ChurchLink Summer 2017-18 Issue No. 61
The meaning of presence as we celebrate Christmas At the heart of spiritual care is the call to be present for others in all the complexities of their lives. In doing so, hope is born. The wonderful thing is that just as total darkness cannot hold back the light of a tiny flame, so does even the smallest amount of hope provide meaning and purpose. It is by being present for others that we offer a message of courage and acceptance, and in turn hope is born. Children get excited at the coming of the Christmas season, and often we might feel a charge through experiencing their amazement. But sometimes all the preparations and distractions of Christmas can rob us of the wonder we knew when we were children.
This Christmas, our focus can be to offer the gift of presence and not simply presents. In doing so, we will bring to life the true meaning of Christmas, which is the fact that each of us is loved more than we can imagine. Life Care’s chaplains are committed to providing spiritual care that has at its heart the promise of hope. In a way, the chaplaincy team celebrates Christmas every day because we have the opportunity to offer the gift of presence to others as we journey with our residents, families and staff who form the Life Care community. Paul Tyler Coordinating Chaplain
Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s coming into this world and the promise of hope.
A time for thanks, happiness and memories Life Care asked some of our residents for their thoughts and reflections on Christmas. Here are some of their cameo comments. Christmas has meant different things to me as I have moved through life. Although I was brought up in a Christian family, Christmas was more about gifts and playing with my cousins. Now in my 90th year, the religious significance of Christmas ‘the incredible gift of God’s son’ is more meaningful than ever! One Christmas memory stands out. My brother, Frank, had left to become a pilot during World War ll. Our family gathering that year was not the same because we did not know if Frank would return. Thankfully he did. I will share part of Christmas day this year with my son, Graham. My wish to others is to enjoy time with your families this Christmas. Heather Bell, Resident, Parkrose Village
Christmas does not mean quite so much to me now compared to when I had all my family around me. But it brings back many lovely memories. I will be spending Christmas Day with my daughter, and we will have fun. Fay McVicar Resident, Reynella Lodge I think of the price God paid to have his heavenly son, Jesus, come among us. I am thankful for the wonder of God’s love. Betty Jacobs Resident, Aldinga Beach Court I have wonderful memories of Christmas days with my family in times gone by. Jeff Grivell Resident, Glenrose Court Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. We come together with family and friends, share lovely memories and catch up on present day events. Valerie Cant Resident, Roselin Court
128 Greenhill Road, Unley SA 5061 Tel: (08) 8239 9800 E -mail: enquire@lifecare.org.au
Blueprint for our future built form Life Care is proud to announce that Gaynes Park Manor, Stage 1 of its Joslin residential redevelopment, will be open in early 2018.
Integrated electronic prescribing
This 96-bed facility has been specifically designed and built with furnishing and décor to combine architectural harmony with a ground-breaking model of aged care that will enrich the lives of residents. Developed with input from specialists at the acclaimed Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling in Scotland, it promises to be Adelaide’s most dementia friendly facility, and it will form the blueprint for our built form in the future. Life Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Allen Candy, said: “We are committed to changing the way aged care is delivered in Adelaide to provide better quality of life for older South Australians. “In particular, Gaynes Park Manor will be a showpiece of the organisation’s dementia care excellence. “The new model of care means a dedicated team will be assigned to each house of 16 rooms at Gaynes Park Manor. “They will have close interaction with residents in each house to strengthen relationships and continuity of care with a focus on encouraging engagement with neighbours, family and friends, staff members and volunteers.”
MediMap, an Australian first
Call Assist, Life Care’s new mobile call bell system, will also be introduced to Gaynes Park Manor after being successfully trialled at Reynella Lodge over the past couple of months.
MediMap is an electronic prescribing and medication charting tool that allows Life Care staff, a resident’s GP and chemist to interact instantly rather than waiting for traditional paper-based communications.
The Call Assist technology replaces a button-on-the-wall alert system with the provision of a wearable device for each resident.
Festive best wishes
“This will provide the freedom for residents to move around the facility with the surety of being able to alert nearest staff members of their location if there is need of assistance,” Mr Candy said.
The Board and management of Life Care wish every person in our community, including families and friends, a very safe and enjoyable Christmas and a happy New Year.
“The technology includes a fall detection feature allowing immediate emergency response by staff.” Call Assist is the first dedicated aged care modular and mobile alert system of its type in the southern hemisphere and it has been well received by residents at Reynella Lodge. Life Care has also introduced Australia’s first paperless medication system for the aged care sector.
www.lifecare.org.au