ECHo! Issue 155 September 2015

ECHo! Issue 155

MAKING A SPLASH FOR HYDROTHERAPY www.ech.asn.au

Contents Dear readers,

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32 A new wave in wellness hits the North East.....................................4 Art project brings generations together............................... 6 Honouring her father 100 years on................................... 8 Distance can’t break exceptional bond......................................10 Heal your health through hydrotherapy.......................... 1 1 ECH staff action resident survey results.........................12 Warren’s well deserved accolade................................. 14 A cafe to remember.............................. 15 ECH members reap rewards of innovative IT solution.................. ..16

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It’s hard to believe we are more than halfway through 2015 already. Hopefully you didn’t suffer too much through the bitterly cold winter over the past few months and are looking forward to the sunny days and longer nights coming soon. You may notice ECHo! looks different to its usual design. We decided to give the magazine a revamp and explore a fresher look. There are a plethora of activities and exciting achievements our clients and residents have shared in this issue and we’ve introduced a healthy eating and recipe page, so sit back, put your feet up and dive into this edition. If you have a story or news you would like to share please phone Alexandra Nowak on 8407 5135.

COVER IMAGE. SEASIDE WELLNESS MEMBERS LYNETTE AND JOHN AIRD ENJOY THE HYDROTHERAPY CLASS AT GOODLIFE ROYAL PARK. READ THE STORY ON PAGE 15

Vacation visit creates special bonds................................................17

Southern Day Program lends a hand to St Vinnie’s............30

National Stroke Week.......................... 18

King of the birds........................................ 31

Garden bed blooms in Victor Harbor....................................... 20

Get your unwanted clothes back on the rack..................32

Perseverance gets Bob back on his feet............................. 21

Let’s get cooking.................................... 33

A place where art speaks louder than words..................................22 A legacy of love and commitment.................................... 24 ECH helps keep Anna connected to her family.................. 25 North East Wellness offers unique service.......................... 26 Slow and steady wins the race.............................................. 28 Useful tips on how to recycle right......................................... 29

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.

Every Generation Festival 2015............................................... 34 Weight-ing for the right diet pays off for Sofie........................ 35 A rich history with ECH.................... 36 Choir performance hits high note..............................................37 Midyear barbecue at Ramsay Court..................................... 38 Why our residents love our holiday units...................................... 39 Holiday unit bookings........................ 40

PRINTED AND CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE GREEN PRINT (SGP) PRINTED ON (FSC) STOCK USING 100% VEGETABLE BASED PROCESS INKS.

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SEASIDE WELLNESS AND SEASIDERS

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Special guests visit ECH sites ECH Seaside Wellness and Seasiders Day Program were buzzing with activities and conversation on 30th July when the sites hosted some special guests.

Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, and Federal Member for Hindmarsh Matt Williams MP were welcomed to the sites for a tour and had the opportunity to meet attendees of the programs and enjoy lunch together.

“During my visit I was able to see the vegetable garden, play bowls and meet with the Seasiders members. The government is a firm believer in supporting older Australians’ strengths and capacities to help them remain as independent as possible.

Mr Fifield, who has responsibility for disabilities and ageing, and Mr Williams were able to witness firsthand the ECH services being used to help older people stay active and engaged within their local community.

“It was great to hear about ECH’s wellness approach and how people are looking to maintain their independence and health as they age.”

“As the Minister responsible for aged care it is important for me to get out and meet service providers and older people and hear firsthand about what’s important to them,” Mr Fifield says.

Mr Williams says it was “fantastic” to have Mr Fifield with him to see the wonderful work ECH offers to care for older Australians in his electorate.

“I have been to ECH’s impressive facilities in Henley Beach on a number of occasions and always feel warmly welcomed,” he says.

“One of the morning’s highlights was a game of indoor bowls. It’s fair to say the Minister and I came off second best to some of the more seasoned bowlers.

“Both Minister Fifield and I enjoyed meeting members who use the facilities, a number of whom are now familiar faces to me. It was also a great opportunity for us to speak with ECH’s Executive Team and to discuss the Federal Government’s initiatives to support older Australians.”

1. MINISTER FIFIELD TRIES HIS HAND AT INDOOR BOWLS 2. MATT WILLIAMS WATCHES ON AS SEASIDERS MEMBERS PLAY CARDS 3. MATT WILLIAMS PLAYS BOWLS WITH SEASIDERS MEMBERS 4. MINISTER FIFIELD TALKS WITH SEASIDERS MEMBER PAT FOREST AND COORDINATOR BETTY HURRELL

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

ECH farewells Edith after 40 years In May, ECH said goodbye to its longest residing resident Edith Sutton, who moved to residential care at Woodside.

In 1954 Edith had just turned 60 when she moved into her Blodwin Court unit at Marryatville, and on 18th August she celebrated her 101st birthday.

A special afternoon tea was held at Edith’s new home on 14th July with her family, some of whom were visiting from Port Lincoln. This was the first time many had seen each other since Christmas.

Present were Edith’s granddaughter Sharon, Edith’s son Ivan, his former partner Dianne, his daughter Taisha and her daughter Amelia, Edith’s

granddaughter Tiffany and her children Ashton and Mackenzie.

here as she has family living this way so it was nice to see her.”

Although Edith says she “misses bits” of her village, she is happy to be in her new home, and closer to Ivan who lives at Gumeracha and her daughter Joyce who is at Woodside.

Edith may be the oldest resident at the centre but that doesn’t stop her from going about her day and enjoying the little things like doing crosswords and playing bingo. Not to mention keeping hold of her cheeky sense of humour.

“I was looking out of my window this morning and there was a great big flock of white ibis on the grass,” she says with a smile. “I have good views of the trees all day long.”

When Edith left Blodwin Court her neighbours gave her a lovely card which she keeps in her room. “I owned the place there,” she laughs.

“My friend Mary (also a resident at Blodwin Court) has been to see me

“When we flew Edith to Port Lincoln last September she asked the air hostess how old she thought she was,” Dianne says. “The air hostess replied, ‘Seventy nine’ and she was chuffed.”

Edith says she’s glad she did lots of travelling over the years because she now has plenty of lovely memories to share with her family.

1 1. EDITH AND HER FAMILY (BACK ROW FROM LEFT) TIFFANY, IVAN, SHARON, DIANNE AND TAISHA AND (FRONT ROW FROM LEFT) MACKENZIE, ASHTON, EDITH AND AMELIA ABOVE RIGHT. EDITH’S UNIT CONTRACT FROM 1970, WHICH SHOWS HER ENTRY CONTRIBUTION WAS JUST $3,000

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NORTH EAST WELLNESS

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A new wave in wellness hits the North East

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ECH North East Wellness* successfully launched their revamped premises at an open day on 19th June to current and prospective members, industry leaders and ECH staff from various sites.

The site underwent an expansion earlier this year with the addition of a unit which doubled the size of the space to offer more variety and exercise groups.

Vibrant and eye catching window signage was also installed, making the site more visible from surrounding main roads.

ECH Chief Executive David Panter spoke on the day to an excited audience, reaffirming the importance wellness centres play in helping people to remain active in the community.

“Today marks a change for ECH,” he said.

“We used the opportunity for the refurbishment here to test out the way we want to provide our wellness services.

The expansion and the refurbishment allows more space for services and a better work environment for our staff.”

“I benefited from being here three months ago before the refurbishment and can really see the difference.

It’s a great opportunity to pause and reflect on what’s been achieved so far and what more will be achieved in the expansion of these facilities. Over the next two to three years there will be an expansion of wellness centres across metropolitan Adelaide.

“Thanks to the work of the staff here who have done an excellent job.” *Formerly Greenacres Therapy Service

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NORTH EAST WELLNESS

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1. ECH STAFF KATEY ELDING, MAURO PIVETTA, DAVID PANTER AND PAUL THORNE 2. ROS LOCK, MAUREEN ATKINSON, DIANNE STEWART AND DAVID PANTER 3. KATEY ELDING, ANDREW STOLL, DIANNE STEWART AND DAVID PANTER 4. FREDA COCKBURN, DORA RUGGIER AND MAXINE BELL 5. LORRAINE WILKIN, BRIAN AND CLAIRE SMITH AND HAYLEY ADAMSON 6. JOAN BARTON, MARIE WALDRON AND VALERIE ELLISS 7. ANDREW STOLL AND DIANNE STEWART

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WA L K E R V I L L E D AY P R O G R A M

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Art project brings generations together A special event was held at Pembroke Senior School’s gallery on the evening of 12th August, when year 10 Community Care students and clients from ECH’s Walkerville Day Program exhibited their stunning pieces from their latest collaborative project themed The Places We Have Been.

The annual event showcased the creative talents of the two generations who worked together over 10 weeks with local artist Violet Cooper to craft various art pieces, which were beautifully displayed on the walls of the gallery.

Six clients and nine students were involved in the project, which ran from 22nd April to 24th June, and enabled them to engage in conversation and laugher and assist each other where and when required. The project highlights art therapy as a catalyst for expression and healing, as many of the clients experience a degree of memory loss or disability.

At the opening ECH and Pembroke staff, the students and clients and their families and friends enjoyed nibbles and a chat while admiring the dazzling creativity and versatility of the two generations’ artwork.

ECH Chief Executive David Panter delivered a speech highlighting the importance of this “worthwhile activity”.

“Older people need to remain active on every dimension, feel engaged and remain part of a better community,” he said.

3 “Projects like this bring value to people’s lives.

What has been celebrated here is something we need to cherish and expand out.”

Student Tiasha also spoke on the night, saying the collaboration created “a very exciting atmosphere”.

“These special Wednesday afternoons were packed full of laughter and storytelling,” she says. “The clients made such an impact on my life. Thank you for this amazing opportunity and for making it a reality for us.”

1. KEVIN STEWART AND DIKEA HADJIS 2. HONI AND LIDIA MINICOZZI 3. HANNAH AND JOHN KEPLER

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WA L K E R V I L L E D AY P R O G R A M

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4. ECH CHIEF EXECUTIVE DAVID PANTER 5. ANDREW STOLL, PAUL THORNE AND MICHAEL FERRIER 6. KATE MILL, SARA BLUNT, KATHERINE AND VERONIKA 7. ROBIN AND JOHN MARR 8. TIASHA 9. JESSICA, HANNAH, GEORGIE, EMMA, SCARLOTTE, SREE, TIASHA AND LOIS HICKS 10. DIANNE STEWART, CAITLIN RILSTONE, JACOB AND RHIANNON ARGOTE 11. PATRICIA PAGE GETS HER PHOTO TAKEN BY DAUGHTER JANE RAVESI

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

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Honouring her father 100 years on ECH Scarfe Court resident Lesley Silverblade experienced the most touching moment of her life in April this year when she visited Gallipoli to relive and honour the journey her father and uncles took during World War I. Lesley, 90, took four and a half years to save for Gallipoli Cruise 2015 - a 32-day sail that followed the route taken by the Anzacs, from Albany to Anzac Cove, with stops in Colombo, Luxor, Cairo, Santorini, Athens, Naples and Rome.

Lesley’s father fought with the 3rd Light Horse Regiment - a mounted infantry regiment of the Australian Army during the First World War. The Light Horseman’s slouch hat (pictured on Lesley) was often adorned with what became their most distinctive element - the emu feather plume. This plume became the symbol of the Light Horse, inseparable from its legend.

“I wanted to go and honour my father and my two uncles who had fought at the Western Front and Turkey and Egypt, and being the 100th anniversary, there would never be another opportunity like that,” Lesley says.

Freelance journalist Roz Pulley was also on the ship, looking for people to interview who were in some way connected to the Light Horse and other regiments.

“During our first week on board the MSC Orchestra, they put information on our beds to let us know what to expect and one day there was a gathering about the Light Horse and whoever was interested could attend a meeting on the deck,” Lesley begins.

“Out of 2,500 people on board I was the only one with the slouch hat, and to have the emu feathers in it was the absolute pinnacle. I was looking at some memorabilia on the trestle tables and this lady came up to me and said she was interviewing people on the ship who had interesting stories. I didn’t ask for it, it just landed in my lap and it happened.”

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

FATHER NORM KELLY

Roz proceeded to interview Lesley, telling her very early during their meeting she could not guarantee it will be published.

UNCLE JOHN KELLY

UNCLE NELSON KELLY

then came back to Australia. He and my mother became engaged before he left so when he returned they married. My mother must have loved him a great deal. She came from a middle class family and was trained as a shorthand typist and worked in the city. He was a country boy and took her to somewhere on the Murray and they lived in a wattle and daub hut. One night when I Lesley recalls. was nine months old I was not well and I was playing up so my father got up to attend to me then went back to bed and overnight he had a heart attack. I have no memory of him at all but from an early age we were brought up in a home that revered Anzac Day.”

“Mother made a wreath and we would go to town and after the march, take the wreath to the cross of sacrifice,”

“It got to the last night of the cruise and I was frantically finishing my packing,” Lesley says. “There was a knock on my door and it was Roz. From the time of my interview until then Roz and I became great friends. We had a bottle of champagne to toast the end of the cruise and our friendship. I asked if she had heard anything about the story being published and she said no. The next morning we were disembarking and I went up to the buffet to have some breakfast and I sat down. A man came over to me and said, ‘You’re famous’ and I said, ‘No, there must be a mistake’. He said, ‘Well you’re in the Sunday Mail’. He had been in the library where you could read the newspapers and saw that my story was published. He went off and got me a copy.”

As Lesley’s father died at just 35, when she was nine months old, this article “is all the more poignant”. “It was so unexpected I started to cry,” Lesley says. “I sat there and read and re-read what Roz wrote. I think she was fascinated by my hat and interested in the Light Horse. I was just lucky.”

Lesley’s father Norman Kelly was born in Tarlee. Coming from a farming background made him an ideal rider for the Light Horse regiment.

“My father should never have gone to the war as he had a weak chest,” Lesley says. “By the time they enlisted they had lost so many men and were taking anyone.

He fought in Turkey and Egypt. He became very ill and had two close calls to death. At one stage they wanted to send him back home but he refused and insisted he stay with his men. He was there until the end of the war

Every year Lesley and her sister would attend the Anzac Day march in town. Their aunty lived nearby and had a beautiful garden where the girls could visit the day before the march and pick flowers in lovely colours.

“Mother made a wreath and we would go to town and after the march, take the wreath to the cross of sacrifice,” Lesley recalls. “I remember never missing an Anzac march all throughout my life. This year I attended the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. Being brought up with no father I have always told my children and grandchildren to treasure every moment they have with their fathers.”

Although the trip was several months ago, Lesley still cannot believe she undertook and completed such a substantial feat. “Now it’s over I feel flat,” she says. “It took every ounce of my determination and longing to do it and everything I had to give. It was enormous. Did I really go to the other side of the world and meet these people and do all these things or was it just a dream? It certainly wasn’t a dream. I did it.”

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HOME SERVICES

Distance can’t break exceptional bond

Written by Peter Cabot

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“My mother is an 83 year old lady with multiple health issues and dementia currently residing in Charles Young Residential Care Centre and my Dad, at 87 years old, lives in their ECH home unit in Hove.

Before moving into residential care Mum had been assessed as requiring high-level permanent residential care, given her care needs were considerable. Dad was Mum’s primary carer and with the valuable support of ECH they were both were managing well. It was during this time Mum and Dad became very close to their ECH carer, Karen.

As a result of a stroke in early 2015 Mum’s condition significantly deteriorated causing her to lose her ability to walk. It was always Mum and Dad’s expressed desire to remain together as long as possible, however the reality was as Mum’s condition deteriorated the stress on Dad increased and their quality of life subsequently deteriorated.

Mum required 24-hour care and Dad was not physically able to support her. Mum was placed and settled into permanent residential care at Charles Young Residential Care.

Married and together for more than 65 years this parting, however necessary, was a huge blow and shock to them both. Still in good health, Dad wishes to retain his independence as long as possible so, in the near future, permanent residential care is not an option.

In consultation with their ECH Client Services Consultant, Natalie, we initially arranged for Karen to help Dad with domestic tasks and to take him to visit Mum weekly.

This worked well but Mum and Dad missed each other so very much.

Working with Natalie we were able to increase Dad’s visits to Mum twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays. A nice and caring touch by ECH was that Karen would feature in all the visits, as she is much loved and trusted by them both. This arrangement appears to be working very well.

For Mum and Dad it’s now not so long between visits with the next visit just days away. Already the increased visits have made a very positive difference, so much so that Dad’s expressed desire to remain living in his home seems to be manageable and a very good and real outcome.

Without the caring and personalised help from ECH carers and consultants Mum and Dad’s quality of life, security and well being would be a very different story.”

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SEASIDE WELLNESS

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Heal your health through hydrotherapy A new Seaside Wellness hydrotherapy class is up and running at the Goodlife gym pool at Royal Park.

Led by ECH Fitness Instructor Jodie Mastersson, the class started in April and has so far been very well received.

“Clients are finding their mobility has improved,”Jodie says.

“We don’t make it a chore; it’s enjoyable and the clients are really friendly and helpful to each other.”

Attendees of the class experience a range of health problems including dementia, mobility, and arthritis in the hips and knees.

“Hydro benefits everyone but especially helps those who have trouble doing land based exercises,” Jodie says. “You can do so much more in the pool. One of our clients Ron attends both Seasiders Day Program and Seaside Wellness.

When he first came to the pool he was nervous and we had to put

about three foam noodles around him to give him the confidence.

Now, he doesn’t use a noodle and his strength has improved. He tells me that the best part of his illness is that he makes new friends every day.”

If you are interested in joining speak to your GP for a referral.

To find out more about the class contact Seaside Wellness on 8356 3169.

What is hydrotherapy?

Therapeutic benefits:

Hydrotherapy is a specific form of exercises in a heated pool. The warmth and buoyancy of the water can help to reduce muscle spasm, increase circulation and reduce pain. It is particularly beneficial, although not limited to people who suffer from injuries or joint conditions.

By reducing the risk of aggravation clients are confidently able to improve their strength, flexibility, postural control and mobility.

• Muscular relaxation • Buoyancy of water counters the effects of gravity

• Increased muscle strength and endurance due to greater resistance in water

• Improvement in swelling • Improved balance and core stability

SEASIDE WELLNESS HYDROTHERAPY MEMBERS (BACK ROW FROM LEFT) SANDRA KOSMIN, LYNETTE AIRD AND JANET HOWARD AND (FRONT ROW FROM LEFT) MICHELLE CALNAN, JOHN AIRD, RON KLOPP AND VIVIAN FULLAGER

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

ECH staff action resident survey results In March this year ECH’s Independent Living held a team workshop for staff (pictured below).

The purpose of the workshop was to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the past year and to share the results from the 2014 Independent Living Resident Survey and ECH’s vision for the next few years. Our new Chief Executive David Panter introduced himself and spoke about the Board’s strategic direction following the sale of our residential care centres and what this means for Independent Living.

The survey had a section where residents were asked to provide the name of a staff member(s) and the reason why they would like to recognise them as having provided exceptional service. Any complimentary comments made by residents about a particular staff member in the survey were printed on the certificate. One staff member who received the most compliments, 113 to be exact, was Maintenance Officer Warren Whenan. He is pictured on page 14 receiving a gift from Chief Executive David Panter at the workshop.

ECH engaged leading research company Best Practice Australia to conduct the satisfaction survey of our Independent Living residents.

A total of 1,745 survey forms were distributed to our residents and we received back 1,120 - a 64 per cent response rate.

From the survey there were 15,259 pieces of narrative data collected and 51,939 pieces of quantitative data collected.

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included the key question on recommending ECH - the Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Residents had the opportunity to respond by providing comment on expectations residents have of ECH; deciding factors in favour and against Retirement Living life; deciding factors on either in favour or against choosing ECH; brand association; and feedback on what they think ECH should not change, and do less and more of.

The Net Promoter Score result of +76 is one we should all be proud of.

The result represents a 43 per cent improvement from our previous NPS of +53, which was achieved in the 2010 survey.

To put it into perspective, a survey that was conducted with residents living in retirement villages across Australia in 2013 received a score of +25. Other companies that were surveyed using the NPS include: Virgin mobile (-29), Qantas(-12), Aldi (-9), Bendigo bank (+8), Apia (+8).

At the workshop each staff member was presented with a certificate to recognise their contribution to the high satisfaction results we achieved.

The questions within the survey had a focus within areas of village management; maintenance service delivery of grounds; and maintenance officers. It also

Overall resident satisfaction:

Meeting expectations:

Quality of life:

90 per cent of residents were very satisfied with the service we provide.

We achieved an 80 per cent satisfaction rating

75 per cent of residents agree that living in an ECH

that we are meeting the primary expectations of our residents.

retirement village has improved their quality of life.

This is a 12.6 per cent increase on the previous satisfaction rating of 79.9 per cent.

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

The top three reasons for choosing an ECH retirement village were location; affordability; and reputation.

The top three things residents said ECH should focus on are gardens and surrounds; accommodation; and Maintenance Services.

Overall the level of satisfaction that ECH is meeting the most important expectations of its residents rated at 80 per cent agreement with only eight per cent disagreeing.

When we asked residents why they chose to become part of ECH they told us: ECH offered housing in my preferred location; ECH has a good reputation; I liked the size and style of the units offered by ECH; the contract was appealing; my doctor gave me high recommendation to ECH; ECH was recommended by my friends; maintenance free.

These comments are consistent in both our recent and previous resident surveys and are also representative of our brand and reputation when we have done external surveys. This positive recognition leads to the ‘word of mouth’ referral that is our key driver for people choosing an ECH village as their home.

In previous surveys residents were happy with individuals but disliked the inconsistent service we provided. Through our work on the ‘words that work’; the Knowledge Base; the Resident Handbook; meetings, retreats, phone calls and emails; and the increased confidence in and knowledge of each other’s roles, our residents now recognise and are pleased that we deliver a consistent and cohesive service.

What have we done with the feedback?

The Independent Living Business Unit Managers reviewed in detail the 538 pages of the report which included 15,259 comments.

The review led to improvements in the contractor management process, and new initiatives of follow up to works completed, and also better performance management of contractors.

Since then the contractor management process has been reviewed and new initiatives of follow up to works completed and also better performance management of contractors has been initiated.

The Grounds Maintenance teams have reviewed the comments identified in the survey and especially items around attendance, communication with residents and maintenance standards. The outcome of this review is that grounds maintenance officers will be, where possible, making contact with residents on their scheduled visits to improve the communication link.

In addition, the maintenance standards are in the process of being amended to ensure that works which are required on a seasonal basis are all allowed in the visits planned for each site, and tasks allocated on a priority basis to ensure agreed standard of presentation is achieved.

As further development of grounds standards are introduced, any improvements which may affect a resident will be communicated directly.

Please contact Property Services on 8159 4700 should you have any queries regarding your maintenance or grounds services.

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O U R S TA F F

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Warren’s well deserved accolade “I originally did my apprenticeship as a metal worker at the MTT. Most of my residents would know that that was the Municipal Tramways Trust. I then worked for 21 years at the SA Metropolitan Fire Service and then for a short while, worked independently doing building maintenance, including working in the aged care industry.

In February 2002, I began working for ECH. I find that I enjoy the challenge and variety of building maintenance and I also enjoy working for the ECH family of residents. Interaction with the residents, completing tasks to make their lives easier and seeing the appreciation from the residents is what motivates me.

During my time at ECH I have seen many changes and growth. The major changes that have affected me are trading my two-way radio for a mobile phone, dispensing with paperwork in favour of the tablet, and having direct worksite starts.

The residents’ appreciation and trust that I have received over the years, and continue to receive, is by far the most rewarding aspect of the job.”

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SOCIAL PROGRAMS

COME ALONG TO OUR

Memory CafĂŠ

A cafe to remember ECH is providing opportunities for people with memory loss or early stage dementia to stay connected to social activities and develop friendships.

In Adelaide there are few options for people with memory loss or early stage dementia to attend a regular leisure activity with a friend or relative that is appropriate and fun.

Staying connected with your friends and usual social activities can be a challenge when your memory starts to decline due to the changes it can cause in individuals and relationships, yet social connections, at any age, are an important part of our lives.

DO YOU HAVE MEMORY LOSS?

DO YOU SUPPORT SOMEONE WITH MEMORY LOSS OR DEMENTIA?

If you feel you are losing connections with close friends, or just want to talk with others in similar situations, the ECH Memory CafĂŠ may be right for you.

WANT TO TALK WITH OTHERS?

It will be a chance for people with memory concerns to go out with a family member, friend or support person to a cafe to meet others living with similar experiences.

ECH staff will be there to provide practical and emotional support and to ensure you feel welcomed to the group.

If you are interested in attending or would like to find out more please email marketing@ech.asn.au or phone 8407 5151.

This new group will meet on the third Wednesday of every month from 10am to 11.30am at the Avenues Cafe Bar at Avenues Shopping Centre, corner of Payneham Road and Nelson Street, Stepney.

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O U R S TA F F

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ECH members reap the rewards of innovative IT solution

Staff Profile Q Terry Lines A GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OFFICER When did you start working for ECH and why? I started working at ECH in November 2014. I wanted to work with residents and make a difference to their lives and area in which they live.

Please describe your role and what in it involves on a day to day basis: I am a Grounds Maintenance Officer, which involves maintaining ECH gardens and grounds.

Where did you work before ECH? Before ECH I had a Jim’s Mowing business for six years. I worked in logistics for many years and am also a qualified chef. I completed my apprenticeship at Mt Lofty House in 1990 and have worked in restaurants on Kangaroo Island, Jamestown and Adelaide. I love all types of food and share the cooking at home.

Do you have a family? I am married and have two children. My daughter Laura is an aspiring actress and my son Matthew loves his BMX racing.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Weekends revolve around sport mostly but we do enjoy camping and get away whenever we can.

What is one thing (in your work or personal life) you are most proud of and why? I am proud of my children. They are well grounded and compassionate. I think my wife and I have done something good there.

If you could live to see one future event what would it be? A teleportation machine.

Where is your favourite holiday destination and why? Anywhere away from crowds with friends and family is good.

In July 2014 ECH’s IT department designed a new in-house, custombuilt solution that responded to the latest reporting requirements resulting from the introduction of the Federal Government’s Consumer Directed Care (CDC) initiative.

The challenge was to provide our CDC clients with a monthly, customerfocused statement that detailed where the funds were being spent.

Looking beyond the quick wins of merely producing better looking customer statements, the solution also investigated ways of increasing efficiency in terms of time, accuracy and resourcing.

The outcome was the design and development of an IT tool that has generated an impressive 560 per cent reduction in the time spent to produce

ECH member statements each month.

In December 2014, five months after starting the project, 400 CDC clients received their statement - produced from the new tool - in 16 hours, compared to 60 hours using the previous system.

The introduction of this new approach now enables the ECH finance team to spend this saved time working on other initiatives aimed at generating additional efficiencies for ECH and its customers.

The progressive action that ECH took, and the customer-focused result, was recognised at the Australasian Lean Healthcare Network’s Redesigning Healthcare Symposium in May 2015.

The case study was presented and celebrated in a storyboard format at the conference (above).

ABOVE. FORMER ECH MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT CLAUDIA DIAS MENDES AND ECH BUSINESS ANALYST SARAH BEAUMONT AT THE CONFERENCE IN MAY

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S M I T H Y ’ S P L AC E

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Vacation care visit creates special bonds

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In the July school holidays six Smithy’s Place members from the younger onset dementia group took a bus trip to the Blakeview vacation care centre to spend time with school students as part of an ongoing intergenerational partnership.

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The collaboration started in 2013 and aims to bring the students and members together to create positive attitudes towards ageing and encourage patience and open-mindedness.

The visit is for around one hour and during that time the members talk and play games with the children, assist them with projects they are working on, and get to know more about each other.

One of the eldest children at the centre, Isabella, says she always looks forward to the visits. “My favourite thing about the seniors coming here is that I love helping them out with drawing and other art projects,” she says.

1. LAURA, JIMMY, GEMMA AND NICK 2. HAYLEY AND ALAN 3. ISABELLA AND GLORIA 4. LACHLAN AND JIMMY 5. WYATT AND SARAH 6. STEVE AND SARAH

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National Stroke Week In September each year National Stroke Week takes place across the country in an effort to put the spotlight on stroke, and encourage Australians to become more aware of stroke, understand their risk and what they can do to prevent a stroke.

To recognise National Stroke Week this year, September 14 - 20, we put the focus on Southern Wellness’s neuro rehabilitation and talkback groups.

The neuro group (pictured on page 19) runs alongside the talkback group (above) so participants can access both groups where appropriate.

The neuro group has been running for at least five years and is designed for clients with various neurological conditions, however at present this group consists of clients who have had a stroke, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Parkinson’s Disease.

The aim is to help keep clients as mobile and independent for as long as possible, in turn improving overall quality of life.

Staff work with the clients on functional activities including strength, endurance and balance but also fun games including using the Wii, and playing balloon and ball games.

Clients have reported feeling like they can relate more to each other due to the conditions they have, therefore, making it a fun and sociable group.

They always have a good laugh while still working hard and report improvement in quality of life, strength and balance, and overall confidence.

The talkback group has been held for a number of years and aims to provide services specifically geared for chronic sufferers of Aphasia (a language problem often resulting from a stroke).

The talkback group is designed to provide opportunities for natural conversation and social interaction for people with Aphasia, and aims to alleviate the long-term handicap and social isolation of Aphasia. The group uses volunteers as communication partners in a structured setting.

Clients are often referred to the group from speech pathologists after they have completed individual therapy sessions or need extra communication practice. They are also able to self refer to the group or be referred through My Aged Care.

Clients speak positively about the group. For some it is the only opportunity they have to participate in conversation, as they are given adequate time and support to talk and do not have someone rushing them or talking for them.

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At a group session in July members of the talkback group shared their stories: Graham “I woke up four days after my stroke and didn’t know what was going on.

I thought I was going to be in a wheelchair.

When I first woke up I couldn’t think more than, ‘Hell, life has been good to me’. I’m a fairly fit person and have come out of it. I was at the repat for three weeks and had two girls there who got me going. When I got home I had someone come for speech therapy twice a week and also went to the pool and gym then started coming to this group. Everybody has a little trouble with themselves. There are a lot of frustrations in life. My golf handicap was 10 now it’s 27 but I’m enjoying being back to playing. I’m getting better and will hopefully keep getting better. It took me several months to say a small sentence. I like the people here. I met people I haven’t before and it’s been good.”

Francine “I had my stroke in 2006. I’ll

never forget the day. They took me to Flinders Medical Centre. I didn’t know anything. I was out for more than three days. After, my husband told me everything that happened.

It took me a long time to begin to understand people talking. I can’t explain what the feeling was. I can’t remember being in the car or anything. All I know is it was different. Some people can’t understand me and other people understand some. I have learnt to slow my speech down so people can understand. I like coming here to learn a little bit more speech. I think it helps.”

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Barry

“I’ve had four strokes. I’ve been working on my speech and walking. I was playing 10 pin bowling and it might be one of my aims to get back into it. I have been able to catch the bus from my home at Seaford Rise to Southern Wellness. I like the people here.”

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SOUTHERN WELLNESS

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Wayne

“I had a stroke on 19th January this year. Apart from my speech everything is pretty right. I have been coming here for speech therapy. I have some trouble finding words. In late May I had the driving test and failed. I had just bought a new car and couldn’t drive it. I just wanted to get back to normal. I found out today from my doctor I can get my licence back so it’s all good. I like meeting people. My speech is improving 10 fold. I used to rush a sentence out but I take a bit back now and think about what I’m going to say.

The staff do such a good job here.”

Terry “I had a stroke two years ago.

My wife and I were at Port Germein at our son’s house. We went to a school in Port Pirie with our granddaughter for grandparents’ day. One minute I could hear my wife and daughter in law talking and I couldn’t respond.

They took me to the Port Pirie hospital then by Royal Flying Doctor Service to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. I couldn’t walk, talk or stand. My wife said I was like a rag doll. My main problem was my speech and I lost the ability to coordinate breathing.

A physiotherapist who specialised in breathing gave me exercises.

Sometimes it’s really bad sometimes it’s really good. I have got back into my poetry and joined a choir, which has been fun. It’s done me good. It’s a dreadful feeling to be so dependent on others but coming here and having contact with people who have been there and done that gives you confidence.”

Sioban The group provides one of the only opportunities for Sioban to practice speaking. The best thing about the group for Sioban is the friends she has made.

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5 1. SOUTHERN WELLNESS SPEECH PATHOLOGIST CORALIE HAYLEY WITH TALKBACK GROUP MEMBERS (BACK ROW FROM LEFT) TERRY HADERT, GRAHAM DOUGLAS, WAYNE BOWDEN AND BARRY KIRK AND (FRONT ROW FROM LEFT) SIOBAN MCDONNELL, FRANCINE JACQUES AND VOLUNTEER FLO LIEBEKNECHT 2. JUDY BIRCH 3. BILL KERSHAW 4. BARRY KIRK 5. SOUTHERN WELLNESS EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST CHELSEA O’RILEY AND BRYAN HEWETT 6. SOUTHERN WELLNESS THERAPY ASSISTANT DEB HUSTON AND ADRIANA JUANTA

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

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Garden bed blooms in Victor Harbor After much anticipation residents at Mervyn Graham Lodge now have their own community garden area, with fresh produce growing for everyone to share and enjoy.

As part of a site upgrade 18 months ago a group of volunteers came to set up a raised garden bed in the village, led by organic fruit and vegetable grower Andrew Barker, from Middleton.

This was a first for the group in Victor Harbor who were setting up a Grow Free in the area - an initiative to help the community grow their own vegetables.

The idea came about after resident Gail Van Ryswyk got talking to Andrew, who was giving a speech at a local club Gail is a member of. “Through that talk

Andrew said he would like to get involved in growing vegetables, especially through the older generation, so that’s how we got involved,” Gail says.

Using recycled materials to build the garden bed, the garden gives residents their own supply of organic food, and is a pleasant area for all to work on and socialise, meander, poke and potter.

“We were given dwarf mandarin, lemon and lime trees, flowering plums and decorative shrubs,” Gail says.

“Our local Grow Free volunteers then supplied us with seedlings to get us started. So now we have broccoli, cabbages, rhubarb, beetroot, carrots, parsnips, lettuces and kale. We are set for some wonderful crops. Sharing is caring. Thank you to all for their hard work. It is wonderful.”

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About Grow Free

The group is completely self funded and rely on in-kind donations and support from members.

Grow Free is a group of more than 150 community members (so far) that are striving to grow organic, locally produced fruit, vegetables and herbs for small urban backyard gardens for residents on the Fleurieu Penisula.

Grow Free are currently partnered with the Victor Harbor Natural Resource Centre (VHNRC) and participate in the Market of Earthly Delights run by the centre, where volunteers hand out seedlings and seeds. They also maintain five raised garden beds at the Encounter Community Gardens that are leased by the VHNRC, and donate all produce to the sharing markets for the community.

The members of Grow Free grow the produce in their backyards, not only for themselves but the surplus they grow is given to those in need.

1 1. MERVYN GRAHAM LODGE RESIDENTS FAY CLEVERLY, PAM SHEGOG, SHIRLEY DAVIES, GAIL VAN RYSWYK, LYN EGTBERTS, MARGARET SMITH AND GAIL’S GRANDDAUGHTERS PEPPA AND GYPSY AT THE BLOSSOMING GARDEN BED IN JULY 2. THE RENOVATIONS 3. AFTER THE RENOVATIONS

The Grow Free vision will have far reaching benefits in health, social and economic parts of the community.

All the food is grown locally and organically and then shared for free.

Already the group has shared more than 10,000 organic vegetable and herb seedlings with the community over the past year. The benefits are not only for those receiving the produce but for those giving as well including being outdoors; being kind to one another for no self reward; and getting the children involved and connected to their food.

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SOUTHERN WELLNESS

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Perseverance gets Bob back on his feet In the lead up to high risk surgery in July this year, ECH client Bob Nash undertook an exercise and therapy program at Southern Wellness that got him in the best condition possible to survive the operation.

Before surgeons would perform the operation to remove Bob’s stomach and oesophagus following an operation last September that led to an infection, he was told he had to be fit enough to climb two flights of stairs.

“I was having problems swallowing and I thought it was just because I was getting older but it turned out to be oesophageal cancer,” Bob says. “During the first operation they took out part of my stomach and oesophagus to remove the cancer and it was successful, then a week later things turned bad. I was in ICU with pneumonia and the whole operation rotted. As a result I had a 12-hour emergency operation to remove more of my stomach and oesophagus. Everything I drank went straight into a bag near my throat and all food went through a tube into my stomach I was in hospital for 99 days and 12 days in repat.”

During his recovery Bob was referred to Southern Wellness to commence an exercise program before a third operation. “I got to Southern Wellness and told Chelsea (Exercise Physiologist) I have to be fit for the operation,” Bob says. “I went there twice a week and also did exercises at home. I went on the treadmill and rowing machine, up and down the stairs, I did push ups and used weights, elastic bands and other equipment. I didn’t think I was doing well enough. Improving by 40 metres at the review didn’t seem good to me but Chelsea said it was an improvement. I know that now and how important that was. Something I didn’t appreciate at the time was doing the sit to stand exercise. It’s hard to describe how important they have been to me.

“I could hardly walk before I started and now I can get up and down from the chair because of the sit to stands.”

Describing himself as “a naturally lazy person” Bob was dreading having to exercise but was grateful to have Chelsea beside him to encourage him to achieve great results.

“Chelsea did a very good job of getting me going,” Bob says.

“I said to Chelsea, ‘You’re going to have to be on my back the whole time’. She stood right next to me, pushing me, and I appreciate that. You have no idea how much better I was for having done the class. By the time I went to have the operation I didn’t need the arms of the chair anymore to get myself up. I’ve stopped being lazy and I’ve got someone to push me and I can go back when I feel ready. I didn’t know it was going to be so positive and successful and I was going to enjoy it. I’ve never been one to enjoy exercise but I’ve enjoyed this and going there makes me happy. I am so glad my lungs are healthy now. If I had not done that work I couldn’t have had the operation.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the staff at Southern Wellness for making me feel so welcome.”

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A place where art speaks louder than words Every Friday Seasiders Day Program at Henley Beach hosts the very popular Men’s Mateship Art Therapy Group where the members create art, laugh, sing and enjoy the company of others who all experience some memory loss.

Facilitated by Activity Assistant Leanne Austin, the men are given choices of what art they would like to do. “My job is to facilitate, inspire, instruct and provide all the materials for the members,” Leanne says.

“The classes are greatly valued and enjoyed as we create a relaxing, warm and welcoming atmosphere. We play music and make art lots of fun with laughter and singing. The men get so much from attending the group. They are able to take part in an activity they truly enjoy. It boosts their confidence and they feel very proud at accomplishing things they maybe never normally attempt anywhere else. They like to proudly show their families what they achieve and are able to experience a measure of self worth.”

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Seasiders’ annual Create & Connect art exhibition officially opens Thursday evening, 15th October and will run for two weeks.

This year’s theme is Springtime by the Sea.

Ted “I like the company.

The drawing is something I’ve developed. I also make the frames for the pieces out of Kellog’s boxes. I like bright colours. I didn’t know if I could do it but I’m not too bad.”

“The group and the whole Seasiders community have been a wonderful addition to Dad’s life at a time when he was grief stricken with the loss of his wife of 67 years. We have seen the positive changes in Dad’s demeanour and a whole new enjoyment of life. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity afforded to people such as our Dad who although has a very loving and supportive family, are not always able to fill the void that his peers can.” TED’S

Kevin “I can remember my

primary school days, we had an art class and the guys would always ask me to draw for them. From back then I seemed to have this ability to draw. I like to sketch. I have surprised myself. I’ve had this in me and now I’ve retired it gives me time to do it and I enjoy doing the sketching. My wife is happy I’m here and I’m having fun. You meet people and discuss things and learn from each other.”

DAUGHTER ISOBEL

Ernie “My whole family were painters. I was one of six boys. I paint mainly animals and flowers.

The people are friendly and I like doing my paintings, mainly birds. I grew up near a forest. I remember me and all my brothers would go into the forest and paint.”

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John F “John seems to really

enjoy going to Seasiders and is enjoying doing his art. I think he himself didn’t realise he had a talent for art. Most of all, the family are quite amazed by what he has done with his painting. Doing art has given him another interest or hobby.” JOHN’S WIFE JOY

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SEASIDERS

Peter “I noticed Peter had been doing some good drawings and I thought the group would be something he could integrate into. I would have to say it’s been quite remarkable. Peter is very comfortable there. Just walking into that section you can feel it’s so cheerful and wonderful.

John M “I took art class at

primary school. The teacher said I was quite good. At 15 I was a projectionist at night time and during the day I would sit and do art work. I like trees. They all have different attitudes and no two trees are the same. I would like to have a go at flowers.”

PETER’S WIFE ELIZABETH

Alan “I’ve never done anything like this before. You get plenty of encouragement so I enjoy doing it.

I enjoy putting paint onto the brush and splashing it on the paper. I really love doing that.”

Keith “I get a lot out of being here. We get a laugh here.”

Gary “Thank you Leanne and

helpers for the care shown to Gary with his painting. Gary comes home very happy as he tells me of the lovely ladies making the afternoon pass quickly. To Gary and to me you are all very special.”

GARY’S WIFE PAT

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LIVING WELL PROGRAM

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A legacy of love and commitment Daphne Platten’s world was ripped apart when her beloved husband of 65 years and father to her six children, Jack, passed away in May this year.

Daphne, 84, joined ECH’s Living Well Program in February after Jack moved from their family home at Salisbury East into residential care two years ago, and Daphne began experiencing loneliness and isolation. At the initial meeting, Daphne identified some goals and interests, including craft, and was keen to have some company at home.

Living Well Program consultant Jenny Peel visited a craft group with Daphne, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Daphne even met a friend there who she hadn’t seen for many years.

Jenny also organised a referral to the St John Community Care Program for their Friendly Visitor Scheme to provide Daphne with some social support at home on a regular basis.

Following an assessment with them Daphne was matched with a volunteer, Renee, who visits occasionally on a Thursday evening. Daphne loves these visits where they have dinner together, chat and have a great laugh. Renee

has been a crucial support to Daphne during this time.

Dealing with the death of Jack has taken a huge toll on Daphne, who is managing her own health issues, so she is now having a break from the craft group but is looking forward to getting back into it again. Daphne is also receiving grief counselling through Domiciliary Care.

“It’s been hell,” Daphne says. “I get very teary. For a long time I felt like I didn’t want to get up anymore like I couldn’t face the day. It’s taking me a while.

“I look back on what I had with Jack and what we did together. I’ve got his photos in my bedroom and I talk to them and I think that it’s helping me a little bit.”

“I feel I can still talk to him and that’s what I’m doing. I’m trying very hard to pull myself together.

“We had our ups and downs and we had rough patches as the years went by but my grandma always said to me, ‘Never go to sleep on an argument. Always kiss goodnight’, and we didn’t ever go to sleep on an argument. Even when he was in the nursing home I would kiss him every night. The night he passed away the staff talked to me and told me I should tell him it’s alright for him to go so I held his hand and said, ‘If you want to go love, you go’, and his eyes flickered and I kissed him and hugged him and thanked him for all we’ve had, not knowing he would go two hours later. It was as if something huge had lifted off my shoulders.”

No matter how much warning you get, grief is a landscape no one can prepare for. It is as unique and personal as the individuals we mourn.

If you are grieving or experiencing loss and need support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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HOME SERVICES

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“What’s helped her to stay in her own home is her determination and strong will. And she has a wicked sense of humour.”

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ECH helps keep Anna connected to her family With one sister in Scotland, three in England and two brothers in Ireland, Home Services client Anna Gray is unable to simply pop around to visit her siblings when she feels like it.

To help Anna feel more connected, ECH Registered Nurse Joan Richichi assists her communicate through email with her sister Therese.

“I was coming over to do Anna’s treatment and got talking to Therese when she was visiting from Ireland last year and I saw what it meant to Anna to have her around,” Joan says. “After Therese left Anna was a bit down so I suggested we do something special and Anna was all for it. Therese and I email each other updates and send photos. I print the emails off and show Anna and she keeps them all in a folder so she can look at them anytime. It was good to meet Therese when she was here so we already established a relationship before we started emailing.”

Anna receives regular support from ECH including assistance with the washing and shopping. “I once fell and broke both shoulders and ribs and I was terrified of falling again

so I got the support I need to help me manage,” she says.

“I still do all my own cooking and like cooking lots of different things.”

An avid reader, Anna also loves playing bingo and making friends at her local community centre.

Once a week she attends Seasiders Day Program at Henley Beach for an exercise class and spends hours knitting and doing various art and craft activities. “We get a nice meal there and I like it there,” she says.

“It gets me out of the house and keeps me busy. I like to get out, I don’t like to be inside too much but it is always nice to come home after a day out.”

The biggest highlight of this year for Anna was when two sisters who she had not seen for 20 years - visited in April. “They were here for six weeks and we had such a good time,” she beams. “They really loved it. We spent a week in Cairns with beautiful weather, did a few

trips to Glenelg and visited Cleland Conservation Park, and they came with me to the Seasiders dinner dance in May. They got up and had a dance and really enjoyed it.”

Having worked with Anna for three years, Joan regularly observes the benefits of the services Anna receives and commends her for her positive attitude and enthusiasm.

“Anna has developed a really strong bond with her Home Support Workers,” Joan says. “It’s a real two-way street. Anna’s always got so many stories to share and has a great memory so she always has things to talk about and ask. What’s helped her to stay in her own home is her determination and strong will. And she has a wicked sense of humour.”

“You definitely have to,” Anna smiles.

1. ANNA AND JOAN 2., 3. ANNA (CENTRE) AND HER SISTERS DURING THEIR VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

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NORTH EAST WELLNESS

North East Wellness offers unique service North East Wellness is leading the way in a new therapy service called Foot Mobilisation Techniques (FMT). Practiced at the centre by ECH Podiatrist Michael Sarunic (pictured), the therapy mobilises the joints of the feet and helps restore normal joint function and range of motion.

During FMT the joints of the feet are gently taken through their normal range of motions to aid the body in creating physiological changes to postural alignment. Strengthening and stretching exercises are incorporated along with joint mobilisation to ensure that changes made during treatment sessions are long lasting.

We spoke with Michael to find out more about FMT.

Q A

How would you describe the treatment?

The treatment works on the premise that things work best when they are in the right place.

What we aim to do with Foot Mobilisation Techniques (FMT) is to get locked joints moving initially then renew soft tissue connections in an ordered fashion and eventually shift bones and ligaments back to a more anatomically correct position. This is done by mobilising or moving joints using techniques similar to what a physiotherapist and chiropractor would use.

This is incorporated with exercises that help to strengthen muscles and free up subluxed (slightly out of place but not dislocated) and locked joints. The other benefit of doing this is that the joint mobilisation stimulates the production of synovial fluid which is the body’s natural lubricant so joints can begin to move freely once again.

What is the history of FMT? About 30 years ago a podiatrist called Ted Jednyak came to the same conclusion there were some people who even with our multiple podiatry tools or treatments we were unable to fully help. Ted has spent a huge amount of effort learning and developing these techniques as he sometimes refers to them. He has closely worked with physiotherapists and chiropractors to develop a treatment regime for feet.

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Physiotherapists and chiropractors have been using similar techniques for the rest of the body for a long time but their real area of speciality is on the body. The feet are quite unique and specialised in the way they work (having a quarter of the body’s bones just in the feet) so having a podiatrist doing these techniques is a real advantage.

Who can benefit from FMT? What foot issues does it help with?

Serving an older population here at ECH I realised we have a lot of stiff and painful feet. Orthotics are great but haven’t been the complete solution for these people so I realised there was a hole in my knowledge. I had heard of FMT but the more I searched for a solution the more I realised this was the answer for those painful feet that were still painful even after I had exhausted other avenues.

What are the benefits?

FMT works well for mild to moderate arthritis, Plantar Fasciitis, instead of or in conjunction with

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orthotics (it enables orthotic therapy to be more successful), stiff immobile feet, and really has a place where orthotic therapy has been unsuccessful.

How is this a unique service?

The main centre that provides this treatment is the Foot and Leg Centre in North Adelaide.

This is where I have been doing my training. A small amount of podiatrists in Australia and worldwide also do this treatment.

As far as community therapy services I am unaware of any other service that offers FMT as a standalone treatment. ECH is unique in the fact that we offer FMT in this way.

How long does each treatment take? How long can someone receive this treatment for?

The treatment generally is carried out in 10 to 15 minute sessions initially twice per week then reducing to once per week over a nine-week period. The healing cycle for soft tissue in the feet is six weeks so the average treatment is three months with follow ups at

three to six months once treatment is complete.

Is it combined with other podiatry?

Yes definitely. It is a great stand alone treatment but works really well combined with orthotics, and of course exercise and stretching is also part of the treatment. There is also a lot of checking before we begin FMT to make sure it is safe to proceed and this is really where our podiatry knowledge and assessment is vital. Also if you speak to any podiatrist, good footwear is a high priority especially in the age group ECH assists so this is combined with footwear advice and education.

Is it covered by government funding?

Yes. We are providing the treatment for the government subsidised fee of $20 per visit.

The first consultation is $25.

FMT client Elena Russo talks about her experience with the treatment:

I have been having problems with my feet since I got Plantar Fasciitis last year and it has been a slow process in getting better, not to mention that I’m on my feet all day.

I also was starting to have problems with my knees and hips.

Since I have seen Michael once a week I have made tremendous improvement in the way I walk and stand. My knees are much better and I have no pain in the hips. I feel that without the treatment I would still be having problems.

I would recommend this to anyone who experiences any pain in the foot. I’m still not 100 per cent but with the help of foot mobilisation I feel much better and heading in the right direction.

For more information phone North East Wellness on 8361 5350.

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VICTOR HARBOR THERAPY

Slow and steady wins the race

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Barbara says the communication between Griffith and ECH to organise her rehabilitation was “wonderful”. “The hospital and ECH got in touch with one another and ECH knew I was coming and they didn’t take any time in getting me involved,” she says. “I was very immobile after surgery and it was a very slow process initially. I had a walker, shower chair and toilet seat raiser. I felt like a high care patient.”

Through Victor Harbor Therapy Barbara began attending supervised exercises and education before progressing to the Steady Footsteps group class for eight weeks, then a balance and conditioning group. “I did a 45 minute class then they sent me home with exercises to do which I struggled with,” she says. “I knew I had to do them or I wouldn’t get any better but it was a struggle to even stand up, get out of bed or do anything. I had heard of people who had learnt how to walk again but until you do it yourself you don’t know how difficult it is.”

After some time Barbara also started having physiotherapy for her problematic back. “I thought it was so wonderful to have everything in the same place with the same people,” she says.

“My back is improving and the treatment has really helped.”

Following surgery for a benign brain tumour in December 2014, Victor Harbor Therapy client Barbara Koch began an excruciatingly slow recovery, having to learn all over again the many movements and actions we take for granted every day.

“I had been going to Steady Footsteps for eight weeks at Victor Harbor Therapy for ongoing balance problems before we realised the tumour was affecting my coordination and balance,” Barbara says. “An MRI diagnosed the brain tumour and they monitored it for 12 months then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had an operation for that in September 2014 and in November I had the brain tumour removed. I spent a week in hospital then three weeks at Griffith Rehabilitation Hospital then Flinders for one week.”

Barbara’s determination and patience are fuelling her remarkable progress including walking independently, improved balance, leg strength, endurance, and no further falls. “Over the last couple of months I’ve had the confidence to go out walking and shopping,” Barbara smiles. “You do these things every day and they would have seemed simple to me two or three years ago. I thought, ‘How can these exercises be helping me?’ but they certainly did. Gradually I had enough confidence and got rid of the walker. I’m still going to the classes and I should be able to move up a level soon. I am now driving again and will hopefully get back to riding a bike. We also want to go on a trip or two.”

“My thanks goes to the team at ECH Victor Harbor Therapy.

They have all been wonderful, and to my family for their help and encouragement.”

ABOVE. BARBARA ENJOYS USING A FITBALL AT HOME AS PART OF HER ONGOING EXERCISE PROGRAM

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R E C YC L I N G T I P S

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Useful tips on how to recycle right Using your kerbside recycling bin is a great way to save resources, water and energy. The key to its success is ensuring that only the right items are placed in the recycling bin. Here is a guide to help you remember what you can and can’t recycle.

NO •

Plastic lids from jars and bottles

•

Crockery or drinking glasses

•

Plastic bags and other soft plastics

•

• •

Food scraps

Mirrors, light globes, oven-proof or window glass

•

Tissues and paper towel

• •

Clothing and fabrics

•

Foam trays and cups

Packaging contaminated with food

Polystyrene foam packaging

• • • •

Car parts

•

CDs, DVDs, video or audio tapes

Toys Nappies Garden waste or organic material

YES Paper and envelopes

•

Cardboard boxes and egg cartons

•

Shredded paper (if contained inside a paper bag or box)

•

Cartons such as milk, juice and stock cartons

•

Pizza boxes without food scraps

•

Aluminium and steel cans and tins

•

Metal lids (contained in a steel or aluminium can)

• • •

Empty and dry paint tins

•

Plastic bottles and containers (rinsed with lids off)

•

Yoghurt and butter containers (rinsed with lids off)

Newspapers, magazines, catalogues and junk mail

Empty aerosol cans Glass bottles and jars (rinsed with lids off)

P Keep plastic bags out of your home recycling as they can cause big problems when placed in your kerbside recycling bin. Take your plastic bags to major supermarkets such as Coles or Woolworths for recycling. Look for the plastic bag recycling collection bin at the front of the store.

v

• •

LEFT. CLUTTERBUCK LODGE RESIDENT DENNIS CRIPPS IS PASSIONATE ABOUT RECYCLING AND ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO TAKE NOTE OF WHAT SHOULD AND SHOULDN’T GO IN THE RECYCLE BIN

For more information on what can and can’t be recycled in your area (for example batteries, printer cartridges and electronics) visit recyclingnearyou.com.au or phone the recycling hotline 1300 733 712. You can also find tips on what to do with items that cannot be placed in your kerbside bins, such as oils, light globes and household chemicals by visiting zerowaste.sa.gov.au/at-home or phoning 1300 137 118.

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S O U T H E R N D AY P R O G R A M

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had taken to the depot. Items in the toiletry packs included a toothbrush and toothpaste, socks, a towel, a comb, stationary, deodorant and sachets of coffee.

The group from Southern Day Program travelled to the Fred’s Van kitchen at Hawthorn where Fred’s Van team leader John Lamparell thanked our clients for their effort and donations.

Southern Day Program lends a hand to St Vinnie’s ECH’s Southern Day Program clients donated 71 handmade beanies and 22 toiletry packs to Fred’s Van on 12th May to help Adelaide’s disadvantaged during the winter.

Fred’s Van is a mobile food service program run through St Vincent de Paul that provides comfort and a warm, nutritious meal for anyone who is experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and marginalisation.

The beanies were made from left over wool from a previous project and the items in the toiletry packs were bought with the money from recycled cans and bottles clients

“A bald-headed man who is a regular at our van came up to me the other night and said he’d been looking for a beanie,” John said. “I had a box in the van with beanies and when I gave him one he was so happy. I thought what a thrill to see someone on their bare bones who sleeps rough making such a big deal about a beanie. They are the sorts of things that happen at Fred’s Van. To them it is an enormous help out. The fact you have made the effort for our street friends is wonderful. They will be loved and treasured. It really is a great experience.”

O U R S TA F F

Hundreds raised at Biggest Morning Tea Home Services staff at Kidman Park held a Biggest Morning Tea in May for the Cancer Council and raised a whopping $430.50.

Maintenance staff also joined the group for what turned out to be a successful event and a good time was had by all.

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31

HOME SERVICES

King of the birds

“I retired to Adelaide because of the zoo” begins the measured and British tone of Alan King, who bears an uncanny similarity to the legendary nature documentarian and environmental advocate Sir David Attenborough.

Just like fans of David’s TV series get hooked as soon as they hear that famous voice, Alan too is a captivating character who is commanding from the second you meet him.

“Everyone here at the zoo think I’m a specialist in birds,” he smiles.

“I’ve always kept birds because you can’t keep rhinos in the backyard.”

The local council wouldn’t like that. My first memories are at age two playing with model animals and I got my first bird on my fifth birthday.”

Astoundingly, at 89 Alan is celebrating his 27th year as an Adelaide Zoo volunteer, a dream come true.

“My first job after university was teaching in France then in England,” Alan says. “I went to Ethiopia in 1965 for the British council to be head of General Wingate School

for five years where I founded the first wildlife conservation society then went back to England where I was appointed an OBE and became head of Colston’s School in Bristol. I then landed in Tasmania in 1975.”

office if they had any volunteers and they said, ‘We would love to have you’. My late wife Helge and I arrived at our house in September 1988 and within 10 days I was doing the volunteer course.”

What brought Alan to Tasmania was a scholarship scheme he had developed at the school in Ethiopia recruiting rotary clubs and other schools to sponsor “desperately poor but very bright boys”, with a number of them at Launceston College in Tasmania.

Alan began as a tour guide and was also instrumental in establishing an information booth, along with another volunteer. “That was lovely,” he recalls. “We greeted everybody and gave out fact sheets on the zoo and its mission in 20 languages.

To start with I was volunteering here six days a week. Now I just do Wednesdays.” Alan was also on the zoo Board for six years, from 1989 to 1995, and is still a benefactor.

“The Tasmanian Rotarians came to see the school in Ethiopia and said to me, ‘You must come here to God’s own country, meaning Tasmania, and meet these students’ so I went there and became in charge of languages and a head until I retired in 1988,” Alan says.

“I decided to come to Adelaide because of the zoo. It had been my dream to retire where there was a zoo and there wasn’t one in Tasmania.”

Within a fortnight of landing in Adelaide Alan became a volunteer.

“I remember it was pouring with rain when I came to zoo for the first time and I was about the only visitor,” he laughs. “I asked the

Until recently Alan kept large aviaries of birds, mainly parrots and parakeets, in his garden but as he was unable to continue the maintenance of the collection he donated some of them to the zoo.

“It’s a wonderful thing here,” Alan smiles. “Between the Adelaide Zoo and Monarto we have more than 500 volunteers doing a multitude of things, so you get to make friends with a lot of fellow nuts. The best parts are being with animals, getting to know the keepers and making lots of friends.”

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S WA P A N D S H O P

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House of Serendipity has three stores at: Shop 4 / 4 Partridge Street, Glenelg, 5045 Ph: 08 8294 3121 Shop 2 / 75 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood, 5063 Ph: 0413 147 322 Shop 1 / 33 Beach Road, Christies Beach, 5165 Ph: 0466 698 074 HOUSE OF SERENDIPITY OWNER RACHEL BARNES AT THE GLENELG STORE

Get your unwanted clothes back on the rack

“Please make the bags easy to lift so that our staff don’t suffer,” Rachel says. “There is no obligation to accept our offer, in which case you’ll collect all your items. Or you can accept the offer and collect the cash and any items we return.

A well established and respected retro and vintage clothing store is encouraging more people to do their wardrobe a favour and trade their unwanted clothes and accessories, helping to sustain the business at the same time.

“When you’ve got something you used to wear and love, it’s the best feeling to know that someone else will have the opportunity to have that same feeling with the same item.”

House of Serendipity pays cash for apparel and accessories from the public, only buying what they consider good quality, clean items that suit the niche of retro, vintage, unique and designer items.

“We like our customers to enjoy the shopping experience, even if they don’t buy we love them to have fun and try on outfits. Our staff are really helpful with that too and happy to make suggestions.”

“We don’t do consignment on clothing like most other stores and we don’t charge top dollar. We make sure our prices are good enough that you don’t have to think twice about a purchase.

“You leave us your details with the bags and our managers at each store will sort them usually within a few days,” owner Rachel Barnes says. “They will then contact you with an offer for the amount of money we’ll pay for what we’ve chosen. You won’t get rich on our offer but it does add up and at least you get some cash as well as the peace of mind that your pre-loved items will be respected and loved again.”

“It’s nice to get at least some money for your items and I believe it’s good to feel you’re helping South Australian employment.

The store takes up to three bags at a time and only accepts clean women and men’s retro, vintage, designer, and unique clothing and footwear, as well as costume jewellery, belts, hats, handbags and other accessories.

“When you’ve got something you used to wear and love, it’s the best feeling to know that someone else will have the opportunity to have that same feeling with the same item.”

Let’s get cooking Welcome to this new section in ECHo! which is all about food.

In each edition we will bring you meal ideas, recipes, and general information about food safety, minimising wastage, and making meals enjoyable.

Planning nutritional meals can be challenging for older people and/or their caregivers, but it is not impossible.

Older people may find their appetite has diminished and they eat less in general or they may have digestive issues because of illness or medications. This can cause a reduction in vitamins and minerals as less are taken into the body over time. It’s important to eat a variety of foods from the core food groups: vegetables; fruit; meat/fish/chicken/legumes; dairy and calcium fortified dairy alternatives; and cereals and grains according to national healthy eating guidelines.

The recipes shown here are based on the healthy eating guidelines to provide you with a range of nutrients, fibre and flavour.

If you have concerns about your appetite, if your weight has changed without trying or you have concerns about your nutritional intake speak to your consultant, doctor or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Speedy vegetable ratatouille (serves 2) 1

/2 tablespoon olive oil

1 red capsicum, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed or chopped 1

/2 small eggplant chopped

1 small zucchini sliced 1

/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 large tomato, chopped 1 small can of kidney beans, four-bean mix or chickpeas Step 1: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add capsicum and garlic. Cook, stirring, for two minutes or until capsicum has softened.

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MEAL IDEAS

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This information has been developed by our new Information Officer Hayley Adamson who has worked in past roles as an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Cabbage and mince hotpot (serves 2-3)

1 tablespoon oil (peanut, canola or rice bran oil are best but any oil will do) /2 onion, finely chopped

1

1-2 sticks celery, finely diced 250g lean beef mince or pork mince 45g packet chicken noodle soup /4 cup basmati rice, raw

1

1 tablespoons curry powder 1 cup stock (or 1 cup water + 1 cube of stock powder) /2 cup water

1

/4 large cabbage, core removed and finely chopped 1

Step 2: Add eggplant and zucchini.

Cook, stirring, for two more minutes or until vegetables have just softened. Add the can of beans.

Step 3: Add vinegar and tomato.

Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until vinegar has evaporated. Add a quarter cup cold water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Simmer, covered, for four minutes or until vegetables are tender and sauce is thick.

Serve with a salad, on rice or pasta or on toast tomorrow. Or, a bowl by itself is great with some cheese grated on top. Try it with a tin of tuna or some sliced leftover meat or fish if you’re after some extra protein.

Step 1: Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and cook for two to three minutes.

Add mince and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, for four to five minutes.

Step 2: Add soup, rice, curry powder, chicken stock and water. Season with pepper to taste. Stir until wellcombined. Bring to the boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes.

Step 3: Remove lid and place shredded cabbage over top of mince mixture.

Cook, covered, for three to four minutes. Remove from heat. Stir through cabbage and serve immediately.

Spice up the recipe with some chopped chilli, garlic or fresh herbs or try a different soup such as French Onion instead of Chicken Noodle. This recipe will serve 2-3 so heat some in the microwave tomorrow for lunch or try it on toast for a hot breakfast. You could even swap some of the vegetables for whatever is left in the fridge, e.g. substitute grated carrot or chopped mushrooms for celery.

We would love to hear your feedback, questions or ideas you may have.

Please email Alexandra at anowak@ech.asn.au or phone 8407 5135

34

E V E R Y G E N E R AT I O N F E S T I VA L

Every Generation Festival 2015 Now in its 48th year, the COTA SA Every Generation Festival is one of Australia’s longest running annual arts and community festivals that celebrates positive and active ageing, regularly attracting more than 100,000 participants across the state.

This year the festival will be held from 1st to 16th October.

As people grow older it’s possible to become less connected with others in the community. The Every Generation Festival aims to reverse that trend by encouraging seniors to get out and have a good time, meet with people, and enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Running alongside the festival are the Positive Ageing Awards. The awards pay tribute to the considerable and often unheralded work done by a plethora of individuals, groups and organisations that contribute to the health and wellbeing of our older population.

AGM dates for 2015 ECH will conduct its 2015 Annual General Meetings on the following dates:

DATE

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The ECH sites taking part in this year’s festival include Southern Wellness, Seasiders and Victor Harbor Wellness.

The full list of 2015 events will be available from www.cotasa.org.au from Monday 8th September or you can get a copy of the 2015 program handbook, which will be distributed free across the state the same week to local council offices, community centres, and tourism information points.

So let’s get this party started and revel in the lives and experiences of our greatest assets - the wise, wonderful, inspiring and diverse communities of older South Australians.

ECH is a bronze sponsor of this year’s festival.

VENUE

ADDRESS

TIME

26th October

Christ the King Parish Hall

456 Henley Beach Road, Lockleys

2pm

27th October

Goodwood Community Centre

2-34 Rosa Street, Goodwood

2pm

28th October

Payneham Library Complex

2 Turner Street, Felixstow

2pm

30th October

Victor Harbor Civic Centre and Library

1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor

10am

At the meetings staff will provide information about the future of ECH, the services provided by ECH, details of expenditure for the 2014/2015 financial year, as well as the budget estimates for the 2015/2016 financial year.

Responses to Questions on Notice and questions from the floor are also provided.

ECHo! ISSUE 155

35

INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

Weight-ing for the right diet pays off for Sofie

Well done Sofie.

Mervyn Graham Lodge resident Sofie Vrinssen has achieved a great milestone for her health.

She recently became Victor Harbor Weight Watchers’ second highest weight loss achiever in the state, losing an impressive 24.3 kilos.

After spending years dieting and trying every new fad imaginable, Sofie was at her wit’s end but knew it was becoming a serious problem she could not avoid.

“My doctor told me to lose weight and I said to him, ‘You’ve got two choices - Buckley’s or none’,” she laughs. “But I knew I had to do something. I was aware the group was here but I kept putting it off. I started the diet on my birthday in 2014, on 9th January.”

The group meet every Thursday at the Church of Christ. Services include weight management, motivational talks, guest speakers, information sessions and competitions to encourage weight loss and management.

“When I started they explained which foods I should combine and then they gave me a menu for the first few months which I stuck to until I started to do it on my own,” Sofie says. “I write down what I have to eat for my five meals every day and I always sit down at the table to eat. That is important.

“The encouragement at the group is wonderful and they explain everything. The president does a marvellous job.”

“She says to always read the labels when you do the shopping. That’s what I didn’t have before.

“We do some exercises at Weight Watchers and I do my exercises at home. I do a lot of squats, about 20, then do something different and then go back to squats.”

At the June group presentation Sofie received a plant and sash (pictured) to acknowledge her success.

Through determination and perseverance Sofie has demonstrated that when you set your mind to something it can happen. “I was so proud of myself, I really was,” Sofie beams. “I didn’t think I could do it because I was on diets for years and years but anybody can do it if they put their mind to it.

“Being in the group you realise we are all there for the same reason. “The encouragement has helped me a lot and you make some beautiful friendships. It’s been very hard but things don’t get me down easy.”

Sofie is also Mervyn Graham Lodge’s champion knitter.

Her prowess with the needles is a sight to behold. She knits for a local pharmacy, making scarves, beanies and hats for premature babies.

Sofie walks every day and exercises with local Big W staff before they open their doors. She has the most infectious laugh and is a joy to have in the village.

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

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2

1

A rich history with ECH At a time when workers change jobs more frequently, it is refreshing to meet someone who can share a glimpse of the rich knowledge garnered from working for the same organisation for many years.

residents he got to know and form bonds with is warming. As he gets comfortable in his lounge room chair and begins talking, it becomes clear the memories are as fresh as though it all happened just yesterday.

Colin Harvie is one of these people, having worked as a maintenance officer for 17 years since joining ECH in 1972 when the organisation was not even a decade old. His links to ECH continue today as a resident at Scarfe Court in Norwood.

“One morning I was at Dew Street at Thebarton on the driveway talking to three or four ladies,” Colin recalls. “I can still see it. A resident from across the road came over and as she approached us she fell. I went over and lifted her up and she said to me, ‘Oh Colin be careful, I haven’t got any pants on!’

Things like this always made me laugh.”

“I walked into the offices at Walkerville, asked if they had a job vacant and the boss at the time said as a matter of fact they do,” Colin begins. “I said I had been making and installing fly screens for the last six years and he looked at me and said, ‘You’re just the bloke we want’ so I went about fixing doors and screens, tiling, fixing leaking taps and showers, and doing general maintenance on the units. ECH was in the early stages then. When I started I was on $67 a week and later did weekend work for just $5 and we accepted it. I enjoyed my job, going out working in the units with people. It was wonderful.”

Colin’s passion for reminiscing and sharing stories about the many

Colin became much more than just a maintenance officer; he was a friend and companion to many and, unofficially, a social worker. “Back then I would do all sorts of things like cut ladies’ nails and spend time listening to them if they needed someone to talk to,” Colin says.

“My wife was a social worker with Domiciliary Care and she taught me how to do these things. You’d be working on a washing machine and the residents would tell you their whole history. You just let them.

Letting people talk was one of the highlights.”

When asked what has been one of the most memorable times during

3 his working days Colin says it has to be visiting Tokyo for a gerontology conference with his wife through her work. “I met people from all around the world and when I told them what we did at ECH they couldn’t believe it,” Colin beams.

“The Japanese industry was not as advanced as we were. We were mostly ahead and up to date with a lot of things in the industry. Mr Charles Young (the then Executive Director of ECH) was really a top man and got things done. ECH was really going ahead.”

Reflecting on his retirement, Colin says it was a day he will never forget. “I was taken up to head office and all the staff including Charles Young were there,” he says. “They all gathered and gave me a presentation, a gift and a card and that to me is absolutely precious and something I still treasure today.”

1. COLIN AND HIS SON STEPHEN WHO ALSO WORKED FOR ECH 2. COLIN RECEIVING HIS RETIREMENT GIFT FROM CHARLES YOUNG 3. A THANK YOU LETTER TO COLIN FROM A RESIDENT

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S O U T H E R N D AY P R O G R A M

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Members from the Sing Australia Glenelg choir brought their songs and smiles for an afternoon concert for our Southern Day Program clients and their families on 6th July.

1

2

3

4

Choir performance hits a high note

5

6

The repertoire included classics like Dancing Queen by Abba, Day Trip to Bangor by Fiddlers’ Dram, Believer by The Monkeys, Song Sung Blue by Neil Diamond, Summer Holiday by Cliff Richards, Now I Can Dance by Tina Arena, We Will Rock You by Queen, and a finale of Love is in the Air by John Paul Young.

The choir encouraged singing and dancing, which there was plenty of, and after the performance everyone enjoyed a chat and some afternoon tea.

1. GLADYS AND ARTHUR PLUNKETT 2. DENIS POWELL AND MARGARET GRIFFITHS 3. RON AND DIANE ADAMS 4. KEN PRIME AND KEITH BEEGEL 5. DAWN WINTER AND PEG LAWRENCE 6., 7. STAFF AND MEMBERS HAVING A DANCE

7

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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING

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Milestone birthdays celebrated at Clarence Gardens Estate One of ECH’s oldest residents Audrey Birt celebrated her 103rd birthday on 25th June.

“It was absolutely wonderful,” she says. “I never expected anything like it. I had so many cards and visits and my family took me out for lunch. I’m very lucky.”

My birthday poem

by Meg Burgess

Fellow Clarence Gardens Estate resident Meg Burgess celebrated her 85th birthday on the same day.

Today is a day for a birthday for me Nothing has changed over the years, as you see I’m still upstanding and breathing alone But daren’t go out without my phone.

Lying in bed on the morning of her birthday, a few thoughts came to Meg’s mind, which she turned into a poem. Meg read the poem, right, at the celebratory birthday meal held for the ladies at the village the following evening.

But over the years a few problems crept in My eyes are not perfect and my hearing’s in a spin But don’t be mistaken and don’t be misled There’s life in this old body and I’m still good in bed For a good night’s sleep, of course, what were YOU thinking?

But life goes on and I plan to live long Long into 90s and even beyond I wish you all well and my thanks are sincere And I hope to see ya’ll in the forthcoming year

Midyear barbecue at Ramsay Court The money collected from donating bottles and cans enabled Ramsay Court residents Arthur and Karen Beevor to host another barbecue at their unit in St Peters under the pergola.

The tenants bring the bottles and cans to Arthur when there is around $20 worth.

This is done about four and six times a year and usually works out to about $120 to $140 a year,” Arthur says. “If we do not raise enough we all put our hands in our pocket to make up the deficiency. We have been putting

on the barbecues since we came here, around seven years ago.”

There is usually two barbecues a year; one mid-year for Christmas in June/July when the weather permits, and the other in December.

Most residents attended, along with four guests. Those that make it for the 11.45am start with their BYO drinks partake in nibbles

and spreads followed by Arthur’s special recipe hamburgers, marinated chicken pieces, sliced pork belly and of course the sausages, with salads brought by tenants and guests. This is followed by tea and coffee prepared by Karen.

The main aim is that all those who attend have a great time.

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39

H O L I D AY U N I T S

Why our residents love our holiday units

RESIDENT: JACK VILLAGE: WARREN COURT, GLENELG NORTH HOLIDAY UNIT LOCATION: ARDROSSAN

RESIDENT: BARBARA VILLAGE: FARRAR COURT, GLENELG NORTH HOLIDAY UNIT LOCATION: VICTOR HARBOR

RESIDENTS: HARVEY AND MARGARET VILLAGE: VICTORIA COURT, BROOKLYN PARK HOLIDAY UNIT LOCATION: ARDROSSAN

How many times have you visited our unit at Ardrossan? This was my first time. I would love to go there again.

How many times have you visited our units at Victor Harbor? Six times - three times at unit seven and three times at unit 13.

How many times have you visited our unit at Ardrossan? Four times 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015

What prompted you to go there?

Fishing. I’ve been going away two to three times a year, sometimes south or north, as far as Edithburgh, but I’ve never been to Ardrossan before.

I loved it.

What prompted you to go there?

Change of scenery; the quietness; memories of and with the children; and all facilities are within walking distance.

How would you describe your stay?

What are the amenities like? What is it close to? Most enjoyable. It had everything I needed. It was clean and tidy and very comfortable. It was a home away from home. There was no noise, it was a very quiet street. You do need the car to get to the main centre, shops and jetty.

What did you do while you were there? As you know a week goes past very quickly, especially when you are having fun. There is a supermarket, two hotels, a hospital, a newsagency, a boat ramp, and the most important - bait and tackle shop. I don’t have a boat anymore but I am more than happy to fish off the local jetty.

Why would you encourage other people to use it? It’s not that far to drive to, it’s not expensive, it’s a lovely unit that has got all the comforts, it’s quiet and peaceful with all the amenities one needs. It depends on what hobbies you have but in my case it was perfect for what I wanted to do.

How would you describe your stay? What are the amenities like? What is it close to? Peaceful, enjoyable, close to all shops and beach front. The taxi drivers are polite. There are markets in Victor Harbor on weekends. Pleasant neighbours.

What did you do while you were there? Took the train to Goolwa and markets, horse tram to Granite Island, enjoyed lovely pub meals, and wonderful shops are accessible.

Why would you encourage other people to use it? I have spoken well about having a holiday there to ECH residents. There is walking frame accessibility.

What could we improve? I have requested a hand rail to get up the steps in the back foyer.

What prompted you to go there?

We were made aware through the regular ECHo magazine.

How would you describe your stay?

What are the amenities like? What is it close to? Very satisfactory, very adequate. Close to the oval where there are local footy matches. The unit it within walking distance from the centre of town and is very spacious. There is no lack of any convenience. We enjoy a barbecue in the cosy backyard.

What did you do while you were there? We were able, on each day of the whole week, to walk into town as the weather was perfect sunny autumn days. On each of our stays in other years, we experienced windy days which locals said was usual for the month of May. The museum has a special feature on the introduction of the stump jump plough, made by a local man.

Why would you encourage other people to use it? It certainly is lovely and we would encourage other people to use it. Having a car is essential. The bus from Adelaide arrives around midnight and there is no taxi service. Many towns on Yorke Peninsula are easy to access with reasonable roads. We have no complaints whatsoever.

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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.

Please complete the form below and return it to: Retirement Living ECH Inc 174 Greenhill Road Parkside SA 5063 Ph: 8407 5115

The holiday units at Ardrossan and Victor Harbor are two bedroom, catering for a maximum of four people (one double bed and two singles).

NAME ADDRESS

PHONE MOBILE

ARDROSSAN Unit 14, 32 Oval Terrace 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.

A few things to remember:

VICTOR HARBOR

•

The holiday booking is for seven nights.

Unit 13, 7 Acraman Street

•

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

•

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

•

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

BOOKING PREFERENCES 1.

2.

✂

2015 HOLIDAY BOOKING FORM

40

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us on 8407 5115.

Contact us

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

Corporate Office

174 Greenhill Road

Parkside

5063

8407 5151

askECH

174 Greenhill Road

Parkside

5063

1300 275 324

Independent Retirement Living Retirement Living

Independent living unit enquiries

8407 5115

Independent Living Services

For independent living unit residents

8407 5111

Property Services

For independent living unit residents

8159 4700

Community Services Home Services Clarence Gardens

913-915 South Road

Clarence Gardens

5039

8113 6500

Greenacres

1/1 Rellum Road

Greenacres

5086

8361 5300

Kidman Park

358 Findon Road

Kidman Park

5025

8159 4740

Mount Barker

5/2-4 Cameron Road

Mount Barker

5251

8391 4600

Victor Harbor

33 Cornhill Road

Victor Harbor

5211

8551 0617

Ross Robertson Day Respite

19 Cornhill Road

Victor Harbor

5211

8551 0600

Seasiders

11 Laidlaw Street

Henley Beach

5022

8356 5398

Smithy’s Place

1a Warooka Drive

Smithfield

5114

8407 5250

Southern

Corner Jade Crescent and Hay Street

Happy Valley

5159

8381 4901

Sundowner Plus

11 Laidlaw Street

Henley Beach

5022

8356 5398

Walkerville

160 Walkerville Terrace

Walkerville

5081

8407 5285

Social Programs

Wellness Programs Greenacres

1/19-21 Fosters Road

Greenacres

5086

8361 5350

Henley Beach

168a Cudmore Terrace

Henley Beach

5022

8356 3169

Morphett Vale

126 Pimpala Road

Morphett Vale

5162

8322 5700

Victor Harbor

33 Cornhill Road

Victor Harbor

5211

8551 9100