ABOUT LIFE SPRING 2013
• Adelaide Crows and Port Power coaches in Showdown visit • Launch of Life Care Active • Welcome mat for Life Care at Home • Our palliative care model on national stage • People and Places
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We will provide open, timely communication in ways you can easily understand. We will involve individuals, families and carers in the decisions and choices about care and accommodation.
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Care for your own health and wellbeing to the best of your ability.
Charter
Life Care provider Respect the rights and We will seek new ideasis a vibrant, progressive, not-for-profit aged care At Life Care we believe that needs of and thinking to with ensurea reputation for service excellence built over 60 years. other people within the Life Care our organisation is our purpose is to partner community. constantly improving.
with people embrace At Life Care we believe that ourto purpose is tolife partner with people andday. liveWe every and live every striveday. to ensure that this philosophy We strive to ensure that this extends to all across the organisation.
We will actively create to embrace life and promote an environment that will enhance each person’s ability to truly `Live Every Day’.
Our Commitment to you
Help u a safe, and re enviro
philosophy extends to all across the organisation.
The Commitment we need from you
We support a positive environment of home, Care for your own health and well being Our Values of family and community. to the best of your ability.
Integrity · Respect · Innovation · Excellence · Teamwork We respect your culture, beliefs, values and Respect the rights and needs of other are the foundation of Life Care’s commitment. personal characteristics. people within the Life Care community. We will respect and maintain your privacy and dignity.
Communicate with us in an open and honest manner.
We will listen to your comments and concerns about the services we provide, and act promptly.
Provide all relevant information that we need to meet your care and accommodation needs.
We will provide safe, quality accommodation and care services with professionalism, skill and passion that meet your individual needs.
Help us to provide a safe, appropriate and respectful work environment.
We will provide open, timely communication in ways you can easily understand.
Provide us with feedback about our services and suggestions for improved or new services.
We will involve individuals, families and carers in the decisions and choices about care and accommodation.
Our values of Integrity • Respect • Innovation • Excellence • Teamwork are the foundations of Life Care’s commitment.
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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 Brenton Sanderson and Ken Hinkley talk tactics with Ray Virgin and Val Baron after the Showdown press conference at Parkrose Village
CONTENTS CEO’s Report
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.
Supporting quality of life for over-55s Introducing Life Care at Home Hosting South Korean visitors Lights camera and action for Showdown Showcasing our palliative care model Volunteer Lorraine a national treasure People and Places
PLANNING MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES CEO’s REPORT
The Live Every Day Master Plan to realign our services and redevelop our built assets is expected to be adopted by the Board at our November meeting. It will bring about the most significant changes in our long and proud history of meeting the care needs of older South Australians and their families. The plan is built around five guiding principles that will continue to set Life Care apart and which underpin our values of integrity, respect, innovation, excellence and teamwork.
They are: • integrated services tailored for individuals; • innovation and continual improvement; • ageing in place is more than accessibility of services; • inter-dependence, not just independence; and • wellness is not just health. The December edition of About Life will report on the Master Plan in more detail. Meanwhile, work is progressing on the $9 million expansion of Aldinga Beach Court to create 35 new beds and services for the rapidly expanding southern suburban and Fleurieu region. Adverse weather conditions over winter delayed some of the work, but it is now back on track. I thank our Residential Services Manager, Sue Mark, and her staff, along with residents and their families, and
Allen Candy
volunteers for their support and patience in this transition period at Aldinga Beach Court. Finances The past year has been particularly challenging as we gear up to meet the growing needs of our ageing society. However, as a not-for-profit organisation, it is pleasing to report that we have again finished the financial year with a strong surplus that will be directed into our Master Plan budget. Key partnerships Life Care places great importance on building meaningful partnerships across all tiers of Government, in business and the community. This helps to create an environment of informed decision making about issues confronting aged care and our response to them.
Networking at the Life Care Active launch were Gayle Rogers from Active Ageing and Bob Barnard from Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre
Recently, Life Care has introduced a program of regular Leaders’ Luncheons where we invite selected people to our boardroom for a meal and discussion about issues of mutual interest and concern.
IN OUR LONG AND PROUD HISTORY
Interviewing former Adelaide Crows premiership captain Mark Bickley before the Showdown press conference at Parkrose Village. Full report in this edition
These luncheons have been very successful in bringing together a diverse cross section of people including elected members from Federal, State and Local Government, delegates of Government departments responsible for health and ageing, academics and representatives of the banking, insurance and general business community. We intend to continue these Leaders’ Luncheons to share information that will help us to deliver on our commitment to make ageing a unique life experience for all in our care. Life Care Active Steven Marshall MP, State Liberal Leader and Member for Norwood, kindly accepted our invitation to recently launch Life Care Active at Payneham in the heart of his electorate. The Life Care way of doing business will increasingly be seen as providing holistic ageing experiences as we partner with people to help them enjoy life.
Life Care Active is central to our efforts to reach into the community to help people maintain relative fitness and wellness and continue to experience the cherished things that provide quality of life.
This is a major achievement for Life Care and one that now elevates us onto a broader stage as a contender for the national Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) Award later this year.
The services being delivered by Life Care Active will be broadened across the metropolitan area and we look forward to welcoming increasing numbers of participants to benefit from programs tailored specifically for people of 55-plus.
Meanwhile, Life Care volunteer Lorraine Eastwood, who recently celebrated 30 years of service and volunteering at Roselin Court, was a finalist in the national HESTA Aged Care Awards.
I particularly congratulate Life Care Active Manager, Miles Lunde, General Manager Innovation and Service Development, Deborah Muldoon, and Marketing Coordinator, Ashleigh Wilby, for their great commitment to the launch of these new services. Award successes Development of the Life Care Charter has resulted in our organisation being presented with the Aged and Community Services Australia SA & NT Award of Excellence in the category of Organisation.
The awards recognise carers of the elderly in their homes, retirement villages or aged care facilities. Lorraine was a deserving finalist in the Individual Distinction Award and we congratulate her on her outstanding commitment over a long period of time and her achievements.
Allen Candy Chief Executive Officer
HEALTH AND FITNESS PROGRAMS TO Life Care’s commitment to innovation in meeting the lifestyle goals of seniors has entered another dimension with the launch of specialised allied health and fitness programs for men and women of 55-plus. The holistic fitness, wellness and rehabilitation programs aim to keep older people in the community healthy, mobile and engaged with others. They are being delivered at Life Care Active at a new centre at 230 Payneham Road, Payneham. Steven Marshall MP, State Liberal Leader and Member for Norwood, officially launched Life Care Active at the centre in early August.
Tailoring programs for individual needs and goals
The allied health and fitness programs are also being presented at Parkrose Village, Reynella Lodge and Aldinga Beach Court, and will soon be extended to more Life Care sites across Adelaide.
”It is wonderful to see initiatives such as Life Care Active in the community because they promote health and well-being among older generations, and this in turn takes pressure off the health system,” Mr Marshall said.
Life Care Active training and exercise programs are supported by professional and individualised allied health services including dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry and exercise physiology.
“Life Care has become a very significant organisation providing services to enhance the lives of older South Australians. The great thing about Life Care is the way it embraces the community.
“I encourage all seniors to get involved and make the most of this fantastic new facility.” At the launch, Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, said Life Care Active challenged traditional models of day therapy. Chair John Stock OAM said Life Care would continue to focus on “what people can do, rather than what they can’t do. We will deliver what is best for the community.” At Life Care Active, professional practitioners work closely with fitness professionals to provide services that are targeted and relevant to individual needs and goals. Miles Lunde, Manager of Life Care Active, said: “The programs will promote healthy living and help to support quality of life, wellness and confidence among older people trying to keep active and maintain independence in their own homes. “They will also assist people recovering from injury or surgery, others with weight or balance problems or those living with arthritis or Parkinson’s disease.
Neil and Sue Sheridan, regulars at Life Care Active, with Steven Marshall MP
SUPPORT QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OVER 55s
Participants in one of the fitness classes at Life Care Active
“Our integrated programs range from one-on-one personal training to group sessions including Pilates, strength and balance, general exercise, Tai Chi, cooking classes, walking and even ballroom dancing.
support wellness among people aged 55 and beyond. Wellness is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.
“Life Care Active is a powerful expression of our commitment to help people keep their interests and dreams within reach every day.”
“We are proud to specialise in allied health and fitness programs that
Life Care Active welcomes new staff members: Ann Buchan – NeuroPhysiotherapist; Melissa Wardle – Exercise Physiologist; Michala Forrest – Personal Trainer; Nicole Bitter – Occupational Therapist; Lisa Ansell – Dietitian; Jenny Edwards-Neeson – Therapy Assistant; Michelle Desjardins – Receptionist; and Susan Le Cornu – Receptionist.
The Life Care Active team members offer multi-dimensional skills
WELCOME MAT FOR LIFE CARE AT HOME
Life Care at Home team members (from left) Ann Walker, Vicki Wyatt, Marie Dray, Ree Poole and Carol Coombe
Life Care at Home is a powerful expression of our support of “ageing in place”, where older people can continue to experience the familiar things that provide enjoyment, identity and engagement with neighbours and friends.
That’s why we have changed the name to Life Care at Home, to better reflect all services we provide to people in their own homes, where ever they may live. Anne Higginson, Manager Life Care at Home, said the emphasis was on extending the principle of Live Every Day into the wider community. “We develop and deliver services that meet the specific needs of people to help them maintain independence and continuity at home,” she added. In July, the Federal Government announced that Life Care had received funding through the latest Aged Care Approvals Round
Anne Higginson
for a further 24 Community Aged Care Packages in the southern metropolitan area of Adelaide. Life Care at Home comprises 27 home support workers assisted by Community Service Advisors. Life Care at Home client, Lance Forster, of Aberfoyle Park said: “The ladies who look after me are exceptionally knowledgable and caring. They make my day when they visit.”
HOSTING SOUTH KOREAN VISITORS Australia faces significant and growing challenges in meeting the changing needs of an ageing society. We are not alone! Most countries around the world have to respond to the fact that their citizens are living much longer than their predecessors. Life Care recently welcomed a delegation of representatives from the Government in South Korea who were in Australia to learn about how aged care funding in Australia is structured and delivered. In Adelaide, the South Korean visitors had discussions with representatives of the Department of Health and Ageing, the Aged Care Assessment Team, Seniors Information Services and the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency. Life Care was chosen by them to be the sole aged care provider in Adelaide to visit. Derek Dittrich, General Manager Residential Services, welcomed the
visitors to Life Care. Discussions were held explaining how Commonwealth funding is managed by Life Care to provide quality services to our residents and clients. Afterwards the party visited Parkrose Village, where they were greeted by Residential Services Manager, Ann-Marie Hogan and treated to a detailed tour of the facility and its services. The delegation consisted of: • Seo, Jeong-Do, General Manager of the National Health Insurance Service; • Kim, Hyun-Soo, Deputy General Manager, Department of Longterm Claims Review; • Yoo, Sun-Ae, Deputy General Manager, Department of Longterm Claims Review; • Han, Seo-Hyeon, Manager, Department of Long-term Claims Review; • Rim, So-Yeon, Assistant Manager, Department of Long-term Claims Review; and
• Jo, Cheol-Su, Officer in Charge, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Division of Long-Term Care Insurance Policy. Dr Seungmoon Choi of the School of Economics at the University of Adelaide led the group. As translator for the visitors, Dr Seungmoon Choi explained that South Korea has a population of 450 million, including 11 per cent aged 65-plus. In that country there are 4,300 residential care facilities and 19,000 community aged care service organisations. Dr Seungmoon Choi said the delegation included managers from the South Korean equivalent of Medicare. “It has provided an opportunity for them to understand how aged care services are funded and delivered in Australia,” he said.
Derek Dittrich and Ann-Marie Hogan show the South Korean visitors around Parkrose Village
LIGHTS, CAMERAS AND ACTION AT THE
Journalists throw questions at coaches Ken Hinkley and Brenton Sanderson
The press conference between rival Adelaide Crows and Port Power coaches Brenton Sanderson and Ken Hinkley, before the August Showdown, highlighted one point of solid agreement – the importance of recognising their older supporters. Parkrose Village was packed to the rafters with people, colour and
excitement for the media interviews with the coaches, after which they happily mingled with residents and their family members, staff and volunteers from all Life Care sites. Life Care again hosted the Showdown prelude as part of its unique partnership with the Adelaide Football Club.
Between signing autographs and being photographed with fans, Brenton said: “This is a great opportunity to meet some of our older fans. It is clear that we have a lot of supporters in Life Care.” Ken agreed. “Events such as this mean a lot to us as a club. People we are meeting here today have been following footy for a long period of time, which in my book makes them very special supporters.” The press conference, with lights and cameras in action, was an entertaining and enlightening event preceded by a special lunch for residents and family members and an interview with former Adelaide Crows captain, Mark Bickley. Mark provided fascinating insights into the club’s fluctuating fortunes this year and he reflected on the glory days of the Crows’ premierships in 1997 and 1998 under coach Malcolm Blight.
Happily signing autographs for the fans
“When we lost the first Showdown against Port in 1997, I didn’t think the
SHOWDOWN PRESS CONFERENCE
Mark Bickley was also a popular guest at the Showdown media event
sun would rise the next day,” Mark admitted. “But when we reported for training, Malcolm had written the number 18 on the whiteboard.
crowd representing a wide cross section of the Life Care community. And they loved every minute of it.
“It had us guessing for a while, then we worked out that was the number of weeks left in the season. It was a powerful psychological message that gave us a lift, and history shows we went on to win the flag.”
Dean Radbone, a retiree at Parkrose Village, said: “It is a wonderful event and so rewarding for those of us lucky enough to be here. To have people with us of the quality of Mark Bickley, Brenton Sanderson and Ken Hinkley is very special.”
Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, conducted the entertaining interview with Mark and he welcomed the big
Dean’s wife, Valmai, agreed. “We were foundation members of Football Park and our son played
Paul Nicholson shows his true colours
for Sturt,” she said. “We love our footy.” Ronda Kemp from Roselin Court was especially in praise of Mark. “He is such a nice boy,” she enthused. Jim Baxter, a regular Norman House guest, is a Richmond supporter, but he described being at the Showdown press conference as an “excellent experience.” Nester Norman from Glenrose Court said she enjoyed stories from Mark. “It reminded me of people and events when we were going to the footy ourselves,” she said. The cameras followed Mark and the coaches as they mingled with guests at the function and the club mascots also made their presence felt in the crowd. It was one of the most exciting events held at Parkrose Village, and a shining example of how Life Care’s relationship with the Adelaide Crows has blossomed over the past couple of years, for the benefit of all involved.
Norman House guest Jim Baxter enjoyed a chat with the coaches
SHOWCASING OUR PALLIATIVE APPROACH Life Care’s innovative approach to palliative care has been showcased at a national conference reporting on latest developments in the management of end of life issues.
Life Care Charter an award winner Life Care is celebrating further peer recognition of its outstanding model of aged care.
Palliative Approach: The Life Care Way was featured at the 12th Australian Palliative Care Conference in Canberra from September 3 to 6. The conference brought together around 700 delegates from across Australia and the world to explore the importance of palliative care in all its dimensions.
Recently, Life Care was presented with the Aged and Community Services SA & NT Award of Excellence in the Organisation category for the development of the Life Care Charter.
Clinicians, researchers, allied health practitioners, educators, carers and volunteers attended the landmark conference to address the theme Palliative Care – Everyone’s Business. In 2012, Palliative Approach: The Life Care Way was introduced with targeted training across all disciplines in residential and community aged care to create a uniform approach to end of life issues for residents and clients. Raelene Madden, the Project Leader of Palliative Approach: The Life Care Way, was a guest poster presenter at the Canberra conference organised by Palliative Care Australia and Palliative Care ACT. She outlined how Life Care has embraced a fully integrated and holistic approach in the provision of care for residents, clients and their families during palliation. “The project has resulted in consistent processes in palliative care across the organisation as part of our commitment to continuous innovation and improvement,” Raelene said. “Multi-discipline case conferencing involving the individuals in care along with their family members, doctors, nurses, personal carers, site lifestyle coordinators and chaplains is a pivotal element to ensure needs and expectations are met.
Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) is the national peak body representing not-for-profit and faith-based providers of residential and community care, and housing and support for people with a disability and their carers. Raelene Madden
“Trained palliative liaison staff members are also appointed to each site to assist their colleagues, residents and family members during the end of life phase.
The award was presented to Life Care during a formal dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Adelaide. As a result, Life Care is now entered into the Organisation category at the ACSA National Awards to be announced in Melbourne later this year.
“Information booklets have been produced to contribute to greater understanding of the palliative process and an End of Life Pathway has been developed to ensure uniformity for each resident requiring palliation.
The Life Care Charter is an expression of the special relationship that exists between Life Care and all our customers. It is through this relationship, and by focusing on individuals and their needs and desires, that we fulfill our mission.
“Following a resident’s death, memorial services and booklets have been introduced to celebrate the life of the person and to provide support to other residents and families during their time of loss.”
Put simply, the Charter outlines the non-negotiable pledges that we make to ensure Life Care is the best at what we do on a daily basis.
Raelene said evaluation to date of Life Care’s approach showed that staff had embraced the initiative with a united commitment to deliver excellence in palliative care.
Our success in the ACS SA & NT Awards follows our achievements in winning the staff retention and development category of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency’s 2012 Better Practice Awards and the International Dementia Excellence Award in the category of Life Engagement for the pioneering Side By Side project.
LORRAINE IS A NATIONAL TREASURE Aged care is an enduring passion for Lorraine Eastwood having spent the past 30 years in service at Roselin Court. Over that long period, Lorraine has worked in various capacities ranging from cleaning to personal care, and helping with lifestyle activities, to keep ageing residents as active as possible. In May, Life Care celebrated her three decades of dedication at the annual volunteers recognition luncheon. More recently, Lorraine took Life Care on to the national stage as a finalist in the HESTA Aged Care Awards in the Individual Distinction category. HESTA Chief Executive Officer, Anne-Marie Corboy, said the awards were about recognising people in the aged care sector who demonstrate excellence, leadership and dedication to caring for older Australians.
“Those working in aged care provide a wide range of services from keeping older Australians healthy and living independently, to preventing and managing illness and providing high level care to the frail,” Ms Corboy said. “They also deliver vital services in a compassionate way, providing emotional support to clients, while helping preserve their dignity and independence for as long as possible.” Lorraine said she looked back on her time with Life Care as a huge opportunity to bring a sense of community and wider perspectives into the lives of people in residential care. “Aged care can be challenging, but it is also very enjoyable and fulfilling to be able to share in the lives of such interesting people,” she said. “I take great pride in the care of older people who sometimes need help with even the smallest tasks. But at the same time, they can be so incredibly interesting and enlightening from their own life experiences. “Aged care is about teamwork, and a recognition that together we can help older people to enjoy every new day. “Increasingly, I see people from vastly diverse cultures and backgrounds coming into the aged care industry with all its career paths. “Though we have different backgrounds, there is one thing we all have in common – we all age, and with it will come new limitations and expectations.
Lorraine Eastwood
“I will continue to volunteer in aged care because it is a great way to give something back to Life Care, and to older people who have devoted their own lives to working and caring for others.”
Ranel brings new focus on our human resources Ranel Juanta (pictured) is Life Care’s new Manager Human Resources. He brings to Life Care extensive human resources experience from the health care, disability services and financial sectors. Previously, Ranel was Manager Human Resources at the Cancer Council SA. Prior to that he was Manager Human Resources at Australian Executor Trustees, part of the IOOF Group, after being a member of the HR team at the Adelaide Bank. “I am excited to be working with Life Care in an environment where there is such a positive vibe across the organisation,” he said. “I am looking forward to contributing to the further development of our human resources to enhance services to our community.”
TREASURE CHEST OF MEMORIES PEOPLE & PLACES ROSELIN COURT A display cabinet in the foyer at Roselin Court has become a constantly growing treasure chest of memories for residents and their families. Jenny Dinning is a Lifestyle Assistant specialising in working with residents with dementia at Roselin Court. She recognised that the cabinet, viewed by so many in the daily comings and goings at Roselin Court, could be a showcase of special people, places and events in the lives of residents.
“We decided to set up displays of varying themes and get our residents involved,” Jenny explained. “The themes have included a focus on the Sparkling Diamonds netball team, Anzac Day, the four seasons of the year, Easter, Mother’s Day, the Royal wedding, St Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day and vintage cars. “Residents are encouraged to contribute photographs and other items of memorabilia that contribute to the varying themes.
“It is particularly pleasing to see some of our residents with dementia recalling stories from the past that have been inspired by the displays.” Family members and staff also contribute to the displays that Jenny says have become a point of interest for every person with an involvement at Roselin Court. “Currently we are featuring a footy theme in the lead-up to the AFL finals and this has created a lot of fun between supporters of rival teams,” Jenny said.
“Just as importantly, we try to get them involved in setting up the displays and talking about themes that spark memories.
HALF A CENTURY OF DEDICATED SERVICE Roselin Court has farewelled two outstanding staff members with combined service of half a century.
General Manager Innovation and Service Development, thanked Marylin and Lina for their long
and devoted service to countless residents and their families, and for their inspirational team spirit.
Hotel Services stalwarts Marylin Carter and Lina Petroccia recently retired after a fond farewell from staff members at Roselin Court and senior representatives from Corporate Services. Marylin has been a long-serving and dedicated member of the laundry team while Lina’s unswerving focus has been in a nourishing role in the kitchen. Retirement presents a number of options for the Life Care veterans. Marylin plans to spend a lot of her time looking after her grandchildren and entertaining friends. Lina is also looking forward to many hours of enjoyment with her grandchildren and undertaking home renovations. At their farewell, Simon Kewell, General Manager Corporate Services, and Deborah Muldoon,
Lina Petroccia (left) and Marylin Carter enjoy their farewell
BACK TO SCHOOL FOR MARGARET
Margaret Walaron with one of her spectacular artworks
Since she was a small girl, Margaret Walaron has enjoyed art in every dimension.
‘A vivid example of a
At high school and in the Brownies, her artistic talents were recognised, and at every opportunity since she has enjoyed all forms of selfexpression.
to Live Every Day’
However, raising three daughters did not allow Margaret the time to expand on her abilities by pursuing art studies. Now, at the age of 75, and a resident at Parkrose Village, the grandmother of three has gone back to the classroom. She has started evening art classes at WEA Adelaide catching a taxi to and from the city. The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) of South Australia, founded in 1913, is
person determined
Australia’s largest non-government adult community education organisation. “I am thoroughly enjoying it and learning a lot,” Margaret said. Recently, she completed an ornate bloom made from many strips of coloured material that now adorns her room. She has also presented some paintings to Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, Wendy Charleson. “I have been saving to buy art material and Wendy has been kind enough to go shopping for me,” Margaret explained.
PEOPLE & PLACES PARKROSE VILLAGE
“I think some of the paintings may find their way onto the walls at Parkrose Village.” Wendy said Margaret was an inspiration in her devotion to art and determination to advance her skills. “She fully intends to continue with her art classes and that is a very impressive outlook for somebody who is 75,” she said. “It is a vivid example of a person who is determined to Live Every Day by doing the things she loves.”
SERVING UP A CULTURAL MOSAIC PEOPLE & PLACES REYNELLA LODGE
While prospective chefs challenge each other’s culinary skills on television most nights, Reynella Lodge has created its own reality show in cooking. Residents, staff and volunteers are contributing recipes, household hints and other words of wisdom to a cookbook that is due for release next month. Cooking sessions have been introduced with a particular focus on multi-cultural recipes that will be showcased as part of Life Care’s Cultural Mosaics in October. Students from Antonio Primary School have been particularly interested in the life stories of residents, including favourite foods from the past, as part of intergenerational activity.
Mary Walker chats with students from Antonio Primary School
The students are visiting each term and most recently sang with residents, participated in craft activity making friendship bracelets and shared afternoon tea. Reynella Lodge has gratefully accepted the donation of a pianola that has created a lot of cheer among residents and staff members.
evening attended by residents from Reynella Lodge and Reynella Village along with staff and volunteers.
The cost of moving the pianola to Reynella Lodge was covered with the proceeds of a quiz night organised as a fundraiser. It was a memorable
Day-trippers are now planning further adventures including a Port River cruise.
Meanwhile, residents have been enjoying a series of bus-trips to popular destinations including Willunga, Mount Bold, McLaren Vale, Clarendon, Glenelg and Elizabeth.
Day trippers (from left) Jan Gifford, Margery Lee, Liz McHugh, Joan Cutting, Peg Wyld (seated), Vukica Milojevic and Ann Rincker
HAPPY HOUR GROWS IN POPULARITY
Agnes Curran and Len Golding
Life Care’s 22 Reynella Rental Apartments are now fully occupied, creating a vibrant new community of people enjoying their retirement lifestyle.
Sylvia Hartgen and Josephine Gauntlett
The Crafty Chats group that meets regularly includes members from the village, the apartments and community clients.
Residents recently celebrated the occasion with a high tea, further cementing friendships.
Happy Hour at Reynella Village on the last Friday of each month also brings together people from Life Care villages to enjoy social interaction.
Life Care’s Retirement Living Coordinator, Sharon Quinn, said another pleasing dimension was in the growing interaction with people living in Reynella Village and clients of Life Care at Home.
Happy Hour was the inspiration of Reynella Village residents Barry and Joy Golding to embrace in a fun way the sense of belonging and social
Get set for big Crafty Chats sale At Reynella Village, the Crafty Chats group is continuing to thrive through artistic creativity and happy conversation. Group members meet regularly to enjoy craftwork and make an assortment of decorative, practical and fun items.
Colour and creativity
The group began four years ago when a handful of community clients came together for craft activities and to share time with others for afternoon tea and friendly conversation.
Heather Lang and Betty Carpenter
PEOPLE & PLACES REYNELLA VILLAGE engagement that defines daily life in the Life Care community. “It is very satisfying to see it becoming so successful,” Barry said. “Most importantly, we are so pleased to see the pleasure it is generating among people who come along from various places.” Community Support Worker, Wilma Johns, said the number of regular participants has grown to more than twenty, including residents from Reynella Village and Reynella Rental Apartments. “Each person brings their own skills and interests to the group and together they have a great time,” Wilma said. To help raise funds to buy craft materials, the group will present a trading table at Reynella Lodge Hall on Thursday 10 October. A vast assortment of craftwork created in recent months by members will be on display and for sale.
ALL CHEER AND SKITTLES FOR BOWLERS PEOPLE & PLACES GLENROSE COURT Tenpin SA is dedicated to the development and promotion of the sport of tenpin bowling. Its focus extends from encouraging grassroots participation, to the support and facilitation of elite training and tournaments. Tenpin SA also presents a program called Young At Heart, through which people of all ages can participate and enjoy the sport at levels tailored to their specific capabilities. At Glenrose Court, Tenpin SA coach, Hamish Modra, has been a regular presenter of the program that is being enjoyed by residents. “There is a level of skill involved, but the main focus is on keeping
Pat Chevalier sends one down
Hamish Modra with Rae Nottle (left) and Eva Hunter
active and engaging socially with others through the Young At Heart program,” Hamish explained. “We spend some weeks at centres such as Glenrose Court and then invite residents to participate in a fun outing at a local tenpin bowling
facility, such as Cross Road Bowl. “I’ve been a keen bowler for the past 15 years and while I enjoy the competitive nature of the sport, I also gain a lot of satisfaction in bringing some fun and laughter into the lives of people through the Young At Heart program.”
Jack Jenssen tries his hand
NORMAN HOUSE PROJECT BLOSSOMS
Working on the garden project at tram stop 5
Commuters, walkers, cyclists and local residents are enjoying the benefits of the latest Norman House project adjacent to tram stop 5 at Everard Park. Importantly, the landscaping and gardening project to enhance the tram stop precinct is also reaping rewards for Norman House guests living with younger onset dementia. Recently, Jacinta Robertson, Manager Respite Services, contacted the City of Unley to inquire about Norman House regular clients working in partnership with the Council to refresh the garden area along the tramline. The Council quickly embraced the idea and it supplied an employee, plants, mulch and a retaining wall to make it all happen. Jacinta said members of the Side By Side group – clients who have formed friendships through their shared challenges with younger onset dementia – were now working with the Council each Thursday to create an appealing garden setting.
“Through this collaborative partnership, they are enhancing the amenity of the area and sharing information about dementia with members of the public, to create greater awareness of the illness.” Meanwhile, Norman House has introduced theme months to focus on different developments in current affairs. The recent birth of the Royal baby inspired a month-long showcase of baby photographs with contributions from Norman House guests, carers, staff and volunteers. “We have also started a music and art group on Fridays to support creative activities and help our guests to develop new skills,” Jacinta explained. Within the Norman House program there is a strong emphasis on physical exercise. The aim is to have
PEOPLE & PLACES NORMAN HOUSE a minimum of 30 minutes’ exercise program each day. The Walking Group was introduced in collaboration with the Heart Foundation. Heart Foundation Walking recognises the value that physical activity has in reducing the risk of not only heart disease, but also dementia. The Walking Group starts at 10.00am every Tuesday. Carers, Norman House families, individuals from retirement accommodation, and the local community are all invited to join.
“It is a wonderful outcome,” Jacinta said. “The Side By Side group members are thoroughly enjoying the experience and engaging with commuters, local residents and people using the walking and cycling trail along the tramline. Norman House guests enjoying their regular walk
RISING TIDE OF CARE FOR FRANCINE
Francine Jennings at one with nature on her beloved Aldinga Beach
connections with the people and things they love.
PEOPLE & PLACES ALDINGA BEACH COURT
Life Care does not believe that aged care should be generalised. Rather, our approach is that ageing is a unique experience for each individual varying according to personal characteristics, experiences, outlook, well-being and family circumstances. As much as possible our services are tailored towards helping each person in our care to Live Every Day particularly in terms of maintaining
Francine Jennings has been a resident at Aldinga Beach Court for about four years, and she lives with the neurodegenerative restraints of Huntington’s disease. Before coming into residential care, Francine loved her regular walks along the pristine expanses of Aldinga Beach taking in the sea air and enjoying the company of seagulls, dolphins and seals. Because of its special importance in her life, Aldinga Beach Court has maintained Francine’s connection with the local shoreline.
Carers, Michelle Clark and Sarah Miles, take it in turns twice a week to accompany Francine on her strolls along the beach, before taking her for a regular spa at the gymnasium in McLaren Vale. Lifestyle Coordinator Carole McHugh said the regular beach walks brightened up each day for Francine. “Francine faces many challenges with her illnesses, but her beach visits make her feel as free as a bird,” Carole explained. “It is special for her to be able to keep the connection with the beach, and a privilege for us to be able to make it happen for her.”