Community Matters EDITION 02 WWW.CALVARYCARE.ORG.AU | 1300 797 522
Welcome to a New Year We hope you are enjoying the summer season. Please be encouraged to take on all that you do with a renewed outlook. With the beginning of a new year, we often find ourselves reflecting, wanting to start over with a blank slate, and make the world a better place. In this edition we share some tips to help you live your best life, feel good and age well. Whilst most of us enjoy the sunny season, this time of year can also bring a range of conditions that we encourage you to plan for. Read more on keeping well and safe in the summer heat.
We also share Anne’s story. Anne’s life changed overnight, but after months of hardship, love prevailed and a caring relationship emerged. Last year was challenging for us all. In 2021, we are realistic about the uncertainty we continue to live with and how rapidly things can change. Although the impact of COVID-19 will vary throughout the states and territories, we must all continue to take precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. Rest assured we are monitoring the situation closely.
We are excited about the opportunities which lie ahead of us this year and the positive outcomes they will have on the wonderful clients and families we work with each day.
SUGGESTIONS Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. ccc.communications@calvarycare.org.au
ACTIVE
Keeping well during summer As the warm weather is upon us, it is an opportune time to remind everyone to stay safe on forecasted hot days. Being in a hot environment for a period of time can cause the human body to suffer from heat-related illness. What is Heat Stress? Heat stress is best described as excessive exposure to heat that may lead to a number of conditions ranging from prickly heat to more life threatening conditions, like heat stroke.
Individuals suffer from heat stress when the body absorbs more heat than it can remove. Prompt action will avoid the serious, or even fatal consequences, of fully developed heat stroke. Keep a close watch on the Bureau of Meteorology website to detect when hot days are coming, or if there is going to be a heatwave period. Prepare for the event in advance. continued page 2.
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Seek shade or shelter Slide on some glasses used to block out sun.
Prevention is the best way to manage heat stress. The risk of heat stress can be reduced by: • drinking plenty of fluids • wearing light clothing and protection outside • drawing blinds and curtains • utilising air conditioning and fans • ensuring heating is not turned on • avoiding outdoors and staying cool inside • not sitting, or leaving pets and children in a parked vehicle on hot days If you are concerned and feel your symptoms are severe, seek medical assistance.
Avoid dehydration this summer Drinking infused water, is an excellent way to consume more water. With its light flavouring, this type of drink is a particularly good choice for those who find vegetable or fruit juices too strong. You can add your choice of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Combine your ingredients with water and infuse for 3-4 hours at room temperature. The warmer temperature helps the flavours intensify more quickly. You can also infuse in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Serve cold and with ice. Popular combinations are: • Rosemary and grapefruit • Watermelon and mint • Strawberry, lemon and basil • Ginger and lime.
After coming home from the hospital and months of rehab, Anne knew she needed extra help. She enlisted Calvary’s domestic assistance service for help around the home. Anne is very grateful for the Support Workers who visit her and enjoys the company after being on her own for several years. “I have many different workers come to my home from Calvary and all have been positive, respectful and very helpful.” Although reluctant at first, Anne attended a Stroke Support Group. “I am one who thinks I can do it all myself. After working many years in social services, I understand the importance of speaking out and sharing your feelings.” It was at this very support group, Anne met Theo, who was initially attending as a support for his wife, but since her passing, he continued to attend.
Love is in the air Anne shares her story of courage, hope and a new found love. Anne was looking forward to celebrating her 69th birthday and retirement celebrations. The evening prior, what she thought was a bad sinus headache, actually turned out to be a brain haemorrhage. After spending hours in the emergency room and being moved to another hospital, Anne was advised she had to undergo brain surgery. Shortly after, she suffered a stroke. “Everything happened very quickly, and my life changed in an instant. It wasn’t the party I had hoped for,” said Anne.
Anne and Theo have been together for over ten months now. The couple have established a loving and caring relationship. When international travel resumes, they are hoping to explore Europe. Theo was born in the Netherlands, and is hoping to show Anne his home town in Amsterdam. “I am doing well now and am back to doing most things I used to, maybe a little slower. Rehab and ‘keeping on keeping on’ has been amazing, plus very supportive friends, family and agencies. I’d like to thank all the people who have stood beside me and supported me.” As Anne and Theo can attest, growing old together can be just as exciting as falling in love for the first time. We need only to open ourselves, and give it the attention it deserves.
New year, new you Each day is a new gift. When it comes to a new year, we are always telling ourselves things will be different. It is an opportunity to take charge of our lives and make some positive changes, big or small. Below are eight ways you can help yourself feel good and age well:
Try something new. After an extraordinary year, we encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Is there a class you’ve always wanted to take, such as baking, learning another language, sewing, or learning an instrument? Every day can be a new adventure. Health check and immunisations. Make an appointment with your GP to discuss any recommended health screenings or concerns you may have. Having routine checks and keeping up to date with vaccines can save your life. This also includes speaking up about your mental health. Understand your fall risk. Falls are NOT a normal part of ageing, falls can occur to anyone at anytime. As we get older the risk of falling increases and the harm that can be caused from a fall increases. Make time to rearrange things in your home or talk to your GP about risk prevention. We are supportive of our clients and are available to assist in whatever way we can to keep you safe in your home and the community. Embrace technology. There’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, and that is, things can change instantly. Not being able to see our loved ones means we may have embraced the opportunity to engage virtually. Updating your smart device can ensure that video calls and photos are clearer. Social media can make it easier to stay connected. You might even try an e-book, audio book, games and online communities. Make healthier choices. Strive to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and healthy fats. If you need help with buying groceries, chat to your Support Worker. If you need to talk to someone about choosing or preparing a healthy diet, contact your healthcare professional, or an accredited practising dietitian. Your body is always changing, so make it a priority to keep up with your health.
Exercise your brain and body. Physical activities enable you to gradually improve things like balance, endurance, strength, flexibility and overall health - try 30 minutes a day (it can be over 10 minute intervals). Exercises such as tai chi, water aerobics, walking, and stretching can also help you control your weight, build your muscles and bones, and improve your balance, posture, and mood. Challenging your brain regularly keeps your cognitive skills sharp and reduces your chance of experiencing memory loss. Try a course at your local community centre – some even offer free classes for adults 65 and older. Read new books, or the classic ones, or try daily quizzes and crosswords. Clean out the old, make space for the new. Holding on to the past is special when it reminds us of happy times and great experiences. We can amass many ‘things’ in our lifetime, but after a while, we don’t need a lot of them. Declutter and commit to reviewing what you really need to make life easier. Re-organise your cupboards, donate some things to charity, or to friends and family. Let the good times roll. Life doesn’t have to be serious. Reach out to the immediate world around you for fun, a sense of achievement, social contact and mental stimulation. Make a plan to laugh out loud for no reason each day. Laughter can lift your mood, ease pain and lower stress. After all, it is the best medicine.
EXTRA SUPPORT Speak to your Support Worker about helping you achieve your goals.
Socialise, have fun, and recharge with Respite Care Calvary Community Care Respite Care provides carers time to re-energise and balance their other responsibilities and commitments. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Respite Care is a flexible and responsive service which can be provided at home, within day centres or at overnight cottages. Calvary also provides carer support groups and carer education resources.
1300 797 522
www.calvarycare.org.au REMINDER
Update your contact details We are committed to providing you information that is accurate and timely. An email or SMS is the most efficient means of communicating, and it also helps reduce our carbon footprint. If you do not have access to email or a mobile phone number, please confirm your postal address. You can also submit a family member’s details. To provide an email address and mobile phone number, or if you require more information, call us on 1300 797 522 or visit: www.calvarycare.org.au/submit-email Please ask your Support Worker if they are able to assist you with filling out the form online.
1300 66 00 22 Calvary is a charitable Catholic non-for-profit organisation with more than 12,000 staff and volunteers, 14 public and private hospitals, 17 retirement and aged care facilities, and a national network of community care centres. We operate across six states and territories within Australia.
Continuing the Mission of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary
551 Blackburn Road Mt Waverley VIC 3149 Australia T 1300 797 522 ccc@calvarycare.org.au www.calvarycare.org.au
You have received this newsletter as a valued client of Calvary. Information is accurate at time of printing.
Established in Sydney in 1885, by the arrival of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary in Australia, our mission is to provide health care to the most vulnerable, including those reaching the end of their life.
Calvary Community Care