ECHo! Issue 157
GENERATIONS COME TOGETHER www.ech.asn.au
Contents Dear readers,
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2 New approach makes ECH ‘Best in Australia’ ............... 2 ECH wins in a first for the state .................................................... 2 Milestones celebrated at 20+ Club lunch ............................ 3 Triple win for ECH Seasiders ........................................................... 4 Successful night for ECH Seaside Wellness ...................... 4 Merry Christmas from the Chief Executive ........................
A cruise-y morning for Living Well Program members ....................................................................................
5 A rather royal career ............................................................................... 6 School students donate books to ECH sites .................... 7 Joan fuses her two loves ..................................................................... 8 Volunteering pays off for Mya ........................................................ 8 Joint project brings out their best ............................................. 9 Art imitating life......................................................................................... 10 Life-size pieces wanted for chess board............................. 1 1
The festive season is upon us again. Beyond the summer luxuries of long balmy nights, barbecue dinners with family and friends, and enjoying a cooling beer or glass of wine, it’s often a time to reflect on the year that’s been. 2015 was full of bold ideas, innovative projects, and awards for ECH (see page 2). In our final edition of ECHo! for the year we acknowledge International Volunteer Day (page 8). Many of our members volunteer for ECH but also for a range of other organisations. We would like to say thank you for volunteering and making a difference to others. We’ve shared moments from a wonderful intergenerational project (page 9) and said farewell to an esteemed staff member (page 13). So kick back in your airconditioned lounge room and catch up on some heart-warming stories. Merry Christmas to all our valued ECH members. See you in 2016! If you have a story or news you would like to share please phone Alexandra Nowak on 8407 5135. COVER IMAGE. PIMPALA PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENT RICO AND SOUTHERN DAY PROGRAM MEMBER ARTHUR CASTLE GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER DURING SOUTHERN DAY PROGRAM’S VISIT TO THE SCHOOL IN NOVEMBER. READ THE ARTICLE AND SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 9.
11 Still smiling after 60 years of marriage ............................... 12 Thank you and farewell to Darren Birbeck ....................... 13 ECH’s new vision presented at AGMs .................................. 14 Christmas Closures .................................................................................
Teresa and her team leave their mark on the Christmas pageant ..............................................................
14 Fresh from the garden to the table......................................... 15 Sun shines for ECH Seasiders fete ........................................... 15 Mary gets back to her roots .......................................................... 16 Supporting people with dementia this Christmas...... 17 A golden day for Amy and Jodie ............................................. 18 Expressions of Interest - Home Support Staff ............. 18 ECH gets behind Anti-Poverty Week ................................... 18 Let’s get cooking ..................................................................................... 19 2016 Holiday unit booking form .............................................. 20
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.
PRINTED AND CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE GREEN PRINT (SGP) PRINTED ON (FSC) STOCK USING 100% VEGETABLE BASED PROCESS INKS.
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O U R O R G A N I S AT I O N
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Merry Christmas from the Chief Executive What an incredible first year as Chief Executive it’s been. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet a great many staff and members from Smithfield to Victor Harbor and all the places in between. What has stood out the most for me is the generosity of spirit displayed by everyone within the ECH community and the genuine willingness, honesty and openness to share personal stories, ideas and joy. The willingness to continually adapt and evolve sits at the heart of ECH. Whether through the development of enhanced products and services, better customer service experiences or continual improvement of our systems and processes to deliver
New approach makes ECH ‘Best in Australia’
greater efficiencies, ECH remains committed to maximising value for you. Our recent Quality Innovation Performance accreditation and Facilities Management Industry Award as detailed below, coupled with award wins by ECH Seaside Wellness and ECH Seasiders Day Program (page 4) are great examples of the work undertaken by our passionate and highly skilled team. This year has been one of exploration and goal setting for ECH management, with the development of our 5 Year Strategic Plan laying a solid foundation for our future. I and my team look forward to delivering this plan so you are equipped with products and services that enable you to live the best life possible. Until then, I wish you and your family and friends a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Best wishes, David Panter
BEST
IN AUSTRALIA
ECH has won the Facilities Management Industry Awards for Excellence 2015 - Provider of Facilities Management: In-House Services. Pitted against industry giants including the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Brookfields, the ECH Property and Facilities Management team were voted the best in Australia in this category by this peak-industry body at the award presentation in November. This award is the results of four years’ work by the team to design and deliver an industry leading approach to managing our assets, and highlights the effective team work and a collective desire to continually improve processes and systems for the benefit of our members and employees. ECH Property and Facilities Management is a business unit that provides strategic, responsive, reliable, and consistent value-for-money services across our villages, ECH community services and corporate facilities.
ECH wins in a first for the state
FIRST
FOR THE STATE
ECH is South Australia’s first not-for-profit enterprise to be recognised by accreditation organisation Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) for the value and safety of our 97 independent retirement villages. The accreditation is a major achievement and a clear demonstration that ECH is committed to providing metropolitan and regional South Australians with access to high quality, age-friendly housing options. To achieve an endorsement of accreditation we have demonstrated we meet all the requirements of the applicable International Retirement Community Accreditation Scheme Standards under the QIP Accreditation pathway for Australian retirement villages. ECH General Manager Services, Paul Thorne, says accreditation was attained through cooperation, commitment and communication amongst staff members. “Many staff across all levels of ECH played a valuable role in ensuring we met the standards in order to attain the QIP accreditation,” he says.
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INDEPENDENT RETIREMENT LIVING
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ECH members of independent retirement living were congratulated at a special lunch at Adelaide Pavilion on November 26 to celebrate their residence in an independent living unit for 20 or more years.
Milestones celebrated at 20+ Club lunch
Everyone enjoyed a three-course meal and plenty of conversation and laughter. ECH Chief Executive David Panter gave a speech and presented gifts to members celebrating 20, 25 and 30 years with ECH.
Margaret Webber, who was not able to attend on the day, is our longest residing member, having lived in her Lockleys unit for 37 years.
“Congratulations to all those who have reached these milestones,” he says. “Thank you to all our members who have spent many years with us.”
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1. COLIN AND ANNIE REYNOLDS 2. LORNA CARR, KATE KENNING AND WIN WRIDE 3. DAVID PANTER AND JOYCE ORR 4. CHRISTINE MORRIS AND DOROTHY ACKLAND 5. MONICA SCHNEIDER, JUDI COOMBE AND LOIS WILSON 6. ELIZABETH CROOK, MICHAEL GOODWIN, LILLIAN PAGE AND LESLEY MORRIS 7. JENNY HALL AND FREDERICK SLATER 8. MARY WESTON, JOHN FRIDMANIS AND IAN WESTON 9. AMY CHATBURN, MICHAEL GOODWIN AND INMAN LILLIE 10. ALICE AND GEORGE TURNER 11. HAZEL TAYLOR AND JEAN ROBINSON 12. SYDNEY FISCHER AND WALTER REYNOLDS 13. KEVIN WOOLIDGE, MARY MONTGOMERY, JOHN FRIDMANIS AND DONALD HARRIGAN 14. FRANCES SILKSTONE AND HELEN O’DAY 15. MARY MONTGOMERY AND KERRY JAFFER 16. BARBARA CROCKER, RIE SONODA AND MORRY CROCKER
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S E A S I D E R S D AY P R O G R A M A N D S E A S I D E W E L L N E S S
Triple win for ECH Seasiders Congratulations to ECH Seasiders Day Program for being announced a joint winner of the Dignity in Care Innovation Award for outstanding contribution by an organisation at the 2015 Dignity in Care Australia National Conference 2015.
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ECH Seasiders Coordinator Betty Hurrell was also a finalist for outstanding contribution by an individual, and ECH Seasiders received a certificate of recognition for outstanding contribution by an individual, group or organisation. “It was a thrill and honour to be nominated,” Betty says. “To be recognised for the work which I love and am passionate about was a pleasant surprise. The award is shared with all ECH Seasiders staff for their dedication to the members and carers.”
Successful night for ECH Seaside Wellness ECH Seaside Wellness was announced a joint winner of the Prompt Care Strength for Life Award Outstanding Partner at the 2015 COTA SA Positive Ageing Awards. Seaside Wellness was nominated for this award by members who attend the Strength for Life classes. Originally there was only one group and now the class has proven to be so popular there are six classes each week. The award was presented at the 2015 Every Generation Festival Cocktail Party on October 16. The Strength for Life program is organised by COTA SA and is run in various gyms and centres, promoting health and wellbeing amongst people 50 years and over through strength training programs run by accredited fitness providers. 1
Also on the night, the winner of the sponsored ECH Outstanding Achiever Award (Regional), Max Pietsch, was presented with an award by ECH Chief Executive David Panter. The 2015 COTA SA Positive Ageing Awards continues a 20+ year tradition of recognising the extraordinary, and mostly unheralded, work done by individuals and organisations in the community.
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1. ECH SEASIDE WELLNESS COORDINATOR KEVIN HOLOHAN WITH PROMPT CARE NATIONAL MANAGER – CLIENT SERVICES WENDY PURTELL (LEFT, AWARD SPONSOR) AND MANAGER OF COTA SA STRENGTH FOR LIFE PROGRAM JEANETTE RICHARDS (CENTRE) 2. ECH CHIEF EXECUTIVE DAVID PANTER AND WINNER OF THE ECH OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER AWARD (REGIONAL) MAX PIETSCH
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LIVING WELL PROGRAM
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A cruise-y morning for Living Well Program members ECH’s Living Well Program successfully held their first outing designed to reduce members’ anxiety about going out and interacting with new people.
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The event, a dolphin cruise on the Port River, was held on November 11 with seven members. Living Well Program assists people in times of isolation or loneliness to remain involved in their community. These monthly outings will help members become involved in social activities and have some fun with other people in the program. Call Member Connect on 1300 275 324 to find out more. 3
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1. DIANNE BURGE AND ECH GENERAL MANAGER SERVICES PAUL THORNE 2. BETTY CARTER AND LIVING WELL PROGRAM CONSULTANT EMMA ASHWOOD 3. KEITH AND SHIRLEY WARREN 4. LUCY LESTER AND MARGARET STEVENS 5. JENNY PEEL, DIANNE BURGE, BETTY CARTER AND LIVING WELL PROGRAM CONSULTANT TAMARA FEATHERSTON 6. DIANNE BURGE, LIVING WELL PROGRAM CONSULTANT JENNY PEEL AND JOYCE WILLIAMS
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HOME SERVICES
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A rather royal career Falling into a career as a photographic retoucher led ECH Home Services member June Tilbrook on a life changing journey to England during her twenties. June’s creative and rewarding job enabled her to pursue her love of working with photographs and get as close to the Royal family as she ever would. “When I left school at 14 I told my parents I wanted to do something with photography,” she begins. “When my mother was in the shops I always looked around and saw the beautiful baby and wedding photos and that’s when decided that’s what I wanted to do. My parents had their wedding photos taken by Burnell Studio on Unley Road in 1934. My mother went to the studio and asked Mrs Burnell if she had a job for me and Mrs Burnell asked, ‘When can she start?’”
When June landed she got the names of the photographers from her book and went to Baron Studios on Park Lane in London’s Mayfair with her portfolio of work.
“They were about to advertise for a girl and were satisfied with me and I got the job,” she beams. “I said I would stay for six months but I stayed for two years. I could have stayed on forever.”
During her nine years at the studio, June was trained to retouch negatives and add oil colour to wedding and baby photos. “To do the retouching of the negatives we sat in a little dark corner with a black curtain behind us and had a very long piece of lead in the pencil and kept it very fine like a needle point,” June says. “The lighter we were with our work the better it was on the print.” After the negatives were retouched they were sent to the dark room and printed, then in another room the girls did the spotting where, with a very fine brush and sepia colour, they spotted the imperfections. “I picked up the colouring by watching a head girl there doing it,” June says. “Then any old photos I saw around the place at home I would colour them. The prints were in sepia so when you put the colour on it gave them a much warmer tone. We would get a sample of the wedding dress material or the baby’s hair to match the colour. Now, that is a dead art. You get such lovely colour with the photography these days.”
Growing up, June developed an infatuation with the British Royal Family. “As I’m a royalist it was my ambition to go to England,” June says. “I had all these books of famous royal photographers and at the bottom of the photos they had their names so I wrote them down and took the list of names with me from Adelaide. All I had was my passport and boat ticket. It cost me £150 return for the boat trip in 1964 and took one month.”
A friend of Prince Philip, Baron was appointed a court photographer to the British Royal Family, and took the official photographs for many occasions such as the wedding of Philip to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and the christenings of their children Charles and Anne and other occasions. June’s dream had come true - she was working for a royal photographer. “The studio was very high class, and expensive too,” June says. “The staff were very good and my boss was excellent. I was given a large print of The Queen and I coloured it on my return. I remember I laid it flat in my suitcase so it wouldn’t get damaged.” CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
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HOME SERVICES
Being in England also gave June an opportunity to learn how her future would unfold. “One day an English family I was with said we would go to Epson,” she says. “While we were there a gypsy sat down with us and she looked at me and said, ‘You’re going across the water to meet someone with fair hair and blue eyes.’ Five years after that I met my husband who had fair hair and blue eyes. I said I will never doubt the gypsies anymore.” June met Ken while she was working at a pharmacy on Goodwood Road. Married for 18 years, Ken and June lived at Daw Park where June has been for 42 years. She began receiving cleaning support from Masonic about 15 years ago and continued with the services when ECH took over.
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At 80, June is very independent and loves being out and about. She travels to the Unley Community Centre during the week for an $11 three-course meal and conversation and laughter with her friends, and for 24 years, has been active in her local Legacy Widows’ Club. A garden lover, June relishes spending time outside reflecting on a myriad of memories. “Some days when it’s nice and warm I’ll sit outside and enjoy the sun,” she says. 1. JUNE’S FIRST JOB WAS AT BURNELL STUDIO ON UNLEY ROAD 2. THE RECEPTION ROOM AT BARON STUDIO IN LONDON
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C R I C H T O N C O U R T A N D S E A S I D E R S D AY P R O G R A M
School students donate books to ECH sites
For the third year in a row, students from Henley High School’s Supported Learning Centre visited members of ECH’s Crichton Court and Seasiders Day Program on November 5 to hand over books they had chosen to donate. The students, with their teacher Natalie Reppenhagen, work with ECH staff to select a date for the visit then design and produce their own invitations
and provide baked goods with refreshments to share on the day. “The students had a great day and were proud to deliver the book donations,” Natalie says.
“We really enjoyed seeing the paintings the members did. There is some real talent there.”
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L VO LU N T E E R DAY
Joan fuses her two loves
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I was so thrilled for him. Another lady Barbara has been with me virtually from the beginning and she has sold paintings. I believe more in encouragement than anything else. I do tell them where things might be improved but most of it is encouragement.” Joan’s approach to the group is to ensure everyone involved is supported and able to express themselves freely. “Everybody has to enjoy what they are doing in class,” she says. “I say to them, ‘You’re here to enjoy and play.’ Some members have started to do that and it’s amazing. I love it and the people I get to spend time with are so lovely. We are always learning.”
For the past seven years, ECH member and volunteer Joan Read has nurtured the creativity of other ECH members through an art group she runs at Clarence Gardens Estate. Joan, who resides in ECH’s Grainger Court village at Myrtle Bank, runs the group once a week for up to
Volunteering pays off for Mya A volunteering placement at ECH Smithy’s Place Day Program turned into a casual job for Mya Balloch. Three years ago, after completing a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health at TAFE, Mya decided she wanted some hands on experience in the field so she approached the staff at ECH Smithy’s Place. “I saw a notice in the library advertising Smithy’s Place so I came and spoke to the staff and they were able to give me a volunteer position,” she says. “I started by coming one day a week and sitting down with the members, playing games with them and just being a friend. Each week I felt I was getting more confident and could take on more activities.”
eight members who have varying levels of experience.
ABOVE. JOAN MENTORS BARB MORRIS AT CLARENCE GARDENS ESTATE
“The rewarding part is when you see what people who have never drawn before can achieve,” Joan says. “It is just downright amazing. For example Fred said he had always wanted to draw and some of the paintings he did were so good,
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Phone Christine Morris on 0412 292 613 to find out more
and be a support for them other than their carer at home. Looking back on when I studied, it’s one thing reading a book compared to coming into the real world and being part of someone’s life and their family. It’s not always black and white. They have a lot to teach us even though they do have memory loss. It’s nice to know for my family and friends that this opportunity is here for older people.”
Eventually a casual position came up, which was music to Mya’s ears. “I’m happy and comfortable here and love the members,” Mya says. “I love having a chat with the members and helping to run the place and get things ready for the day. Being here as made me appreciate life and other people’s situations. You’re not as judgemental and you don’t put your own opinion across, you just are there for them to talk to
1 MYA SPENDS TIME WITH (1) SMITHY’S PLACE DAY PROGRAM MEMBERS KATHLEEN TURNER AND JEAN MASETTO, AND (2) DAVE SHERWOOD
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Joint project brings out their best An intergenerational project between ECH Southern Day Program and Pimpala Primary School created a unique and touching experience for the ECH members, staff and students involved. On November 17 and 19, two groups of Southern Day Program members took an excursion to the school where the year 6/7 students used the knowledge and skills they had acquired from their cooking lessons to prepare lunch for ECH members and staff. The school’s Kitchen Garden Coordinator Michele Ormsby says students talked to the members about the vegetable garden and that all the produce they grew was used in cooking lessons. The school garden consists of about 40 garden beds full of vegetables and herbs, a small orchard, worm farms, rainwater tanks, compost bins, an outdoor learning area, a shade house and a garden shed. Recipes used for the visit have been cooked previously by the
students. Using fresh produce from the school vegetable garden the lunch included silver beet dip; lemon, bacon and zucchini pasta; pumpkin, rocket and feta salad; lemon and poppy seed biscuits; and chocolate beetroot muffins. “I was very proud of the way the students then served the members the food they had prepared, explaining what ingredients were used and what produce came from our school garden,” Michelle says.
“The conversations that lead from there were amazing. There was lots of chatting between the generations. It was wonderful and a very enriching and rewarding experience for all. We would love for this type of relationship between the school and ECH to continue.”
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Art imitating life A resident of ECH’s Fairfield Lodge at Glenelg, John Marshall is a talented artist who, since retiring as a medical laboratory scientist, has taken up painting “as a hobby to relax”. “I enjoyed doing drawings at primary school and I spent time during the war years drawing battle ships and war planes,” he says. “A little later on I thought I’d try my hand at painting and produced one or two at high school then nothing until I’d finished work, by which time I’d absorbed a lot of information from looking down a microscope and that’s what set me off.” John’s vivid pieces are a collection of memories from trips taken with his beloved wife of 60 years Janet, commissioned works, and representations of a challenging yet rewarding career. John’s most notable piece is a spectrum of various pathological conditions (pictured), which took him two years to complete. “I took a lot of slides while looking down the microscope and kept records of interesting cases,” John says. “In some cases, we used ultramicroscopy techniques which allowed us to magnify cells up to 100,000 times to get a very detailed look at their make-up.” John was instrumental in establishing and running the first of five pathology labs for the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science across regional South Australia. “We set up not only pathology labs but also regional blood transfusion services through the various districts we were servicing,” John says. “That was a big task,
but I look back on that with a fair degree of satisfaction knowing we achieved something that was unique to South Australia and we were pioneers in this regard.” After 12 years in that role John took a job at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital setting up 24-hour blood transfusion facilities to support the growing demands of the hospital. He then became one of the first people to establish Flinders Medical Centre in 1974 where, as the chief laboratory scientist, he was responsible for establishing the six main pathology laboratories making up the Division of Diagnostic Laboratory Services. By 1988 John felt it was time to retire and for a sea change so he and Janet moved to Victor Harbor where they stayed for 18 years before moving back to Adelaide and into their ECH home in 2012.
“The best thing that happened to us was coming here,” John says. “We can’t speak highly enough of the support we’ve had since arriving, particularly in the beginning while we were settling in. We appreciate knowing we are in a situation where we can get access to care if we need it and that’s a very big load off your mind. I think we are in the best place in our lives. We love each other to bits and are very happy to be part of the ECH Community.”
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Life-size pieces wanted for chess board As part of a village upgrade at Grainger Court in Myrtle Bank, resident Eric Oaklands requested a life size chess and draughts board be installed under the pergola. The upgrade involved putting in new trees, shrubs and paving, including the coloured pavers (pictured). “It’s just an idea I had and the new landscape works leant itself to that idea,” Eric says. “I’m not a chess fanatic but I like to have a game whenever the opportunity arises. It’s a talking point and the other residents are happy to see it there. It’s a social thing.” Eric is currently trying to source large playing pieces. “I haven’t been able to find any yet so I’m still looking,” he says. “We need 12 black pieces and 12 white pieces for draughts, and the whole chess set.” If you or anyone you know is able to assist please phone Eric Oaklands on 8338 4567.
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NOTICES
Christmas Closures ECH’s Corporate Office in Parkside will be closed from December 25 and will reopen on January 4
Maintenance support will still be available as usual to independent retirement living members during this time, but will be restricted to emergency maintenance requests only on the public holidays Phone 8159 4700
SOCIAL PROGRAMS closed from December 25 and will reopen on January 4 Please note:
Seasiders Day Program will reopen to members on January 5 due to a planning day on the Monday
WELLNESS PROGRAMS closed from December 25 and will reopen on January 4 Please note:
Victor Harbor Wellness will be closed from December 24 and will reopen on January 4
North East Wellness will be closed on the public holidays only and will still run some programs including podiatry and TCP Physiotherapy Phone 8361 5350
ECH wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.
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Still smiling after 60 years of marriage Gladys Plunkett never thought the boy she insulted when she was 12 would be the man she would spend the rest of her life with, let alone celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary with.
“We were at a school sports day and the boys were sitting around watching us girls do the high jump,” Gladys recalls. “They were egging us on and I turned around and pointed to Arthur and said, ‘Shut up monkey house!’” A few years later, a chance encounter at a playground in the coastal town of Seaburn playing on dodgem cars with their friendship groups reunited Arthur and Gladys. “After that incident at the sports day we didn’t meet again until we were 15 and Arthur remembered that incident and those first words I said to him. How nice,” Gladys laughs. “As teenagers we used to frequent that area and the boys would follow us around and that’s when Arthur asked me out. We’ve been together ever since. I always had to be home early, about nine o’clock. My father would be standing at the front of the house waiting for me.” At the tender age of 19, Arthur and Gladys became engaged in a rather nonchalant way. “I was in the RAF for two years doing national service and I came home on leave and that’s when we got engaged,” Arthur recalls. “We were standing outside the house and I said, ‘Would you marry me?’ as we said goodnight.” “We were at the weekly pictures and Arthur put the engagement ring on my finger,” Gladys smiles. Life as a newlywed couple was challenging. “We started the hard way,” Arthur says. “We lived with my parents for a year then moved from North East England to the South as the work wasn’t too good. We couldn’t get a place to live so we started living in a 16-foot caravan.” “Our first son David was born in 1958 and the three of us lived in this caravan for a year,” Gladys recalls. “It wasn’t easy. We had one of those beds that you pull down and during the day time it went up so we had more room. Arthur built a shed in the back area and a portable toilet and we managed that alright. I had to wash in a bucket.
We were starting off and it was ours. We saved for a deposit on a house while we were living in the caravan.” Eventually, Arthur and Gladys saved enough money and migrated to Australia in 1965. “We were picked up from the airport by some people from a hostel at Glenelg as that’s where we first stayed,” Gladys recalls. “Real estate agents would take us all around to look at different suburbs. The three-bedroom house we bought at Tea Tree Gully cost us £4,850. We were there for 23 years then moved to Reynella where we joined the bowling club and met our lifelong friends.” From Reynella Arthur and Gladys moved to Woodcroft where they lived for 12 years. Finding the gardens and general maintenance was getting too much, the next move was in 2005 to Aveo The Braes in Reynella East. “A lot of our friends from the bowling club are here so we were very fortunate to move so close to them,” Gladys says. “Everyone keeps an eye on each other and we are a close knit group. We go out every fortnight on a Sunday for lunch and pick a venue. We’ve been doing that for years.” Arthur and Gladys are also conveniently close to ECH Southern Day Program, where Arthur attends twice a week.
“I enjoy the companionship, the
people, the things we do and the places we go,” Arthur says.
“They are absolutely wonderful there we can’t speak highly enough of them,” Gladys beams. “They are really beautiful people. Going to the program has got Arthur’s interest back in art. He’s really enjoyed it and you can tell. Arthur loves it and I love to see him be so content there. The staff make everybody feel so welcome.” CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
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An ECH carer comes to Arthur and Gladys’s home for two hours every week to spend time with Arthur while Gladys does the shopping and runs errands. “It’s been good,” Gladys says. “They chase me out of the house and say, ‘Go and relax!’ I do as much as I can and when Arthur is at the group on Mondays I have a day out with the girls from the bowling club. It keeps me in touch with people the same as how Arthur is in touch with everyone at his group.” As grandparents to nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and another two on the way, Arthur and Gladys live for their family and the times they share together. Celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on October 22nd this year was an incredibly special event. “Some family from England came over especially for it and we all went out for dinner,” Gladys says. “I was quite emotional reading the letter we received from the Queen. I couldn’t believe it.” When asked what the secret is to keeping their relationship alive for more than 60 years, the answer is simple - “Never go to sleep without making it right,” Gladys smiles. “There’s not a night we don’t give each other a kiss goodnight.”
O U R S TA F F
Thank you and farewell to Darren Birbeck
With an ever-growing reputation for strong leadership, Darren’s passion for developing people was evident in his mentorship of various staff across the organisation, as was the key role he played in the development of the People and Culture Plan in 2012. Darren says he is passionate about business improvement and ensuring the future sustainability of the organisation. “I gain the most satisfaction at work from developing people to their maximum potential,” he says. “I consider my greatest achievement at ECH is assembling such a fantastic team in the Support area. I am most proud of the collective achievement of ECH team in acquiring the Masonic Homes aged care operations.
After 11 years with ECH, General Manager Support, Darren Birbeck, announced his resignation on November 17, accepting a new opportunity as General Manager Corporate Services for The City of Charles Sturt. Darren joined ECH from Mitsubishi Motors in November 2004 in the role of General Manager Finance. Reporting to the then Chief Executive, Rob Hankins, Darren played an instrumental role in introducing robust financial and operational processes designed to ensure ECH’s ongoing future sustainability.
“Some of my favourite moments at ECH include cooking the barbecue for Christmas lunch at head office (pictured), the sack race at the family picnic (I still believe Andrew Stoll cheated!), celebrating my 40th birthday with the team, spending time with members at our Day Programs and Wellness Centres, and the successful acquisition of the Masonic Homes aged care business.” DARREN (CENTRE) WITH ANDREW STOLL (LEFT) AND PAUL THORNE (RIGHT) COOKING THE ECH HEAD OFFICE CHRISTMAS BARBECUE LUNCH IN 2014
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ECH’s new vision presented at AGMs ECH’s Annual General Meetings for 2015 provided the perfect opportunity for Chief Executive David Panter to present our new five-year strategic plan, and for staff to address any queries village members had about their units, maintenance fees or other matters.
The meetings were identical in content and held at Lockleys, Goodwood, Payneham and Victor Harbor where a total of 146 residents attended - 51, 42, 41 and 12 at the respective suburbs. 49 villages were represented with Victoria Court and Kelvin Grove having 10 members from each, followed by Rotary Village, which had nine.
Of special note, he highlighted the importance of our existing values and purpose and the role they played in the creation of our enhanced purpose and expanded set of values. Our purpose is ‘To promote self-determination and enable people to have the best life possible as they age. To have the best life possible, we believe people need to be active, engaged and have confidence in themselves and their community. All that we do is grounded in our core values of integrity, empathy and respect. We also recognise that we need to be inspirational, courageous and prepared to take risks to evolve and excel.’ In closing David then described the overall future vision for ECH in detail, and each of the key activities that would be undertaken to achieve the strategic objectives within the plan.
During his presentation of the new strategic plan for ECH, David acknowledged the history of ECH and its role in the lives of older South Australians over the past 50 years.
Teresa and her team leave their mark on the Christmas pageant ECH Client Services Consultant for Community Services West, Teresa Sandona, has been involved with the Credit Union Christmas Pageant for the last six years as a volunteer, supporting those with special needs and giving back to the community.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
Phone Christine Morris on 0412 292 613 to find out more.
“In 2014 I put out a call to the ECH West office staff who may like to join and that is when some ECH staff joined the crew and with their children,” Teresa says. “The community site has a well-earned place at the pageant. With so many in need and with its ever-growing success, the site gets bigger ever year and so does the number of volunteers.” The community site, situated in Wakefield Street, consists of people from rural areas, individuals with disabilities, children with special needs, and those diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment.
The team of volunteers monitor the entry, assist with direction and liaise with pageant staff. “Because of the volunteers, the community site is a huge success and has increased in size by 80 metres and grown to about 22 volunteers,” Teresa says. “It is a big day that commences very early but we do have the best time. This was a great day and a wonderful community event. The team at ECH West were keen to get on board as individuals, have their children involved, and to give back to the community as a group.”
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MERVYN GRAHAM LODGE
Fresh from the garden to the table There is nothing quite as satisfying as being able to pick fresh vegetables from your own garden. These past months have seen just that happening in the community vegetable garden at Victor Harbor’s Mervyn Graham Lodge. The winter produce included an assortment of kale, spinach, parsnip, leek, carrots and a variety of lettuces. With summer on our doorstep, the weather lends itself to that little stroll around the gardens to see what is on offer. Sunflowers were planted first to provide shade for some of the vegetables, and
then tomatoes, cucumber, leeks, parsnips, more lettuce, peas and capsicums were added at different times so residents were able to have the produce on hand for longer. Strawberries and a blueberry bush were also planted. Rhubarb is growing but sadly the birds took a liking to the pumpkins so they have gone. “I am loving watching all this wonderful produce grow and for summer fresh salads at our fingertips,” resident Gail Van Ryswyk says. “We go out, pick what we need and know it really is fresh and the best.”
S E A S I D E R S D AY P R O G R A M
Sun shines for ECH Seasiders fete A fete held by ECH Seasiders Day Program on October 17 raised $1600, which will be used to build a larger garden shed for members, staff and carers to store produce from the garden and items they make. Around 200 people attended the event, which helped to promote the services of ECH Seasiders and Seaside Wellness. Attendees enjoyed trading tables of craft made by members and staff, donated second hand books and plants, a barbecue and Devonshire Tea. Businesses including Coles, Foodland, PFD Food Services, Gawler River Cattle Co, West Lakes Chemplus and Peter Page Holden donated scones, cream, sauce and bread, sausages and a basket of goodies for the raffle. “The outcome was fantastic,” ECH Seasiders Coordinator Betty Hurrell says. “The Lion’s Club were very kind in cooking the sausages for the barbecue and selling cans of drinks.”
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SEASIDE WELLNESS
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Mary gets back to her roots Things have come full circle for Mary Stewart - the original day centre coordinator of what is now ECH Seaside Wellness, who now attends as a member each week.
Mary was the original day centre coordinator of what used to be known as Western Therapy Services for the Aged back when Western Community Hospital first opened in the early 1980s. “The hospital at that stage was the Henley Private Hospital,” she says. “Getting the job as coordinator worked in well with my thoughts at the time, as I was thinking a day centre would be a positive
MARY USES THE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT DURING THE STRONG AND STABLE CLASS AT SEASIDE WELLNESS.
thing for the community.”
Mary’s role involved assessing people’s needs as they came through and setting them up with the right program. “We had a physiotherapist, a podiatrist and a nurse and we did occupational therapy and things like morning teas and lunches,” she says. “We had a few people attending who had Alzheimer’s, and we held group chats but it was nothing like what ECH has now to support people.” Her time in the role, however, was only brief (three months) as Mary was soon offered a position as director of care at Fulham Retirement Village (now Aveo Retirement Village), where she has resided for 10 years. “When I came here as director I lived in the big house upstairs,” she says. “It was very nicely done except there was no air conditioning at the time. I was also a registered nurse and they needed one here on the premises. There was no retirement village’s act at that time and as it was classified as a hostel they needed a registered nurse on site.” Living at Aveo is conveniently close to Seaside Wellness, where Mary has been attending since 2014. “I’ve needed some help with my balance and back and a few other physical things so it was an automatic decision to attend ECH Seaside Wellness,” Mary says. “I must say I was very impressed when I walked in the first time after so many years. The room where we used to meet was actually the
whole centre, then ECH took over and the place has been developed into something wonderful. The care and concern for the people who attend is remarkable.
“Everybody at Seaside Wellness is absolutely amazing.” Mary, 86, is a member of the Strong and Stable class where she uses the exercise equipment to improve her mobility and overall wellbeing. “I’ve had both hips replaced and to start with my balance wasn’t too good then I improved and moved up a class,” she says. “It has really helped. I am feeling more confident especially now I have the walking frame which I use as a balance so I can do a lot of walking. And I still drive. I do my weekly shopping and I can walk to the local grocer and back again. “I’ve always had quite a high regard for aged care providers including ECH. In the last few years I’ve had contact with ECH through a few friends who live in the villages. I went to see a friend and I was impressed. The care was wonderful.”
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GET EVERYONE INVOLVED There are many ways to involve people living with dementia at Christmas time – from something as simple as hanging a bauble on the tree to doing a spot of Christmas shopping. The important thing is to remember to make sure they are included.
BRING BACK OLD MEMORIES Whether it’s an old song they used to enjoy or a classic Christmas film, find something fun you can take part in. Making a family photo album or memory box could be a nice way to spend time together.
ACCOMMODATE If you’re organising a party or event, have a quiet room set aside and make sure facilities are clearly labelled. Knowing where to go will really help someone with dementia feel more confident.
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HELPFUL HINTS
DON’T OVER DO IT
SLOWLY DOES IT
Someone with dementia may feel overwhelmed by lots of noise and unfamiliar people around, so try and keep visitors to a few at a time. Schedule periods of rest throughout the day or have a quiet room they can retreat to in case things become too much.
Introduce the Christmas environment slowly. Think about putting up decorations gradually over a few days so it doesn’t come as a big change to the person’s usual setting.
Supporting people with dementia this Christmas
MUSICAL EVENTS Try to include people with dementia when attending carol services, as singing carols is a great joint activity and can bring back lovely memories.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING With a bit of planning, Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be too stressful. Shop in the morning when it’s quieter and you can take your time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Break for a coffee and rest.
If you’re organising a partyBE or event, have PATIENT a quiet room set aside make sure up in all It’s easyand to get caught arebustle clearly the facilities hustle and of Christmas, labelled. Knowing but if someone seems confused where to go or is taking a will bit longer to do really helptake someone something, a breath and be with dementia feel patient. more confident.
It’s good to talk: Christmas can be a very stressful time, so don’t bottle it up. Talk to someone close to you, or someone from our ECH Member Connect team on 1300 275 324 or call Alzheimer’s Australia SA on 8372 2100. Given by carers and families of people with dementia and compiled by Alzheimer’s Society UK and modified for use by ECH staff and carer/enablers.
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SEASIDE WELLNESS
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A golden day for Amy and Jodie Congratulations to ECH Seaside Wellness Podiatrist Amy Bryans and Fitness Instructor Jodie Mastersson who competed in the Australian Masters Games in Adelaide in early October. Despite some quite serious injuries, Amy and Jodie soldiered on and helped their teams bring home the gold medals in hockey and softball respectively. Open to anyone who meets the minimum age criteria of 30 years, the event attract more than 10,000 people from across Australia and overseas. There are no qualifying standards and participants from all over the world are welcomed to take part in the week-long event of sport and festivities. Australia’s largest regular multisport Games features more than 50 sports, and includes a variety of social events throughout the week, providing a festival atmosphere for both competitors and visitors to Adelaide. O U R O R G A N I S AT I O N
Expressions of Interest Home Support Staff ECH is a leading notfor-profit provider of independent retirement living units, in-home services, social and respite programs, wellness programs and services for older South Australians. Our purpose is to promote self determination and enable people to have the best life possible as they age. We are always on the lookout for caring and enthusiastic Home Support Staff to join our ECH community to provide assistance to our members living in their own homes.
Home Support Staff help our members live independently by assisting with many activities such as personal care, domestic cleaning, preparation of meals, in-home respite, shopping and transport. If you have a passion for working with people and have a “can do” and “why not” attitude, then this may be just the role for you. All that we do is grounded in our core values of integrity, empathy and respect, with a good dose of courage, inspiration and preparedness to take risks thrown in. If you or someone you know share our values and want to be part of an exciting future, we’d love to hear from you! To express your interest in joining our team please visit the Careers section of our website at www.ech.asn.au
ECH gets behind Anti-Poverty Week In support of Anti-Poverty Week 2015 (October 11-17) ECH hosted a working lunch focused on developing strategies to overcome the financial challenges facing older South Australian women. ECH facilitated two events on October 15 - a presentation by guest speaker Professor Hazel Bateman to ECH staff; and an invitation-only facilitated workshop and working lunch featuring key topic experts and senior industry leaders to understand and develop strategies to redress the many issues that result in older women falling into poverty as they age. The objectives of the event were to engage with key stakeholders to heighten awareness of the issue; discuss ways to enable women to access appropriate advice and housing solutions; showcase ECH’s pro-active stance in this space; and provide ECH Senior Leadership with access to the latest thinking in this area.
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MEAL IDEAS
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Let’s get cooking Welcome to this new section in ECHo! which is all about food. In each edition we will bring you meal ideas, recipes, and general information about food safety, minimising wastage, and making meals enjoyable. Getting adequate protein in your diet can offer myriad health benefits. Studies have shown protein can help to lose weight, improve heart health or boost your energy. Incorporating lean protein into your diet is a critical component of a healthy eating plan. Protein is responsible for normal muscle function; body cell growth and repair; immune protection; a healthy nervous system and body function. For most people 20g to 30g of protein three times each day is ideal, but how much protein
is in everyday food? See our menu plan below. Evidence shows that a serve of quality protein at each meal along with regular weight bearing exercise* is the best way to prevent muscle wastage as we age. A combination of plant and animal protein can be included in a healthy diet to ensure we receive a range of vitamins and minerals needed each day. Speak to a dietitian or your doctor if you have concerns about your diet.
Menu plan example Breakfast
Morning Tea
Dinner
1
1 piece of fruit
Microwave omelette (right) with side salad
/2 cup baked beans
1 slice of toast 1 slice of low fat cheese and 1 cup of low fat milk/soy or coffee made with milk/soy
= 26g protein
Lunch 2 cups of salad with balsamic vinegar dressing
= 27g protein
1 small tin of tuna
1 piece of fruit
Snack
Microwave Omelette
27g
protein per serve
2 eggs Cooking spray 50g lean leg ham or leftover cooked meat, chopped 1
/2 tomato, finely chopped
2 tablespoons grated light cheese Optional chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano Crack eggs into a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cold water or milk. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until combined. Spray a microwavesafe bowl with oil Microwave the egg mixture on high for 50 seconds uncovered. Mix the meat, vegetables and herbs into the egg mixture and return to the microwave for 30 seconds or until the egg has set. Serve as is, or with toast or salad. * Consult your doctor before embarking on any new exercise or eating plan.
1
/4 cup grated low
fat cheese
= 29g protein
Breakfast Smoothie
20g
protein per serve
1 cup low fat milk or soy milk 1 tablespoon malted milk powder or skim milk powder 1 small banana 1 wheat cereal biscuit crumbled (e.g. Weetbix) 1 tablespoon plain yoghurt 1 teaspoon honey Blend all ingredients until smooth.
We would love to hear your feedback, questions or ideas you may have. Please email Alexandra at anowak@ech.asn.au or phone 8407 5135.
2016 HOLIDAY UNIT BOOKING FORM
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ECHo! ISSUE 157
Holiday unit bookings Please complete the form below and return it to: ECH Village Management 358 Findon Road Kidman Park 5025 Ph: 8159 4700
ECH provides two well appointed holiday units at Ardrossan and Victor Harbor which are available to independent retirement living unit residents. Making a booking is as easy as completing the form opposite, cutting it out and returning it to ECH’s Office at Kidman Park. The holiday units at Ardrossan and Victor Harbor are two bedroom, catering for a maximum of four people (one double bed and two singles).
NAME ADDRESS
PHONE MOBILE
ARDROSSAN Unit 14, 32 Oval Terrace FEE FOR SEVEN NIGHT STAY (Please select your preference)
1 person/per night $20 = $140.00 2 people/per night $30 = $210.00 3 people/per night $45 = $315.00 4 people/per night $60 = $420.00 Note: No taxi service is available. Bus service arrives at Ardrossan in the evening.
A few things to remember: •
The holiday booking is for seven nights.
•
Your week commences on a Thursday with check in after 2pm and check out prior to 10am the following Thursday.
•
You will receive a phone call upon receipt of your booking request.
•
3 people/per night $45 = $315.00
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.
4 people/per night $60 = $420.00
Call us on 8159 4700 to find out more.
VICTOR HARBOR Unit 13, 7 Acraman Street FEE FOR SEVEN NIGHT STAY (Please select your preference)
1 person/per night $20 = $140.00 2 people/per night $30 = $210.00
Contact us Corporate Office
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
174 Greenhill Road
Parkside
5063
8407 5151 1300 275 324
Independent Retirement Living Retirement Living
Independent living unit enquiries
8407 5115
Independent Living Services
For independent living unit members
8407 5111
Property Services
For independent living unit members
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
Causeway Connection
Victor Harbor Lutheran Church 21 Adelaide Road
Victor Harbor
5211
0439 703 492
Seasiders Day Program
11 Laidlaw Street
Henley Beach
5022
8356 5398
Smithy’s Place Day Program
1a Warooka Drive
Smithfield
5114
8407 5250
Southern Day Program
Corner Jade Crescent and Hay Street
Happy Valley
5159
8381 4901
Sundowner Plus
11 Laidlaw Street
Henley Beach
5022
8356 5398
Walkerville Day Program
160 Walkerville Terrace
Walkerville
5081
8407 5285
North East Wellness
1/19-21 Fosters Road
Greenacres
5086
8361 5350
Seaside Wellness
168a Cudmore Terrace
Henley Beach
5022
8356 3169
Southern Wellness
126 Pimpala Road
Morphett Vale
5162
8322 5700
Victor Harbor Wellness
33 Cornhill Road
Victor Harbor
5211
8551 9100
Social Programs
Wellness Programs