”
After VE Day, Ron tried to stay in the RAAF, but he was discharged in Australia in 1946 at the age of 25. He spent the next 10 years as an acting architect for the State Bank, but his mind was constantly in search of the skies. Eventually he went into his own successful business as a designer builder, marrying and having two children. But the worst memories of the war never really departed until Ron’s step son-in-law, Michael Reymond, a former Wing Commander in the RAAF, offered to take him on a nostalgic journey back to England in July 2014. “At 93 I felt I was too old to make the trip,” he said. “But in the end, I decided to go because I wanted to return to Cranwell, where I lost so many of my mates.” When news of his visit broke, the Commandant of the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell, Air Commodore
Chris Luck, wrote to Ron saying: “I am touched by your stories of your lost comrades and your subsequent distinguished service. I would be pleased to extend an invitation to you and your son-in-law to visit the station.” What awaited them was “red carpet treatment” including a comprehensive tour of the college by the curator and the commandant’s Personal Staff Officer, Squadron Leader Geoff Hall. The successful search for the grave of Ron’s mate Dave Lyon at Cranwell village was also a poignant and emotional occasion. “When we went to Cranwell the weather was beautiful and so different to the horrific conditions we experienced during the war seventy two years earlier,” he said. “And it was so important for me when my son-in-law found Dave’s final resting place.”
“The trip gave me new things to think about. At the age of 93, you could say it belatedly changed my life. But, in fact, it was something I had to do, and I feel better for it.” This is just a snapshot into the life and times of this remarkable man who has such a crisp recall of all that happened in his chapter of a huge war story. But he now reflects on that period in more comfort, balancing sadness with pride and with great memories of mateship and bravery. “In the end, it was about luck and bad luck – the best years of my life and perhaps the worst,” Ron said. “I am one of the lucky ones, but I will never forget the camaraderie, the commitment to uniform and the mates with whom I served.” “I would also add that I am lucky at my age to have the wonderful support of Life Care at Home. It has helped to make many things possible for me.”
MARCIA’S MUSICAL WAY OF SHARING
Marcia Roxby ... “through my involvement as a volunteer, I already knew quite a number of residents and I feel I am amoung friends at Reynella Lodge” immediately she took up a role with the keyboards.
PEOPLE & PLACES RETIREMENT LIVING
When Marcia Roxby recently moved into Reynella Village, it was literally music to the ears of other residents. Since she was five years old, Marcia’s great joy has been playing the piano, a skill that has filled many churches with music and taken her to accompanying roles with the Metropolitan Light Opera Company and the Adelaide Male Voice Choir. “From a very young age, I had a good piano teacher, and later I had the opportunity to learn the pipe organ,” she said. About seven years ago, a friend of Marcia’s introduced her to volunteering at Reynella Lodge and
Each week, she has played the piano at church services at Reynella Lodge and at sing-along sessions with residents. Marcia’s husband, Robert Roxby, a former Sheffield Shield cricketer for New South Wales and South Australia, died suddenly in 2010. In early August, she moved from their former home at Happy Valley to Reynella Village and it has been a welcoming move for the 86-year-old great grandmother. “Through my involvement as a volunteer at Reynella Lodge, I already knew quite a number of residents and I feel that I am among friends,” she said. “My introduction to this place was through the piano, and it gives me great joy to be continuing to play and share my music with others.”
“My introduction here was through the piano, and it gives me great joy to share my music with others”
NEW TEAM PROJECT BLOSSOMS
Terry Daly placing plants in the vertical garden
Volunteer Peter Salotti watering the plants
The colourful splendour of a rising vertical garden is the latest monument to the enjoyment of guests at Norman House.
Side By Side group member, Terry Daly, said the vertical garden was a showpiece of the programs run by Norman House.
The garden is a flourishing project involving Side By Side participants and regulars at the monthly Friday group program at Norman House.
“This is an amazing place,” he said. “The people who work at Norman House are so dedicated and they make our time here very enjoyable.”
Side By Side coordinator, Rebekah Ryan, said the garden grew from an idea to beautify the garden outlook along the south western perimeter of Norman House.
Side By Side members also recently completed a spectacular mosaic bar for use at Norman House guest parties.
“With ferns, succulents and annuals, and the nurturing care of our guests, it has become a lovely feature of the garden providing an appealing new outlook from our dining area,” she said. The vertical garden is another example of the teamwork that has established such creative and constructive bonds between members of the Side By Side group, comprising individuals with younger onset dementia, and other regular guests at Norman House.
Side By Side team members potting the plants
PEOPLE & PLACES NORMAN HOUSE
The work has created such an impression, the Side By Siders have been asked to make mosaic outdoor tables for Parkrose Village and other residential care sites. Meanwhile, they are continuing to make weekly visits to Bunnings at Mile End where they assist staff in meaningful maintenance tasks.
A colourful new spectacle in the outdoor area at Norman House
KEEPING THE LITTLE PENGUINS WELL PEOPLE & PLACES PARKROSE VILLAGE
Little penguins, standing only 33 cm tall and weighing in at around one kilogram, are only found in southern Australia and New Zealand. These cut little seabirds that swim and waddle, but do not fly, are considered among the cutest critters in the animal kingdom. Yet often they find themselves in trouble from man-made and other impacts on their nesting areas and natural environment. In response, the Penguin Foundation was established to protect and preserve these precious animals through research, conservation projects and rescue and rehabilitation programs. Since its establishment in 2006, the Penguin Foundation has raised over $1.5 million to direct to the wellbeing of these birds. Apart from monetary donations, the Foundation has been happy to accept other forms of support including a parcel sent with the warmest wishes from residents at Parkrose Village.
Happy knitters (from left) Shirley Cleggett, Cristina Albana and Rachel Stone
‘Working at Glenrose Court is very special for me ... It is like being part of a wider family’
Inside was a collection of little handknitted jackets to help keep sick and injured penguins warm as part of the rescue and rehabilitation effort.
“It is terrible to think of these harmless penguins being caught in oil slicks and other incidents that affect their natural habitat.”
Residents Rachael Stone and Shirley Cleggett, along with Cristina Albana, who lives independently at Parkrose Village, knitted the colourful jackets in support of the Penguin Foundation’s Knits for Nature Project.
The Penguin Foundation has now received many jumpers that have been contributed to the Knits for Nature Project.
“They are lovely little animals and it was our way of helping those that are sometimes rescued to nurse back to health,” Cristina explained.
A spokesperson for the Foundation said: “We warmly thank the knitters who have donated so far. Your time and effort is very much appreciated and greatly valued by us and all of our staff who work closely with these special birds”
AND COSY
BIG WINNER IN PROMOTING NATURAL SLEEP PATTERNS Life Care has won national acclaim for an innovative project to support natural sleep patterns among residents in aged care. The Bedtime to Breakfast initiative at Life Care’s Aldinga Beach Court is a winner in the health and personal care category of the Aged Care Quality Agency’s 2014 Better Practice Awards. The awards, recognising excellence in aged care, were presented at the Aged Care Quality Agency’s annual conference in Sydney on 27 August. Sue Mark, Residential Services Manager at Aldinga Beach Court, said the project was developed in response to a review of residents’ overnight call bell frequencies. “The project explored current practices for evening and night staff to identify activities or environmental factors that were contributing to residents not achieving appropriate levels of natural sleep,” she explained. “An action research methodology was used including surveying staff members on perceived causes of sleep disturbance and reasons for checking on residents overnight.” “A detailed literature review was also undertaken before activities and guidelines were developed to support natural sleep patterns among residents.”
Picture: Phillip Island Nature Parks
“The project involved staff members from across Life Care, including management, nursing, care and lifestyle staff. Importantly, we also engaged with residents and their families to individualise preferences relating to settling routines and sleep.”
PEOPLE & PLACES ALDINGA BEACH COURT
“As a result, we were able to identify causes of sleep disturbance and potential solutions, including modifying social and recreational activities during the day to reduce daytime sleep.” “Strategies were also introduced to minimise noise and disturbance from more wakeful residents at night.” Resulting call bed audits have shown a decrease of almost 150 per cent. “The project has also revealed that sleep is not all about night time,” Sue said. “It is about what happens 24 hours a day and we have developed information sheets to inform staff members across all shifts.” The outcomes of the Bedtime to Breakfast project have been embraced into Life Care policy and procedure manuals with the strategies and recommendations to be rolled out across Life Care’s other residential living facilities and respite services. “From a staff perspective, it is also about understanding our own sleep patterns to look after ourselves so that we can have even better interaction with residents,” Sue added. Nick Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency, said the awards recognised strong examples of innovation and excellence in the care of older Australians.
BIG WELCOME TO SUSAN WIRTH PEOPLE & PLACES REYNELLA LODGE
Susan Wirth enjoys a laugh with resident Janet Donnelly
Susan Wirth has joined Life Care as Residential Services Manager at Reynella Lodge bringing with her extensive nursing and care management experience and expertise. She succeeds Raelene Madden, who has taken on a new role coordinating volunteer services and student placements. Susan was a registered nurse in the public hospital system, including many years in intensive care nursing. She also worked in the private hospital sector in a range of management positions, including Acting Director of Clinical Services at Calvary Hospital, North Adelaide. Susan entered the aged care system four and a half years ago as Residential Site Manager at
Eldercare’s Allambi facility at Glengowrie. She later joined the Holdfast Bay Council-owned aged care home Alwyndor at Hove. “I heard a lot of positive comments within the industry about the culture and innovation within Life Care, including feedback from contractors who provided services to the organisation,” she said. “When the position of Residential Services Manager at Reynella Lodge was advertised I jumped at the opportunity, and I am delighted to join the team.” “I have been warmly welcomed by staff, volunteers, residents and families at Reynella Lodge. Staff members here have worked together for many years and they know the residents very well.
“My focus is on continuing to ensure Reynella Lodge provides an environment of wellness to deliver quality experiences every day for our residents allowing them to build on their memories.” “Reynella Lodge is their home, and while we deliver necessary care, our aim is to support quality of life for our residents. In that context, I relate very closely with Life Care’s philosophy of Live Every Day.” Susan and her husband, Richard, have four children – Zac, Thomas, Oliver and Sophie. Away from work, her enjoyment is travelling and walking for fitness. “I am also a passionate Adelaide Crows supporter and am excited about the successful partnership between the club and Life Care,” she added.
PEGGY’S FOCUS ON ROYAL GREETING Roselin Court resident Peggy Ligertwood dreams of reaching her 100th birthday to reconnect with royalty and revive memories of a visit to Buckingham Palace 63 years ago. Peggy, who is now 98, travelled with her brother to Scotland and England in 1951 and they were lucky enough to be invited to a garden party at the palace in London.
Wonderful memories of Peggy’s visit to Buckingham Palace
PEOPLE & PLACES ROSELIN COURT
have never faded
“The Queen Mother, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were there,” she recalled. “Princess Margaret especially was very beautiful and asked if there was anyone present from Australia.” The wonderful memories of that visit have never faded and Peggy looks forward to reaching her century milestone to receive a traditional greeting from Buckingham Palace. Peggy has lived in Payneham all her life and remembers catching the bus to travel to school at Presbyterian Girls College, now Seymour College. “The school was only two years old when I attended and it was built on stilts,” she said. After leaving school, she worked in accounting with the Department of Agriculture and Lands and served with the Royal Australian Navy. “My sister taught me to knit when I was quite young and I became the family knitter,” Peggy said. “I did tapestry and enjoyed reading, walking, tennis and travelling.” “After retiring, I volunteered at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and in the Botanical Gardens Gift Shop.” Peggy still enjoys reading and is a bright and active member of the Roselin Court community. On target to become a centenarian, she has some words of wisdom about living a long and happy life. “Don’t look at the depressing news on television, think positively and read a lot,” she advised.
Peggy Ligertwood at the State Library ... reading is an enduring pleasure for her
FURRY AND FEATHERED FUN FOR EVA PEOPLE & PLACES GLENROSE COURT When Eva Hunter recently enjoyed her 100th birthday at Glenrose Court, she was surprised and delighted by some four-legged friends who came to help her celebrate. An animal lover all her life, Eva was thrilled to have a family party for the milestone and even more excited when the guests included visitors from Hahndorf Farm Barn. The party-goers included lambs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds while family members shared memories of the many furry acquaintances Eva had over the years including cats, dogs and kangaroos. Born in Lincolnshire, England in 1914, she quickly developed a love for all creatures great and small. After coming to Australia, she became an expert in breeding, training and adjudicating German Shepherds in shows in Adelaide and interstate.
Eva welcomed family, friends and special guests from Hahndorf Farm Barn for her 100th birthday celebration
ENJOYING A FRUITFUL TASTE SENSATION The Smoothies For You program has become one of the most fruitful experiences for residents at Glenrose Court.
“Others are official taste testers to add flavour combinations with milk, yoghurt and ice cream before the smoothies are shared and enjoyed.”
Eva’s daughter, Ruth, recalls how she would leave out bowls of water for the kangaroos during a visit to Woomera in 1982.
Twice a month, a core group of residents meet to select ingredients including fresh, canned and frozen fruits.
“I was teaching there at the time and mum stayed with us for a few days,” Ruth said. “It was a period of drought, and the roos would come into town to chew on the lawns.”
Lifestyle and Volunteer Coordinator, Penny McCullough, said: “As the residents prepare fruits to make smoothies, they discuss the merits of healthy food and come up with tempting new combinations.
“It is the choice to residents to make smoothies rather than cook. Their view is that they have done enough cooking in their lives and the Smoothies For You program is a fun way to prepare and enjoy good food.”
“They were also very thirsty, so mum started putting bowls of water out at night for the roos to drink.” At Glenrose Court, Eva is a regular observer of the many birds that visit the gardens and courtyard. “You can have a lot of fun with animals, and learn a lot too,” Eva explained. “I think it is important to teach children to learn how to be kind to animals. Our pets have such short lives to spend with us.” “Animals can bring much love and laughter into our lives, and I believe we can become much closer with our fellow human beings because of them.”
Smoothies have become a popular treat amoung fruit lovers at Glenrose Court