CAREGiver CONNECT
DEC 21
Lower North Shore & Sydney North West
Merry
a H a & s a Christm
! ! r a e Y ppy New
“I can't believe I am saying that. This year has just flown by! I hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends during this festive season. May 2022 bring us closer together and focus on the important things in our lives. We have been living in uncertainty for such a long time, and it feels weird to be able to plan and book holidays and future events, so I hope everyone spoils themselves as you all deserve it after an interesting and challenging year. We look forward to celebrating and reminiscing on the year we had with you in quarter 1! In relation to Christmas, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible if you can't work for 1 particular shift, day, week or however long it is you cannot work. Consistency for our Clients is important. The scheduling team work hard to ensure this, and your support during this time is greatly appreciated. We have very limited backup options when it comes to filling last-minute shifts. As I am sure you prefer as much notice as possible when being offered services. Unfortunately, this is something we are currently facing daily at the moment. I completely understand there are situations that cant be controlled at times, e.g. COVID tests. However, your preplanning and open communication is greatly appreciated to support the clients. I can't tell you how much easier it is to fill a shift the day before rather than on the day. Thank you for again your support and understanding. We appreciate all your hard work and can't thank you enough for your commitment through a weird and challenging year. The industry is facing some real challenges post-COVID, and we are doing everything we can to support everyone as much as possible.
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
December 2021
As mentioned in a recent email, we have developed new pillars within the business to set up teams for success and look forward to working closely with the team leaders to support the office staff, clients and yourselves. We look forward to sharing photos of the Gladesville office once the signage is completed and encourage you to pop in when you can.
What’s inside - A Dementia Friendly Christmas!
Another thing we have been doing is reviewing the incident/accident/hazard forms more, and we just want to say thank you and acknowledge the increased number of reports we have been receiving. Thank you. Thank you for being proactive and assisting in maintaining safety for yourself, your peers and clients as much as possible. Medication prompting is our number one issue currently. We will continue to focus on this in the new year and encourage you all to seek clarity if you have any concerns or thoughts about a particular client. We are non-medical, so we need to be very mindful with how we prompt, what creams we help apply and what was documented on the care plan.
- CAREGiver Highlight
If possible, I will still ask you to complete the survey to help us plan and organise plans for next year: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ KBGC7XX
- Arts & Crafts!
Thank you again for your support, feedback and dedication to your work. It does not go unnoticed.”
Pip
- 10 Tips to stress less during the holidays - Client Highlight - Poem - Christmas Recipes! - Poem
- Office Family
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
K L A T L REA Dementia Friendly Christmas
On the 7th of May, we were honered by a visit from Karla Brady and Roxanne from Inala Wangarra.
TOP 6 TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A DEMENTIACHRISTMAS It was FRIENDLY incorporated in early 2005 and has been operating for over 16
They are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled community development organisation based in Southwest Brisbane, Queensland.
years. Inala Wangarra focuses on enhancing and strengthening the skills and capabilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Celebrating Christmas with family and friends can be one of life’s within Inala and surrounding areas. It focuses on delivering community greatest joys. For a person living with Dementia, though, it can be driven programs and services in the areas of sport, education, health, an overwhelming sometimes in tension and employment, justiceexperience and culture–and arts. It isresulting fully managed by local pressure whole family. Here are our tips to help you care Aboriginalfor andthe Torres Strait Islander people.
for your loved one in the festive season :
Later that month, Myles, Gin & DJ attended the Southside Mabo Promotion Day on 28th May at the Ngutana-Lui Studies Centre. 1. BE MINDFUL WHEN YOU SPEAK –Cultural ENCOURAGE They enjoyed hearing Torres-Strait Island music and prayers and CONFIDENCE BY KEEPING IT SIMPLE privileged to meet some of Eddie Mabo’s family members and friends who spoke about battle toliving overturn idea that Conversations canthe beimportance challengingof forhis someone with the Dementia. Australia was “terra nullius” or rather, man’s land”. other To help them out, use short –and simple “no sentences, avoidMany complicated Indigenous the opportunity to speak about thehelps importance words, and Elders try nottook to repeat things multiple times. It also to slow of preserving culture and carrying through down when you speak and to wait tradition patiently down for the personthe to respond – younger generations. it may take them a while to gather their thoughts. Some sad memories may be more present at Christmas. While these shouldn’t be avoided, having old photographs or home videos on hand can help to broaden the conversation. And if holding a conversation is challenging, then make the most of the musical aspect of Christmas – singing and listening together. You don’t need to have great musical ability; simply playing Christmas songs can directly benefit someone living with Dementia, especially if their speech has become impaired.
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
2. PLAN AHEAD AND SET ASIDE A QUIET SPACE TO RETREAT TO Visiting family and friends for celebrations can occur in various locations often not familiar to the person with Dementia. To eliminate undue stress, it’s essential to plan ahead as much as possible. To help those living with Dementia, be prepared by packing a bag with any appropriate medication and a change of clothes (to avoid embarrassment if the person has not quickly found the toilet and an accident has occurred). Appointing a designated driver is also a good idea if your loved one feels anxious and needs to be taken home straight away. As family gatherings can be tiring and overwhelming, have a rest-place in mind. This could be a bedroom that is away from noise and crowds but close to a well-lit bathroom, where someone living with Dementia can take a break from the festivities if they need to.
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
K L A T L REA Dementia Friendly Christmas
On the 7th of May, we were honered by a visit from Karla Brady and Roxanne from Inala Wangarra.
TOP 6 TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A DEMENTIACHRISTMAS It was FRIENDLY incorporated in early 2005 and has been operating for over 16
They are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled community development organisation based in Southwest Brisbane, Queensland.
years. Inala Wangarra focuses on enhancing and strengthening the skills and capabilities of Aboriginal and Torres AT Strait Islander peoples 3. INCLUDE FAMILIAR MOMENTS MEALTIME – within Inala and surrounding areas. It focuses on delivering community USE SOCIAL driven programs CUES and services in the areas of sport, education, health, employment, justice andhelp culture and arts. It isnavigate fully managed by local Mealtime traditions can your loved one Christmas meals Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. more easily. Simple pre-meal traditions like saying grace, making a toast or wishing everyone Merry Christmas before eating can provide a Later Myles, Gin & and DJ attended Southside Mabo socialthat cue month, that food is coming, it is timethe to eat. It is also important Promotion Day on 28th May at the Ngutana-Lui Cultural Studies Centre. to serve the meal in a well-lit area, as people living with Dementia may They enjoyed hearing Torres-Strait Island music and prayers and have difficulty seeing what is on their plate. privileged to meet some of Eddie Mabo’s family members and friends who spoke about the importance of his battle to overturn the idea that Australia was “terra nullius” – or rather, “no man’s land”. Many other Indigenous Elders took the opportunity to speak about the importance of preserving culture and carrying tradition down through the younger generations.
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
4. BE THOUGHTFUL WITH YOUR MENU Food is a feature at Christmas time, and the prevalence of a thoughtful menu including snacks and finger food can greatly benefit the person with Dementia. If you can, also try to serve smaller portion sizes of soft food to help those who have difficulty swallowing or chewing. Put food on crockery with contrasting colours, so the meal is easy to see and eat. Place lots of finger food throughout the living area, so your loved one can eat nourishing food while walking around and engaging with others – without having to worry about handling cutlery.
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
K L A T L REA Dementia Friendly Christmas
On the 7th of May, we were honered by a visit from Karla Brady and Roxanne from Inala Wangarra.
TOP 6 TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A DEMENTIACHRISTMAS It was FRIENDLY incorporated in early 2005 and has been operating for over 16
They are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled community development organisation based in Southwest Brisbane, Queensland.
years. Inala Wangarra focuses on enhancing and strengthening the skills and capabilities of Aboriginal and AND Torres THE Strait IMPORTANCE Islander peoples 5. HELP THEM GET STARTED within Inala and surrounding areas. It focuses on delivering community OF LIGHT driven programs and services in the areas of sport, education, health, employment, and culture and arts. It is fully they managed by local Depending onjustice the person’s dementia progression, may not Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. recognise generic dining table items, such as cutlery. Putting the knife and fork in the hands of someone living with Dementia may prompt Later that month, Myles, Gin & DJ attended Mabo the memory of cutlery – having a tactile cuethe willSouthside help trigger what to do Promotion Day on 28th May at the Ngutana-Lui Cultural Studies Centre. with the utensils. They enjoyed hearing Torres-Strait Island music and prayers and privileged to meet some of Eddie Mabo’s family members and friends who spoke about the importance of his battle to overturn the idea that Australia was “terra nullius” – or rather, “no man’s land”. Many other Indigenous Elders took the opportunity to speak about the importance of preserving culture and carrying tradition down through the younger generations.
Tis the season to be jolly!
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t
If you have met one person DEC 2021
with dementia, you’ve only met one person. That is, each individual will talk, act remember and behave differently. Not simply because of what stage of dementia they are in, but because they are who they are.
- Unknown 6. DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE CARERS Supporting and caring for people living with Dementia can be tiresome. Carers deserve a chance to put their feet up at Christmas! Families do not forget primary carers at Christmas as it is a great opportunity to offer them support and respite. Provide them with some time-out by offering to sit with your loved one during mealtime or to spend time with them during other parts of the day.
5 Carolyn C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
CAREGiver Highlight
MINUTES
WITH CAREGIVER
“Carolyn is my name and I am known to others as Curly, Cazza, Cazzaroonie and Luv. Never call me Caroline my mum would turn in her grave. I once had a job teaching oldies how to use a computer, 30 years later I’m teaching oldies how to use a phone. Technology has come a long way. I was made redundant from a job I loved. I was there for nearly 10 years. After that, I volunteered at Meals on Wheels and formed a bond with the oldies. I loved it. A lady suggested I work with a friend of hers called Jim. Here I am 5 years later still working at Home Instead for Jim.
Thank you Carolyn for all your fantastic work!
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
Share my Heart
I love Old people. I have learnt so much from them. I use humour, music and my listening skills to help bring life back into my clients again. People who were once confident, running companies, strong and had a purpose in life find themselves in a position where they are reliant on others and it is very hard for them to adjust to this. I like to think that I’m that person that builds them up and makes them feel important again. I live in Greenwich, I love people, dogs, the beach, taking photos, singing, live music and my greatest love is my Son, Ryan. Being a mother has been the most challenging, joyful, fulfilling, rewarding job I have ever done. I feel that working as a caregiver is very similar. My Son is what I’m most proud of because he’s hardworking, respectful of people and has a big heart. I couldn’t ask for more. Some of my clients with dementia have called for my mothering skills to come to the surface but I believe you give your clients wings to fly again and independence just like our children. It’s our job. My experiences with my clients will stay in my heart forever. I will never forget them. Stay safe in Covid. :) P.S- I really do want world peace…”
So, all you lovely CAREGivers – who is up next ? Let’s share our stories and strengthen our community! Please email recruitment@homeinsteadlns.com.au if you are interested!
10
Tips to s s e L s s Stre e h t g n i dur s y a d i l Ho
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
Managing relationships at Christmas and other large holidays Holidays are a time of festivities and good cheer. Many people look forward to spending time with loved ones and friends and sharing celebrations. For others this can be a time of stress, unhappiness, and loneliness. Relationships can be one factor in the formula of festive stress. It may be a tough time because family and friends cannot be with you. Perhaps they live in a different country, state, or even city. If family is close by other factors may prevent spending the time together, such as difficulties in the relationship, illness, or inability to travel. We all hope to spend time with people that make us feel happy and positive during the festive season, but this is not always possible. Feelings of stress, anxiety and depression are common during the festive season. If nothing else, reassure yourself that these feelings are normal. There are things that can help you to cope with the stress and make holiday times more manageable.
TIPS FOR TACKLING THE FESTIVE SEASON: 1. Have realistic expectations of yourself and others. Holidays are not a time to address long-term conflict. Try to let go of past negative feelings at least for that one day. It will help get through the holidays and enable everyone to enjoy the time together. Try to have an open mind and remain more relaxed during the celebrations.
TIPS FOR TACKLING THE FESTIVE SEASON: 2. Pick who you spend time with and talk to. Do things with people you feel most comfortable with. Going for a long walk with a favourite relative or friend will give you time to be away from any tension or stress that you may be feeling and allow you to spend time with someone special.
3. Avoid known triggers. If politics or religion is a touchy subject, do not discuss it. If someone else brings up the topic, find a distraction and move onto another subject. If there is a particular person you are uncomfortable with, try to sit near someone else who will not cause you stress and worry.
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
TIPS FOR TACKLING THE FESTIVE SEASON: 4. Plan fun things to do. Family members are less likely to get into arguments if they are involved in activities such as board games or a cricket or soccer match in the backyard. Plan for something to do as a group and focus on things you enjoy doing together.
5. Take time out to spend with friends. Take time out to spend with friends during the holidays as well as family. Allow yourself a break from spending all your time in one place so that you do not feel overwhelmed or resentful.
TIPS FOR TACKLING THE FESTIVE SEASON: 6. Set aside time for yourself. This can be something as simple as going for a short walk or having a nap. Having some ‘me’ time helps to refocus and relax.
7. Look after your physical health. Getting enough sleep, keeping up with your regular activity routine, using relaxation techniques, and eating and drinking with moderation will help give you the stamina to get through the demands of the season.
8. Set limits. Set limits on the amount of time you will spend with family and friends, depending on if you are travelling, or they are visiting you. This makes your time together special and more enjoyable.
Self love is the best love!
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
TIPS FOR TACKLING THE FESTIVE SEASON: 9. Be grateful. Be grateful that you have family and friends to share the holidays with. Appreciate the small things that other people do for you and reciprocate with gestures that show your appreciation for them. This takes away the negativity and replaces it with positive thoughts and actions.
10. Do something positive If you are alone for the holidays do something positive for yourself. Cook a nice meal that you will enjoy, have a good book or movie to watch, go for a walk and if possible, ring someone that you are not able to be with and catch up by phone or video. Consider volunteering so that you spend time with others and have a welcoming place to go.
Self love is the best love!
Client Highlight
5
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
MINUTES WITH CLIENT
Norman Taylor
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
1 . What is the biggest difference our CAREGivers have made in your life?
Very important in my life, as my wife Lydia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Home Instead made life possible rather than impossible, being able to continue life together and to be together in our own home. We were married for 60 years in April 2020 and Lydia died peacefully at home in August 2020.
2 . What is a fond memory in your life?
I was enlisted in the army(National Service) in the UK as a young man. I met Lydia, got engaged and married within a short space of time and had to leave immediately for Cyprus for my posting. Not the ideal way to start a journey into our marriage. However, circumstances presented itself and Lydia came to Cyprus, where we were given a house to live in for free (bonus of kindness) and had a wonderful, carefree lifestyle.
3 . Would you recommend Home Instead to others? Would I? Do I? Absolutely !!!! Home Instead are the best in the field in my opinion.
4 . What is something you couldn’t live without?
My computer! I spend more time on my computer than I do with anyone. A very important connection with the world.
5 . Your favourite music?
I am fond of two pieces, of very different styles, which were both used at Lydia’s funeral: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.21 (the andante movement). This was used as the theme for a Swedish film, ‘Elvira Madigan’ and is often known by that name. The Gospel song, ‘Just a closer walk with Thee’, performed as a jazz march by Chris Barber’s band.
Client Highlight
5
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
MINUTES WITH CLIENT
Norman Taylor
6 . What piece of history has inspired you and why? Experiences of WWII. In 1939, my dad was sent away to war. 1940 our family home was bombed. It was a pile of rubble; and being a child of 3 or 4 years of age, my parents told me that a car had crashed into our home.
My dad went back to the army and my mum went on with life without my dad. She made a life for me and I will always remember “ To Rise Above It”.
7 . Your favourite Book?
‘The Collected Verse of Rudyard Kipling’. Kipling is not fashionable anymore, but his poetry is full of simple wisdom even today.
8 . Your favourite food? French food with Fine Red wine
9 . Favourite quote/Words of wisdom?
Quotation / lesson: I have always thought that the instruction in St. Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians was a good guide for long marriage. ‘Let not the sun go down on your wrath’. That is, try not to let disputes and irritations linger on until tomorrow, settle them before night.
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
e d u t i t a r G
h to em enoug doesn’t se ” . u ch o y u k m n “Tha one so who has d e n o e m so seem rkest days a d e th e d ma ch lighter. You have ns feel mu e rd u b e nd th start with brighter, a s, we must g in ss le b ing heart. nting r CAREGiv When cou u o y r fo e rais grateful p
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
Christmas Recipes ! y r T o T
Some delicious & easy Christmas based recipes that you could create for the whole family to share!
Easy Christmas Trifle Wreath
Quick Chicken, Cranberry and Brie Canapes
White Christmas Sangria
ith w y l b i s pon riends! s e r y o j n E mily & f fa
Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Salad
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
Time is Too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear, Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice, But for those who love, Time is eternity.
Henry Van Dyke
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
Client
Lynda
has made this
with CAREGiver Yumiko!
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
CAREGiver
Sue Smith’s Mother
who has Dementia, has knitted all these!
,
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
Christmas Family Photo! A very Merry Christmas from this family to yours!
Lower North Shore & Sydney North West Office Family
C AR EGi ver-C on n ec t DEC 2021
Share the love this Christmas!
Lower North Shore & Sydney North West 9908 7206 recruitment@ homeinsteadlns .com.au
255-259 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, NSW 2060