Resident and Relative. Carrington Care. Newsletter SPRING 2016 ISSUE 31

Transcription

1 Carrington Care Resident and Relative Newsletter SPRING 2016 ISSUE 31 Greetings to all On Friday 29 th July we had the pleasure of celebrating with the staff and residents, the one year anniversary of Paling Court since the new facility had opened. Our new facility was also fortunate enough to be nominated for the annual Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards for Excellence in the category of Aged Care developments. I am pleased to advise that Paling Court received a Commendation at the recent award ceremony. The facility currently has 70 residents and growing. The Kiosk and the Hairdressing Salon are both open and functioning well to service residents and their families. We have also signed an agreement with Blooms the Chemist which has now opened a pharmacy at the facility and servicing our residents, families and staff with their prescriptions. On Saturday 13 th August 2016 staff, residents and the community enjoyed a very successful Carrington Fair. The usual Arts, Books, Cakes and Craft stalls together with over 120 stalls external to Carrington also participated. This year s proceeds from the Fair will be used to upgrade all the furniture in the lounge and dining areas of Werombi Court facility (Rothbury/Rose and Parry). In 2015 the proceeds from the Carrington Fair were used for the same purpose at Mary Mackillop facility. In early August 2016 we had finalised the appointment of Jacqui Murray as the Care Service Manager, Werombi Court and also the appointment of Bree Driscoll as the Care Services Manager, Paling Court. Congratulations to both Jacqui and Bree on their appointment and for the excellent job they are doing in the respective positions. At the same time, it is regrettable that Pauline Dinnen, Care Services Manager, Grasmere Terrace has announced her retirement from the workforce and she Enabled to Care

2 Carrington Fair Day will complete her duties on 30 th November Pauline has been with Carrington since mid-2011 and in nursing since We wish Pauline well in her retirement and she will be missed by staff and residents of Grasmere Terrace. Our Vision, Mission and Value Statements were recently launched together with our Customer Service journey which began in September All our staff have been attending workshops to set ourselves on a path that will see Carrington well equipped into the future to navigate and manage current and future Government Aged Care Reforms. Until next time, keep smiling. Raad Richards Once again this year s Carrington Fair was a resounding success enjoyed by all FUN, FAMILY, COMMUNITY Chief Executive AND LAUGHTER OUR VALUES CONSIDERATE ATTENTIVE RESPONSIVE EXCELLENCE 2 2 Enabled to Care

3 News from Grasmere Terrace Greetings to everyone in Grasmere Terrace. Our facility is now one whole facility with no distinction between high and low care units. We consist of three units and the new names for these units are Macarthur rooms 1-32, Glenmore rooms and Kirkham rooms This transition happened late last year and we now have in place new signage located around the facility indicating the room numbers and unit. I think this will make it much easier for all visitors to the facility. We welcome some new Registered Nurses and nurses to our facility and they all come with very good experience and are an asset to our facility. I would like to welcome all our new residents to the facility and hope you are all settling in very well and enjoying this wonderful facility and environment. Unfortunately we have seen the passing of some of our residents over the last few months, some who were the first residents to enter our facility. We dearly miss them all. One of our first employees at Grasmere Terrace, nurse Wayne Goldfinch will be retiring on the 30 th September. Wayne has been a very valued member of our team and we will miss him very much. We wish him all the best in his retirement. Nurse Delores Neville has re located to the north coast and we thank her for being part of our team over the last 3 years. She is enjoying the sunny weather up the coast. We are now coming to the end of our winter and it is good to see the days getting longer and bright sunny days. I would like to thank all the residents and relatives for all the support they give to all our staff in Grasmere Terrace. Wayne Goldfinch s Retirement Best wishes and regards. Pauline Dinnen 3 Enabled to Care

4 More news from Grasmere Terrace NEVER TOO OLD TO SOAR In June this year my family organised a glider flight for me through Laurie Hoffmann of Sydney glider Flights. They offer an Air Experience Flight NOT a joy flight. I had personalised introductory instruction about flying the glider and how it works before we took off. For 20 years I have been looking up at gliders taking off from Camden airport and it has been my desire for many years to be up there in one. Sydney Gliders use motorised gliders where you sit next to the pilot instructor. Once the glider has reached the desired height, the motor is turned off. It is so quiet and peaceful. The views of Sydney Basin, the Blue Mountains and Burragorang Valley were breathtaking. I was able to look down on ILU 120, from where I have recently moved. Over Grasmere Terrace, where I now reside and all of Carrington Care. The day of my flight was just beautiful. It was the day following a snowfall on the Blue Mountains and surrounds. I could see snow as far as Oberon. After a while, I took over the controls from Rob my instructor. The controls just need the lightest of touch and I had these controls for 30 minutes. It was a great afternoon, it turned out just perfect and was a day worth waiting for. Would I do this again? Yes! You are never too old to soar! Gordon Stewart Room 82 Grasmere Terrace Gordon pictured with the instructor Rob. 4 4 Enabled to Care

5 News from Werombi Court Hi everybody I can t believe how quickly the year has gone by. It seems like only yesterday I was offered the opportunity to come to Werombi Court as the Acting Care Services Manager for 5 months. I am pleased to say that I have now had the privilege of accepting that as a permanent position and am now officially the Care Services Manager of Werombi Court. What a great few months it has been for me getting to know the residents and staff in this fantastic facility. As you may or may not be aware I have worked here at Carrington for 4 years now. I have worked in all the facilities but have spent the most time in Mary MacKillop as a fulltime Registered Nurse. So I feel it was a natural progression for me to take this opportunity in Werombi Court. I am so grateful that I have been welcomed with open arms by the staff and residents alike; they have made it a smooth transition for me. The Werombi Court facility I ve come to know and love is a building of old fashioned charm filled with a team of staff, volunteers and families that fill our residents lives with love and laughter. There is plenty of research supporting Pet Therapy and the benefits it can have for people, particularly frail aged and those with Dementia so over the last few months we have been seeing the positive effects it can have. We have been able to see the residents smiling, laughing, talking (where they may not usually speak) and making eye contact where they don t usually. We have had all sorts of pets visiting such as turtles, rabbits, lizards and therapy dogs. We are setting up our garden area in Rose so that we can have some chickens. The residents will be able to collect the eggs and also care for the chickens. This will help to give some of our residents a sense of purpose by taking care of the chickens and provide opportunities for them to reminiscence about past pets, stimulating long and short term memory. We have also been lucky enough to have many musicians visiting us for performances. The residents really enjoy these concerts and we have many regulars who have been coming to play for us for a long time. We have a new addition to our regulars, her name is Ashley and she plays the flute. She is the granddaughter of one of our residents. Ashley gives up her time from teaching music to come and play for the residents every Tuesday. Everyone is mesmerised by the beautiful sound, many a tear is shed as the music is so emotive. (cont ) Joan enjoying a manicure from Brittany while listening to Ashley playing the flute Ken & Leanne - Cooking up a storm Mills family enjoying lunch Thank you to Ashley for the beautiful flute concert 5 Enabled to Care

6 News from Werombi Court Life in Werombi Court is a very busy one between outings, visiting musicians, Bingo, pets visiting and getting ready for the Carrington Fair. For the first time this year we had our own stall at the fair. We called it Werombi Court Garden and Community Produce and Treasures. It was filled with fresh vegetables grown in our own garden, some vegetables donated by resident s families, we had seedlings for sale, a raffle with many wonderful prizes and handmade treasures that were lovingly crafted by our residents and their families. Several residents helped staff run the stall for the day, all in all it was a wonderful success that everyone is keen to make an annual event. Earlier this year we have started a visiting program with Cobbitty Preschool. A group of residents attend the preschool fortnightly. The residents take it in turns with the preschool to supply morning tea. There are activities and great fun is had by all. focused on providing the best possible care and adding value to our residents lives every day. Your dedication makes Werombi Court a great place and I know it is appreciated by all. News from Physiotherapy Hello all Jacqui Murray Care Services Manager Our Physiotherapist Emily has given birth to her beautiful baby boy Hugh James Williams. Born 8lb 6oz. Mum and bub are doing well, home safely. We wish Emily, Wesley and Hugh warm hugs and lots of love!!! Judith and George enjoy visiting with the children at Cobbitty Pre-School George tending the vegies I d just like to acknowledge and say a special thankyou to the Care Staff and Leisure and Lifestyle team who are so 6 6 Enabled to Care

7 News from Mary Mackillop Hello everyone Again, we ask ourselves, where has the year gone. And I have to say I am looking forward to Spring, as we slowly start to see some beautiful sunny days come along and the colour starting in the gardens. Our wonderful community here at Mary Mackillop has again been thriving with the residents and staff continuing to build relationships and always sharing in some memorable events. Each and every week brings pleasure for our team of caring staff as they love seeing the residents enjoy life and have fun. We continue to aim for improvement to quality care and quality of life. As we continue our busy life here may I take the opportunity to thank each and every person, be it the staff, for their continued dedication to the residents, the residents for bringing joy to our lives, and the families for their assistance and participation in the village life here, as well as for your support in our endeavours to improve the lives of the older person. We have challenged ourselves to think outside the box- opting to see just what we can achieve to make the residents lives better, particularly in regards to recreation. I truly believe we have changed attitudes and belief especially over the past year with the philosophy of don t tell me we can t, tell me how we can becoming our motto for getting our residents out and about. The recreation team have been outstanding in this endeavour and have truly excelled in adding value to the lives of the residents. I would like to particularly mention the effort and rewards that we see in our safe havens (dementia units) as we have reached great heights in ensuring they are offered the same opportunities to be free, to be out and about. The success in these units is a credit to Vicki and Michelle who rise to the challenge each and every time. We have had some great moments to celebrate over the past months and have some lovely photos of our residents and staff enjoying special moments. Take Care and keep safe. Julie Barry, Care Services Manager The men in all areas have been able to continue their love of the garden and outdoor work, with regular trips to Bunnings for a workshop, and also to other men stuff, like playing pool. ( our table was donated from a community member) The residents and families from Grevillea (one of our safe haven units) have been able to experience a day out with staff to Kiama We have been able to introduce a Ladies workshop at Bunnings which was an outstanding success We were very honoured to be able to receive a donation from the Grace company to assist in building a project garden in the Camellia outdoor area. This should get underway in late August. Berry Celtic Festival Trip 7 Enabled to Care

8 News from Paling Court the Biggest Morning Tea. As Paling Court continues to grow we look forward to welcoming new residents into our residential care family. Until next time take care. Bree Driscoll Care Services Manager Hello, from all of us at Paling Court! Paling Court recently celebrated its 1 year Anniversary. The event was attended by residents, families, and staff. Thank you to Paul our Chef for making our beautiful Birthday Cake that was enjoyed by all. Photo s of the event can be seen at Capture Camden. Paling Court residents have expressed their love of animals and have enjoyed animal therapy visits which have included dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits. Residents Enjoying Australia's Biggest Morning Tea Our state of the art hairdressing salon is enjoyed by all residents at Paling Court, it is also a great place for the ladies of Paling Court to relax and be pampered. Our Hairdressing Salon is now open every Tuesday. We have recently opened Paling Court s Kiosk. The Kiosk is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-2pm and is staffed by our wonderful group of volunteers. The Kiosk sells sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, chocolates and a variety of other goods. There is also a new coffee machine that makes excellent coffee s for residents, families and staff. Residents Knitting Group We would like to remind everyone that Blooms Chemist is on site in Paling Court, open 9am-3pm. Ladies Pampering Day Our residents enjoy many different activities, such as the knitting group, art class, bus trips and barbeques, not to mention celebrating special occasions such as St Patricks Day and 8 8 Enabled to Care

9 Special Celebrations Happy Anniversary Five Generations Proud Matriarch of a five generation family. At the age of 96 Mrs Ida Gammage has become the proud head of a five generation family. She was born Ida May Burns on the 8th of February Married Neville Keith Gammage on the 28th of June 1939 at St Johns Camden. They have five children, ten grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. When Onyx Phibbs was born in Campbelltown on the 3rd of February 2016 this year, he became a fifth generation baby. Onyx is pictured with his father Gavin Phibbs, Grandmother Carol Phibbs, Great Grandfather Keith Gammage and Great, Great Grandmother Ida Gammage who is a resident at the Carrington. Congratulations to Emmanuela and Joseph Ellul for their coming celebration of their 69th wedding anniversary for the 24th of August Mr and Mrs Ellul met when they lived in Malta. Joseph was in the Maltese Army when Emmanuela saw him one day marching in the street and fell in love. They married on the 24th of August, They have six children with five born in Malta and one born in Australia. They have 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 9 Enabled to Care

10 News from the Volunteer Coordinator Duke of Edinburgh Award Students Community Service Mary Mackillop has recently started a Colour Therapy Group run by two Duke of Edinburgh Students. These photos are of two Duke of Edinburgh students who have successfully set up their own Colour Therapy Group for their community service project. They have a section set aside in Mary Mackillop where they have put up the notices on the window of the activity area about the activity. It has been going for a couple of weeks now and they have been so successful that the area is full! The students come each week with different themes for the residents based on conversations they have with them. They ask what the residents like for example - the beach and they will go and find colouring in themed sheets based on the beach, print these off and have them ready for their next session. The colour therapy is great for residents as there is relaxing music in the back ground and each resident has their own pencils and enjoy the conversations with the students. The students names are Lauren Dady and Isabella Stowers from Magdalene Catholic High School. They are in Year 9 and completing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze level. This is the community service component which consists of 12 hours of community service. Until next time take care, Shay Carter Volunteer Coordinator Enabled to Care

11 News from the Leisure and Lifestyle Team Making a difference in the residents' day by bringing new and exciting activities and watching the resident outcomes. The personal reward this role brings is not Dog Therapy Leisure and lifestyle is a person centred care practice where the programmes are put together to support, challenge and enhance the psychological, spiritual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of our residents. We provide opportunities where individuals may choose to participate in leisure and lifestyle activities which promote self-esteem and personal fulfilment. We facilitate individual client choice, decision making and participation when developing leisure and lifestyle programmes. Sand Play Therapy training session Love our Theme Days! Fun and nice that I get to add value in people s lives. Britt I love my job because it is so rewarding, The residents make it worthwhile -Julie (Grasmere Terrace) School students performing for the residents 11 Enabled to

12 News from the Pastoral Care Coordinator Carrington seeks to offer holistic care for its residents, including pastoral and spiritual care. A team of Pastoral Care Volunteers, who have received specialised training provide pastoral support to the residents of Carrington. Pastoral Care visits centre on what is important for the resident on what brings meaning to their life. For some this will be associated with religion, prayer or readings the Bible or other religious text. Others find meaning in things such as music, nature or relationships, so the conversations will focus on these topics. Residents at Carrington can be referred for Pastoral Care by contacting Pastoral Care Coordinator. Referrals can be made by the resident themselves, by their family or by our staff. If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact Julie Philpott, Pastoral Care Coordinator on or jphilpott@carringtoncare.com.au Julie Philpott Pastoral Care Coordinator Research Program Researchers from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development at Western Sydney University are conducting a study about how music can improve the quality of life of people in residential care facilities. The study involves listening to recorded music that has been personally selected for each participant. If you or your family member at Carrington enjoy music and would like to be involved in a study about the effect of music on mood and wellbeing, please speak to the Care Services Manager of your facility to receive an information sheet. National Guidelines for Pastoral and Spiritual Care in Aged Care After 18 months of research and consultation with a range of aged care providers and recipients, the National Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care were launched on Tuesday 9 August The first of their kind in the world, the Guidelines encourage aged care providers to consider how we provide spiritual care for our residents and clients. Spirituality is integral to quality of life and wellbeing. These Guidelines will assist aged care providers to better care for residents whatever their background, culture, beliefs or faith. The Guidelines address five domains of spiritual care, helping organisations to look at their leadership structures, physical environment, relationships, ethical context and ability to enable spiritual expression among other factors. Carrington has had a long-term commitment to recognising that people need to receive holistic care, including their spiritual and pastoral needs, alongside their physical and medical needs. Our Fullness of Life model of care incorporates spiritual well-being with environmental, social, physical, emotional and intellectual well-being. As an organisation, Carrington is committed to reviewing and continuing to improve our current provision of spiritual care programs and we look forward to utilising the new Guidelines for Spiritual Care in Aged Care to assist us in this process Enabled to Care