ECHo! Issue 154 May 2015

ISSUE No. 154 | MAY 2015

ECH welcomes new Chief Executive

ECH enriches the lives of older people through independent living and community services

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Dear readers, To honour the Anzac Centenary this edition features a handful of stories from some of ECH’s residents and clients that offer a small insight into their experiences and journeys during the war. We have officially welcomed our new Chief Executive Dr David Panter (page 2) who started with us in March and we are very excited to hold an open day on 19th June to celebrate the expansion of North East Wellness (page 17). Please remember to contact us if you have a story or news you would like to share by phoning Alexandra Nowak on 8407 5135.

Cover Story Industry leader joins ECH 100 Years of Anzac A tribute of respect and remembrance An ordinary man’s extraordinary journey A love that outlasted war In memory of our fallen soldiers A life of service A second chance at happiness Letters keep memories alive Kevyn sets sail to Antarctica New pergola brings Walker Court together Boxercise kicks off at Seaside Wellness John’s creativity flourishes at Seasiders MyHomeReach helps clients to stay in touch Pursuing art passion leads to healing A new look for North East Wellness Shane’s life is back on track Staff Profile: Vicki Blackman Shared love of art brings strangers together Janet brings joy to many families Penny the pooch visits Southern Day Program Tongs and songs were out for Australia Day celebrations

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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.

Council grant provides outing for Crichton Court Perfect day for a visit to Haigh’s A High Tea to celebrate 90 Village celebrates two special birthdays Village raises money for Cancer Council MP visits ECH sites Independent Living Services News New mural at Smithy’s Place Barb’s small actions get big results Not just an exercise class A dinner dance to remember ECH receives significant bequests In memory of Percy Gow Holiday unit bookings 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

Printed and certified Sustainable Green Print (SGP) Printed on (FSC) stock using 100% vegetable based process inks.

Cover Image: ECH Chief Executive Officer Dr David Panter.

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COVER STORY Industry leader joins ECH ECH’s new Chief Executive Dr David Panter joined our organisation in March, from 10 years in senior leadership roles in SA Health and brings with him a real passion for creating opportunities for people to remain well and active throughout their lives.

David’s experience spans both the health and local government sectors in the United Kingdom, as well as the successful translation of his expertise to the South Australian public health service when he was recruited in 2004 as the inaugural Chief Executive of the Central Northern Adelaide Regional Health Service.

During his career, David has had considerable involvement in the delivery of community-based services for older people. In the UK he was one of a small number of public sector leaders with direct experience in both health and social care services to older people. Consequently, he spent three years on the Blair Government’s National Older Persons Taskforce advising the Government on the integration of services for older people.

Between 2001 and 2004 David was the Chief Executive of the Brighton & Hove City Council with more than 8500 staff and an annual budget of more than £600 million and responsibilities across aged care, housing, education and health.

Whilst there, he oversaw the transition of 18,000 public housing units into a resident-led management structure.

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Most recently, David was Chief Executive for the Central Adelaide Local Health Network where he led an organisation of more than 10,000 staff on multiple sites and was also responsible for the design and development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.

David says he is looking forward to the challenge of responding to the ever-changing needs of older people. “It’s about being able to ensure that we create opportunities for people to remain well and active throughout their lives and to do so living within their own homes or in moving into one of our independent living units,” he says. “Our focus is to enable our residents and clients to live, if they choose to, independently their entire lives.

“My job is to work with the Board and staff within ECH to create a positive vision of healthy ageing.

From that flows all the things we are currently doing including providing affordable housing options, community services and critical support for people to live active and independent lives.

“There is enormous opportunity for this organisation. Everywhere I’ve visited so far, which is across most of our services, I’ve seen how committed, creative and positive the ECH team is, which makes for a really exciting future.”

With a strong focus on maintaining a healthy work life balance, David takes great pleasure in spending time on his 40-acre farm near Cape Jervis, which his partner Desmond manages on a day to day basis. There they raise Wessex Saddleback pigs (seen below) and grow fruit and vegetables, which they sell, along with fresh pork.

100 YEARS OF ANZAC Honouring 100 years of Anzac Between 2014 and 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War. The Anzac Centenary is a milestone of special significance to all Australians. The First World War helped define us as people and as a nation.

During the Anzac Centenary we will remember not only the original Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women.

A tribute of respect and remembrance A community project to create a massive field of thousands of hand-made red poppies in Federation Square in Melbourne for Anzac Day 2015 attracted interest from around Australia, including ECH’s very own Southern Day Program.

From its association with poppies flowering in the spring of 1915 on the battlefields of Belgium, France and Gallipoli, the poppy has become a symbol of both great loss in war and hope for those left behind.

The project is now planned to tour nationally from 2015 to 2018 and then be gifted to the Australian War Memorial for future generations and all Australians to enjoy.

The project was the brainchild of Melbourne woman Lynn Berry, who first put the call out two years ago requesting 120 poppies to honour her father who served in World War II. After reaching her goal she took the project online and set a new challenge in a blog post to collect 5,000 poppies.

The initial target of 5,000 poppies was revised to more than 250,000 with an influx of contributions from crafty-types all wanting to help remember the sacrifices of servicemen and women in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Southern Day Program Activity Assistant Melanie Tee discovered the project in October 2014 when she was talking to someone at an Every Generation Festival event. “A lady was knitting them and gave me the pattern so I showed the knitters in our program and they really liked the idea,” she says. “It’s an achievable pattern that you can do in one day. Some ladies helped by winding wool, stitching and putting the buttons on in the middle, and some crocheted and knitted. They have all done their bit and some staff also knitted at home in dedication of family members. We made around 178 poppies. Knitting the poppies has encouraged clients to continue knitting at home.”

Southern Day Program members (sitting from left) Anne, Sandra and Nyra, (standing from left) Barb, Activity Assistant Mel and Pat.

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100 YEARS OF ANZAC An ordinary man’s extraordinary journey Little Adelaide Village resident Pat Rothery is one of around 100 surviving Arctic convoy veterans who received the rare Russian Ushakov medal for bravery, acknowledging his efforts in delivering vital supplies to Russia during World War II. In what war-time British leader Winston Churchill called “the worst journey in the world”, about 1,400 vessels delivered much-needed war supplies to the Soviet Union after it was invaded

by Germany. The struggle to provide the supplies cost the lives of around 3,000 sailors and merchant seamen.

Pat, 95, was also awarded an Arctic Star medal seven decades after the mission across dangerous and freezing Arctic seas to recognise his service and bravery. This is his story in his own words:

‘Movement along the open deck in such circumstances was not made easier because of the protective clothing and equipment carried. In addition to the outer Arctic clothing with a fur-lined hood, we wore heavy above the knee leather sea boots with two pairs of stockings (one pair made of greasy wool), flannel trousers, a polo necked jumper, a life belt, and a belt with a seaman’s knife. Also included were supplies of morphine syringes and Benzedrine (speed) tablets that were only to be taken during long periods at action stations. Add to this a heavy pair of navy issue Barr & Stroud binoculars plus gloves and mittens and, as a consequence, one could only shuffle along the ice heaving deck. A change of clothing was not possible during a trip which sometimes lasted up to three weeks.

In those days, a destroyer’s bridge was open and the sea water would often break green over its occupants and freeze on impact.

Freezing breath resulted in icicles forming on beards and eyebrows, presenting a weird Santa Claus image with exposed portions of the face white with salt deposit.’

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I was born in London in 1919 and brought up in Cloonfannon by my grandparents, I have very fond memories of childhood on my grandparents’ farm, between Drumod and Mohill in the parish of Anaduff in County Leitrim, Ireland. Although conditions were primitive by today’s standards and times were very hard in the 20s and 30s, I was very much loved and treated very well by my kind and generous grandparents. They had subsistence living down to a fine art.

After I completed my primary schooling I attended Saint Mel’s College in Longford, Ireland and it was in 1937 that I returned to England and became involved in the aircraft industry until the outbreak of the war in 1939.

After serving a stint with the Local Defence Volunteers, later known as the Home Guard or Dad’s Army, I joined the Royal Navy as an ordinary seaman from the aircraft industry in late 1940. After a period of training I was sent to sea in the destroyer, HMS Boreas, ostensibly for a period of three months for sea experience, as I had been selected for training for a commission on completion providing I received a recommendation from the captain.

A small group of us, known as Commission Warrant (CW) Candidates had joined the ship.

The ship was sent to the South Atlantic, based on Freetown, Sierra Leone, escorting fast 15-knot troop-carrying convoys along the West Coast of Africa. It did not return to the UK for seven months. I would class the first week on Boreas as the most miserable of my early life. We left Liverpool and sailed with a convoy bound for Gibraltar through the Bay of Biscay, which was extremely rough and I suffered so much from sea sickness I wanted to die.

After service on HMS Boreas I attended HMS King Alfred for an Officers Course and was commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant. I was appointed to HMS Impulsive, a fleet destroyer which was re-commissioning at Southampton in May 1942.

After one or two trips escorting convoys across the North Atlantic to Canada our ship was sent to Iceland where it became involved in the Arctic Convoys to Russia. In June 1941 Operation Barbarossa breaching the non aggression pact between Germany and Russia was launched with such ferocity that in the first day 2,000 Russian aircraft were destroyed and three Russian army divisions could not be accounted for.

I left Impulsive in November 1943 on secondment to the Royal Indian Navy. I attended a long anti-submarine (ASDIC) course now known as sonar, and served some sea time in the Bay of Bengal. I was appointed Port Anti-Submarine Officer for the port of Karachi and was later appointed Chief Instructor at a combined antisubmarine establishment, HMIS Machlimar, near Bombay. I was demobilised from the Navy at the end of 1946 just before India was partitioned.

While in India I met Jo, who was serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) with the RAF in Bombay. She was the first WAAF to land in Bombay and this very glamorous blonde was pictured coming down the gangplank on the front page of the Times of India. Through a stroke of fate we met several months later on a group blind date, and I instantly recalled seeing the ‘it girl’ on the front page. She was to become the love of my life. We had a long and happy marriage lasting more than 60 years and had four children. To my great sorrow Jo died in February 2006.

After arriving back in the UK with my wife and first child I rejoined the aircraft company at which I had previously been employed and became involved in research and development of aircraft automatic pilots and airborne instrumentation.

This led to an involvement in missile systems and remotely controlled aircraft and the arrival in Australia on a three year contract for trials work at the newly established range facility at Woomera in 1950.

At the end of the three year period we decided to stay and became involved in various aspects of target aircraft including the conversion of 25 Canberra Bombers and 77 Meteor Mk9 fighters to the remotely controlled drone role for use as the air to air and ground to air targets at Woomera. I then became involved in space tracking and charged with the responsibility of managing all contractor personnel for the operation and maintenance of all NASA space tracking stations and facilities in Australia.

Apart from my pride in the achievements of my family, I count the winning of that highly competitive NASA contract, and receiving a commission in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as highlights of my personal career.

I was involved in six trips to the Arctic and suffered a number of near misses and the most vicious sea conditions anywhere. Somehow it is extraordinary how humans, in due time, adapt themselves to accepting that type of hazardous existence as if it were normal, forming close bonds with those sharing the same conditions.

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100 YEARS OF ANZAC A love that outlasted war Despite meeting amid the chaos of World War II and being kept apart for two years, Norm and Jane Neale's relationship sustained the long separation and they have enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage.

During the war Norm completed three months of training before going out to sea as a minesweeper for a few weeks. He was then transferred to Scotland, which is where he met Jane. "We met in 1944 when we were both crew on the naval base," Norm recalls. "Jane worked in the sick bay, making beds and taking food to patients. We were at the camp cinema and got introduced. We had strong mutual interests. We became engaged in February 1945 and within a week I was on my way to Australia. We wrote letters to each other and got married when I returned."

Norm was sent out to sea on the HMS Argonaut with the Royal Navy as a cruiser. "Three months at sea without ever going to shore was quite an experience," Norm says. "There were about 600 men on the ship. They were a great crew and I had a pretty decent time." The HMS Argonaut had an active life of just five years: a short, chequered career, action-packed from the extremes of the Arctic to the Pacific Ocean.

A significant event that Norm still vividly remembers today was when he and hundreds of others marched down King William Street after the war ended and had lunch at the Adelaide Town Hall. "The ship called into Adelaide in September 1945 on the way back to Europe and I have very fond memories of that day," he says.

"That is one of the main reasons I am here in Adelaide now."

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H

HMAS A

rgonaut

An opportunity brought Norm and Jane to Adelaide from London in 1958 where they first set themselves up at Grange then moved to Fulham Gardens where they lived for 47 years before moving to ECH's Warren Court, where they have been for four years.

After retiring as an engineer things didn't exactly slow down for Norm. He became a valuable volunteer with the City of Henley and Grange (now City of Charles Sturt) as a community bus driver, which he did for more than 25 years, as well as various other volunteer positions. The plethora of certificates of recognition and appreciation are testament to Norm's altruism and kindness. "I reluctantly retired as a driver when I turned 80 but they still found plenty for me to do," he laughs.

"I visited nursing homes and people in their own homes to chat with them and help them out with various things to get them back on track. It was life changing for them and very pleasing to see."

In memory of our fallen soldiers Braested resident Ray Stanley has been chairing a small committee of former St Peter’s College teachers to edit a book titled Fallen Saints, which was officially launched on 22nd April.

The book was written by an ex-regular soldier and tells the personal, school and military stories of the Old Scholars of St Peter’s College who were killed during World War l. The author, Robert Kearney, is not an Old Scholar of the school, which makes his research all the more outstanding.

Fifteen years in the making, Fallen Saints tells the remarkable story of the 180 Old Scholars who gave their lives while serving during the Great War, in no less than 80 different British Empire units.

“This project came across my desk many years ago,” Ray says. “It needed a great deal of editing.

I was writing chemistry materials for schools at the time so I put it aside then two years ago I thought the school should do something to commemorate the Anzac Centenary. I brought a group of retired teachers together and with Robert we edited Fallen Saints for publication.”

“The author is also a remarkable historian,” Ray continues. “His interest in military history began during his active service in Vietnam and has continued since. Through meticulous and painstaking research he discovered that the 10th Infantry Battalion, The Adelaide Rifles, seemed to be able to give exceptional service when and where duty called.

Ray with th e newly pu blished boo Fallen Sain k ts.

Further, many serving in this Battalion were St Peter’s Old Scholars. Robert’s further research found that many men, from the same school, had served in a wide variety of units and with great distinction.

“Fallen Saints tells their stories and shows that they were real people with loved ones, families and friends and, more than a century ago, were St Peter’s College students. Their stories are those of young men who in the prime of life died in battle or as the result of illness or later from wounds. Their stories deserve telling.

“It is such a rich feast of a book providing the reader with a menu of military, personal and school histories, albeit at times gruesome and heartbreaking,” Ray explains. “But always, shining through the grim darkness of total warfare is the remarkable strength of character and service shown by all who served.”

“As we commemorate the centenary of the Great War, this book is an appropriate way to link the school today with the same school known to the Fallen Saints more than a century ago. “The fallen, and all who survived, and whose lives were forever altered by the experience of the Great War were guided by the school motto: Pro Deo et Patria.” (For God and Country) Copies of Fallen Saints are available from St Peter’s College. Phone 8404 0400.

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100 YEARS OF ANZAC A life of service ECH Home Services client Des Hogan will never forget his 21st birthday, fighting in New Guinea with the Royal Australian Air Force and being under attack.

It wasn’t where he imagined he would be when he started working as a teen. After leaving school at Sacred Heart College, Des got a job as an office assistant with a company in Grenfell Street for 15 shillings a week.

“My boss asked if I would like to go to Western Australia and work at a gold mine to get experience of mining books and accounting,” Des recalls. “I was out at a place called Bull Finch for about six months and I decided I wanted to join the air force. I signed up but they couldn’t take me because they didn’t have the facilities as they were training so many people so I joined the army as a gunner.”

After then being accepted into the air force, Des completed his first landing in New Guinea then another in the Dutch East Indies. “We were with the airfield construction squadron building the air strip,” he says. “On the occasion of the landings at Aitabe and Noemfoor we would slide down nets on the side of the ship to get to the shore with a full pack on our backs. We were there for 19 months and then went on to Borneo.”

Des returned to Adelaide in 1945, and after a couple of months enjoying himself he took up a position with the Commonwealth Public Service then was transferred to the Department of Labour and National Service before transferring to another section of the department where he stayed for the next 28 years. “I had 36 years in public service and got out just before I was 60,” Des says.

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Des, 92, has enjoyed 64 years of marriage with his beloved wife Mary, 91, who spent her working days as a nurse and was instrumental in educating women on family planning, for which she received the Medal of the Order of Australia. “We’re very busy with our four children and their families and it’s lovely to keep in touch with them and spend time together when we can,” Mary says. “We are lucky to be as well as we are.”

A second chance at happiness When Kimberley Court resident Des Hollamby returned from Rabaul after World War II he was “a bitter and savage man” and it took 30 years for him to quieten down and become content in his life, thanks to one particular person Barbara.

Assigned to the war graves unit during the war, Des had the sorrowful task of collecting bodies from the execution block and taking them to the graves at the cemetery.

“After several excursions relieving troops, I landed in Rabaul as a misfit and they had to find a position for me which was with the war graves unit,” Des says. “I was less emotional than some of the others. An officer caught me doing the wrong thing once and reprimanded me, putting me under arrest. I used to do things that weren’t quite permitted like fraternise with the civilians.

I would give water to the Chinese community in the thatch huts and I got caught doing that. I was a free thinker and whilst I respected the army for its authority, regimentation and political progress, I despised the hypocrisy. On Sunday mornings you’re sent up at 10 o’clock to the parade ground to listen to the minister talking about love thy neighbour then at night they would teach you how to kill. I couldn’t stand too much of that.

I was a rebel and a misfit, I admit that, but I wanted to do my job as efficiently as I could.”

Des received a condolence card from his second cousin Barbara after his wife died, which was the catalyst for bringing them together and turning

Des’s life around. “Barb was in high school when I left for the army,” Des recalls. “I did not see her for about 32 years. We both suffered marital turmoil and tragedy. Barb and her mother sent me a condolence card and on the bottom was a note saying ‘Do you remember me?’ How could I forget - she was a dead spit of her mother as I remembered her. The card was a blessing from heaven and I’ve learnt to appreciate life ever since.”

Although they are not married, Des and Barb have created a stable and happy life after getting together 33 years ago. “I was very disturbed and aggressive and I didn’t really quieten down until after I met up with Barb again,” Des says. “That seemed to pacify me. I’ve had a wonderful life since and couldn’t wish for anything better. I shall always be indebted to her for leading me out of the proverbial field of thorns where I knew not which way to turn. She gently led me down a straight and narrow path to paradise, from where I hope we stay and enjoy each other to eternity.”

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100 YEARS OF ANZAC Letters keep memories alive When Leslie Court resident Joan Murray takes out hand written letters from an envelope, you would not believe they were written in 1941. Apart from a few creases the paper is in reasonably good condition and the pencil has hardly faded. The letters were written to Joan from her brother in law Mervyn James Murray, also known as Johnnie, while he was in Rabaul.

Many decades later, it’s hard to believe these letters form an epic record of wartime events, revealing the deep emotions of people in the midst of a unique and terrible experience.

Joan’s husband Ray was a cook with the Australian Imperial Force during World War II but it was his brother Johnnie who Joan often exchanged letters with until his sudden death at just 24.

“I always sent them both parcels like a little thing from home they would appreciate,” Joan says. “I used to write to Johnnie because his mum and dad didn’t write too often. Ray was happy for me to do this as he was a quiet achiever and a quiet worrier and he was more concerned about Johnnie who was younger than him.”

Ray and Johnnie trained in Queensland at different times before Johnnie was sent to Rabaul and Ray was sent to the Island of Lae in New Guinea. In 1941 when Rabaul was invaded by the Japanese, the family received a telegram saying Johnnie was missing, presumed dead.

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“For years we never knew what happened to Johnnie,” Joan says. “But we eventually discovered that he became a prisoner of war and was taken aboard a ship called the Montevideo Maru. They only got so far out to sea and were accidentally torpedoed by an American warship and the ship sunk, so we now know he was buried at sea. The ship did not have the Prisoner of War or Red Cross flag flying to indicate prisoners on board. My daughters have been to the War Memorial in Canberra and found Johnnie’s name listed. A memorial service was finally held in Canberra two years ago for the boys.”

Ray returned home and continued to create his life with Joan. “When Ray came back he wouldn’t talk about it much,” she says. “We built our own home at Pennington. With help, Ray made every brick to build our home and he always enjoyed cooking. Ray’s mum would tell me even when he was little he loved it. That’s why when he was in the army all he was concerned about was feeding people.”

Ray was determined to live to their 60th wedding anniversary and did just that. “He was unwell but he really did brighten up for it, “Joan says.

“I asked him if he enjoyed the party and he said “Oh yeah, that was beaut. I would do that all over again” but he only lived three months after that. We had a good marriage and he was a good man.”

Kevyn sets sail to Antarctica When ECH Home Services client Kevyn Cellier saw an advertisement for Phil Hoffmann Travel’s one-day Antarctica trip he knew it was an opportunity he could not let slip by.

Kevyn, 87, visited his local Phil Hoffman Travel store and booked a ticket for himself, along with his good friend Angela who accompanied him on the trip, which took place in February this year.

“I saw it in the paper about a year ago and thought I would do it as it’s something I have always wanted to do and I’ve always been interested in it,” Kevyn says.” It was a beautiful trip, just wonderful. We left the airport at 6am and got home late that night. I had a window seat for the first half then we changed seats on the way back. There was lots of excitement.”

“After 10am everything started happening,” Kevyn recalls. “We saw the whole thing. The day we had the flight was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and it was shining all day. The ice looked so lovely and the whole thing was marvellous. We were seeing ice bergs and lots of ice. The white was so beautiful. I was very tired that night and had a good sleep.”

Kevyn has been a client of ECH since 2008. He suffered a stroke eight years ago and receives personal care support every morning and also weekly domestic and shopping support.

For Kevyn to accomplish his goal is testament to his determination and positive attitude. “It surprised a lot of people that I did it,” he says. “It was a one off thing I just had to do. I would do it again if I could.”

The flight provides a full day of Antarctic experience. Expert Antarctic expeditioners are onboard to talk on the polar environment and history, and video screenings depict life on the ground.

About three hours south of Australia, passengers usually see the first scattered ice followed by dozens of icebergs and ice flows. The plane then crosses the South Magnetic Pole where passengers start to view the rugged mountainous topography of the Antarctic mainland. The aircraft flies figure 8s over various points of interest to allow these spectacular sights to be viewed on both sides of the aircraft.

Kevyn and Ang ela at the airp ort before their trip.

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New pergola brings Walker Court together A celebration morning tea was held at Walker Court at Thebarton on 6th February to commemorate the village’s new pergola.

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The pergola, which was built behind the sheds and carport, was completed in November 2014 along with some further grounds work.

Residents Betty Williams and Peter Reid untied the ribbon to a big round of applause then everyone enjoyed a wonderful spread including a few glasses of champagne.

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Grounds Facilities Manager Shane Hill addressed the group saying “this is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what we can do as a community”.

“If it wasn’t for everyone’s enthusiasm it wouldn’t have happened,” he says. “It took some time but all things worthwhile take time.”

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Resident John Bendall also spoke about how the pergola has created a social space and a new energy in the village. “It’s helped to bring people together and this is what we wanted,” he says. “It’s helped to develop comradeship and friendship.”

1. Dennis and Jean Sewell 2. Rick Cowling and Elizabeth Sergi 3. Clyde May and Elisabeth Hesseen 4. Paul Ower, Peter Reid and Marie Manuel 5. Betty Williams and Robert Fraser 6. Betty Williams and Peter Reid untying the ribbon

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Boxercise kicks off at Seaside Wellness Combining gentle martial arts moves with strengthening exercises, Boxercise is the newest fun exercise group at Seaside Wellness.

Boxercise is a one-hour class taught by Fitness Leader Merilyn Lock that involves a variety of boxing moves including punching and kicking, mixed in with some strengthening exercises.

“Boxercise can help you increase your cardiovascular fitness, keeping your heart and lungs healthy,” Merilyn says. “It is also very good for upper and lower body strengthening, coordination and balance. Low to moderate impact exercises included in the classes may also help maintain or improve bone health.

The class is suitable for people who are still relatively mobile and are able to move and balance themselves reasonably well. If you are currently attending Strength for Life or Healthy Lifestyles at Seaside Wellness and are interested in joining you can book in for Boxercise.

If you are new to ECH you can phone 8356 3169 and book in for an assessment with one of the fitness instructors.

“Some of the songs are coordinated moves to music which is really good for general balance and coordination. Other songs will be intervals of strengthening of cardio exercises, for example, 30 seconds of exercises with 30 seconds of recovery. The class is a fun mix of activities that will get your heart rate up.

“It is a fun exercise group where we get together and move to some good music. At Boxercise we use a combination of punching, kicking and the occasional martial arts movements mixed with some strengthening to give members a great cardiovascular workout. Boxercise also helps to improve balance and coordination and above everything else it’s a lot of fun.”

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John’s creativity flourishes at Seasiders Becoming part of a new social group can be a daunting change for many people but John Rammell is certainly glad he stepped out of his comfort zone and gave it a shot.

John, 83, was referred to ECH’s Living Well Program by his Domiciliary Care coordinator who said he was not involved in any social activities and quite isolated. His coordinator had tried in the past to engage him with social programs with no success.

Living Well Program Coordinator Tamara Featherston first saw John in November 2014. “During our first interview John showed me some art he had done at home and spoke about how much he enjoyed painting,” she says. “I suggested I take him to try the Seasiders Create and Connect Art group. John was a bit hesitant at first but eventually in February 2015 I got him along to try the group. He thoroughly enjoyed it and now attends there Mondays and produces some lovely art works. He has made several paintings at the group and has enjoyed trying out new mediums such as pastels.”

“Seventeen years ago I had an operation for a nerve in my hand and the specialist said take up a hobby using my hands so I did,” John says. “I started with oils. I just put the paint on with a brush. I am a fast painter. When I was at school I used to draw the old fashioned Tudor houses. I am from Tamworth in England so I love painting the country.”

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John is a positive and chatty character who makes the most of his time at Seasiders. “I like the people there and the food is lovely,” he says.

John donates his paintings to The Salvation Army and hospitals including St Andrew’s and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital who once sent him a letter to say thank you.

John also attends the Salvation Army Companion Club and enjoys fishing regularly off the Semaphore jetty.

MyHomeReach helps clients to stay in touch ECH is exploring the benefits of a new technology that will enable us to continue supporting older people to maintain independence in the community.

We are embarking on an exciting new project through MyHomeReach to better understand the potential benefits of access to electronic communication and information sharing and what may be involved in supporting both clients and staff.

Benefits for the care recipient: • Keep in contact with your family, friends and formal carers through video or voice calls • Record details of your daily health and well-being • Maintain your own personal schedule with appointments and reminders • Add connections to frequently used services like grocery shopping, taxi, local hairdresser (whatever is important to the you)

Available across a variety of touch screen and mobile platforms, the MyHomeReach solution enables the care recipient to stay in contact with a network of both formal and informal carers that they nominate themselves while staying in their own home.

In March this year Community Services had a site launch of a new proof of concept trial that will be run out of the West office. For the next six months about 20 Home Services clients in the West region will be provided with the MyHomeReach application, as a proof of concept project. In addition, a small number of home support workers will also be provided with mobile access.

The project will include evaluation of benefits for clients, carers, staff and the organisation. Regular updates on the project will be provided by the project team.

The MyHomeReach platform is delivered through a Samsung device, and we hope it will make it easier for our Home Services clients to stay in touch with members of their care networks (including ECH), report on their wellbeing, keep track of their schedule (including when ECH staff are scheduled to deliver services) and manage their medication, amongst other things.

It will also offer benefits for carers and family members who might live some distance away.

They will be able to log in to the system and see how their family member is doing, and when they were last visited by an ECH staff member amongst many other things.

This has been a collaborative effort between ECH’s ICT department and Community Services.

The first of 20 clients were enrolled in the trial in late April.

General Manager of Community Services Andrew Stoll and General Manager of Corporate Services Darren Birbeck with Home Support Worker Shirley Sun and Home Services client Margaret Sunman at the information session on the MyHomeReach tablet in April.

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Pursuing art passion leads to healing Having suffered two strokes, Knightsbridge resident Cheryl Kuhn accidentally discovered art as a way of personal empowerment and rehabilitation in early 2012.

“One day I was having a cup of tea on the front veranda and looked up and saw a tree that I never noticed,” she recalls. “I came inside and got some paper and a pencil and started to draw it. Well over an hour later I realised what the time was. I really felt good about doing that. It was relaxing.”

Cheryl, determined to learn how to paint with acrylic, ventured to Burnside Public Library and found a book on how to get started. “The book said to start with using paint on a board to do circles left to right and lines up and down so that’s what I did,” she says. “I was heartened by the result and they’re in my bathroom on the wall, the first paintings I ever did.” These red and green pieces can be seen below.

“Another thing in the book said that people don’t necessarily see paintings as the artist does,” Cheryl states. “One of the tasks was to have three colours on a board and you mix them up with a gel substance. Once I did that I felt I could really do this so then I just started to pick up different things. I see things and I think that might be nice to do. Whatever I feel at the time I just do.”

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Although her left side was weakened by the strokes, Cheryl fortunately has no noticeable physical damage from the attacks. She received physiotherapy and occupational and speech therapy through the Repatriation General Hospital four to five days a week for a few months following. “I was absolutely determined I was going to be ok,” she says. “I really believe painting was good for me. It gave me a sense of peace and I didn’t get frustrated. If I made a mistake I could just do it again and no one would know.”

Music was also another therapeutic activity that contributed to Cheryl’s recovery. “I joined the Unley Singers and a couple of other choirs as therapy, which were great,” she beams. “I love music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. It brings back a lot of memories. I also made myself walk every day. I hired a walker and it was fantastic.

I learnt how to keep my back straight and I was whipping around everywhere with my walker but after a while I didn’t need it anymore. I had the best support from people. And being here, this was a safe place with people coming and pushing me to do things. If I can do it it means I’m doing it. It’s easy to sit back and say poor me I can’t do anything but I’m very strong willed and independent. I have friends who are really positive and live good lives.”

A new look for North East Wellness Renovations are now complete on the additional unit at North East Wellness*, which has doubled the size of the space previously occupied.

Manager Social and Wellness Programs Katey Elding says the transformation began on 23rd February and was completed by the end of April.

“The site now has another gym space to offer more variety and include exercises like Pilates,” she says. “We are also planning to have a new exercise group for people with Parkinson’s disease, expand the range of fitness classes that are available, increase the number of Strength for Life groups, provide a cardiac rehabilitation program for people who have heart disease, begin exercise groups for veterans, have Stretch and Flex groups, and increase our staff with an additional physiotherapist and fitness instructor.”

Client Peter McKay (pictured below) attends a session twice a week with his wife and is happy about the newly renovated premises. “It’s very exciting as they’ve increased the gym area for more specialised treatment for people, which I think is very good,” he says. “This will give an opportunity for more people to become involved with the existing gym and extend the services that are currently being offered, as they are very much in demand. The number of people attending is certainly increasing.”

North East Wellness received more than 100 new referrals in January and 159 referrals in February. *Formerly Greenacres Therapy Service

A chronic disease management diabetes group will also begin in May, and an official launch will be held in the next few months to commemorate the work.

You’re invited to the official opening, by the new Chief Executive David Panter, of

ECH’s North East Wellness Program WHEN: FRIDAY 19TH JUNE WHERE: UNIT 1, 19-21 FOSTERS ROAD, GREENACRES TIME: 10AM - 2PM ECH’s North East Wellness Program specialises in supporting people who are 50+ to stay fit and active through health and fitness programs that enhance wellbeing and independence.

Come and meet the friendly staff, have a tour, and find out more about the exciting new health and fitness programs.

For more information phone 8361 5350

Enjoy a FREE coffee on the day!

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Shane's life is back on track

was the only person in three years who got it so I was pretty proud.”

A stroke may have weakened the left side of Shane Wolff’s brain but it did not weaken his will or attitude to get back the life he was living and enjoying.

On top of losing his home and splitting with his partner following the stroke, the “worst aspect” was when Shane was required by law to hand in his driver’s licence. It was not returned for 12 months.”Not being able to drive really limited my ability to get back to normality,” he says. “ECH provided assistance with transport when needed and staff were active in providing literacy and visual tracking tasks which improved my memory.

I also found staff most willing to help with house cleaning duties at times very helpful.”

Three weeks after suffering heavy headaches, fatigue and lethargy, ECH Home Services client Shane was unable to be woken up by his partner one morning in December 2013. He was taken by ambulance to Wakefield Hospital, then when semi conscious, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and came conscious around 5pm that evening.

“A doctor advised I had suffered a stroke and needed treatment and rehabilitation,” Shane says. “I spent four weeks at the RAH and was transferred to the Brain Injury Unit at Hampstead Road. A scan and brain biopsy found I had some haemorrhages but I was an independent patient with no physical disability. My rehabilitation program with the Brain Injury Unit supported cognitive (literacy) activities and memory. Also, daily movement and weight bearing tasks in the gym were important for my rehab. My main problem was memory and literacy issues.

A lot of rehab involved memory activities like remembering five letters after 15 minutes of activity then remembering 10 letters. I did get it once and they never asked me again. They said I

As a fitness enthusiast, Shane has relished in getting his health back and loves attending the gym five times a week, riding his bike and walking to public transport. “Attending the gym helps me gain independence and physical health, as experienced prior to my injury,” he says.

“My most important achievement in the future is to ensure my lifestyle will reduce chances of another stroke. I am now enjoying the purchase of a unit in South Plympton. It is close to the Mike Turtur bike track as an excellent starting point for longer bike rides with friends.”

But what Shane is proud of above all else is reclaiming his driver’s licence after 12 months.

“After completing rehab ECH helped me access the process to obtain my licence,” he says. “ECH staff were great listeners and supported me with the required paperwork. I could unload some of the frustration I had experienced. I am now enjoying my driver’s licence at last. My goal has been to participate in normal life activities now that I have retired from work as a teacher.

“ECH has encouraged me to actively engage with my family, including two adult sons, and friends.

Conversation with ECH staff has helped my memory and to make steady gains in expression and language based tasks. I will continue to be a member of the Adelaide Crows and will attend all home games plus at least two games in Melbourne. As my recovery has progressed I plan to experience a trip by train to Darwin.”

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ECH Home Support Worker Lynda Peacock is thrilled for Shane and the outstanding transformation he has made following his rehabilitation. “Shane has made amazing gains over this last year,” she says. “He’s had to put in a huge effort and he’s become so independent which is the outcome we wanted.

He is inspirational and his story can help others.

It’s been a long and draining process but he has turned his life around.”

STAFF PROFILE Vicki Blackman - Customer Service Officer When did you start working for ECH and why?

I started working at ECH in May 2013. I wanted to further my career in Customer Service in an industry that had a greater impact on the community.

Describe your role and what it involves on a day to day basis: I am the Customer Services Officer in the Property Services department. My duties include answering the call centre phones and serving ECH residents or clients with requests they may have. We receive requests via phone 8159 4700, email pfm@ech.asn.au or through ECH website www.ech.asn.au.

I also organise contractors to assist with work that our maintenance officers are unable to complete. Then there are the administration tasks that are behind the scenes including typing letters to residents and putting them in envelopes for posting; and the 'alteration and addition' forms that need to be entered into our computer system, sent to Accounts or the Resident Liaison Officer and filed. I am currently relieving in the Procurement and Property Administration Coordinator position for the next four months.

Describe how the maintenance request system works: Once a resident has contacted the call centre the request is logged into our computer system and a Maintenance or Grounds Maintenance Officer is assigned to complete the task within the appropriate timeframes.

If a resident requests an alteration or addition to their unit or a mobility aid then the request is sent to Village Management to contact the resident.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

What are some of your hobbies?

I volunteer at SA Netball Stadium, home of the Adelaide Thunderbirds netball team. I love welcoming the fans to the stadium and directing them to their seats. I enjoy spending time with my husband and kids. The kids' sporting commitments and driving them around are now my hobbies. I love watching them grow up.

Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Grampians National Park at Halls Gap. We try to get there every few years and now the kids are old enough to handle the hikes and the bush walking.

What is one thing (in your work or personal life) you are most proud of and why?

I am proud of my children and the effort they put into everything they want to do. I am proud of how my husband and I have raised them and how they are perceived.

If you could go back in time to any era which would it be and why?

There are so many eras that had amazing things happen. Perhaps I’d be lucky enough to time travel and spend a year in each. Or if that fails, go back to the 1980s and buy lots of shares in Apple.

Who would play you in a movie adaptation of your life?

I’ve been told before I look like Reese Witherspoon so I’d love her to play me in a movie.

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Shared love of art brings strangers together People don’t always get a second chance at love but when Clive and Marianne Tregilgas met on a blind date more than three decades ago they knew they had something special.

The Marshall Court couple are a perfect match - they both have artistic backgrounds and an infectious passion for art, which is obvious as you glide around their culturally rich home and see piece upon piece of their diverse artwork sprinkled around.

“We met in Adelaide through a friend,” Marianne says. “We were introduced on a blind date. My friend said she knew of a man who she thought

would suit me. We had a nice time and talked a bit but everyone was watching us so it was hard.

Clive waited two or three days before he called me and when he did we talked on the phone for two hours.”

“I’m not a great talker so I don’t know what brought that on,” Clive laughs. “You wanted to catch me, that’s what it was,” Marianne replies.

“Yes,” Clive says, “and we have similar thoughts and ideas which is great. It all evolved as we got together.”

Clive and Marianne soon established their shared love of art, which set the foundation for a cohesive and fruitful relationship. Clive is a potter, self-taught drum and piano player and a talented oil and water colour painter, as is Marianne, who also does quilting, needle and craft work and decoupage.

Clive and M

arianne at

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home in th

eir backyard

.

During their working lives, Clive was a furniture and interior designer and a line painter in the automotive industry and Marianne was a dress maker, specialising in bridal wear. “We then decided to renovate houses together,” Marianne says. “We did about nine all up and re-did the gardens and inside. That became our income for some time. We were very busy turning dilapidated, aged places into palaces that people could buy. It was hard work but worth it.”

Clive and Marianne came to ECH from Glenalta 13 years ago.”We put our name down, sold our house and travelled around Australia in our campervan for three months,” Marianne says.

“When we came back we went to ECH and heard about a house in Glenelg and we said it was very nice. Within a fortnight everything happened. It was brand new when we came here and we are the only ones who have lived here. We did the whole garden ourselves from scratch.”

As I’m given a tour of their serene and luscious garden, Marianne excitedly shows me her cumquat tree. “I make jam from them,” she says proudly. “It’s a labour of love. And we have this bird bath here and watch the honeysuckers when we are having our tea.”

With 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren between their two families, Clive and Marianne show no signs of slowing down. Marianne walks every week with a group of friends along Brighton beach and also regularly attends a craft group that started 33 years ago. The couple also walk together every day, sometimes twice.

“There is not a thing in my life I would do differently,” Clive says. “I am extremely grateful for my life. We don’t use the word negative. We are positive happy people.”

Maintaining a healthy social life within the village is very important to Clive and Marianne. “On Fridays at 3.30pm we all get together for happy hour under the pergola,” Marianne says. “The first year we were here we invited everyone for Christmas drinks and I think that broke the ice and we all had a nice talk and got to know them and it’s grown from there. One year we emptied the garage for our neighbour’s 90th birthday and had a big party with everyone.” “It’s a nice little community,” Clive says. “We all look out for each other.”

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Janet brings joy to many families Crescent Lodge resident Janet Gatley joined an inspiring unsung hero at one of the country's most prestigious events - the Pride of Australia Medal National Ceremony.

Janet was asked by finalist Aidan Barry and his mother Bernadette to accompany them on an all expenses paid trip for the gala event in December, held at the Sydney Town Hall.

e y at Madam Aidan Barr d ember c n e a D e tt in e d Berna their trip h it g n w ri t) u h d g y ri e Janet (far rbour, Sydn Darling Ha in s d u a s s u T 2014.

Janet met Aidan more than a decade ago at Riding for the Disabled when, at the time as a carer, she was caring for a girl who attended the program. "Aidan was doing horse riding and I was taking another girl at the time and we met and our friendship went from there," she says. "I was his carer for four years and since we met I've been his close friend and see him and Bernadette on a regular basis."

Aidan has overcome a lot more than most kids his age. At almost 18 he has dealt with many health issues as a result of being born with a major heart condition, diminishing eyesight and a lack of upper limbs. The simplest of daily tasks are often difficult for Aidan but this hasn't stopped him from accomplishing his goals.

Aidan attends a mainstream Adelaide school and is an avid sports fan. He plays golf and soccer and recently helped establish the No Handicap Golf Run through Disability Recreation Sport SA. He is also training for selection for the Paralympics Table Tennis team. In addition to his sporting achievements Aidan regularly speaks on the importance of improving services for people with disabilities. He is a member of the Youth Brains Trust, and Campaign Collaborators - government run organisations that assist with anti-bullying and the positive use of social media for young people.

More than 20 years ago Janet began caring for children with disabilities. "I was looking after a friend's child to help them out and they said I should

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do it as a job and through word of mouth other people heard about me," Janet says." I did some courses through a disability organisation and received several certificates. I worked full time, looking after about eight children over the years but I am retired now. It really gave the parents valuable respite. I would take the children to the movies, horse riding, to the beach, or we'd just stay at home. Kids with disabilities can't speak up as much so I learnt as I went along. Each child is different so you have to go in with an open mind. You have to listen to the parents more than anyone else."

Janet says seeing the children develop and become adults is one of the most rewarding aspects as some of them do not have a long life expectancy. "They've been able to grow up and some have gone into independent living," she says. "It really was a fulfilling job as you get to know the whole family and it's the fact the parents trust you. Parents have commented on how the respite greatly improves the quality of life and recognises the importance of social inclusion for the whole family."

"It is an absolute privilege to know Aidan and Bern and be involved in their lives. I'm really blessed to have them come into my life and it's nice being there for them. It was special to attend the awards and mix with other people who were there. Working like I have I stand in awe of these kids and what's been thrown at them and how they bounce back."

Penny the pooch visits Southern Day Program At Southern Day Program, situated behind the Happy Valley Shopping Centre, there is a little furry friend who regularly visits the group. Or maybe that should be a large furry friend!

Penny, who belongs to staff member Christine, is a gentle Golden Retriever who turned three on Christmas Day. She has been coming to visit Southern Day Program since she was a puppy.

Her early visits were short stays but these days Penny stays all day. She is very familiar with her surroundings here and is very comfortable with all the goings on of a busy day program centre.

This very friendly, smoochy pooch is a valued team member at the site. Penny is very much loved by the attendees and gets lots of pats, cuddles, squeezes and even a few kisses from some of her human friends.

Not so long ago, Alex from Marketing at Head Office brought professional photographer David Sievers along to take some shots of Penny with some of the clients. It was a delightful photo shoot with Penny really getting into the swing of it.

One of the photos of Penny with Gertrud appeared in ECH’s latest annual report Profile on page 36. Other photos were also taken on the day with another attendee Mary (pictured below, left).

Alex emailed the photos to Southern Day Program, copies were printed off, laminated and given to Gertrud and Mary to keep.

Mary’s husband Trevor was very pleased with the photos. He created a Christmas card using that particular photo of Mary and Penny. This was to be given to family and friends at Christmas time.

Trevor also presented each staff member with the card he had made.

The visitation of a dog to the day program has many benefits. Penny’s presence brightens the atmosphere, promotes socialisation, and increases laughter, enthusiasm and interest.

These are all positive responses.

Animals create emotional safety and open a channel of non threatening communication between staff and attendees as well as amongst themselves.

Penny’s soft fur, wagging tail, wet nose, floppy golden ear to listen, and a paw to shake, can make a big difference to someone’s day.

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Injury-free workplace two years running It was two years ago when ECH’s former Manager of Rehabilitation and Safety Cos Lamberto challenged Manager of Property and Facilities Management (P&FM) Graeme Dolman and his team to try and achieve zero lost time injuries in the workplace.

Cos, a passionate Port Power supporter, said if P&FM could meet that challenge he would present the certificate of recognition wearing an Adelaide Crows guernsey.

Well that day came in February 2015 and Cos, wearing his beloved late mother’s Crows jumper, said it was an amazing effort for staff at P&FM who perform higher injury risk tasks on a daily basis to achieve such an outstanding result.

Cos also said it was a true reflection on the staff culture at P&FM in taking safety in the workplace seriously. This is a great effort by all involved.

Manager of Property and Facilities Management Graeme Dolman and former Manager of Rehabilitation and Safety Cos Lamberto with the certificate.

The Property and Facilities Management team at Kidman Park with Cos and Graeme holding the certificate.

Tongs and songs were out for Australia Day celebrations The residents of Mervyn Graham Lodge in Victor Harbor got together to celebrate Australia Day in their usual party style.

They kicked off with Song of Australia by Peter Dawson, a song many remembered as being sung at school, followed by True Blue, I Love a Sunburnt Country and many more.

A barbecue cooked by Tony, Brian and Reg featured snags, shaslicks, and chicken drummettes with homemade potato salad, homemade relishes and a cheese platter.

An Aussie quiz followed with a great deal of laughter.

Thank you Fay for your great antics and thank you Dennis for reciting Clancy of the Overflow.

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The celebrations finished with coffee, tea, pavlova, profiteroles, lamingtons and Anzac biscuits. Thanks to Shirley for your contributions.

1

Council grant provides outing for Crichton Court Residents of Crichton Court spent a glorious autumn afternoon in Hahndorf on 30th March followed by a tour of the Adelaide CBD thanks to funding from the City of Charles Sturt.

2

The $1,000 grant enabled residents and Community Services clients to enjoy a scenic bus trip to Hahndorf where they had a buffet lunch at The Old Mill.

On the way back the bus took everyone through the city to see the newly redeveloped Adelaide Oval, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Victoria Square, and North Terrace precinct, which was a real treat as most clients had not been to the city for years.

3

Client Services Consultant Teresa Sandona says the aim of the day was to support social inclusion within Crichton Court and the broader community. “Not all residents from Crichton Court were well enough to attend so four spots were offered to Community Services clients on low level packages who normally would not have been able to enjoy a day out,” she says. “There are so many wonderful stories of everyone who attended and the fact it was made possible from the funding requested and received supports social inclusion and community building.”

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1. Hazel Campbell and Margaret Banfield 2. Annie Herds, Home Support Worker Donny Raets and Brian Hill 3. Joyce Rogers, Maisie Barreau and Yvonne Ford 4. Heather Skeggs and Gem Hird 5. Sue Sheehan and Mary Martley 6. Colin Curnow and bus driver Peter Howe 7. Mary and Ian Weston 8. Anna and Ray Dickinson 9. James and Lorraine Wyness 10. Val Chandler and May Langford

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1

Perfect day for a visit to Haigh’s Southern Day Program clients ventured to Haigh’s Chocolates Visitor Centre at Parkside in February for a free guided tour to learn the history of Haigh’s and how the chocolate is made from cocoa beans sourced from plantations around the world.

The factory visit came about after a discussion about the clients’ love for chocolate. Clients and staff decided with Easter approaching it would be nice to visit the factory.

2

Every client had the opportunity to try lots of free samples and buy chocolates for their family and friends for Easter. Everyone enjoyed seeing all the beautifully wrapped eggs and gift boxes, and one of the clients said it was “the best day ever.”

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5

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1. Anne 2. Leonara, Barbara and Sandra 3. Gertrud 4. Pat, Mary and Beryl 5. Yvonne

A High Tea to celebrate 90 Knightsbridge resident Dawn May celebrated her 90th birthday on Easter Sunday with a platinum High Tea at The Grand.

Dawn was accompanied by her friend and Arthur Court resident Betty Blight who turned 91 on Easter Saturday, as well as her daughter and Betty’s daughter who are friends.

“We had prawns, champagne and pâté,” Dawn says. “It was a very nice day and I even received a lovely card from MP Christopher Pyne. I’ve always been a quiet person and don’t like a fuss so this was a perfect way to celebrate.”

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Village celebrates two special birthdays Little Adelaide Village residents came together before the Easter long weekend to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mary Haynes.

Everyone brought a plate of delicious food to share and gathered outside to commemorate the special occasion.

Resident Pat Rothery gave a speech, saying: “Everyone has done a magnificent job and there is no shortage or lack of variety of goodies. Mary has been in this village since the late 80s and may she enjoy many more birthdays here.�

Pat also celebrated a milestone in December - his 95th birthday. It was a great morning and almost the whole village was there for the breakfast. Pat still drives everywhere, practices as a Justice of the Peace and enjoys playing croquet.

1 2

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Happy Birthdays Dawn, Mary and Pat 8

1. Paul Harris 2. Mary Haynes 3. Gaynor and Geoff Green 4. Una Penaluna and Mary Haynes 5. Richard Mildred and Tom Matthews 6. Mary Haynes and Pat Rothery 7. Jim and Pam Trenear 8. Barbara Whimpress, Beryl Lester, Jessica Knight and Alison Hemingway 9. Doug and Beril Measday and Avis Boucher 10. Lilli Baggio and Joy Porter

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Village raises money for Cancer Council A party with a charitable twist was the theme for the Arch Prime Lodge Christmas party in December 2014.

Situated very near to Highgate Village an opportunity was seen to expand the day by soliciting the local shops and businesses for prizes for a raffle, with proceeds being donated to the Cancer Council.

The response from the local traders was great with more than 30 prizes being donated as a result. Apart from having a fun day the 25 residents raised and donated $320. A certificate of appreciation was received from the Cancer Council and much satisfaction enjoyed by all by giving a little back.

The original idea came from resident Ernie Gill who, with a background in sales and marketing, saw an opportunity to add to the village’s Christmas get together by having a raffle and to approach the local shops and businesses in Highgate for prizes as donations.

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“To make this happen, a further thought was to involve the Cancer Council who provided balloons and other items,” he says. “In order for this to be legal, I became an official collector with name card and receipt book duly armed after soliciting help from fellow residents Brian and Judy Lane together with my wife Barbara.”

The first few shops were approached with excellent results, with donations of merchandise forthcoming, and over the next day or so all outlets were visited again with more positive results.

Due to residents’ contacts a couple of corporate sponsors also became involved. To ensure everybody received a prize the local Cremorne Hotel provided promotional items including caps, bottle openers and t-shirts as giveaways.

Raffle tickets were bought and prizes laid out on 16th December and festivities began with all residents providing shared plates and drinks. It was decided that due to the great prizes and only 25 residents, tickets would be $5 each or three for $10. The final amount raised was $320 for presentation to the Cancer Council.

“Most of us have been touched in some way by cancer and it was most gratifying to receive such great local and residential support and for us all to give a little back,” Ernie says.

“A certificate of appreciation was received and a letter was delivered to each of the prize donors thanking them for their generosity and looking forward to their support next year.”

MP visits ECH sites The Federal Member for Hindmarsh, Matt Williams, visited Seaside Wellness at Henley Beach on 27th March to gain a greater understanding of the services provided to residents and older citizens in nearby suburbs.

During the tour Mr Williams had the opportunity to meet a number of residents and clients and witness first-hand the service enjoyed by clients in the onsite rehabilitation centre with Therapy Services Coordinator Kevin Holohan.

Mr Williams also visited Seasiders and appreciated the opportunity to discuss the government’s policy reforms to better support older people with Community Services General Manager Andrew Stoll.

Mr Williams took part in a round table discussion with members of the ECH’s Consumer Reference Group and Manager of Social and Wellness Programs Katey Elding.

Mr Williams was impressed by the many programs that are being run by ECH which improve the wellbeing and enjoyment of its clients.

Matt Williams (far right) talks to Seaside Wellness client Marj Walton and Therapy Services Coordinator Kevin Holohan and below with the Consumer Reference Group.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES NEWS Welcome to the second of a series of articles from the Independent Living Services team for 2015. As our Information Officers can support our residents with a wide range of information, we will bring you an informative range of articles over the coming ECHo! editions to provide information that enables you to make informed lifestyle choices.

Topic: Personal Alarms and rebates Personal alarms are devices which can be used to alert a contact (a relative, friend, or a monitoring service) that there is an emergency situation.

What types of personal alarms are available?

There are two types of personal alarms: monitored and non-monitored.

Monitored personal alarms are a personal alert system that connects the user to a monitoring centre. This centre is staffed 24 hours a day, by personnel who have the medical history of the client and details of how to access their homes in case of an emergency. These details are important as they can be provided to the ambulance service staff if assistance is required.

Non-monitored personal alarms, or auto diallers, are personal alarms that have a series of preprogrammed numbers linked to family members or friends. When one of the dialled numbers is answered, the device indicates to the call recipient that assistance is required. This may be through a pre-recorded message from the user or spoken directly via the alarm.

What should you consider when choosing a system?

The Independent Living Services team from left - Luke Say, Jenny Hall, Melissa Evans and Lorraine Wilkin

• Are regular maintenance and system checks included by the supplier?

• Does the system have a battery backup in case of power failure?

• Is the alarm eligible for a government rebate?

• Additional costs of extra pendants or additional service?

Is there a Government rebate?

Yes. The Personal Alert Systems Rebate Scheme is an initiative of the Government of South Australia. The rebate scheme assists people who are at risk of falls and medical emergencies, to obtain a personal alert system which allows them to live independently in their own homes for longer. Rebates are not available for rented, leased or hired systems and there are a range of personal eligibility criteria which must be met.

A Reimbursement for Rebates application form can be completed, and is available at www. sa.gov.au (search personal alarms) or by calling 1300 700 169. This phone service will also be able to clarify your eligibility.

The Independent Living Centre can supply more specific product and supplier information on a range of personal alarm systems. The Independent Living Centre can also arrange a demonstration of various systems at their premises. To book a demonstration call 1300 885 886.

• What personal alarm is best suited for you?

If you need more information we can help

• How the pendant is worn and if it is water resistant?

Please contact your Independent Living Services team if you would like to discuss personal alarms or any other matters relating to health, wellbeing and independence by phoning Independent Living Services on 8407 5111.

• Whether you are able to activate or press the buttons on the pendant?

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New mural at Smithy’s Place On a beautiful sunny day in February, Smithy’s Place day program officially unveiled their new sensory garden and mural, a collaboration between City of Playford, clients at the day program and students from Craigmore High School.

The aim of the project was to engage younger people from a local school to work together with older people from the day program to create a common area for all to enjoy. As the majority of the day program clients have dementia, another aim was to educate the students about memory loss, the impact it has on people and their families, and promote the abilities of older people.

Smithy’s Place Coordinator Kelly Reardon says staff were eager to do an intergenerational project with a local school. After applying for a grant, The City of Playford provided the funds through their Community Grants Program.

Craigmore High School’s art department were involved, specifically the two year 9 classes with some assistance from several year 12 students.

“We met with the school in August to discuss the project, the teachers visited and took lots of photos of the garden here to use as inspiration,” Kelly says. “Our Team Leader Susan and I visited the school to meet with the two classes.

Craigmore High School students and ECH staff and clients are pictured in front of the new mural at the open day in February.

We did some basic dementia education with the students and discussed the day program, we talked about what the project involved, and our vision for the murals. The teachers and some students visited Smithy’s Place to meet the clients and see the space and talk to the clients about what they would like to see on the mural.

“We provided an outline of what we would like to see included, based on what the clients said they wanted then left it up to the teachers and students to design the actual mural. They used the photos as a basis and projected these images onto the boards. The images were traced around and then painted in.”

All the painting was done at the school so students could work on it frequently. Kelly took clients from the day program for a visit to have a look at the mural in progress and provide the clients with the opportunity to paint, contribute and talk to the students while they worked on it. Items were also purchased for the sensory garden including bamboo, wind chimes, coloured stones, bird feeder and a statue. These items will give the garden a relaxing feel as well as stimulate various senses.

“The students have had the benefit of seeing that older people can still contribute and be involved, and have good ideas to share,” Kelly says. We are hoping to continue this link with the school this year and are currently planning our next collaboration.”

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The group celebrates birthdays, special occasions and recently attended a few shows as part of the Adelaide Fringe festivities.

Barb is also actively involved with the ECH Consumer Reference Group. “The Consumer Reference Group is one of ECH’s best initiatives”, Barb says, “as it gives clients a voice through which they are able to influence positive changes to their Community Services via corporate managers. I have attended gerontology conferences and information sessions on behalf of this group and the specific outcomes for both me and others have been nothing short of amazing. The dedication of the managers, coordinators, consultants and their support staff must be commended.”

Barb’s small actions get big results “Forget ECH meaning Elderly Citizens’ Homes, I believe it should be Enriching Community Health,” says Victoria Court resident and Consumer Directed Care client Barb Carlsen.

“I’ve been very blessed to be in this village,” she says. “It’s such a perfect location, close to all the services I need and in an area I am very familiar with. Elderly citizens have always been a part of my life, and I feel privileged to live amongst them. The wisdom and life experiences they share as you get to know them are truly amazing.

For me, interaction with village residents is critical for their and my social and mental well being. It also prevents loneliness and social isolation. It is good to know that we can care for one another if ever the need may arise.”

To this end, Barb is passionately involved as a volunteer with St John’s Community Care and The Western Consumer and Carer Forum for Mental Health. She has been a member of Council on the Ageing (COTA) for many years since joining ECH and recently joined the local senior citizens club. Barb has expanded on these activities by establishing a Circle of Friends social group at Victoria Court.

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One of Barb’s goals with retiring into a smaller home was to live “hassle free”. “This I have achieved knowing that the maintenance team and the gardeners are always close at hand,” she says. “They all exhibit the core values of ECH when I have had contact with them and I value this immensely.”

Barb grew up on a farm in the Murray Mallee region, where education past Year 10 was difficult to access so she came to Adelaide to complete her schooling and high school teaching qualification. She taught home economics and adaptive education in several metropolitan and rural schools, before becoming the manager of an Adelaide work experience centre for special needs students.

“Many of my students gained valuable life skills by participating in the intergenerational activities in aged care facilities,” she says. “Being involved in this has been instrumental in my understanding, appreciation, involvement and support of aged care programs. I am at peace knowing that I have chosen ECH as my provider for the Consumer Directed Care package I have in place. I hold my support workers in high regard. They come into our homes on a regular basis, demonstrating and upholding the ECH core values of Integrity, Empathy and Respect, which are of major importance to me and no doubt other clients.”

Barb’s major goal now is to live a contented, healthy and active life by continually relishing in and harnessing all opportunities to develop new skills she is passionate about.

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Not just an exercise class Southern Wellness runs a variety of Tai Chi groups catering to people with varying abilities and health conditions. There are currently around 40 people practising Tai Chi at the site with more on the waiting list.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art sometimes referred to as Moving Meditation. Proven benefits of participants include increase in coordination, flexibility, inner strength and balance.

An added benefit for those who attend the groups is the deep friendships that have been formed. Some members decided to extend the camaraderie they feel in the class by forming a coffee club.

2

After doing Tai Chi women gather in the meeting room and enjoy morning tea together. This is something that was originally encouraged by staff but the participants now run it independently.

They all contribute a gold coin each week, which covers the cost of coffee, tea and biscuits. The women also go out for lunch together twice a year.

The friendships forged in these groups are so strong that some of them have organised trips away together, which they have paid for independently.

1. (Back row from left) Dawn, Gwen, Bev and Carol, (front row from left) Faye, Elaine and Marjorie 2. (Back row from left) Judy, Jan and Jean, (front row from left) Jeanette and Betty

Here's what some of the participants are saying about the classes: Faye - Tai Chi has helped me with my breathing. My balance has improved since beginning the class. I enjoy the class atmosphere.

Jean - About three and a half years ago I was referred to ECH for physiotherapy following a very painful trapped nerve in my shoulder. The Tai Chi class was on at that time and hearing lots of laughter, I asked about that group and ended up joining. Watching all the participants I never thought I would be able to remember all the moves. Apart from the exercise, breathing etc this is a great friendship between everyone. I have found we are all quite normal with the same concerns and things to talk about. We know the ins and outs of each other. It's been very beneficial being able to talk to one another. We are all very similar.

Jeanette - We help each other and talk about lots of different things.

Betty - It's exercise and we can talk and laugh about it afterwards.

Marjorie - I was at Normanville and I did Tai Chi in the shallow water and felt the water around my feet.

Dawn - My husband was coming here and I came and saw there was Tai Chi. It's my time out. It's girl time. We always have a bit of fun and a laugh. I've learnt to step back and take a few breaths and it's helped with stress.

There's a lovely group of ladies. Being here makes you slow down and appreciate. The staff are very attentive and caring and you can tell they enjoy it.

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A dinner dance to remember Seasiders Day Program hosted its first of several dinner dance events in February with more than 50 members and guests in attendance.

The aim of the events, which will be held throughout the year with different themes, is to promote socialising for couples living with dementia in a safe environment.

Former Social Programs Manager Valerie Aldahn became aware of a similar concept that had been tried interstate and thought ECH could further develop the idea into the dinner dance concept.

“I talked to Seasiders Coordinator Betty about it in 2013 and we agreed that Seasiders would be a perfect venue,” she says. “When our General Manager Andrew Stoll was looking for ideas for a funding application late last year I suggested the concept. We were not successful but I was still determined to offer such an event because I believed it would meet a need for the people who attend our centres, and the evaluation we did after the event has confirmed this.”

For the first event at Seasiders the premises was transformed into a blue-themed party room. The room decorations were made by members and staff who attend Seasiders.

Dinner was catered for by Aussie Ripper Roast and enjoyed by all, held in a restaurant style setting.

Table clothes and blue themed table decorations were made by clients and staff who attend Walkerville Day Program.

Table service was delivered by eight staff who donated their time to making the evening such a success.

Tony Bray was Master of Ceremonies and kept the night rocking and rolling along, and entertainment was provided by a very talented magician whose tricks left all in disbelief.

Music, dancing and laughter was enjoyed by many who felt comfortable in the environment to try their dancing talents again.

The event provided a safe environment, where carers and their partners spent a happy evening with each other, recapturing their dancing past memories. It was great to see so many people who made an effort to dress in blue.

The May event, with the theme Butterflies and Bowties, was held on Saturday the 9th.

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ECH receives significant bequests ECH received two bequests in the last financial year, which will support our ongoing work as a not-forprofit charitable organisation.

Nearly $18,000 was bequeathed to ECH in March 2013

by Jim Baldwin who was an independent living unit resident at Kurralta Park.

In March 2014 Olive Bonnar left $45,370 "to be used for the benefit and comfort of residents and patients at Ross Robertson Memorial Care Centre". However, as the care centre is now independently owned and the donation was intended for ECH it was decided to put the money towards an ECH wellness program or day program for the benefit of memory loss clients.

Olive's husband Faz spent some time at Ross Robertson while they lived at Encounter Bay during their retirement. Olive's co-executor and friend Peter Gibbons says Olive was very grateful to ECH for the care we provided to her husband. "ECH looked after him very well," Peter says. "Olive visited him quite a lot at the care centre when she was living on her own.

After Faz died Olive deteriorated with dementia and was not able to look after herself so she moved to St Paul's Lutheran Homes in Hahndorf and passed away there at 92."

Having had a strong involvement with the Victor Harbor area, Olive also left money to the Victor Harbor & Goolwa Sea Rescue Squadron Inc, The Salvation Army, Diabetes Australia - South Australia Inc, The Australian Red Cross Society SA Division, and Meals on Wheels.

ECH has also receives quarterly donations from the trust of former Bellevue Residential Care Centre resident Dorothy Money, who passed away in 2001.

Since her death, ECH has received money every three months for varying amounts. The total received as of March 2015 is $507,720, which is used across our Independent Living and Community Services departments.

ECH is one of three organisations where money is distributed from Dorothy's trust. The other two are Adelaide University for the benefit of the Anti-Cancer Foundation for cancer research, and the National Heart Foundation (SA Division) for the purposes of research into heart disease.

In memory of Percy Gow Written by Gail Van Ryswyk Percy Charles Stewart Gow passed away on 10th February peacefully in his sleep at Kiama Nursing Home.

Although a private person, Percy was always a very gentle man who loved to have a chat as he sat on his front porch at Mervyn Graham Lodge in Victor Harbor where he resided for almost 11 years.

Many wonderful stories of his past life were shared with neighbours and friends. He had a very colourful and diverse career and tried his hand at many things. One of his favourite things to say when asked what his job was, was to answer “farmer� as it stopped people from enquiring further.

Percy, as one of our long standing residents, saw the passing of many over the years and now we in turn say goodbye to a kind-hearted gentleman.

He is at last reunited with his beloved Ruth.

If you would like to confidentially discuss making a bequest or donation to ECH or would like some more information, please write to the Chief Executive or phone (08) 8407 5151 and we would be pleased to meet with you to discuss your wish further.

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BOOKING FOR

2015 Holiday unit booking form

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

NAME

ADDRESS

Holiday unit bookings ECH provides two well appointed holiday units at Ardrossan and Victor Harbor which are available to independent living unit residents.

Making a booking is as easy as completing the form opposite, cutting it out and returning it to Reception at ECH’s Corporate Office in Parkside.

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

A few things to remember:

PHONE

• The holiday booking is for seven nights.

MOBILE

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

ARDROSSAN 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.

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

BOOKING PREFERENCES 1.

2.

36 36||ECHo! ECHo!ISSUE ISSUENo. No.154 152||2015 2014||ECH ECHInc Inc

• 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.

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

ECH wishes you a happy and enjoyable holiday.

Contact us 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

8254 2992

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

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 0617

Social Programs

Wellness Programs