ECHo! Issue 150 - February 2014 by WorldWeb Group

ISSUE No. 150 | 2014

150

Celebrating Echoing through the years

editions

Contents

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ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 | 2014

Please share this publication with your family

and friends. Opinions quoted in this publication are not necessarily those of the editorial team or the ECH Board of Directors. Cover image: ECH’s longest independent living unit resident Edith Sutton (centre) and ECH independent living unit residents and volunteers Helen and Colin Woods celebrate the magazine’s 150th edition (see story on pages 2 and 3).

ECH Inc 174 Greenhill Road Parkside SA 5063 Telephone: 08 8407 5151 Facsimile: 08 8407 5130 Email: admin@ech.asn.au Website: www.ech.asn.au Published February 2014. Printed and certified to AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems. Printed on (FSC) stock using 100% vegetable based process inks.

Echoing through the years

Superior performance in safety

Feel at home at Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre

Living life to the full in residential care

Richard’s labour of love

COTA Every Generation Festival 2013

Never too old to challenge yourself

Home is where the heart is

In-home support helps mother and daughter

Giving the gift of time

Bob’s still hitting a six in his seventies

Bustling about in Greenleigh Court

ECH program keeps Ken active

Braested’s hidden treasures

Helena honoured for humanitarian efforts

Milestones celebrated for independent living unit residents

Social Pages

Walking their way to a healthier life

John recognised with Arctic Star medal

Barbara’s lifetime hobby wins awards

Seasiders celebrates exhibition opening in style

Age is no barrier when it comes to learning

AGMs of Independent Retirement Living 2013

Bunnings supports day program clients

Spirited residents love their volunteering

In a world of verse

Best on show at Charles Young Residential Care Centre

Sailing through life’s adventures together

Holiday unit booking form

COVER STORY

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Echoing through the years

1999

150

Celebrating editions

Welcome to our 150th edition of ECHo! Looking back over past editions since its inception in 1974, we noticed the common thread is the focus on you, our residents and clients, and your families and caregivers. The articles you read and the photos you see are the result of you giving us your time and allowing us into your homes to hear your stories and capture your warm smiles. Without your cooperation and enthusiasm we would not have such a content-rich magazine. When ECH introduced the magazine “it brightened and enriched the lives of all members of the association” (issue one, 1974). It was first published in the form of a small newsletter using four A4 sheets of paper, printed on a Gestetner, which ECH staff would compile and staple together. Our regular reader survey results determine the content we publish. The interest in the magazine is created by a wide range of subjects with general appeal. The administration showed great foresight in implementing the magazine as it has brought the ECH community closer together with stories, information and photographs shared. ECHo! is a special publication that will enable us to look back on what life was like in days gone by.

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Residents often tell us they treasure the articles in which they have featured so their grandchildren, great- grandchildren and so on will be able to reflect on their life experiences and show their future generations a significant part of history. In a modern world where technology and social media can drown us in information, there is something comforting about having a hard copy magazine in your hands. ECHo! is a publication that portrays people’s journeys and tales. It is there, simply awaiting our perusal. Whether you immerse yourself in each article from cover to cover or flick through and glimpse over the pages, there are many things this publication can do that simply cannot be replaced by online avenues. It is a unique medium that we believe is still important.

2002

2003

2006

2009

2012

We are very proud of ECHo! and hope you continue to enjoy it and look at each edition as a way of keeping informed about ECH activities and capturing special moments in time that can be cherished for years to come. An early edition of the magazine being produced.

ECH Inc | 2014 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 |

Superior performance in safety In September 2013, ECH was named the ‘Self Insured Employer of the Year 2013’ at the Self Insurers of South Australia awards night held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. This award is in addition to our organisation being given the top rating by WorkCover SA after an extensive audit as part of our self insurance licence renewal in 2013. Rehabilitation and Safety Manager Cos Lamberto says the award is a testament to the success ECH has had in injury prevention, management and rehabilitation. “We are very proud of this award as it recognises our commitment to the rehabilitation of injured workers so that they can return to their pre-injury status,” Cos says. “This includes physical, social and psychological wellness for both work and home wherever possible.” Creating a safe and satisfying work environment for staff is a key strategic direction for ECH. Part of this people focus is reflected in a culture that encourages staff to report to their supervisors any difficulties they may be experiencing in undertaking their tasks. This type of reporting allows proactive early intervention to assist in preventing injuries and allowing workers to remain in the workplace. The commitment to safe work environments and practices involves the teamwork and input of every single staff member across our organisation. Success in recent years has been due to a high level of engagement and interest in safety from all staff as well as from residents who provide feedback to management. Several committees have been established at varying levels to regularly discuss and review potential threats to safety and to address identified hazards. Working together under a dynamic and unified corporate injury management system has given ECH the foundation to achieve these excellent results. Where an employee is injured the focus is on working together to achieve goals. “We believe that each worker needs to be treated individually and holistically so that they can reach their recovery goals as this benefits both the employee and ECH,” Cos says.

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Since a comprehensive review of our workplace health and safety procedures and injury management system in 2009, we have recorded an overall 50 per cent reduction in time lost from workplace injuries. A reduction in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of 11 per cent from the previous financial year was also recorded, meaning ECH has achieved a reduction for its fifth consecutive year. An impressive total of 25 certificates were issued to specific ECH sites and departments for achieving a lost time rate of zero for 2012/13, with several other teams achieving rates below their set targets. The following stories are illustrations of our practices in action.

Safety initiatives pay off for Food Services In addition to minimal staff turnover, ECH Food Services has achieved a third consecutive year without injuries causing lost work time. Food Services Manager Trevor Cook says safety is paramount because of the environment staff operate in. “There are lots of hazards like water for slips, steam and heat for burns, electricity, and sharp cutting tools so it is very important that all staff are aware of the hazards every day, which means continual communication not just at staff meetings but every day during production,” he says. “Jon Gaff, John Cooper and I actively check and monitor the work site to make sure that any safety issues are dealt with quickly and that staff are made aware if there is a safety issue.” Trevor says the biggest risk is wet floors, therefore all staff are encouraged to clean up any spills immediately and wear good non slip work boots. Signage is also used when the floors are being cleaned. Electrical sockets are all hanging from the ceiling to avoid the risk of electric shocks from water usage. There is very little equipment or heavy stock that is stored above shoulder height, and manual handling is monitored routinely with all staff encouraged to share the load.

ECH’s commitment to safety gets Bruce back to work A perfect example of ECH’s successful workplace health and safety practices is Bruce McLean, who returned to work just six weeks after having back surgery.

Food Services Head Chef Jon Gaff with Food Production Assistants Lesley Wiles (left) and Catherine Lipson (right).

“The staff are very good at communicating any safety issues because they know they are dealt with rapidly,” Trevor says. “When we implement a new safety initiative the staff respond positively and take ownership because they are aware of how important workplace safety is.” Advantages of having a safe work environment at Food Services include reduced cost of finding replacements, great team morale, and reduced stress for the team and supervisors. “The main thing is to have a team that is comfortable being able to communicate safety concerns knowing that they are dealt with quickly and knowing that the leadership team takes safety very seriously,” Trevor says. “It means we have a stable team and that we don’t have to employ or replace someone that is not at work or has reduced working capacity because of injury. This leads to a positive work culture.”

Self insurance

Bruce, Site Maintenance Officer at Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre, had a laminectomy in April 2013 and took six weeks off to recover. “I was very well looked after post surgery,” he says. “It was little things like finding out my situation at home, and with my condition I couldn’t drive very well so ECH organised a taxi allowance for me to get to hospital and back and to surgeon appointments.” Bruce had a review after the six weeks and, upon returning to work at Ridgehaven, was given light duties and a ‘back to work’ plan was created. “I had regular meetings with doctors and physios and ECH staff to assess my ability,” Bruce says. “I started off doing supervision work then as time went on I got extra duties added to my workload.” Bruce says ECH’s Rehabilitation and Safety Manager Cos Lamberto and Injury and Rehabilitation Advisor Amy Herbert were “the ones who drove everything” along with Rehabilitation Consultant Rita Simionato. “Rita especially was the one who got things going and kept them going,” Bruce says. “She was very professional and would meet with management and myself and make recommendations. They acted on every one of her recommendations which is great to see.” Bruce is a joiner by trade and a former army engineer. He owned and operated a maintenance business in New Zealand before moving to Adelaide in 2011 to be closer to his daughters and two young grandchildren.

There are more than 70 organisations in South Australia across a diverse range of industries that choose to be self insured. These organisations must meet financial criteria and standards of work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work management systems. The self insurer is subject to the same review and appeals mechanisms as WorkCover and is still subject to regulatory control by WorkCover. ECH Inc | 2014 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 |

Feel at home at Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre Nestled among the leafy gumtrees of the north-eastern City of Tea Tree Gully, Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre is ideally and conveniently located a short distance from the Tea Tree Plaza shopping centre hub. The care centre provides single room accommodation for up to 123 residents in a number of smaller wings encouraging a sense of community among residents, their families and staff members. Private ensuites are included in most rooms. Each room features an individually controlled air conditioning unit as well as telephone and television antenna connection points. Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre is homely and spacious, and boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and internal courtyards. Small lounges and communal areas are scattered throughout the care centre offering residents and their guests a comfortable spot to socialise. The onsite Billabong Café is a popular meeting place for a coffee or a light meal, and is staffed by an active volunteer committee. Nutritionally balanced meals are provided and are served to residents in homely dining room settings. The lifestyle program offers a range of individual and group activities and outings. Consideration is given to the individual preferences of residents including their spiritual, cultural and lifestyle needs. Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre is home to the unique and well-attended men’s woodwork group which meets weekly to create wooden works of art. Church services are also conducted regularly and a bus is available for group outings to local events and community activities. Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre has homely furnishings and décor, and features: • a variety of lounge and dining areas • a hall for activities and events • a hairdressing salon

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• landscaped gardens and courtyards encouraging residents to spend time outdoors • a secure memory support area for residents who require such safety • an ‘ageing in place’ philosophy which minimises the need to move rooms despite changing care needs

Lifestyle Model of Care ECH residential care centres provide care that is responsive to the needs of individuals and enables them to continue making choices about their lifestyle wherever possible. Our Lifestyle Model of Care ensures that our service delivery is flexible so residents can live their life as close as possible to how they did in the community. Our residents are encouraged to make the care centre their home and to be as actively involved as they wish. Read the resident stories on pages 8 and 9 to see inspirational examples of living life to the full in residential care.

Levels of care offered High: Yes Low: Yes Respite: Yes Transitional: Yes Awaiting placement: No

Admission and tours If you would like to learn more about the process of moving to residential care, please contact ECHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Referral Officer by emailing referral@ech.asn.au or phoning 8407 5192. If you, or a relative or friend, are considering living at Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre, a tour can be arranged by phoning the care centre on 8397 0100.

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Living life to the full in residential care ECH’s Lifestyle Model of Care enables residents to continue living a life of choice, variety and fulfilment. Jean Bice and Thelma Ralston are inspiring examples of how to thrive in residential care.

Out and about is Thelma’s scene Thelma Ralston is a flourishing example of someone who still maintains her independence while living at Charles Young Residential Care Centre. A resident of nine years, Thelma made the move to the care centre after a hospital stay for two broken hips and deteriorating health meant she required daily assistance. “My family thought this was the best place for me,” Thelma says. “It’s near my family and that’s very important.” Thelma is an extremely active resident, taking part in art classes on Mondays, exercise classes three other days each week, bingo and various other activities. She relishes in any opportunity to venture out on her scooter, taking trips to Glenelg, the local Foodland and the library. “I like going to the shops to buy myself a few things like biscuits,” Thelma says. “You need to keep your eye on the road though, otherwise you can fall in a hole in the footpath.” In September 2013 Thelma took a day trip to the Royal Adelaide Show with her daughter and son. “We looked around, had cups of tea and something to eat,” Thelma says. “I bought some carob and body cream.” Thelma thoroughly enjoys living at Charles Young Residential Care Centre as she has the flexibility and choice to participate in as much or as little as she feels like. “The staff are so lovely here and I’m very lucky I’ve got good family and friends around me,” Thelma says.

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Jean’s enjoying life With both her hearing and sight severely diminished, Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre resident Jean Bice is a trooper and doesn’t allow her health problems to stop her enjoying life. Barmera-born Jean has been in Adelaide for 30 years, having relocated here after living in Port Lincoln with her husband Leonard, who passed away two years ago. Jean was a bank clerk during her working life and was South Australia’s first female clerk for the National Australia Bank. Upon moving to Ridgehaven in 2011, Jean immersed herself in the garden and earned herself a status as the resident gardener. “Earlier on here I spent most of my time in the garden but I stumbled into it accidentally,” Jean says. “They were having trouble watering one day and I said I would do it. I always manage to fiddle around here and there. My daughter Elizabeth helps me a lot. She takes me to the nursery and does all the running around. One year, with the petunias, she helped pick out the colours. I wouldn’t be able to do all of this without her. It takes me an hour to water and I can spend a couple of hours a day doing the gardening.” When she’s not busy in the garden Jean also enjoys playing bingo once a fortnight and listening to audio books, which she finds entertaining. Proving you are never too old to have fun, Jean and Elizabeth have booked a cruise for April 2014 for 23 days and will travel to all the Australian capital cities as well as Lombok and Broome. “We did one once before and it worked out very well,” Jean says. “I hope I can keep fit enough to get around. I’m sure I will.”

Richard’s labour of love Richard Stewart is a man of many talents but at Ridgehaven Residential Care Centre he is most recognised for his love of making leather belts for staff and their families. This hobby of more than 30 years has seen Richard craft about 20 belts during his two-year residency at the care centre, with each belt taking around six weeks to complete. Richard buys the belt strips from the leather supply store D.S. Horne at Hampstead Gardens. He returns to his room and begins working on the design by imprinting the desired pattern into the leather. The designs can include a Celtic pattern, letters or shapes. Richard softens the leather first with some water then feeds the belt through a machine to imprint the design. He also has all the tools to insert holes and shape the ends of the belts. Then he takes them to his daughter’s house to dye them as the process is quite messy. “I get a lot of requests,” Richard says. “I think there are about a dozen people in this complex who are wearing a belt that I’ve made. The best part is when they’re finished. I’ve never had to buy myself a belt!”

Richard, who usually spends two days each week on the belts, also made about 40 leather key rings for staff at the centre in 2012. “At one stage we ran a class here at the centre and I had some leather donated to me at the men’s group,” he says. “Many years ago I used to make handbags as well.” Richard has always loved being part of and contributing to his community by doing jobs like repairing books at a Ridgehaven school and for the local library for 15 years, and taking on the role of secretary at the Enfield Library before it closed down. When he’s not working on the belts, Richard enjoys going out for lunch with his daughter during the week and watching his favourite shows Bones and Law & Order. Richard is a medal-winning ballroom dancer and has six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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COTA Every Generation Festival 2013 summary of events 1

The 2013 COTA Every Generation Festival was held for the month of October and continues the tradition of celebrating the valuable contribution made by older South Australians to the community.

During the month of October events and activities are held for South Australians of all ages to come together to celebrate the achievements of older people. The Every Generation Festival is both an intergenerational festival and a public acknowledgment of the contribution that older people make to our society. It is a time for them to share their achievements with people of all ages. ECH held various activities and events during the month including: • morning teas at each residential care centre with Corporate Office staff (see photos on this page)

• the 20 Plus Club lunch for independent living unit residents (see page 21) 4

• a musical recital at Clarence Gardens Estate by the SA Country Women’s Association (see page 22) • official opening of Seasiders’ art exhibition (see page 27) • Annual General Meetings of Independent Retirement Living (see page 29) • demonstrations of wellness services available such as Tai Chi

• Almond Grove residents’ visit to the Onkaparinga Council Chambers • a healthy cooking class for Marten Village residents by a final year dietetics student from Flinders University • a morning tea for allied health professionals and local community services at Ardrossan

• a tour of the Independent Living Centre at Gilles Plains by residents of Stace Lodge, Greenleigh Court and Lindsay Court 1. Val Farrugia and Don Day 2. Bronwyn Newton and Margaret Goddard 3. Shu-Ai Cho and Melville Murphy 4. Sue Gonis and Mary McKenzie 5. Max Bjorkman and Jason Farr 6. Thelma Morgan and June Gummow 7. Lucy Martinez and Eileen Wendland 8. Peter Malpas, Carol Kennelly and Tom Lucieer 9. Melville and Joyce Murphy 10. Mary Woodward and Eileen Maddern 11. Kathleen Scott and Mavis Thorpe 12. Roman Krakowski and Harry Bone 9

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Never too old to challenge yourself As a young girl growing up in the lush north east English countryside, Mary Harle could not swim but loved wading in the water of local weirs. “I’ve always been a bit headstrong,” she says. “If my older brother couldn’t take me then I couldn’t go. So one day I snuck out.” Mary, aged 10, went into the weir and what happened next changed her life forever. “I fell into the water because it felt as though my legs cramped up and I got very panicky,” she recalls. “I couldn’t get up. It was a dreadful experience. I remember very clearly when I had to be resuscitated.” Mary had actually experienced an undiagnosed heart murmur. Luckily she was pulled from the water and revived in time but the incident left her with a fear of swimming. More than 70 years later, Mary still hadn’t ventured further than the first few steps of a pool. Osteoarthritis began to impact on her mobility and Mary relied heavily on her walker and scooter. After a chance encounter with an ECH employee, Mary was referred for and began receiving in-home support from ECH to help her with housework and shopping. Her coordinator discussed the possibility of hydrotherapy and, initially, Mary was skeptical. Her doctor and family also encouraged her so Mary decided to give it some thought. After visiting local pools and shopping for swimwear, she began weekly sessions at Thebarton Aquatic Centre with a home support worker and hasn’t looked back. “I’m confident now because I have a lot of people around. I can float and tread water now,” Mary says. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done, going to the swimming pool.” Inspired by her success in the pool, Mary has taken charge of her health in every way that she can.

Two main areas she has been focusing on are walking more and losing weight. She has invested in a pedometer, attempting 10,000 steps per day, and borrows numerous health books from the local library. You’ll even see her drinking healthy green smoothies. “I’m very determined and I’ll always try my best,” Mary says. “I wanted to take charge of my health. I’m the one in the chief seat and it’s important to take care of yourself.” “She’s having a total transformation at 87,” her daughter Marjorie says. “She’s so full on with health and fitness now.” The combined result has done wonders for her health. Mary has done away with her scooter and now feels stronger and more energetic. “I used to go to bed in the afternoon and have a nap but I don’t now,” she says. Between the hydrotherapy, exercising and healthy eating Mary has lost several dress sizes which has further improved her mobility despite her osteoarthritis. Now she doesn’t let an opportunity for exercise go by and you’ll rarely find Mary sitting down. “When I am at home and I can’t go out for a while I’ll have a bit of a dance,” she says. Mary has set new goals for her life. She wants to be as fit as she can be and is looking forward to learning to swim in the future. Her dedication to her health is now her focus. “You know what it’s given me? Freedom,” she says. “You’ve got to have good health. I don’t want to be a prisoner in my own house. I enjoy life and I want my freedom. You’re never too old to start something.”

“I want to be active and I want to enjoy my life. If I can do it, anybody can. You’re never too old to challenge yourself.”

Mary now enjoys weekly outings to Thebarton Aquatic Centre with Home Support Worker Susan Douglas (left).

ECH Inc | 2014 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 |

Home is where the heart is If home is where the heart is then Lola McLean’s heart belongs to Glenelg. The 90 year old resident of Fairfield Lodge, who celebrated her birthday on All Saints’ Day, was one of the first staff that opened Glenelg Community Hospital in 1950 and has spent most of her life in the area. Lola was born and raised in Victoria. Then after completing nursing and midwifery training and working for a short time, moved to Adelaide where she worked at the new Glenelg hospital as a midwife. “I thought I would go to South Australia to seek my fortune,” she laughs. Little did Lola know that moving to Adelaide would lead her to meet her husband Alf. “Before I came to Adelaide I was at a nursing home at Kingston and I met a lady who I took a liking to and we became good friends,” Lola recalls. “She used to talk about her brother who was a policeman in Adelaide so she told her brother about me coming to Adelaide. When I got there I met him and couldn’t manage to shake him off.” Lola and Alf married on 18th May 1953, which was a Monday. “We got married on a Monday because I didn’t like doing things like everyone else did,” she laughs. “After we were married, Alf became the secretary at the hospital, we had three children and spent months travelling around Australia in a caravan before coming home each year for Christmas with the family.”

eir ola on th Alf and L 3. 5 9 1 day in wedding

Lola enjoy ss of her Fair itting in the courtya field Lodg rd e home.

After many adventurous years together, Alf and Lola slowed down and moved to Strathalbyn in the early 1990s where they lived for five years. Shortly after Alf passed away, Lola moved to her ECH unit at Glenelg South in February 1999 and could not be happier. “When ECH told me I could have this place I felt like I was home,” she says. “It’s a lovely place here and we have nice sitting areas that we get together in. I feel I’ve always belonged in this little corner.” Lola is a member of the Glenelg Historical Society and the Glenelg Community Club where she attends several times a week to play cards and socialise. She also loves spending time at the beach in the warm weather when walking home from Glenelg and has at least one swim every year during summer. “When Alf was alive I would swim every morning in the summer,” she says. “I really love the beach and love this location.” To celebrate her 90th birthday in November 2013 Lola received a very big surprise that still makes her laugh when she reflects on it. “I was sitting in the lounge in the afternoon talking to a friend who came to see me and the next thing I heard was the bagpipes,” she says. “I go crazy when I hear them. I just love them. Very soon all the neighbours were out to see what was going on and it was lovely. That day I was surrounded by flowers and the phone kept ringing. That night we went to dinner at The Buffalo.” A grateful and humble woman who always sees the positives in life, Lola is an inspiration with a great sense of humour. “I’ve had a rich life, both in practical things and with my friends and family,” she says with a smile.

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In-home support helps mother and daughter ECH independent living unit resident Lorraine Watson has nothing but praise for the in-home care packages she and her mother Nancy Condron have received. It has been a difficult year for Lorraine as Nancy’s health has severely declined. Nancy lived in an ECH independent living unit at Plympton North for 14 years and was receiving in-home support where a staff member would visit every day to allocate medication. She also had a cleaner and someone to do the shopping when she couldn’t manage. Nancy then moved to residential care at Flora McDonald Lodge where she now receives constant care. Lorraine, 79, currently receives in-home support and has been living at her Victoria Court home for a little more than one year.

“What ECH does is absolutely marvellous,” she says. “I had the interview for the package and the staff came in and did everything they needed to. I can’t speak highly enough of them.” Through her care package, Lorraine has a cleaner and shopper once a week and also assistance with various other things. Lorraine is “absolutely stunned” with how much support she has received. “I knew Mum could get the services but not me. I’ve been overwhelmed and have such nice people doing it. A couple of weeks ago I was feeling really down and the staff member who was over sat down longer and talked to me. You feel as if you’re talking to a friend,” she says. Between travelling to appointments, seeing friends and visiting Nancy, Lorraine’s days are filled and she says the extra support from ECH helps make the difference. “I’ve been absolutely staggered by the care I’ve received and fortunately Mum’s getting the same in the home where she is,” she says. “With the service I receive there’s a lot of friendliness and certainly respect. It’s nice to feel part of a family. We’re both in good places.”

“What ECH does is absolutely marvellous.”

ECH Inc | 2014 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 |

Giving the gift of time Volunteers have a valuable impact on our residential care centres, and one volunteer in particular who makes a big difference to the lives of many people is Kathy Finn. Kathy volunteers at Charles Young Residential Care Centre two days a week where she assists with exercise classes for the residents while also doing nails and pampering, running a ball game and offering pet therapy visits with her dog Chloe. If there is a shortage of volunteers for the regular bus trips, Kathy also assists with that by helping residents onto the bus. The driver takes them out for a couple of hours then they stop and have afternoon tea before returning to the centre. Kathy has 20 years of experience in the aged care industry and enjoys having direct contact with the people she helps. “I just love the residents,” she says. “Some of them don’t have family at all so why sit at home when you can do something like this? You get to talk about their families and everything. I would like to think that when I’m older and in a place like this that someone will come and do the same for me.”

Resident Gwen Tomlinson is one person who deeply values the time she spends with Kathy. “She’s full of life and lovely to get on with,” Gwen says. “She does my shopping when I need it and occasionally we go out for lunch. We see each other about once a week.” Gwen has been living at Charles Young Residential Care Centre since November 2011 and calls herself “a young old”. “I’m very independent,” she says. “I’ve lived a long time on my own since I lost my husband Bill in 2003. I really enjoy my time here. We do a lot of giggling and have a lot of fun.” Kathy and Gwen met when Gwen enquired about a volunteer to assist her. “One day Kathy came up in conversation and I didn’t know she was doing the shopping and such for another resident here at the time,” she says. Gwen got to know Kathy after the other resident passed away. “We have a good time together,” Gwen says. “I can’t do much anymore as the joints are a bit stiff but I’m happy as I am and very grateful.” For more information about how you can make a difference in the lives of others, please call ECH Volunteer Program Manager Kylie Maher on 8407 5151. Volunteer Kathy Finn takes resident Gwen Tomlinson out for the day.

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Bob’s still hitting a six in his seventies Proving it’s never too late to live out a childhood dream, Bob Wilton donned a baggy green to represent Australia against England in an over 70s version of The Ashes. Bob’s love of the game started as a young boy when his neighbour took him to Adelaide Oval to watch cricket matches. “I got hooked on it from there,” he says. After officially joining a club in the mid 1950s he has played club cricket ever since. “I like playing the game and the friendships you end up with,” he says. Selected as one of 17 players from across Australia, Bob was humbled by being given the opportunity at the age of 71 to represent his country in the sport he loves. “It’s something that you dream of as a kid, that you’ll go and play cricket against England and wear a baggy green,” he says. Although he didn’t meet most of the other players until his stopover in Singapore and some not until he arrived in England, he felt an instant sense of camaraderie. “They were a great bunch of guys,” Bob says. “We all got on well.”

“The staff are very friendly there and very helpful. A few friends have now been recruited to join this program as well.” This helps Bob to keep on playing and in turn increases his wellbeing even further. “It keeps the body moving and the muscles going,” he says. “It gives you a feeling of better fitness. I’d encourage others to get involved in some kind of sport rather than watching television.” For more information about how to get involved with over 60s cricket please contact Chris Tobin at candctobin@westnet.com.au.

It was an exciting but gruelling expedition for the team, playing a total of 10 games in 17 days including three test matches. A lot of travelling was involved as the team played all over England at various village greens. “One day we left the hotel at 8.30am and didn’t get back until five minutes to midnight,” he recalls. On the same journey the laneway to the ground was so small the bus could not fit and the players were ferried in private cars by the opposition to the ground. After his return to Australia, Bob was barely home for a week before he flew off to Queensland to play in the Over 60s National Championships. “I left the suitcase open so I could refill it again,” he says with a laugh. At home Bob plays local cricket regularly under the South Australian Over 60s Cricket Association and encourages other older people to get involved in sport. “We are always looking to recruit new players,” he says. “It’s a pleasant day to have a game and a chat with the guys. We all have injuries and ailments and we just keep battling on.” Bob is a firm believer in the connection between fitness and good health and has also been attending Fit & Feisty classes at ECH’s Greenacres Therapy Service. “It has improved my overall fitness and agility,” he says.

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Bustling about in Greenleigh Court After seven years and 37 trips, Greenleigh Court resident Amy Roberts retired from organising the village bus outings in November 2013 and handed the reins to fellow resident Doug Hawkins. Amy took on the role of trip organiser for the village in November 2006 and over the years has organised outings to places including Port Elliot, the Riverland, Goolwa, Barossa Valley, Kapunda, Nuriootpa, Cape Jervis and Ardrossan. She has a map that shows all of the stops the group has made together including their first trip to Victor Harbor and the 37th trip, which was to Mannum. For every outing, Amy would organise morning tea and take it for everyone to enjoy along the way. “I’ve loved it but am ready to pass it on,” she says. ECH Volunteer Program Manager Kylie Maher books a bus from one of the residential care centres and arranges a volunteer driver.

“Bus trips are arranged by people living in ECH’s independent living units,” she says. “They phone me and tell me where they want to go and my role is then to book a bus from one of the residential care centres and arrange a volunteer bus driver. The driver then confirms the date and outing, picks the bus up and collects the people from their village. The buses generally can seat 14 people and the driver. It is purely a social outing and independent from what ECH Independent Retirement Living offers.” Greenleigh Court’s driver is Brian Shiers, who has been driving the village’s residents for two years. Brian also does trips with some residential care centre residents who enjoy going out for a few hours occasionally. Doug is excited about becoming the village’s new group leader, with the first trip planned for February 2014. “I am looking forward to giving Amy a break and enjoying organising trips,” he says. “One of the first trips will be a mystery tour.” Greenleigh Court resident Marjorie Hack, volunteer driver Brian Shiers and residents Amy Roberts and Doug Hawkins with an ECH bus they use for their outings.

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ECH program keeps Ken active When you’re in the business of ensuring the health and safety of other people it’s just as important to maintain your own healthy lifestyle. Ken Bell is a client at Greenacres Therapy Service and a co-founder of Staminalift, a revolutionary machine that effortlessly moves hospital beds and trolleys, therefore reducing workloads and virtually eliminating manual handling injuries. Encouraged by his doctor to develop a healthier lifestyle, Ken and his wife Maxine began attending Greenacres Therapy Service in May 2013. “With my work I was travelling so much and got overweight and unfit, so my doctor told me I had to do something about it,” Ken says. “Maxine was using the adult gym equipment at a playground nearby and met someone who was involved with the ECH service. Between the doctor saying I had to do something and the client Maxine met, I got a referral letter from my doctor so that I could attend, starting with the conditioning program.”

Over the years, Ken and his team have attended conferences and demonstrations for the Staminalift in the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Canada, Hong Kong, USA and New Zealand. They were the recipients of the New Inventors 2005 Episode Winner award and took out top prize at the 2012 Safe Work Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre. While there is plenty to keep him busy for the foreseeable future, Ken does plan to slow down and looks forward to retirement, including fishing more and spending time with family. “We have a holiday house at Webb Beach and go there as often as time permits,” Ken says. “It’s a place to get away and it’s another world up there. These classes I’m doing are so important to keep myself fit and healthy so I can enjoy some recreation and hopefully retirement in the future.”

Ken and Maxine graduated to the Strength for Life program, which they attend twice a week, and work mostly on strengthening their core muscles. “Your core muscles are so important,” Maxine says. “We can’t believe the difference in the way we feel. They work you pretty hard but they have such a variety of exercises and equipment so you never get bored.” Ken agrees, saying, “I’ve been to other gyms before but this suits us. We handle it well and it does a lot of good. Both physically and mentally you encourage each other and a lot of coordination has to be used. The other clients are good company and we all enjoy a laugh as we encourage each other. Elena is our instructor and she does a great job.” Ken can spend up to six days a week working over a 24-hour period but has garnered many rewards over the years that have made it all worthwhile. “I love the challenges,” he says. “They are the rewarding part of the job. The biggest reward is walking into a hospital and seeing people use the machine to get beds around so easily. That’s the joy of what I do.”

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Braested’s hidden treasures

The always endearing Ray and Val Stanley at their Braested home.

Charm is of the essence when meeting the astute Colonel Ray Stanley and his graceful wife Val, who reside at ECH’s delightful Braested complex. Their location provides the perfect hideout for those wanting to cocoon themselves in quietly romantic surrounds. As soon as you step foot into their home, you are already sensing this is no ordinary residence. Then upon unravelling the history of this lovely couple, you realise their tales are adorned with endless achievements and an immeasurable spirit that highlights their considerable successes and creates a realm of intrigue. Ray, whose credentials include AM1, OBE2, RFD3 and ED4, was born and raised in Gawler and is a disciplined academic with an extensive and impressive career in the military and in teaching. Val, who spent her childhood growing up on the family farm in Echunga, became a Girl Guide from age 10, and also had an impressive teaching career, hers in physical education. Val was a lecturer for more than three years at Adelaide Teachers’ College then became a supervisor before marrying.

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Top: A portrait of Ray for his St Peter’s College farewell in 1992. Left: Ray with his son Russell and granddaughters Lucy and Abby.

Ray’s first teaching appointment was at Kingston Higher Primary School. He came to Scotch College in June 1950 to teach general studies and later became master in charge of chemistry. In August 1956 he, with new wife Val, moved into what had been the headmaster’s apartment to become the first master in charge of the school boarding house. Ray and Val knew each other during their time at Adelaide Teachers’ College where they both attended but it was the regular Saturday night social event that would bring them together. “Us girls always went to Burnside Town Hall to dance on a Saturday night,” Val recalls. “Ray wasn’t on duty at Scotch that particular night and was there too and we met up again. He kept asking me out.” “You kept saying yes!” Ray laughs. “The headmaster asked, ‘Are you serious about the girl you bring to our functions?’ I said yes and he said, ‘I would like you and your wife to take over the boarding house when we move out.’” 1. AM – Member of the Order 2. OBE – Order of the British Empire 3. RFD – Reserve Force Decoration 4. ED – Efficiency Decoration

Showing their loyalty to their new home, Ray and Val married at St Michael’s Church, Mitcham, and had their reception in the assembly hall at Scotch College. “We got married, went on our honeymoon and came back to take charge of 120 boarders, all boys then,” Val says. “Oh it was such great fun and we had some wonderful years there.” Then in 1960 Ray began teaching at the prestigious St Peter’s College. “We became suburbanites,” Ray says. “We had 10 years at Vale Park where we raised our two boys Robin and Russell.” In 1968 Ray was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to the Australian Cadet Corps and the Citizen Military Forces. In the 70s Ray began writing chemistry books for year 12 students and in 1980 formed an independent publishing group, The Enterprise Press, with some colleagues to distribute their work. “Along our journey we decided we wanted to see more of the world so we had two years’ exchange teaching at Marlborough College in the UK, and we had our two little boys with us,” Ray says. “When we came back to St Peter’s the headmaster invited us to come and live in the grounds where I became assistant to the headmaster. After 10 years in this position I became deputy head and we moved to a house in the corner of the grounds. At the end of 1992 I said farewell to St Peter’s and we built a retirement home at Port Willunga where we lived permanently.” When Ray and Val retired they house swapped with other couples in the UK who wanted to come to Australia. “We exchanged houses and cars and they were very successful trips,” Ray says. “We met the people over the internet and we had some magnificent experiences and are still friends with all the exchangees. But after two months away we were always ready for gum trees and some nicer weather as winter in the UK was hard, and we’ve always had a soft spot for Adelaide.”

from teachers’ college. The group would meet a few times a year for lunches. In February of 1997 one of the ladies in unit three at Braested called Val at Port Willunga and said, ‘I have moved into ECH and it’s very good indeed and you’re coming for lunch at my new unit.’” The first thing that struck Val was the glorious space, high ceilings and the idea of original beauty – authentic, untainted and genuinely desirable. At the end of the luncheon Val went next door and said she heard unit five was vacant but was told it was under contract. “I would have accepted that but Val was determined so we put our names down,” Ray laughs. “Six months later we had a phone call to say the contract had not been honoured and would we be interested? We took one look and said yes. We’ve been here for 17 years now. That’s the longest we have ever been in the one house and we love it here.” Blessed with a beautiful globe-trotting family, highly successful careers and an infinite bundle of memories, Ray and Val Stanley are great storytellers who understand the transforming power of their tales. In 2004 Ray was made a member of the Order of Australia for services to chemical education and the Defence Reserves. Their success is in part attributable to their ability to inspire the dreams in others that they already believe in themselves. Such luminaries, both sophisticated and selfassured but with no airs or pretensions, a real love of family and staying grounded is evident in the Stanley abode as wonderful snapshots of children and travels are sprinkled around their home. In an era where so much looks uncertain, how reassuring to find a couple with such heartfelt commitment and faith in all life has to offer.

Val and Ray enjoyed their life down south but “were more city people” at heart and decided they wanted to return to a metropolitan lifestyle. “We had been very spoilt at St Peter’s and Vale Park and when we decided to come back to Adelaide we began looking at North Adelaide and East Terrace,” Ray says. “Val has a group called ‘The Girls’ who were all teachers and friends

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Helena honoured for humanitarian efforts A living exemplar of triumph over adversity, ECH client and Darwin resident Helena Murphy was a recipient of the 2013 John Curtin Medal, acknowledged for her work as a Western Australian civil rights activist and freedom fighter. Born in 1922, Helena is described by many people as a national treasure and seen in the same light as African-American civil rights activist Rosa Parks. It was during her teen years when a defining moment urged Helena to fight for her rights. “When I was 16, I overheard a conversation about different coloured people being black even if you were tanned,” she says. “We were natives! Asians were classed above Aboriginal people. I was 18 when I realised I needed to fight for my rights.”

Helena says she was “very flattered” to receive the John Curtin Medal. “It was a funny thing because I have never been recognised as a human being before,” she says. “When I was in Perth one lot wanted to crown me and the other lot wanted to lock me up.” Through ECH, Helena receives in-home support including personal care and assistance with her medication. “The girls and boys are very good to me,” she says. “I feel that I have been very much accepted in the community.”

Helena is most noted for her part in founding the Coolbaroo League in 1947. This was a political movement and indigenous social club that aimed to gain equal rights in post-war Western Australia at a time of extreme racism, before Aboriginal people had gained the right to vote. Helena founded the league as a young woman in her 20s, when Aboriginal people lived under constant fear of police surveillance, had their children removed and were limited in where they could travel and work. It was also a time when women did not have equal rights, making Helena’s courage and impact even more remarkable. Along with her colleagues, Helena lobbied the government on many issues including the removal of children, citizenship laws, deaths in custody, education and voting rights. Helena used Western Australian daily newspapers effectively as a means of addressing systemic racism and derogatory comments towards Aboriginal people. By 1960, the Coolbaroo League had grown to become a highly effective Aboriginal-controlled organisation, responsible for but not limited to running the Westralian Aborigine newspaper. Helena moved away from Perth in the early 1950s, after marrying Cyril Murphy, an indigenous man with family ties to the Kimberley. Together they ran a successful trucking business in Darwin. After her husband’s early death at the age of 37, Helena single-handedly raised five children on the proceeds of her own corporate cleaning business that provided employment to many people. Photo credit: Curtin University and Alana Blowfield.

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What is the John Curtin Medal? • The John Curtin Medal is named after the Right Honourable John Curtin, Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 to 1945, who is recognised as one of Australia’s greatest statesmen. • It is awarded by Curtin University to people who have exhibited John Curtin’s qualities of vision, leadership and community service and who have made a significant contribution in their chosen field.

Milestones celebrated for independent living unit residents 1

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ECH held its annual 20 Plus Club lunch on 18th October 2013 to celebrate residents who have lived in an ECH unit for 20 years or more. Many of the residents who attended were aged over 80 and several of them were close to 100. The lunch was held in the beautiful Adelaide Pavilion on South Terrace. At the event a number of ECH staff from various business areas and two ladies who

were previous employees, Roma Tidd and Gloria Nicholson, attended. Chief Executive Rob Hankins presented the residents with a gift to celebrate the milestones of 20, 25, 30 and 35 years. A special gift was presented to Mrs Edith Sutton (see photo 1), who has resided with ECH for 39 years. She is now 99 and still lives independently.

Congratulations and thank you to all residents and staff who attended. 7

1. Rob Hankins and Edith Sutton 2. Margrit and Victor Tiney 3. Ian Weston, Mary Weston, Hazel Campbell and staff Sue Sheehan and Di Borroughs 4. Mary Wall and Evelyn Ward 5. Dulcie Freeman and Isabelle Watson 6. Eileen Learhinan and Jean Wright 7. Frances Silkstone, Annie Reynolds, Colin Reynolds and Inman Lillie 8. Dorothy Ackland and Site Improvement Officer Mark Verdurmen 9. Gloria Nicholson, Rob Hankins and Roma Tidd 10. Rhonda Loxton and Betty Thomson 11. Babs Mackie and Carrick Mackie

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Gardens Estate ce en ar Cl at m or rf pe s er ng SA CWA si On 25th October 2013 the SA Country Women’s Association singers performed for residents at Clarence Gardens Estate. As the singers’ country of focus for the month was Brazil, their songs included Brazilian themed tunes along with well-known hits from Broadway, Advance Australia Fair, I Am Australian, and a few solo pieces, all accompanied by a pianist.

1. Dorothy French and Cheryl Warwick 2. Marie Sanders and Marjory Praite 3. Beth Pritchard, Dorothy Ackland and Mary Young

The women recited jokes and short stories in-between their pieces, which created laughter around the room and the event ended with everyone enjoying some morning tea.

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Eve Party ’s r a e Y w e rt N Torrens Cou

With the landscaping work in progress at Torrens Court it was touch and go if the residents would be able to have a New Year’s Eve party for 2013. Although the area at the back of Kay and Tony’s unit was not finished, the paving was done sufficiently enough to use the area so Kay, Tony, Carole and Barry decided to go ahead and delivered the invitations to all the residents in the village.

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Although it was an extremely hot day, when the sun went down it became more comfortable, just in time for the party to start at 7.30pm. A total of 22 people attended and brought food and drinks to share. Some left early and 12 managed to stay until midnight to ring in the New Year with party poppers and whistles. A jolly good evening was had by all.

Shoo Shoo Mammas perform for Southern Day Program clients 2

Southern Day Program clients and guests were treated to an afternoon of singing and entertainment by Adelaide swing and jazz trio the Shoo Shoo Mammas on 18th October 2013 at Cana Chapel in Happy Valley. This was followed by a Devonshire Tea and an abundance of socialising and chatting. A nearly full chapel sang along to popular songs like Que Sera Sera, Edelweiss, Don’t Fence Me In, Five Foot Two, You Are My Sunshine, Road to Gundagai, Mr Sandman, That’s Amore, and Ella Fitzgerald’s All of Me. The Shoo Shoo Mammas perform songs in the style of the Andrews Sisters from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

1. The Shoo Shoo Mammas - Emma Lyndon, Bec JM and Ali Durham 2. Simon and Ema Plewa 3. Arthur and Patricia Davies 4. Monica and Ern Warren 5. Jan and Patrick Sheehy and Sheila Keating

Roberts Court Christmas party enjoyed by all Residents of Roberts Court in Kings Park enjoyed their annual Christmas get together in 2013. This is a small village with only 11 residents. Of these residents, there are four who are over 90 years old. One resident, Muriel Elgar, has lived in her unit for 30 years and in that time she has seen many changes.

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Walking their way to a healthier life Residents at Marshall Court engage in a fun, social and easy way to get active by being part of a Heart Foundation Walking group. Led by resident and walker organiser Keith Timms, a group of about seven people meet every Monday and go for a 30 to 40 minute walk then enjoy a coffee and a chat afterwards at Plank Kitchen & Bar. The group, which was formed in mid 2012, is an initiative between the City of Holdfast Bay and the Heart Foundation and is open to anyone. An avid walker of many years, Keith was approached by staff from the Healthy Holdfast Bay initiative and asked if he would like to coordinate a walking group. “I would try and walk around the Patawalonga three to four times a week,” he says.

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“When I came on board I was given a kit from the Heart Foundation and some information and in it was a poster so I put one up and organised people to become involved.” Keith coordinates a new route each time the group walks to keep it interesting and take in new sights. “I do something different every time as I don’t like to get bored,” he says. “Everyone appreciates that. We all get satisfaction from the friendliness that it generates and we have a coffee afterwards and chat away. It’s catching up with people and seeing how they’re doing and what’s happening in their lives. It’s always quite interesting.” To find out more or to become involved contact City of Holdfast Bay Heart Foundation Local Coordinator Ali Trewartha by email atrewartha@holdfast.sa.gov.au or phone on 8229 9965. For all other areas please phone the Heart Foundation on 1300 362 787.

Engage in a fun, social and easy way to get active by being part of a Heart Foundation walking group.

John recognised with Arctic Star medal After nearly seven decades fighting to be recognised, Smithfield Residential Care Centre resident John Smith received the Arctic Star medal. It is awarded to veterans who served in areas above the Arctic Circle during World War II and is intended to commemorate service in the Arctic convoys. John survived bombings and the constant threat of enemy attack, helping supply convoys negotiate the unforgiving icy waters off northern Russia in World War II. In late 2012, British officials approved the medal for veterans who took part in the dangerous convoys to help fight Germany on the Eastern Front.

During two weeks in the training base, a German airplane flew over the base and dropped a bomb, which landed near John’s hut about three yards away. “As there was no warning given, there was danger to us in this place and some training sailors were killed,” he says. “I became a crew member on a destroyer called HMS Swift. My ship was part of the escort of war ships to protect merchant ships which had cargo including war parts such as guns and tanks. My job on the HMS Swift was as a radar operator. On 23rd June 1944 we hit a mine and I waited for my captain to say, ‘Abandon ship.’ So I jumped in the sea and swam to rescue ships to pick me up. It’s taken 70 years to show an appreciation for us men to let us know we are the tops in the navy. I’ve also got three Arctic Star medals presented to me by the Russian government.”

On 24th November 2013 John was officially recognised at a special ceremony at Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide by His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia, along with other South Australians who were also awarded the medal. The ceremony marked the end of a long-running bid to see veterans of the Arctic convoys recognised for their bravery. John, 88, joined the Royal Navy on 17th June 1943. “The reason I joined the navy was I was mad on ships,” he says. “When I was a young boy my Mum and Dad bought me kits to make ships. Anything to do with ships was my interest. World War II started on 3rd September 1939 when I was 14. When I was 16 I joined the Home Guard and when I was 17 I wrote to the Admiralty in London and said I want to join the navy. I was told to go to a medical place to check if I was in good health, as I was to join a training place called HMS Collingwood in a place called Fareham. So I reported there on 17th June 1943 to be trained as a sailor.” John Smith pictured wit h his Arctic medal at an Star official cerem ony at Torre Parade Grou ns nd on 24 th N ovember 20 13.

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Barbara’s lifetime hobby wins awards A self confessed “needlework addict”, Barbara Goring received her third award in September 2013 at the Royal Adelaide Show for her exquisite cross stitch piece of work. Barbara, who resides in an ECH independent living unit at Heathfield, won first prize in 2008 and 2011 and third prize in 2013. “My whole life has been needlework,” she says. “I do crocheting, embroidery, sewing, knitting, anything you can think of. I was a home economics teacher in Germany for many years before my husband and I moved to Australia 30 years ago. Then three years ago we decided to downsize and make the move somewhere smaller so we came to Heathfield.” Barbara grew up in a family that was always knitting, especially her mother. “I was born after the war and there was not a lot of wool available but my mother would always knit socks and jumpers,” she recalls fondly. “My love for the needlework really stems from my mother.” The piece Barbara entered in the 2013 show is a large quilt and was created over the course of two years. It is comprised of Austrian linen, six individual panels, extensive back stitching in metal threads, extensive bead work, and incorporates fractional stitches, sculpturing of the faces, arms, hands and legs and quarter stitches in a lot of areas. “It was nicely displayed at the show,” Barbara says. “People stood there and took photos. I am really proud of it.”

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Barbara at her H eathfield unit w ith the quilt that won he r third prize at th e Royal Adelaide Show in September 20 13.

Seasiders celebrates exhibition opening in style Social program Seasiders celebrated the opening of their biggest art exhibition, Imagine, on 17th October 2013 to a bustling room of guests. The night showcased the artwork of the program’s 10 participants who attend the weekly Create & Connect art classes with art therapist Deb Treherne from Alzheimer’s Australia SA.

ECH Chief Executive Rob Hankins officially opened the night, saying he was delighted to see what Seasiders is doing. “The collaboration with Alzheimer’s Australia SA and Carers SA has been a fabulous one,” he says. “It enables them to stay engaged and contributing in the community. It is always great to see what artists can create. Celebrate and keep up the good work. Art therapy as we see here is just one aspect of being able to have that enriched life.” Deb says it has been “an absolute pleasure” to work with the group since March. “I wasn’t prepared for the dedication that each and every one of them showed,” she says. “Each artist had their own goal to work towards and all their goals have been achieved. The increase in their self confidence and independence has truly touched our hearts.”

Participant Frances Wetherall, who suffered a stroke, attributes her continuous improvement to the art classes. “Deb is an amazing person,” she says. “She comes out with things you never thought of. If we can’t get better here we can’t get better anywhere. There are people here who work and they don’t ask for thanks and we really appreciate it.” After the speeches, guests enjoyed a smorgasbord of food and drinks and mingled the night away whilst admiring the exquisite artwork that adorned the walls of Seasiders. 1. The Create & Connect participants on the opening night 2. ‘Hypnosis’ by Frances Wetherall 3. ‘Betty’s Flowers’ by Rose Holmes 4. ‘River George’ by Albie Burge 5. ‘Masquerade’ by Doreen Williams

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Age is no barrier when it comes to learning Being part of ECH’s Living Well Program has helped to nourish and develop Tom Matthews’ passion for learning. Tom, also an ECH independent living unit resident at Prospect, has relished in attending Adelaide’s University of the Third Age (U3A) since September 2013. “I like to come here because I think no matter what age you are you need to be learning,” Tom says. “If you can’t wake up and learn then what’s the point? It’s also nice to meet people that you didn’t know yesterday.” With a penchant for urban planning and community development, Tom attends discussion groups and educational talks on a range of topics and is involved in a wide variety of activities. “They have people who present here and they are very good,” he says. “I come and listen to what they have to say. There is some material online so you can do follow up research. I like to be involved in talking about politics.” Tom is actively involved with Community Alliance SA, which aims to put the people back into planning and development in South Australia, and is on the management committee as President. He enjoys spending time developing suggestions on urban planning to present to the state government’s expert panel on planning reform.

“I think no matter what age you are you need to be learning.”

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An avid user of modern electronics, Tom embraces technology and believes it is a vital part of engaging in today’s world. “I’ve been using the computer since 1995 for work and for my own use,” he says. “If I did not have it, it would be like chopping my arm off. I use it for everything and I also have an iPhone and an iPad. I can understand how older people might find it intimidating but I think it’s a pity because they’re denying themselves access to information. My neighbour is 94 and he is computer literate. He uses his mobile phone and texts and has a very active mind. We get together and have a beer most days at about 5pm. It’s quite nice.” When he’s not engaged in research or advocating for residents and community groups, Tom commits to running at least three times a week and taking care of his health. “I’m not an athlete but I believe that throughout your life you need to keep you mind fit and keep your body fit,” he says. Over the next few months Tom is planning on developing a social media training course as well as enrolling in a Master of Planning course and attending lectures at Adelaide University.

AGMs of Independent Retirement Living 2013 ECH held its Annual General Meetings in October 2013 at Lockleys, Goodwood, Felixstow and Victor Harbor. Below is a summary of the information presented. Initiatives and achievements 2012/2013: • opening of Seasiders at Henley Beach • Oakden construction completed • Superior Performance rating by Safe Work SA • Self Insured Employer of the Year Award from SISA (see pages 4 and 5) • eight site improvement officers obtained Certificate 3 in horticulture • Warradale land and Salisbury Downs land obtained • transformed Maintenance Services into Property and Facilities Management • independent living unit upgrades • inaugural Independent Retirement Living Expo • welcomed 182 new independent living unit residents

Retirement Living Handbook

To assist residents to better understand our services and as a quick reference guide, ECH has developed a resident information handbook. The handbook gives residents information about ECH and the services provided as well as offering valuable information on a range of topics. The handbook has been divided into a number of sections to make it easier for residents to become acquainted with their rights and responsibilities under their residence contract and to give residents a clear understanding of what they can expect from ECH. If you are ever unsure of any aspect of retirement living with ECH phone the Independent Living Services team on 8407 5111. Video footage of the meetings is available for viewing on our website www.ech.asn.au. Click on the ‘Our Organisation’ tab then go to ‘Video Gallery’.

Important notice for residents: toilet blockages Maintenance Officers have received a number of requests regarding blocked toilets in ECH Retirement Living villages. Please be aware that any material other than toilet paper should not be flushed down your toilet. Recently, items such as coffee grounds, baby wipes and paper towels have caused major toilet blockages. These blockages are difficult, time consuming and expensive to rectify.

Only toilet paper should be flushed. If you have any questions regarding this notice please contact ECH Property and Facilities Management on 8159 4700.

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Bunnings supports day program clients Hardware store Bunnings has teamed up with ECH to support clients from some of our centre-based day programs, actively demonstrating collaborative working relationships.

Notices Do you know someone who prefers their ECH publications in large print or on audio CD? This can be arranged as the Royal Society for the Blind kindly translates our publications into your preferred format. For a copy contact: Publications Coordinator ECH Inc Reply Paid 83158 Parkside SA 5063 Telephone: 8407 5160 Email: publications@ech.asn.au

During September 2013 a group of clients from Seasiders went to their local Bunnings and made bird seed boxes and small tool boxes. “The best thing of all was one of our members who had been wanting to make a kennel for his dog since we started was able to make it with assistance from Jeff at Bunnings,” Coordinator Betty Hurrell says. “The kennel was in a kit form but it cost him nil and his smile was so precious.” At Southern Day Program, clients have been visiting the Noarlunga Bunnings where they participate in a workshop and usually create a small craft piece, such as painting a photo frame or plant pot. Bunnings also provides morning tea for the clients. Clients at Smithy’s Place also collaborate with their local Bunnings several times a year and do a different activity each time. During the last activity, clients worked with terracotta pots, soil and coloured pebbles and herbs. They then painted the pots and planted the herbs and each client was able to take one home at the end of the day. On other occasions clients have done woodwork such as creating pencil and storage boxes, which were assembled and painted. Smithy’s Place Coordinator Kelly Reardon says the Bunnings staff bring everything required, stay for the whole activity and interact with the clients really well. “Usually the majority of the clients participate so on average it’s around 12 clients per visit,” she says. “The clients here really enjoy the activities.”

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ISSUE No. 149 | 2013

PROFILE 2012/13 Creativity a winner at ECH

Want to be on the ECH mailing list? If you would like to be added to the ECH mailing list please contact: Publications Coordinator ECH Inc Reply Paid 83158 Parkside SA 5063 Telephone: 8407 5160 Email: publications@ech.asn.au

Spirited residents love their volunteering Armed with big smiles, jolly laughs and entertaining banter, Clarence Gardens Estate neighbours Val Hart and Hugh Devitt are passionate volunteers who enjoy putting the happiness of others before themselves.

“I love being out and about,” Val smiles. “I think it’s magic. You meet so many friends and eventually you get to be with a group who all do the same thing.”

Val is “British to the core” and moved to Australia with her husband Chris in 1979. Before relocating to their Avenue Road home four years ago, Val and Chris lived at Blackwood. Val worked at Flinders Medical Centre on the switchboard for 18 years before deciding that volunteering was how she wanted to spend her time. “I didn’t like driving home at 11pm and I was tired of doing shift work,” she says. “I stopped working in 1997 and between then and 1999 I got very restless and that’s when I wanted to start volunteering. One day I saw a notice in the paper about the 1999 Australian Masters Games and I decided I was going to volunteer there. For two weeks I did hosting and chaperoning, showing people around and things like that.”

“I’ve been with Meals on Wheels at Mitcham for many years now,” Hugh says. “We have a lot of fun and it’s a very good group. It’s tiring. You’re on your feet for four or five hours each shift. I help prepare the vegetables, dish the food into the containers and wash up. I’ve also been doing the St Vinnie’s food van for years. I can’t actually recall how many but it’s been a long time. I also do home visits with St Vinnie’s whenever I receive a call to say I’m needed.” Hugh also spends time raising money for the organisation by selling badges at shopping centres.

Since then, Val has volunteered with more than 30 organisations and events, including the Tour Down Under, Commonwealth Games, Sydney Olympics, Repatriation Hospital, International Police Tattoo, Tasting Australia festival, Adelaide Rose Festival, CheeseFest, Credit Union Christmas Pageant, various tennis and rugby championships and many more. Val still volunteers with the Royal Adelaide Show, Adelaide Central Market information booth, Adelaide City Council, and meeting and greeting passengers off the cruise liners at Outer Harbor.

Val’s neighbour Hugh, 85, is a long-serving volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Being the dependable companion that he is, Hugh helps out a friend every week by taking her to the shops and out to lunch. He also contributes at the village by putting all the residents’ bins out on the street then another resident brings them in. When asked what he enjoys about volunteering, Hugh replies with a grin, “Making people happy. We have a ball. They’re all good people.” At Clarence Gardens Estate, Val and Hugh are regular attendees at the monthly happy hour and meal events in the communal area. “We seem to do a lot in there,” Val says. “I love the village.”

ECH Inc | 2014 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 |

In a world of verse Walkerville Residential Care Centre resident Ned Holland is renowned for his storytelling and entertaining antics. Also a writer, Ned was inspired to delve into poetry by a legendary Australian author. “I started writing poetry about 50 years ago. I was a great fan of Banjo Patterson,” he says, pointing to his collection of Banjo’s complete works.

The Rose I picked a rose one morning Before the dew had gone Its fragrance drifted on the breeze And I could not help recalling. The perfume that you wore last night Your voice so soft and gentle Your smile reflected by the light Of the moon in her misty mantle. I can only stand with rose in hand And watch the dew drip from the rose With the gentle whisper of the evening breeze That lovely evening drawing to a close. The sun rose higher as I stood there in a dream And the petals they did gentle fall The dew no more reflect the sunlight gleam Still I stood each moment to recall. A single rose those moments did reveal Fragrant and fragile be that bloom Let me not dream may it be for real Don’t linger, make it very soon The petals fall gently upon the bed From where I picked that rose And the bloom its fragrance fled Those dreams I can’t disclose.

Now aged 98, Ned has written too many poems to count. He mainly uses his life experiences as topics for his poetry but notes that one piece of work is not necessarily tied to a specific catalyst. “It’s a hard thing to say what starts a poem,” Ned says. “It’s just your thoughts.” Ned is also a prolific writer of short stories, both true and fiction, and has written an autobiography entitled The Good Old Days as well as his brother Burt’s story of when he was taken prisoner during wartime. To the right are two examples of Ned’s poetry from his published collection called Poetry from Here and There – A Collection of Verse by C.E. (Ned) Holland.

32 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 | 2014 | ECH Inc

My Old Mate Mate, a word loosely thrown around A mate, a pal, a friend, a fellow passing by A person who will lend a helping hand Who will listen to your tales of woe And give friendship and advice so sound That is a mate a friend you know. Through friendship and love over many years Grow the bond so strong to be a mate Overlooking your weakness and faults Never questioning your wants and needs that be Ever ready to listen and comfort you when in tears That is a mate, a strong and trusting mate is he. For forty years I had known him, my old mate We had our differences, but did not disagree Always ready to put aside the differences we had Always ready to lend a helping hand was he I will remember the pal he was, my old mate Always remember the mate he was to me.

On 16th October 2013, Charles Young Residential Care Centre held their show day where residents’ artwork and craft items were put proudly on display. ECH’s Regional Manager of Residential Care Rosanne Collins judged the work and awarded about 20 ribbons for first, second and third prize. The day was an excellent example of ECH’s Lifestyle Model of Care as residents had choice and flexibility in how they took part. The centre’s Lifestyle Coordinator Judith Tanti says the day was a great way for staff to understand the residents and their interests. “It’s a showcase and a highlight for the staff who have been organising it,” she says. “The residents were encouraged to migrate to different wings of the centre for different activities and were all recognised as individuals.”

Best on show at Charles Young Residential Care Centre

ECH Inc | 2014 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 |

Sailing through life’s adventures together Rhonda Loxton’s story of life married to a war veteran was published in a book and launched in Goolwa in April 2013. The book, To the End They Shall Remain, is a collection of first-hand accounts of the lives of war veterans and their families. The Australian War Memorial provided an extensive photographic collection to supplement the stories. Rhonda is a second generation ECH independent living unit resident and resides at Victor Harbor’s Hill Court where she has been for 25 years. Rhonda’s hometown was Yankalilla up until she reached eighth grade where she then boarded with her grandfather in Adelaide and attended Stott’s Business College. “Permission was given to me to join a Nailsworth school trip to Phillip Island,” Rhonda recalls. “On the way back several sailors boarded the train at Point Cook, a naval training base where they were on their way to join HMAS Australia. My younger sister took my autograph book into the carriage and several sailors put in funny things but one wrote a message and I have proof of it today. I had never met this person nor did I know this town but he later said he remembered me standing near the door of the carriage.” A few years later Rhonda’s sister announced her wedding date and said she had met a very nice man, a friend of the best man who would be dancing with Rhonda. “Shock horror, it turned out to be my beloved sailor Mervyn Loxton who had written that ditty in my autograph book in 1941 on his way to join HMAS Australia,” Rhonda says. “He ended up getting me to dance and the bond between us was immediate. He stayed a week in Yankalilla and after that we continued our courtship over the phone. We became engaged five months later and were married within 11 months, in September 1948.”

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Rhonda in her ECH unit at Victor Harbor with the book her story was published in.

was on oto of the ship he ph a ith w n vy er M alia. the HMAS Austr

Mervyn and Rhonda in Melbourne in 1998.

Mervyn and Rhonda enjoyed many wonderful years together, working hard to make ends meet in the beginning and surviving on their love for one another. “I found no tax return had been done and that was a no-no to me but that was my sailor, not a worry in the world,” Rhonda recalls. “He would say, ‘No good both of us worrying so from now on you can do all the worry.’ It was an arrangement he stuck to for 50 years.” Mervyn and Rhonda celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in September 1998 with a big party and it was on that night that Mervyn suffered his first stroke, falling and fracturing his skull. On 11th December 1999 Mervyn passed away. Reflecting on her life with Mervyn and the adventures they shared, Rhonda can only smile and offer her wisdom. “We were very privileged,” she says. “We went everywhere together and had a really happy life. A lot in life depends on your attitude. You can make it hell or you can make it heaven. Those qualities that you love in a person can be found and they can be expressed. I’ve really proved that to people who say they can’t find it. I’m not lonely. Mervyn is still around. Spirit is eternal and it lives on. You only have to think for a minute and you can feel that strength and presence in you.”

Rhonda, who turns 89 in April, has always fostered a ‘can do’ attitude and has given a lot back to her beloved community on the south coast. She was the treasurer of the Ross Robertson Memorial Care Centre Auxiliary and still regularly attends her church at Brighton, was made a life member of the Yankalilla Women’s Auxiliary of the RSL, was involved with the South Coast Choral & Arts Society and played bowls for Victor Harbor Bowling Club. “After Mervyn passed away I became very active in the South Coast Legacy Widows and was president for three years,” Rhonda says. “I also began reading to the residents at Ross Roberston Memorial Care Centre and did that for five years. I read them stories, told jokes and did quizzes.” Rhonda still drives everywhere and enjoys using her computer but her favourite hobby is potting plants. “I just love taking cuttings, raising them and then selling them for whatever group is holding functions,” she says. “I feel this type of activity helps keep one young in mind and heart.”

All proceeds from the book will go to the South Coast District Hospital in Victor Harbor to fund its vital work as well as local RSLs. ECH Inc | 2014 | ECHo! ISSUE No. 150 |

BOOKING FOR

2014 Holiday unit booking form

Please complete the form below and return it to: Corporate Office Reception ECH Inc 174 Greenhill Road Parkside SA 5063

NAME

ADDRESS

Holiday unit bookings ECH provides two well appointed holiday units at Ardrossan and Victor Harbor which are available to independent living unit residents. Making a booking is as easy as completing the form opposite, cutting it out and returning it to Reception at ECH’s Corporate Office in Parkside. The holiday units at Ardrossan and Victor Harbor are two bedroom, catering for a maximum of four people (one double bed and two singles). A few things to remember:

PHONE

• The holiday booking is for seven nights.

MOBILE

• Your week commences on a Thursday with check in after 2pm and check out prior to 10am the following Thursday.

ARDROSSAN

• You will receive a phone call upon receipt of your booking request.

Unit 14, 32 Oval Terrace

• You will also receive a confirmation letter one month prior to your holiday with all the relevant information about what you need to take with you.

Fee for seven night stay 1 person/per night $20 = $140.00 2 people/per night $30 = $210.00 3 people/per night $45 = $315.00 4 people/per night $60 = $420.00 Note: No taxi service is available, bus service arrives at Ardrossan in the evening.

VICTOR HARBOR Unit 13, 7 Acraman Street Fee for seven night stay 1 person/per night $20 = $140.00 2 people/per night $30 = $210.00 3 people/per night $45 = $315.00 4 people/per night $60 = $420.00

BOOKING PREFERENCES 1. 2.

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If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us on 8407 5151.

ECH wishes you a happy and enjoyable holiday.

174 Greenhill Road

Parkside

5063

8407 5151

askECH

174 Greenhill Road

Parkside

5063

1300 275 324

Independent Retirement Living Retirement Living Independent Living Services Property and Facilities Management

Independent living unit enquiries For independent living unit residents

8407 5115 8407 5111

For independent living unit residents

8159 4700

Community Services In-home Programs Clarence Gardens Greenacres Kidman Park Mount Barker Tiwi Victor Harbor

913-915 South Road 1/1 Rellum Road 358 Findon Road 5/2-4 Cameron Road 11 Creswell Street 33 Cornhill Road

Clarence Gardens Greenacres Kidman Park Mount Barker Tiwi (NT) Victor Harbor

5039 5086 5025 5251 0810 5211

8113 6500 8361 5300 8159 4740 8391 4600 8922 6650 8551 0617

19 Cornhill Road 11 Laidlaw Street 1a Warooka Drive Corner Jade Crescent and Hay Street 11 Laidlaw Street 160 Walkerville Terrace

Victor Harbor Henley Beach Smithfield Happy Valley Henley Beach Walkerville

5211 5022 5114 5159 5022 5081

8551 0600 8356 5398 8254 2992 8381 4901 8356 5398 8342 8367

Greenacres Henley Beach Morphett Vale Somerton Park Tiwi

1/19-21 Fosters Road 168a Cudmore Terrace 126 Pimpala Road Grainger Road 11 Creswell Street

Greenacres Henley Beach Morphett Vale Somerton Park Tiwi (NT)

5086 5022 5162 5044 0810

8361 5350 8356 3169 8322 5700 8375 1525 8922 6650

Victor Harbor

33 Cornhill Road

Victor Harbor

5211

8551 0617

Myrtle Bank Morphettville Heathfield Hackham Largs North Ridgehaven Victor Harbor Smithfield Somerton Park Tiwi (NT) Walkerville Kidman Park

5064 5043 5153 5163 5016 5097 5211 5114 5044 0810 5081 5025

8130 6444 8350 3600 8230 5500 8392 6700 8248 9555 8397 0100 8551 0600 8254 4700 8375 1500 8922 6600 8342 8300 8159 4780

Social Programs Ross Robertson Day Respite Seasiders Smithyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place Southern Sundowner Plus Walkerville

Wellness Programs

Residential Care Carinya Charles Young Hillside Holly Marten Ridgehaven Ross Robertson Memorial Smithfield Somerton Tiwi Walkerville Food Services

39 Fisher Street 53 Austral Terrace 177 Longwood Road 16-24 Penneys Hill Road 110 Strathfield Terrace Gate 3, Hazel Grove 19 Cornhill Road 1 Warooka Drive Grainger Road 11 Creswell Street 160 Walkerville Terrace 358 Findon Road