April 2013

Candlel ghtMagazine

A publication of Christadelphian Aged Care

Editor-in-Chief: Jane Burns Editor and designer: Jenny Pogson Cover photo: Jane Burns

The Candlelight Magazine is published by Christadelphian Aged Care, a not-for-profit provider of aged care and retirement services in NSW. ©2013 Christadelphian Aged Care 11 Queensbury Rd, Padstow Heights NSW 2211, P.O. Box 690, Riverwood NSW 2210Phone: (02) 9782 6000, E: admin@chomes.com.au

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Contents

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A symbol of creativity

CAC News

Residents get their hands dirty

Becoming a leader in care

Childhood sweethearts celebrate 74 years of marriage

Researching to improve care

Beginning a life of care

Avoid a cold this winter

Year of Innovation only the beginning

Year of Innovation Staff Day Photos

Maintaining a smooth operation

A recipe for safe food

Our facilities

Types of care

This year began with a celebration of the outstanding

initiatives of our staff aimed at improving care throughout the organisation.

The Year of Innovation in Aged Care Staff Day held on February 20 was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the various projects implemented over the past year.

I was impressed with the passion for care shown by all the staff members who presented on the day.

In the end it was Southhaven’s “Fitting Together” program aimed at improving the environment for residents by bringing fun and laughter into the workplace that was awarded the top honour and $3000 to go towards staff activities.

Congratulations to all staff at our facilities for your efforts.

We look forward to your continued contribution of ideas to your facilities.

This year will also be a busy one at Southhaven as, God willing, the redevelopment of the site gets underway.

The changes will be to the benefit of the residents, families and staff at Southhaven, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as the construction work begins.See page four for more details.

As always we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all His blessings.

Graham Cavanagh-DownsCAC Chairman

Celebrating our staff

16 Sharing a laugh and a song

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Casa Mia is now home to a beautiful symbol of

the creativity of students and teachers from Heritage College, Kemps Creek.

The school recently donated a mural the children made based on an interpretation of Monet’s famous Water Lilies painting.

The mural will eventually be hung on the back fence after it has been strengthened to take the weight, but for now will reside on the front fence for residents, staff and visitors to enjoy.

Casa Mia’s director of nursing, May DeGuzman, says all the staff and residents were extremely grateful to the students and teachers – especially Mrs Muir – for the beautiful addition to the facility.

“The mural will brighten the whole area up. The residents are quite excited and are

pleased the children created this masterpiece,” she says.

A group of residents from Casa Mia visited Heritage College to meet the students involved in the mural.

After speeches were made each child received a certificate of appreciation from Christadelphian Aged Care marketing manager, Jane Burns.

The children then sang some of their favourite songs, including the Egyptian mummy song, in which the residents also joined in the chorus!

Here are some of the students’ reflections on making the mural:

First of all we started by painting the boards to go on the mural. The colours we used were light blue, dark blue, red, green, purple and white. After we painted the boards we started to make clay

lizards and things like that. After that Mrs Muir took them to her pottery class and got them glazed in the right colour. Then we made clay lilies but unfortunately I was away the day we did them. Mrs Muir also took those and we got them glazed. Then we made clay lily pads. I was there that time. Mrs Muir glazed them. Then we put them on the boards.

- William

Last year we made water lily pads for the nursing home because when they open their curtains all they see is a boring fence, so we painted it for them to see on the fence. it was so fun making the lily pads.

- Daniel

This mural was made for Casa Mia to give them happy thoughts. I had awesome fun doing the clay lily pads and water lilies and painting the background panel. The best thing about it was skipping class!

- Nick

A symbol of creativity

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CAC News

Ashburn festival a success

Work on the redevelopment of

Southhaven Nursing Home and Hostel in Padstow Heights is set to begin this May.

The major hostel project will be carried out in two stages and will take around nine months to complete.

During stage one the ground and first levels of the hostel building will be renovated, and during the second stage work will continue on levels two and three.

The redevelopment will include expansion of the resident room onto the existing balconies, widening of corridors and the reconfiguration of lounge and dining areas.

Small bathrooms will be developed into larger shared ensuites with vanity basins and mirrored cupboards located in residents’ rooms.

Privacy is ensured due to the special operation of the bathrooms doors.

Fire sprinklers will also be installed, as will building airconditioning, a call bell system and security cameras.

The facility will also feature new outdoor balcony areas and renovations of the office areas, staff rooms, nurses stations, pan rooms and medication rooms.

The nursing home and hostel will be, in latter stages, linked by an enclosed overhead bridge.

Work to begin on Southhaven redevelopment

An artist’s impression of the Southhaven redevelopment.

An artist’s impression of the proposed enclosed overhead bridge linking the two sites.

Plans for the redevelopment of the entry level of the facility.

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CAC News A Cultural Day to celebrate the diverse backgrounds

of staff and residents at Chamberlain Gardens will be held on July 10 this year.

They will take a glimpse into the culture of other countries with food tastings, national costumes, photos and

Cultural Day to celebrate diversitystories of people’s travelling adventures in other lands.

Mementos from holidays will also be displayed.

Please contact Sharon Mesic on (02) 4329 8000 if you have something you would like to contribute to this event.

Kathryn Joseph and Daniel Mitsos were

united in marriage on Friday, February 22.

Kathryn is an assistant in nursing at Southhaven and last October, at the Spring Fair, Daniel rolled out the red carpet and with the crowd looking on

Southhaven AIN ties the knot

made a most romantic proposal.

The happy couple honeymooned at Daydream Island in Queensland.

Congratulations Kathryn and Daniel on your marriage, and may God bless you always.

There were mixed weather conditions

for Ashburn House’s International Music and Food Festival in April, but this did not deter visitors.

The event hosted attendees from the local neighbourhood and the Christadelphian community, as well as our excited residents, their families and the supportive staff.

Everyone enjoyed the amazing entertainment, aromas of freshly cooked cultural delights, homemade crafts and

cakes, a barbecue with a sausage or two, jams, pickles and brightly painted children’s faces.

Thanks so much to everyone who came to share the day with us and generously supported Ashburn in a myriad of ways, including the wonderful volunteers and staff who gave their time to make the festival a day to remember.

The proceeds from this day will go towards purchasing new wheelchairs for the residents.

Festival a success

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As part of Casa Mia’s Year of Innovation project it was

decided to have designated garden areas for the residents to create their own gardens.

They would be able to plant vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit, and get their hands and knees dirty.

However, many of the residents couldn’t get out to the garden, so mobile beds were created.

Peter, the husband of staff member Sue Geddes, put the frames together and residents and staff painted them. Resident Joyce Coulter’s son Barry maintains them.

The mobile gardens are also wheeled into resident rooms to bring enjoyment to everyone at Casa Mia.

Not only do the residents now get their hands dirty, they get to eat the strawberries and tomatoes, smell the aroma of fresh herbs and enjoy the colourful flower displays.

Residents get their hands dirty

The hebes and dwarf agapanthus propagated at

Lakefront Village nursery are being successfully grown at Casa Mia.

They are flourishing under the patient eye of Maintainence Officer Brett who planted them with great care during the extremely hot summer months.

The dwarf agapanthuses surround the pond and the hebes grow near the roses.

Lakefront Village continues to

develop their nursery. Beds have been built on recycled screen doors at waist height to ensure no resident has to bend, and a spray irrigation system that can be easily adjusted to aim straight is used.

If you have any questions about the plants please direct them to facility manager Geraldine. The Charmhaven Garden Club will have a stall at the Picnic on the Green on May 11 and will also be very happy to discuss your gardening questions.

Lakefront plants flourishing

Not only do the residents now get their hands dirty, they get to eat the strawberries and tomatoes, smell the aroma of fresh herbs and enjoy the colorful flower displays.

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Since becoming CEO in September 2010 Ross

Peden has been on a mission to ensure CAC receives the recognition it deserves for its quality of care and services provided to residents and their families.

While his role as CEO is relatively recent, he has been involved with the organisation for almost 30 years in various capacities, including a 10 year stint as a board member.

This allowed him to use his extensive professional experience

in banking, accounting, corporate and commercial advising and business restructuring to help shape CAC into the exceptional service provider it is today.

“CAC is a community service organisation that genuinely prides itself on the quality of care

it provides and truly seeks to stand out from other aged care operators,” Ross says.

“As CEO, and a member of the LASA NSW Board (Leading Aged Services Australia) I have the ability to help shape changes within the industry for the benefit of the residents, creating better industry outcomes for everybody,” he says.

It’s Ross’ commitment to his own family that drives him

to ensure every resident is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.His wife, Bev, passed away last year after a long illness and the whole family has had to work together to manage their day-to-day lives.

Ross’ son James works three days a week as a Recreational Assistant at Ashburn House while he is completing Certificate 3 in Leisure and Lifestyle at TAFE.

Ross’ daughter Tori is completing Year 11 at school and hopes to pursue a career in social work.

Ross is also a member of the Barnados Board, and is passionate about seeing disadvantaged children valued and provided with a future free from neglect.

His current focus at CAC is to continue with the renovations of the older facilities and the expansion of the volunteer and pastoral care programs.

Work will begin on Southhaven Hostel in a few weeks time, and Casa Mia will soon follow.

“There are exciting times ahead for Christadelphian Aged Care as we negotiate our way through the government changes and continue to live out “Our Inspiration” every day,” he says.

It’s been more than two years since Ross Peden became CEO of Christadelphian Aged Care and the organisation is already well on its way to becoming a leader in the aged care industry.

I have the ability to help shape changes within the industry for the benefit of the residents, creating better industry outcomes for everybody.

Becoming a leader in careResidents get their hands dirty

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Childhood sweethearts celebrate 74 years of marriage

Ridgeview residents Catherine and John Lee first met each

other at the ages of nine and 11 playing a game of rounders (baseball).

John’s friends asked if they could join them and this led to a great friendship. At 14 Catherine proudly announced to her father that she was going to marry that man.

Eight years later John went to a dance with a friend and again met Catherine.

He asked her to dance and that’s where the love story began.Catherine and John married three years later.

They renewed their vows on their 60th wedding anniversary thanks to a surprise from their family.

The couple have four loving children – two boys and two girls – along with seven grandsons and seven granddaughters. They are both now in their 90s and still very much in love. Their family helped them

celebrate their 74th wedding anniversary at Ridgeview on April 15 with a barbecue lunch.

And their secret to a long marriage?

Like they tell everyone who asks, it’s “trust, share and love each other”.

At 14 Catherine proudly announced to her father that she was going to marry that man.

Relaxing in the backyard on a Friday evening after

work with the family has been recreated at Casa Mia.

After the first successful family barbecue last March the gathering has become a regular item on the Casa Mia calendar.

Kitchen staff prepare the salads and rolls and everyone else pitches in to cook the barbecue, help serve and clear the plates.

There is much chatter and laughter around the tables.

One family member commented

she hadn’t had dinner with her Dad for four years.

“It’s nice on a Friday night to sit and be waited on just like it was at Mum and Dad’s home,” says another family member, Vicki Scrine.

Residents Fay, Jessie and Maureen start singing, “Show me the way to go home, I’m tired and I want to go to bed, I had a little drink about an hour ago and it’s gone to my head!”, and cannot contain their giggles.

Friday nights together with the family

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Researching to improve care

The University of Technology Sydney has asked Casa

Mia to participate in the IDEAL Project - a study that stands for Improving Dementia End of life At Local aged care facilities.

The research is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing via a grant administered by HammondCare.

The project is funded for three years and data is being collected from 20 facilities across Sydney and Brisbane for the next 18 months.

Casa Mia was chosen to participate in the project due to its size and the large proportion of residents with dementia.

Families and staff are invited to take part in the project as well as residents, as involvement

from nursing staff and families is critical because “everybody’s opinion makes a difference”, says project manager, Janet Cook.

Information will be collected about the facility (such as staff to resident ratio), residents (such as care needs), staff level (such as confidence in providing end of life care) and families (such as involvement in decision-making about care).

This information will be compared with that from other facilities to build a better picture of the factors influencing quality palliative dementia care as perceived by familes and staff.

There is no guarantee or promise that current residents will receive any benefits from this study other than the knowledge that

it is expected to contribute to improving palliative care for aged care residents with advanced dementia in the future.

The results of the study will contribute to guidance on systems and processes to improve care and will be made available on the Department of Health and Ageing website www.health.gov.au

Casa Mia will be involved in a research project aimed at finding ways to improve end of life care for residents with advanced dementia.

This information will be compared with that from other facilities to build a better picture of the factors influencing quality care as perceived by family members and staff.

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Verity: I have just started my first year

at the University of Western Sydney (Campbelltown) studying a Bachelor of Health Science.

I am majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. Even though it is only week five and I still have a long way to go, I am really enjoying what I am learning and I know the next few years will fly by!

This semester I am studying four different units covering many aspects of health. ‘Population Health and Society’ looks at factors affecting health nationally as well as individually. In ‘Professional Pathways in Health Science’ we

are learning about the origins of Therapeutic Recreation and its current application in the community. ‘Professional Health Competencies’ considers communication issues, the ethics of health and what makes a successful health worker. Lastly, I am also taking an ‘Introduction to Human Biology’, which is a challenge not having studied biology, but very interesting. It gives me a good understanding of how the body works.

The students from many different health science disciplines at UWS share lectures and tutorials together. This allows us to learn and form friendships across all healthcare professions and work together.

I’m looking forward to gaining practical experience through placements in aged care and child care facilities.

I chose to study Therapeutic Recreation after working at Southhaven during the school holiday Activity Assistant’s Program in 2010 and 2011.

I enjoyed working in such a positive environment where there was genuine care both physically and emotionally for the residents. I felt that this career would suit my interest in people and give me great personal satisfaction. The scholarship provided by Christadelphian Aged Care has been a wonderful help for which I am very grateful.

Beginning a lifeof care

This year’s Christadelpian Aged Care scholarship recipients share their initial impressions of university and their hopes for the future.

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Nikki:My name is Nikki Fenger and

I am currently in my first year of nursing at The University of Notre Dame.

In 2008 my younger brother Lachlan became very sick with a very rare blood disease called Very Severe Aplastic Anaemia. We were living in South Africa at the time and after a shocking experience with the health care system over there we had to fly back to Australia, where he spent nine months in isolation in Randwick Childrens Hospital. After successful bone marrow transplant from my other brother Jonathan, Lach is now five years in remission.

My experiences with the nurses during Lach’s stay at hospital set my desire to be a nurse in concrete. Spending almost a year in isolation wards watching the nurses caring for Lach was the initial spark that inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I was amazed by how hard the nurses worked day in and out in between the doctor’s visits and the huge impact they had on the patients and their families.

I’m just going into my eighth week at The University of Notre Dame and I’m surprised at how “at home” I feel already. The students and staff are friendly and approachable, which has made the whole transition process from school to university so easy.

This is my first year out of school and starting uni has been one of the most exciting experiences for

me. I love that there are so many new people to meet! I have been to five different schools between years 7-12 so now I love to meet new people and make friends. Lauren O’Toole and I are lucky enough to be at the same uni.

I am also loving what I’m learning. One of my subjects, Introduction to the Human Body is just amazing. Every single week the things I learn about the complexity of the human body leaves me in awe of our awesome creator!

I go on my first clinical prac in week 13. I’ll be spending five days a week, for five weeks, at a nursing home or hospital putting into practice the skills I’ve learnt so far.

The great thing about nursing is that there are so many different areas I can go into. I think I would eventually like to be a paramedic, but first I want to travel back to South Africa and possibly do some volunteer work there before working in Australia. I’m excited to see where I go as a nurse!

Lauren:My name is Lauren O’Toole

and I completed the HSC in 2012 at Riverside Girls High School. I have grown-up in a Christadelphian family and have gone to West Ryde Christadelphian church for 18 years.

In 2009 I started working at Ashburn House Aged Care in Gladesville as a kitchen staff member and then in 2010 as an activity assistant at Ashburn House.

Beginning a life I was so excited to be able to be in a job where I could work closely with so many wonderful residents and I learnt a lot from working over that summer.

When the next opportunity came around to be an activity assistant in 2011 I was very excited to reapply and get the job again, and then again in 2012. These three years really ignited my passion to be a nurse and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with the fantastic staff and residents at Ashburn House.

Early last year as I was flicking through lots of career brochures I decided nursing was the job for me. So I applied to Notre Dame University in Darlinghurst and got in. I feel it suits me as I love caring for people and helping put a smile on their face and I hope I can become a great nurse.

The experiences over the last three years at Ashburn House have really helped me build my strengths that will become great attributes as a nurse. I am currently in my eighth week at university and so far I love it. I have already learnt so much about some of the basic skills as a nurse and am looking forward to learning more each day.

In a few weeks I will have my first 5-week block of practical placement in a nursing home and I am thoroughly looking forward to being able to get some hands on experience.

I would like to thank CAC for guiding me over the last few years and to all the staff and nurses who have given me some fantastic advice. I feel so blessed to have been chosen to have this opportunity to receive the scholarship.

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What is a cold? A cold affects your nose and the upper part of your throat. Most colds are caused by viruses which are spread by coughing, sneezing or hand contact. There are more than 200 viruses that can cause colds. You ‘catch’ a cold from somebody else – not from cold weather. You have to come into contact with someone else who has the virus. Antarctic explorers who had been on their own in the freezing cold for months didn’t catch a cold - they only picked up the virus when other people came to rescue them!

The symptoms of a cold can include: • a stuffy or runny nose • sneezing • cough • headache• sore throat• sometimes a loss of appetite

How do I prevent myself getting a cold this winter?

• Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw that tissue in the bin!

• Wash your hands well with soapy water, especially after coughing or sneezing. You can also use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

• Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth before hand-washing.

• People who are sick should be isolated from others in the area.

• If you have a cold it is best not to visit your relative or friend in the nursing home or hostel as you will only spread the virus.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for a cold. Try to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. There

are various treatments available but basically, there is an old saying which sums up the effects of treatment:

'If you don't treat a cold, it lasts seven days. If you do treat it, it lasts a week'.

Lesley GoslingSouthhaven Physiotherapist

Each year Christadelphian Aged Care employs around

12 young Christadelphians as Activity Assistants to work in our facilities over the Christmas and New Year break.

These young people come

to CAC with a vast range of backgrounds.

Some are still at school, some are at university studying courses such as biological science, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and of course nursing.

The Activity Assistants provide additional support to Recreational Activity Officers by running programs, visiting residents one-to-one, entertaining and generally helping out around the facilities.

Activity Assistants continue to shine

Avoid a cold this winterAs winter approaches it’s a good time to think about how to prevent colds.

If you have a cold it is best not to visit your relative or friend in the nursing home or hostel as you will only spread the virus.

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Staff from all facilities joined together to showcase the

initiatives they have been working on all year as part of the Year of Innovation in Aged Care project.

There were many nervous people as they waited their turn to share their projects and the benefits developed for the staff and residents.

Ashburn House brought the house down with their hilarious singing and dancing routine and coloured toothbrushes.

Ridgeview, on a more somber note, discussed ways to ensure a resident’s last days were private, respectful and pain free.

Casa Mia shared their many projects aimed at resident fulfillment, including portable garden beds and family barbecues.

Chamberlain Gardens impressed us with the use of Skype for specialist consultations and family catch-ups.

Lakefront showed us how to make top class worm juice for healthy plants.

And Southhaven proved that with better communication and thoughtfulness, all staff can improve their workplace, which in turn, makes for a wonderful home for the residents.

A special thank you goes to Ashburn House staff for their hospitality. Staff worked back the evening before to set the room up with specially made signs and flowers to give the Cronulla Theatre a welcoming feel.

Congratulations to Southhaven who won the $3000 big cheque and Casa Mia, who won the $1500 big cheque. These monies go towards staff activities.

Keep bringing your ideas, your enthusiasm and your dedication, as you inspire all of us

Turn the page to see more photos from the day.

Year of Innovation only the beginning

Avoid a cold this winter

Year of Innovation Staff DayAshburn House, February

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Some of the unsung heroes of any aged care organisation

are the maintenance staff, who help keep the facilities running like clockwork.

During their rounds every morning the maintenance staff check the bright orange work request folders in the nurses stations, kitchens, laundries and reception for any issues that need to be dealt with, and then again before they go home to ensure there are no outstanding issues overnight.

Christadelphian Aged Care’s 11 maintenance staff are all passionate about aged care and come from very diverse backgrounds.

Tony Garcia is the manager and after serving in the navy for four years as a Leading Seaman in the engineering department he came to work for CAC in 2008.

“The best thing about working at CAC is the people you work with and the environment – support

from the team, the facilities and management. It’s a nice welcoming place to be,” says Tony.

“There are different challenges every day. It is certainly not a normal 9 to 5 job. I like the fact that CAC are always looking for opportunities for growth, future developments,” he says.

The longest-serving maintenance officer is Brett Halcrow, who began working at CAC nine years ago.

Brett has developed a green thumb as he is now the roving maintenance man, also keeping the lawns and gardens in tip top condition.

Lee Samuel is the maintenance officer at Casa Mia and is

involved with the orientation of new staff and volunteers as the Fire Officer and on the Work Health and Safety committee.

Peter Bogert and Ross Baily from Chamberlain Gardens and Brian Shanley from Ashburn House all thoroughly enjoy the variety of work they are able to perform.

Southhaven’s Glenn Wallace and Kenny Heffernen are both men who get on with the job and enjoy coming up with different solutions to suit the day-to-day challenges of the role.

Bruce Anderson and Mark McKinlay work at Ridgeview and help with the gardening and fixing equipment in the kitchen and laundry.

Maintenance officer Barry Till has worked at Lakefront for eight years and loves his job, especially helping out the residents.

Remember to say hello to these 11 staff members who allow CAC to run so smoothly every day.

There are different challenges every day. It is certainly not a normal 9 to 5 job. “ ”

Maintaining a smooth operation

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Betty McGonigal was born laughing and her best

moments in life are when she is able to get others to join in.

She says she talks too much and she laughs too much, but those that know her understand giving to others comes naturally to Betty.

For as long as she can remember she has been involved with Christadelphian Aged Care in one way or another. Her Dad, Jim Lawrie, and her Mum, Betty, visited “Woodstock” at Strathfield every Wednesday after work.

Her dad was a handyman who did all the electrical work and her mum sewed sheets and made stacks of clothing protectors. Any clothing that needed alterations was also whisked away to be mended.

After she married Colin and children came along, Betty devoted her time to playing for schools rather than aged care

facilities. But she says she missed the elderly folk as they “got” her jokes better.

Betty used to play an auto harp, which is a 30-stringed instrument that sits on your knee and is strummed rather than plucked. “It just got too difficult to bring along, so I just play the piano and tell jokes now,” she says.

Getting the residents involved in the entertainment is the key to having a noisy afternoon. They love all the old songs, such as ‘Get me to the church’, ‘My bonny lies over the ocean’, ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’ and ‘Pack up your troubles’. No one notices if they are singing in a different key, and soon enough the feet start tapping and the hands start clapping.

At 78 years of age, there are no signs of Betty slowing down. She felt a bit faint one day while entertaining the residents at Casa Mia and there were arguments about whose bed she should lie on until she felt better!

Many thanks to Betty for visiting as much as she does, and playing the toe-tapping songs we

love singing and the belly laughs we share together.

“I wish I lived closer, as I’d come more often then,” says Betty when staff and residents all ask, “can you come back tomorrow?”

Keep an eye out, or rather an ear out, for Betty as she visits all our facilities bringing her wonderful sense of humour and fingers that love tinkling those ivories.

She says she talks too much and she laughs too much, but those that know her understand giving to others comes naturally to Betty.

Sharing a laugh and a songBetty McGonigal has been involved with CAC for as long as she can remember.

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Christadelphian Aged Care aims to achieve food safety

by ensuring all food service staff are properly trained.

Food Safety Systems is working with CAC by providing food safety training onsite at each facility using qualified and experienced trainers.

The trainers are able to give advice on the safest food-handling techniques and how the food laws in NSW help to ensure safe food is served to residents.

Food Safety Systems is a food safety compliance company that provides help and advice to businesses providing food.

The food provided in aged care facilities is so much a part of a resident’s day that it is hard to overestimate the importance of this service to the residents.

The food must be tasty and nutritious, and it must also be safe.

It is of the utmost importance for residents to receive safe food as their immune systems are generally weaker than those of the wider population, which puts them at higher risk of contracting food poisoning.

During the food safety training sessions staff are taught about a number of things, including:

• Safe temperatures for food, from delivery to the facility through to storage, preparation, cooking and service,

• The importance of correct hand washing: how to wash and when to wash,

• Food poisoning bacteria and the conditions in which it grows,

• The correct storage of

chemicals in the kitchen to prevent any cross-contamination from chemical to food,

• All food handler’s legal responsibilities, and,

• The importance of the company’s food safety manual.

CAC cooks food fresh onsite, and by doing this for each mealtime a higher amount of nutrients are maintained in the food and subsequently passed on to the resident.

The more goodness residents gain from their food the better they are able to fight any harmful bacteria they may encounter.

This is extremely important for aged residents, but we can all benefit from nutritious and healthy food.

The recipe for safe foodFood safety is a key issue when it comes to residents’ health and wellbeing.

The food must be tasty and nutritious, and it must also be safe.

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The six key messages put out by the Food Safety Information

Council are important when cooking for anyone, but absolutely critical when cooking for people with sensitive systems:

1 Keep hot food steaming hot and cold food

refrigerated: Foods that could give you food poisoning should be stored under controlled temperatures at or below 5C or, for hot food, at or above 60C. Low temperatures prevent food poisoning bacteria from multiplying. At high temperatures they begin to die. Because bacteria can grow to unsafe levels between 5C and 60C we call it the Temperature Danger Zone. Remember: The mouths of the elderly are easily burned, so after you heat the food to steaming hot, you can safely let it cool down by leaving it on the bench for a few minutes before you serve it.

2 Cook food properly: Always cook chicken, rolled

and stuffed meats, sausages and minced meat such as hamburger patties so that the juices run clear - there should be no hint of pink in the centre. Steaks, chops and other whole pieces of meat can be cooked to preference. This is because a whole piece of meat, such as a steak, has only been open to contamination on the surface. Any bacteria on or near the surface will be easily killed during cooking. When meat is minced bacteria can penetrate into the centre of the meat so it needs to be cooked thoroughly throughout to kill them. Always reheat to a temperature of 75C or above or to 70C for at least two minutes. It is a good idea to use a thermometer to check the temperature if you are not sure that the food is hot enough.

3 Separate raw and ready to eat foods.

4 Keep kitchen and utensils clean.

5 Wash hands with soap and dry thoroughly:

These three rules are to prevent food contamination from raw food and dirty surfaces, equipment and hands.

6 Don’t prepare food when you are sick or you risk

transferring your bacteria or viruses to others.

By remembering these six key food safety messages when you prepare food for older people you can greatly reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Information taken from theFood Safety Information Council website: www.foodsafety.asn.au

6 tips for food safety

Southhaven

Southhaven Nursing Home and Hostel emerges from the

bushland of Salt Pan Reserve, on the banks of Salt Pan Creek in Padstow Heights. This stunning natural setting creates a living environment residents feel comfortable to call their home.

As an integrated care facility, the Southhaven site hosts both a nursing home for high dependency residents and a hostel for those who need a lower level of care. This design allows an easy transition as the needs of our residents change over time.

AccommodationSouthhaven Nursing Home provides accommodation for those who are physically-dependent or frail-aged who need high dependency full-time nursing care.

The hostel also offers low dependency care for residents who require some assistance with daily activities but still maintain a certain level of independence.

FacilitiesThe bushland setting is important to Southhaven, from the native gum trees that surround the village, to the exotic palms that provide shade in the summer. Residents enjoy the outdoor gardens on their own or with family and friends while taking advantage of the barbecue facilities.

The facility was built with the welfare of our residents in mind, and includes subtle features to assist in orientation and a sense of stimulation. Various lounges and communal areas around the facility are designed for indoor games or for the residents to enjoy quiet times conversing with friends and family.

ServicesResidents at Southhaven enjoy a busy calendar of events designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle and encourage social interaction.

Enjoy a peaceful life in a bush setting

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When my parents reached this stage in their lives, I felt some considerable guilt at not being able to care for them, but that has long gone when I see the care they receive. The work ethics of all the staff at Southhaven indicates to me the management of the facility is top class. So I would like to thank everyone involved in both low and high care.

- Peter Johnson, Yagoona.

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Casa Mia

Casa Mia Aged Care is located close to the banks

of Salt Pan Creek in a quiet neighbourhood in Padstow. The facility offers residents an exceptional level of care that comes from dedicated and caring staff and a commitment to enriching the lives of all our residents.

Meaning “My House”, Casa Mia is a place residents are comfortable to call their home.

Professional nursing staff are on duty 24 hours a day to care for our residents in a supportive environment and encourage them to take advantage of all facilities and services so they can enjoy their life to the full at Casa Mia.

FacilitiesCasa Mia opens out to an expansive lawn and garden with a covered entertainment area. Residents and their families can take advantage of the barbecue facilities or just enjoy the

outdoors with their loved ones in a corner of the garden.

ServicesTo complement the 24-hour nursing care at Casa Mia the entertainment and activities are designed to enhance the quality of life of all our residents and maximise their mental and physical well being. We understand that companionship is important to our residents and seek to offer activities that fulfil their social needs. These include:

• Regular bus outings• Onsite hairdresser• Entertainment and activity

programs• Multi-denominational church

services

Residents are free to choose their own doctor or we can advise them of visiting doctors. Along with 24-hour nursing care Casa Mia also offers a variety of allied health services.

There’s no place like home

21 ”

I like to work here because the staff are very friendly and we have good managers. The staff give 100% care to our residents. Activity officers have good programs for our residents.

– Julijana, staff member

I don’t feel lonely here. There are always a lot of people around. I can also look out of my bedroom window and see the sunshine and garden.

– Marguerite, resident

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Ashburn House

Ashburn House is a modern facility designed to create a

living environment that not only encourages a healthy and active lifestyle, but one that feels like home. The facility is located in the Sydney northern suburb of Gladesville, close to Looking Glass Bay and Banjo Patterson Park.

Ashburn House incorporates the latest innovative design concepts and modern technologies to provide personalised care within a peaceful and secure environment. The facility has also implemented resource and energy efficient initiatives including solar hot water and rainwater storage for gardens.

AccommodationAshburn House offers a range of accommodation and care services to meet the various needs of those seeking assisted

living. All rooms are stylishly furnished and fitted with modern inclusions such as air-conditioning, wireless internet access and LCD televisions.

FacilitiesSurrounded by landscaped gardens and well-appointed courtyards, there is plenty of space for residents to stroll the grounds or enjoy a barbecue with family and friends.

Inside there is a choice of several comfortable lounge areas furnished with quality decor and modern fittings. Residents can choose to socialise with family or friends or take advantage of the numerous other amenities which include:

• Theatre and function area• Cafe and outdoor dining area• A well stocked library• Hairdressing salon• Craft and exercise room

A little bit of extra care

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ServicesTo complement the 24-hour nursing care at Ashburn House the entertainment and activities are designed to enhance the quality of life of all our residents and maximise their mental and physical well being. We understand that companionship is important to our residents and seek to offer activities that fulfill their social needs.

I have worked with a great team at Ashburn House for 19 years. I enjoy working with older people as they have such diverse personalities and life stories.

- Nikki, staff member

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Chamberlain Gardens

Chamberlain Gardens Aged Care is located at Wyoming

on the Central Coast. This modern facility backing onto Niagara Park Reserve is in a private and secure location and enjoys attractive views of the Australian bush.

The facility has 24-hour professional nursing care and provides care services tailored to the specific needs of each resident.

FacilitiesThis modern facility also features:

• Landscaped gardens and courtyards

• Well-appointed lounges and quiet areas with modern decor

• A well-stocked library• Hairdresser on site• A chapel with multi-

denominational services• Bus with wheelchair access

ServicesTo complement the 24-hour nursing care at Chamberlain Gardens the entertainment and activities are designed to enhance the quality of life of all our residents and maximise their mental and physical well being. We understand that companionship is important to our residents and seek to offer activities that fulfil their social needs. These include:

• Regular bus outings• Allied health services such

as dental, physiotherapy and podiatry

• Diversional therapy, entertainment and activity programs

• Volunteer program• Pastoral care services

offering emotional and spiritual support to residents and their families.

Dedicated care on the Central Coast

23 ”

Our Dad, Les Walter, has been a resident of Chamberlain Gardens for three months and has flourished in that time. He is now more physically active and has shown a more positive attitude thanks to the encouragement of caring staff. He is now more inclined to engage with other residents. – Don and Carolyn Frohmuller, Wyoming

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Ridgeview

Ridgeview Aged Care is located at Albion Park in the

Illawarra region. This modern facility is situated in the foothills of Budderoo National Park in a quiet residential community and enjoys attractive mountain views.

The facility has 24-hour professional nursing care and provides services tailored to the specific needs of each resident with compassion and dignity.

FacilitiesThis modern facility also features:

• Landscaped gardens and delightful courtyards with barbecue facilities

• Well-appointed lounges and quiet areas

• Private function area• Well-stocked library• Internet cafe• In-house resident laundry• Hairdresser onsite• Chapel with multi-

denominational services

ServicesTo complement the 24-hour nursing care at Ridgeview, the entertainment and activities are designed to enhance the quality of life of all of our residents and maximise their mental and physical well-being.

We understand that companionship is important to our residents and seek to offer activities that fulfill their social needs. These include:

• Regular bus outings that include wheelchair access

• Allied health services such as dental, physiotherapy and podiatry

• Diversional therapy, entertainment and activity programs

• Volunteer program offering activities and social support

Mountain views in the Illawarra

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A very sincere thank you for your willingness to accept students from St. Joseph’s as part of our Community Service Program. The friendliness and welcoming nature shown to our staff and students was overwhelming and greatly appreciated. We hope to have a similar program in operation next year with even more students involved. – Mr. David Comensoli, Religious Education Coordinator

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Lakefront Retirement Village

Situated on the shores of Tuggerah Lake Lakefront

Retirement Village in Canton Beach is one of the most sought after retirement locations on the Central Coast. The stunning natural surrounds provide an ideal environment for a stimulating and active lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, picnics, barbecues and walks through the surrounding national park.

Only minutes from Toukley and Lake Haven Shopping centres, residents at Lakefront Village have all the nearby conveniences one could need, along with the exceptional facilities on offer in the village itself. Residents enjoy the covered heated pool and a modern community centre that is the central hub of activity in the village.

The comfort and safety of residents is paramount at Lakefront Village. The manager is

onsite and with caretakers on call 24 hours a day residents have peace of mind knowing highly experienced staff are taking care of their needs.

Lakefront Village offers you recently renovated two-bedroom self-care independent living units for couples or singles. These units have modern inclusions needed for a comfortable and leisurely lifestyle. One of the special features includes a spacious lounge and dining area looking out onto a private garden courtyard or bushland view.

Lifts are in place, giving easy access to the upper and lower levels of independent living units (no use of stairs is necessary).

Each apartment is equipped with a 24-hour emergency call system should any problems arise. The comfort and safety of residents at Lakefront Village is a priority at all times.

A relaxing lifestyle by the water

25 ”

When my husband passed away I didn’t want to attend to the maintenance of my home, but I still wanted to live locally. I visited Lakefront Village and I thought the surroundings were very pretty, and the villas were pleasant, light and airy and in my price range. I’m really happy I came to live here. My family are pleased I am settled and have no regrets. - Margaret Czamara, resident

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Types of care

Low care caters for residents who require some assistance with activities of daily living and still maintain a certain level of independence. Nursing care is on hand if required. All meals and laundry services are provided and staff are available 24 hours a day. You must be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and be deemed to require this level of care in order to be eligible for accommodation. In certain circumstances, care can be increased allowing for resident “ageing in place”.

Low care

Booked accommodation at all CAC facilities is available for those seeking short-term respite care for both high and low care. You must be assessed by ACAT and be deemed to require respite care in order to be eligible for accommodation.

Special care units are designed to give residents the best quality of life, supporting those with various forms of dementia in a safe and secure environment.

Special care units

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High care caters for those who require full-time nursing care. Qualified nursing staff are available 24 hours a day.

Eligibility for entry into all of our residential aged care facilities is determined by the facility manager, following an ACAT assessment that is required to deem this level of care is needed.

Ashburn House also offers a number of high care extra service places for those seeking a premium, assisted living experience.

High care

Respite care

High Dependency Care

High care

How to apply for low or high care placement

1 Aged Care Assessment Teams can be contacted through most public

hospitals. An Aged Care Client Record (ACCR) is required by all those applying for care and accommodation. www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

2 Complete a Christadelphian Aged Care Application form. These are available

by calling 9782 6000 or download a copy from the website www.chomes.com.au

3 Complete an Aged Care Assets Assessment from Centrelink www.

centrelink.gov.au or Department of Veterans’ Affairs www.dva.gov.au 4 If applicable, a copy of enduring

power of attorney and/or guardianship documents.

5 Submit these documents to the facility manager who will discuss your needs

and current availability of accommodation.

Living in one of our independent living units is just like living in your own home, except you can forget about mowing the lawn, collecting the mail or worrying about maintenance problems - we do it all for you. These are just a few reasons why residents have chosen to enjoy the best years of their life in such a relaxing location.

Residents of our serviced apartments enjoy all the facilities Lakefront Village has to offer, maintaining an independent lifestyle without the hassle of household chores.

An ACAT assessment is not required for independent living.

Independent living

Independent living loan and license arrangementsCAC operates under a loan/license agreement which permits you to occupy the premises, but you do not own the premises. New residents are granted a 99 year lease which is registered at the Land Titles Office.

You pay an ingoing contribution in the form of an interest free loan. You also pay a recurrent levy on a fortnightly basis. Recurrent levies are 30% of the single aged pension rate for singles and 35% for couples.

The recurrent levy covers all expenses and services of the village including maintenance of lawns, gardens, pathways and trees, exterior maintenance and upkeep of the village property, electricity to common areas, full replacement building fire insurance policy (excludes personal contents), normal use of the emergency call system, public liability and workers compensation insurance, all council rates and charges, village bus and administration of the village.

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Christadelphian Aged Care11 Queensbury Rd, Padstow Heights NSW 2211

P.O. Box 690, Riverwood NSW 2210Phone: (02) 9782 6000 Fax: 9782 6005

E: admin@chomes.com.au

11 Queensbury Rd, Padstow Heights NSW 2211(NH) Ph: (02) 9782 6010 Fax: (02) 9782 6011E: admin@chomes.com.au(Hostel) Ph: (02) 9782 6030 Fax: (02) 9782 6031E: admin@chomes.com.au

Southhaven Nursing Home and Hostel

Casa Mia 28 Alma Rd, Padstow NSW 2211Ph: (02) 8707 6010 Fax: (02) 8707 6052E: admin@chomes.com.au

Ashburn House20-34 Ashburn Place, Gladesville NSW 2111Ph: (02) 8876 9200 Fax: (02) 8876 9210E: admin@chomes.com.au

Chamberlain Gardens53-67 Chamberlain Rd, Wyoming NSW 2250Ph: (02) 4329 8000 Fax: (02) 4329 8099E: admin@chomes.com.au

Ridgeview Aged Care95 Daintree Drive, Albion Park NSW 2527Ph: (02) 4235 7600 Fax: (02) 4235 7650E: admin@chomes.com.au

Lakefront Retirement Village1 Village Way, Canton Beach NSW 2263Ph: (02) 4305 3650 Mob: 0410 613 280Fax: (02) 4396 3778E: admin@chomes.com.au

www.chomes.com.au