Communityspirit flourishes AT WINZOR
A LAS VEGAS ANNIVERSARY TO REMEMBER
Autumn recipe from the Adelaide Central Market
RAY AND MARJ dance their way INTO 77 YEARS OF MARRIED LIFE
Since starting with ECH over nine months ago I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many of our clients and residents. I would like to take a moment to thank you for being so welcoming, I was lucky enough to attend many Christmas parties, resident morning teas and to spend more time with our clients at our day programs and social activities.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead and with Management and our Board finalising the organisation’s 5 Year Strategy. This will form an essential part of ensuring that we have a clear roadmap for the future, continue to provide high quality services and attract and retain our people as an employer of choice. This includes ensuring that our workers are recognised for the contribution, positive outcomes and impact they make to our clients and residents’ lives.
Over the next 12 months ECH and the home care industry will continue to see reforms as a response to the Aged Care Royal Commission. This will include the new “Support at Home” funding changes that are aimed at improving customer centred care, tailoring services offered to individuals and the combining of the Commonwealth Home Support Program and Home Care Package funding into a simplified offer. It is important for ECH to continue to remain adaptable and forwarded focused to ensure a smooth transition for all of our clients. We will continue to provide updates as the year progresses and what this will mean for you.
In November I was privileged to speak to the Premier and his Cabinet to discuss the future of accommodation, retirement living and age appropriate housing into the future. ECH, have been a long provider of housing and care for aging South Australians and it was an opportunity to discuss the challenges, needs and expectations into the future and the part government have to play. I am looking
forward to continuing these conversations to improve the lives of our clients and residents and the access to services in your communities.
Late last year I was humbled to be invited to a number of our villages to celebrate Christmas lunches and morning teas in addition to social gatherings. This is one of the most important ways for me to understand life in our villages and the communities that we build by fostering a sense of belonging.
Strengthening social connections and reaching out to our community engagement team is a great way to connect with others in the ECH community. If you would like to know more about how you can engage with these events and activities, please visit ech.asn.au/community-connect or call 1300 275 324 for more information.
As we look to the coming months I hope you have a wonderful Easter and start to the year.
Warm Regards,
Claire Scapinello ECH Chief Executive
At the core of ECH, we encourage our clients and residents to thrive as they age. With this in mind, it was only fitting for our organisation to be part of COTA SA’s Ageing: It’s time to re-write the rules event last September.
COTA SA hosted the event, coinciding with International Day of Older Persons, and welcomed 175 South Australians to continue the conversation about ageism.
Special guests Maggie Beer AO, Keith Conlon OAM and Polly Sumner Dodd discussed their lived experiences of ageing at the event and set the foundation for a wider discussion about what needs to change, what old rules must be thrown out and what the new rulebook for ageing should include.
While some audience members have experienced or come across ageing stereotypes, such as feeling invisible, pain, ill health, loneliness and uncertainty, they also shared what delighted them about ageing, including freedom and choice, lived experience, new skills and wisdom.
Through rich conversations and insights, COTA SA has learnt that a new rulebook for ageing must include rules that can be lived by on a personal level, rules that need
to be adopted at a community level and rules required to change at a systemic level, and ECH is proud to support this.
It is now time to focus on the rules to live by for modern ageing, which can be divided into:
• Personal Rules – Make the most of each day, learn new things, eat healthy food
• Community Rules – Be respectful, kind and inclusive, seek connection across generations, challenge ageist attitudes whenever they arise
• Systemic Rules – Make people aged 50+ visible in the mainstream media, use positive language and images about growing older in the media and maintain face to face services.
Thank you COTA SA, for advocating and addressing ageism and for encouraging South Australians to embrace and celebrate ageing.
What are your rules for ageing? Tell us at keepconnected@ech.asn.au
Full of determination, plus unwavering support from Chelsea, her Occupational Therapist, ECH client Helen is reaching her goals.
For a few years, Helen had lacked confidence in her mobility due to her fibromyalgia – a condition that causes chronic pain and fatigue. She also experienced low blood pressure and dizzy spells, leading to unexpected falls.
All this meant Helen hadn’t been able to go shopping, walk around the grounds of the Elliot Gardens Retirement Village where she lives, or use the hydrotherapy pool - things she’d previously loved.
But after an OT referral from her Care Coordinator, Joanne in April last year, Helen met Chelsea, who has since given her a new lease on life.
Working together, Chelsea and Helen set a number of goals – starting off small and gradually building on them to regain her confidence in doing activities she once loved.
“My first goal was to walk around the house, so Chelsea set me achievable exercises to complete each day, including chair exercises and practise walking up and down my hallway. She would check up on me weekly, and having that contact really made a difference,” Helen says.
“Chelsea is an absolute sweetheart and very empathetic. I feel like she is my granddaughter - she is just so bright and encouraging.”
Helen practiced walking around the village gardens for the first time in 13 years, and she has returned to the hydrotherapy pool.
Chelsea says: “We practised walking through Woolworths, which she hadn’t been to for two years. Helen was so happy the first time we went. Seeing her face enjoying life and doing things she once was able to do again was so heart-warming.
“For anyone reading this, they should realise that the road is not full steam ahead. After not doing things for so long, mentally, it takes it out of you. Things have taken time because of my age and my health, but it’s just one step forward at a time,” Helen says.
“Once you’ve made that step and achievement, you know that you can achieve anything and make progress, but don’t feel disheartened when you get setbacks.
“I’m very proud of myself...it’s not easy, but I’m determined. It takes so much out of me, but I know I must do it, and I know I’ll improve.”
“She has a lot of determination, so I really wanted to share Helen’s story as she’s a great inspiration to people who may be in a similar situation.
“That is the whole reason why I became an Occupational Therapist; I love that I can help people with what is important to them and makes them happy.”
While the road has been long with a lot of hard work, Helen feels proud of herself for achieving what she had set out.
Helen’s next goal – which she describes as the pinnacle - is to walk along the beach at Horseshoe Bay with Chelsea and touch a monument near the beach known as Gratitude Rock.
“Back in 2006, when I was 70, and for about 10 years, I used to be an early morning swimmer with a group of others – we’d walk along the beach, touch Gratitude Rock and then head off for a swim,” she says.
“If I can reach that goal, I think it will be the pinnacle for me. If anyone can make me do it, it will be Chelsea.”
If you would like to learn more about how you can regain your independence with Occupational Therapy, visit ech.asn.au/wellness/occupational-therapy
Each time she realised she could achieve a goal, she had the confidence to set another one.
helping them have that space to share their voice and lived experience,” she says.
“The aim of the group is to collaborate with clients, residents and representatives to enable us to create services and experiences, and to build homes that will result in people having more positive lives.
To support this, the ECH Reference Group, comprised of clients, residents, and their families, was formed in 2018 to ensure your thoughts, ideas and feedback is listened to and incorporated in decisionmaking.
Four years later, the group continues to develop and grow; between 15 and 25 members now meet for two hours on a bi-monthly basis. The group’s agenda includes reviewing customer feedback trends and workshopping topics. A recent topic which generated some wonderful ideas and helped inform our ECH strategy was: What does it mean to live well?
Group secretariat Ebony, who is also an ECH HR Officer, says she enjoys being involved in a group that makes a difference in the lives of those who receive ECH services. “I love the interaction with clients and residents and
“We encourage more ECH community members to attend – currently we have many residents who are part of the group, which is great, but we want to ensure clients and families from as many regions, as possible and to involve people who have different cultures and life experiences from one another
“Diversity is really celebrated at ECH, and we want to create a place where everyone is welcomed.”
Over the past few years, the topics of discussion have included: dying peacefully at home, ECH’s role in care, the ECH brand and values, and technology.
We are continuously looking to improve so if you would like to submit feedback to ECH, visit ech.asn.au/about-us/complimentscomplaints-and-feedback
At ECH, listening to clients, residents and families, and learning from their experiences is at the centre of how we continually improve.
At ECH, we are dedicated to improving our Independent Retirement Living services and put our residents at the heart of all our decisions.
In September last year, over 2,000 ECH residents were sent a survey where they could submit their thoughts about their experience with
ECH Independent Retirement Living accommodation and support services. The results were then presented in October at the 2022 resident annual general meeting.
We received 1,023 responses (49% response rate) and the overall feedback was very positive. We also had some suggestions for possible
approaches to improve the ways we are delivering some aspects of our services. We are thankful for these valuable ideas and are looking into what these might mean for the future.
Here is a summary of some of the results.
97%
• My unit supports me in living independently
96%
• My Maintenance Officer always communicates and interacts with me politely
• My unit is comfortable for my needs
95%
• All staff always communicate and interact with me in a polite and respectful manner
• Living in my unit at my village has helped maintain my independence
• The Property Services Call Centre staff always communicate and interact with me politely
• I can always rely on my Maintenance Office to perform their work in a responsive and timely manner
93%
• My Maintenance Officer is skilled, competent, and professional
• I feel safe and secure in the village
92%
If you would like to learn more about Independent Retirement Living, visit ech.asn.au/retirement-villages-adelaide
• My unit, including applicances, is functional and well maintained
ECH residents Robert and Marian may have recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, but it was their 53rd which had them all shook up.
ECH residents Robert and Marian
It was certainly ‘Viva Las Vegas’ for this happy couple, where an Elvis celebrant led a ceremony to renew their vows.
Twelve years on, they remember the unforgettable event like it was yesterday.
“We had the most wonderful time, we laughed so much, danced a lot, and had so much fun,” Marian recalls.
The trip of a lifetime came after Marian recovered from a back injury in 2010.
“A couple of years earlier, I fell down a flight of stairs. The specialist said I had to be very careful because a piece of bone was partly snapped,” she says.
“One day I walked out of the house and got this terrible pain in my back, so I was rushed to hospital and operated on. When we eventually went back to see the specialist, and thankfully he gave me the all-clear. Bob said to me ‘I’ve got something to ask you – why don’t we renew our vows in Vegas?’ I said to him ‘Well, I’ll have to think about it.’ He asked ‘Why?’ and I said ‘I’m not saying the word obey again’,” she laughs.
Just like this memory, many others come flooding back for Marian including how she met the love of her life, Bob, on October 8, 1955, at the age of 16.
“It was a public holiday and my girlfriend picked me up to go to the local shop for an ice cream. When we were there, a motorbike came up with two nice guys. My friend knew one of the guys, and I was introduced to his mate Bob. He then asked what we were doing on the weekend,” Marian says.
Marian and Robert were married at St Christopher’s Church of England, in Kilburn, on August 3, 1957, surrounded by family and friends. In the years that followed they welcomed four children – two girls and two boys – which has seen the family grow to include seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.
The couple, who have lived at the ECH Winzor Retirement Village for the past three years, celebrated their 65-year marriage with a lunch at their daughter’s house.
And as they say, the rest is history.
The couple were engaged in 1956 – a leap year – a time when women can propose, so Marian grabbed the opportunity.
“It was New Year’s Eve, and we were walking back to my aunt’s house and I said to Robert, ‘it’s a leap year now, that means I can propose to you’. He had a few drinks, so he agreed,” Marian laughs.
“But then he asked me properly. When my dad came back from working in Woomera, Bob asked permission but because of my age, I had to wait until I was 21. My grandma said to my dad, ‘just let them get married when they want to’, and so we did.”
Robert, who plays pool twice a week, and Marian, who loves line dancing and bingo, enjoy keeping active. They also welcome the community feel of the village and being involved in the social group.
“We are always greeted with warmth in the hall. I’ve met some very nice people here at the village; that connection is so important,” Marian says.
What’s the secret to the longevity of their marriage? Tolerance, love, concern and care, Marian says.
“We’ve made it work so we must’ve done something right. You need to be there for each other, especially as you get older and there are health issues. You have your ups and down but you’re a team and need to support one another,” she says.
Have you recently celebrated a special milestone? If you would like to share your story, let us know at keepconnected@ech.asn.au
We went to the picture theatres, sat together and then he walked me home. The week after he took me to the dance.
It’s easy to set up a garden composting system at home! By using kitchen scraps and garden matter, you can create your very own “Black Gold”.
Spreading compost in your flowerbeds helps the soil retain moisture and suppress weeds. It also reduces the need to use chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Here are ECH Horticulturalist Dean’s simple tips on how you can start composting:
Bins are ideal for smaller spaces! Place the bin on a level, ensuring excess water can drain away quickly. It also makes it easier for worms to get in and break down the contents.
You can compost vegetable peelings, fruit waste, eggshells, teabags, pruned plants, fallen leaves and grass cuttings. Cardboard egg boxes, and scrunchedup paper, are also good. These decay slowly, providing fibre and carbon and allowing air pockets to form.
Do not put meat or dairy products into your bin. No diseased plants, and no dog poo or cat litter or babies’ nappies. You will get unwanted pests and smells. Do not compost perennial weeds or weeds with seed heads. Composting is not suitable for plastics, glass, and metals.
The mixture should not be too dry or too wet and should also have enough air. Make sure you turn the contents regularly. Compost needs the right balance of green and brown material. Brown material consists of shredded paper, leaves and straw while green is grass clippings and veggie scraps. Aim for two parts brown and one part green.
Your compost is ready once it’s dark brown or black, a spongy-textured soil-like. The compost will always smell sweet and earthy.
Whether you have a small garden, patio spread, pot cluster on your balcony or are involved in a communal garden, we would love to see it! To enter, send us a photo at keepconnected@ech.asn.au of your blooms and make sure to include your category: small garden, large/communal garden, patio or balcony.
Competition closes 30 March 2023 and the best garden in each category will win a $150 EFTPOS card. The winners will be announced in the June 2023 magazine.
Skip the supermarket and go straight to the source by fruit picking in South Australia. It’s the perfect outdoor adventure where you can pick fresh fruit straight from the farm to your fruit bowl.
Take the pick of the crop with our guide to the best places to pick your own fruit in South Australia.
Season: late February to May, depending on growing conditions
The apple doesn’t have far to fall from the tree and into your basket in the Adelaide Hills, where orchards brimming with fruit await. Bag your own apples at Harrisville Orchards and Lenswood Orchard.
Season: late February to March
Go on a fruit treasure hunt for pears at Paracombe Premium Perry, set in the heart of Paracomb, only a stone's throw from the fringes of Adelaide. Owner Damian McArdle is a fourthgeneration pear grower, so you know when you are picking fruit off his branch, it's been grown with love and care.
Season: from February to April
Go fig-crazy with the ultimate fig-picking experience at the Willabrand orchards at Glen Ewin Estate in Houghton, where figs have been grown for more than 150 years. Fill your basket with fresh figs, then head to the Fig Bar for a chilled wine and have your figs served up with a selection of local Adelaide Hills cheeses or try a delicious fig ice cream.
Season: between mid-November to mid-January
As the weather warms up, cherry orchards around South Australia overflow with fruit, heralding the start of festive season. Some top picks include Harben Vale pick your own cherries, Cherries the Verdun, Martin Hill Cherries, Lennane Orchards, Harrisville Orchards and Fleurieu Cherries just outside Willunga.
Season: from November to April
There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked strawberries. Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, picking your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm in Hahndorf is a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike and has put fruit picking in South Australia on the map.
To ensure you have the best fruitpicking experience, check opening dates and times with the farms beforehand, as they vary depending on growing seasons.
You can mostly find ECH Winzor Retirement Estate resident Martin chatting to everyone he meets.
His friendly nature has seen him develop a passion for connecting with people and keeping the social spirit of the village flourishing.
Martin, and his wife Stella, moved into the village in December 2020 where they enjoyed getting to know residents but wanted to grow the social calendar.
The village has had several craft groups over the years, who have knitted teddies and donated them to the Royal Flying Doctors. They’ve also made cards for the troops in Afghanistan, that soliders could then use to write a note home to their families back home.
Martin says there is always room for more people to get involved.
“A lot of people support us by coming to the events, but they are unable to physically help so we rely on the same people to do the heavy lifting – we want more people to
become involved, so we all share the load,” he says.
“I think it is so important for the residents to get together, it’s for their wellbeing. We are a secure village so more of the independent residents like to go out in groups rather than on their own; these events and activities are an opportunity to go out and meet others.
“Everyone is very proud of this village – it’s their village and we try to encourage that.”
Since late 2021, Martin has been the driving force behind an informal social group which meets on a Sunday afternoon to discuss events for the village.
“Sometimes we get six people coming along but other times, we can get as many as 18. Everyone is welcome to join.
“In November last year we travelled to Murray Bridge and went on the
Captain Proud for a three-hour cruise and then went to Woodside and visited Melba’s Chocolate Factory.
“We also have regular trivia and pizza nights that are well supported as well as live entertainment, and we are keen to invite a broader range of reporters over time.”
To celebrate Christmas last year, a group of residents organised an afternoon tea where crafts were on display.
Everyone brought a plate of food to share and enjoyed the company of others. ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello was the special guest where she mingled with residents and heard lovely village stories.
“Everyone was really pleased with how it went, it went better than anticipated. We are so grateful that everyone chips in but the success of it does tire you out,” Martin laughs.
Do you have connection with others, or a special event in your village that you’d like to share? We would love to hear your story. Let us know at keepconnected@ech.asn.au
Reduce your energy consumption by switching your electronics when not in use to off instead of on standby.
In Australia, 7.6 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted annually1. Reduce your food wastage by planning ahead and only buying what you need. Create a shopping list or take photos of the inside of your fridge and cupboards to help remind you of what’s already there. Also, ensure you maximise your freezer to keep food for longer.
If you have let your food go that little bit too far past its best by then you could compost it. Not only will this help create a natural fertiliser, it will also reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. If you don’t have a compost bin, then you can put food scraps into your home green organics bin either loose, wrapped in newspaper or compostable bags.
For most of us, bringing a canvas bag to the supermarket has become a habit, but plastic bags are not the only plastic items you can reduce. Opt for fruit, vegetables, and other items with minimal to no packaging when shopping.
Not only do LED light bulbs last longer than conventional bulbs, they’re far more efficient too. This means that you’ll be using less power and having to replace your light bulbs less frequently.
1https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/ waste/food-waste?state=vic
From clothes to food, the closer to home these products are made and bought, the less carbon is created with their transportation. Not only that, but you’ll be supporting the local economy, which means that, in time you’ll likely have even more local items to choose from.
We’re all becoming more aware of the need to be eco-friendly, and these days many of us do the basics, such as recycling rubbish, without really thinking about it too much.
However, there are lots of different ways – some big, some small – that will really go a long way to helping us live a more sustainable way of life.
Here are some ways you can make your home eco-friendlier.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a broad term used for any kind of product that has a plug or battery that has come to its end of life. It includes everything from TVs, computers and mobile phones to batteries and kitchen appliances. These products often contain valuable materials that can easily be recovered and recycled into something new, which prevents electronics being made from new materials.
Phone providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone have mobile and tablet recycling drop-off points in their stores. If you cannot make it to a store, MobileMuster offers free mailing options for recycling mobiles.
For more information, visit mobilemuster.com.au/ recycle-a-mobile
Officeworks stores provide recycling points for computers, laptops and accessories. They also offer recycling for empty ink and toner cartridges.
Recycling your old electronics keeps these materials in use in the circular economy and out of landfill. Unlike paper and bottles, e-waste can’t be disposed of in your household recycling bin or landfill bin as e-waste has been banned from landfill since 20131. However, there are number of free options available to recycle e-waste.
Bunnings stores have battery recycling units where you can drop off your household single-use and rechargeable batteries like AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and 6V as well as power tool batteries. Batteries must be taped using clear tape before placing them in the collection unit, as used batteries may still contain residual charge that can create a spark.
For more information, visit bunnings.com.au/diyadvice/home-improvement/sustainability-recycling/ where-and-how-to-recycle-batteries
Suppliers of new products can recycle white goods such as fridges, freezers and washing machines. If you are buying new white goods, check with the retailer and see if they will collect any whitegoods you are replacing.
1Environmental Protection Authority SA’s Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010
If you are unsure of what you can recycle, check with your local council who can provide recycling information and nearby recycling points.
As technology rapidly improves, you may have upgraded your household electronics but found yourself wondering what to do with your old devices.
After 77 years of marriage, ECH Torrens Court residents Ray and Marj have not lost their rhythm.
The active couple, who recently reached the milestone anniversary, took up ballroom dancing when Ray retired, as a way of spending more time with one another.
Close to 40 years on, they still love to put their dancing shoes on.
“Ray retired at 60 and he said ‘we have to do everything together’ so we tried golf but that was a ‘no no’ for me. So, we picked dancing – I danced when I was 14, and Ray was in a band, so he had rhythm,” Marj says.
It has been a hobby that has seen them travel the country in a caravan, stopping to dance at RSL and Senior Citizens Clubs along the way.
The couple also taught dancing for 15 years and used to tear up the dancefloor five times a week; they now
dance every Tuesday and Saturday night and have no intention of slowing down. Their favourites are the Waltz, American dances and the Fox Trot.
“We’re still keen, we enjoy it and have lots of fun. We hope we can continue for a few more years, until Ray stops driving. You’ve got to keep healthy,” Marj says.
Music has been a shared love for the couple since they met when Ray was 17 and Marj, 16.
“He made the first move by asking me to go out with him to his band practice on a Sunday. From then on, we became an item,” Marj recalls.
The couple were engaged in 1944, when Ray was on leave from active service during World War II, and were wed on February 9, 1946, surrounded by family and friends. They went on to have five children and countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren - too many to keep count.
What’s the secret to their long marriage? Marj says: “Talking to each other. Never going to bed angry with one another.”
Have you got a hobby you would like to share? Tell as keepconnected@ech.asn.au
Road signs are everywhere, and many can seem obvious, yet how well do you really know your road rules? Take our quick quiz to find out.
1. You’re walking along a path and you see this sign, what does it mean?
A. Cyclists and pedestrians can use any part of the path and just work out who needs to give way when they see each other
B. Cyclists must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians
2. You are driving in the left lane and you see this sign. There is a car in the slip lane to your left slightly ahead of you, do you have to give way?
A. Yes, this sign is advising drivers that two streams of traffic are merging and if the car in the slip lane is ahead you must let it enter
B. No, I was here first, the car merging from the left can wait for me
3. In South Australia, cyclists are permitted to ride in bus lanes, but can you legally ride a mobility scooter down the bus lane?
A. Yes, mobility scooters are like a vehicle and are allowed to go on the road
B. Only if there is no usable footpath or nature strip adjacent the road
4. If you see this sign, is it ok to stop here to drop off or pick up passengers?
A. No, you can never stop when you see this sign
B. Yes, its ok to stop to drop off or pick up a passenger, but for no longer than 2 minutes
5. If you see this sign, you?
A. You must legally reduce your speed to 45km/h
B. It is recommended you reduce your speed to 45km/h as you go round the bend.
6. You are leaving a country town and see this sign, what does it mean?
A. Continue to travel at 60km/h until you see the next sign.
B. You can travel at the default speed limit which is 100km/h in a non-builtup area.
Q6. B. An end speed limit sign means the default speed limit is now in place 100km/h in nonbuilt up areas, and 50km/h in a built-up area.
Q5. B This sign is just advisory.
Q4. B. You can stop at a no parking sign to drop off passengers as long as you do not leave the vehicle and move on quickly.
Q3. B. Mobility scooters are defined as pedestrians in the South Australian Road Rules and cannot travel along the road if there is a footpath or nature strip, or unless it is impracticable to travel on the footpath or nature strip.
Q2. A. When traffic is merging the driver must give way to a vehicle in another line or traffic if any part of the vehicle is ahead of the driver’s vehicle.
Q1. B. On shared paths cyclists must keep left and sound a bell when approaching from behind.
To find out more about road rules and staying safe visit mylicence.sa.gov.au
We’ve put together some tips on how you can help support someone who is living with Dementia:
Start by educating yourself on Dementia so you can understand the experience of someone in your life living with Dementia in your life. Finding the right information, and having resources to refer to, can be empowering for someone living with Dementia and those around them. Dementia Australia has many resources, education courses and information about how you can help to empower and understand someone living with Dementia. Visit dementia.org.au to access these resources.
Create opportunities for people living with Dementia to contribute. This helps people stay connected and engaged in the community. Take the time to find out what someone might like to get involved in and how. Never underestimate the power of asking ‘what would you like?’ sometimes the simple act of asking can make someone feel included, encouraged and considered.
Listen to people living with Dementia with an open heart and mind. Body language can show you are engaged and present. Invite someone living with Dementia to share their ideas. You may need to use hand gestures and facial expressions to make yourself understood. Body language can show that you are engaged and present.
If you know someone who is living with Dementia, look for opportunities for humour and ways to laugh together, if it is appropriate. If the person living with Dementia is in the later stages of dementia or has difficulty communicating, there can still be moments of joy. Look out for those moments when the person can engage with you or can react to things around them such as a favourite smell or food. A smile activity could even be looking at old photos together.
People living with Dementia often have different sensory perceptions, and their immediate environment can have a large impact on their wellbeing. Consider how the use of music and lighting can make a profound difference on how people react in some spaces. Making considered changes can make it easier for not just people living with Dementia, but also anyone with any sensory or physical challenges.
The ECH Care Hotel has a number of suites dedicated to people living with Dementia, giving them a safe and comfortable stay and providing much needed respite for their families and carers.
For more information or to book, visit ech.asn.au/care-hotel-respite
Discrimination has a big impact on people living with Dementia, their families and carers, and a little support from the community, health professionals and friends and family can make a big difference.
About 55,000 Australians have strokes every year, 73% of these being first-ever strokes1.
Astroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel (artery) and interrupts blood flow to the brain region supplied by that artery or when a blood vessel breaks, and bleeding occurs in an area of the brain. When a stroke happens, more than 1.9 million brain cells die each minute2, but time-critical treatment can stop this damage.
The first step in getting better outcomes from stroke is getting to the hospital quickly, which means recognising the F.A.S.T. signs and calling triple zero (000) straight away.
Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Can they lift both arms?
Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.
Someone who has experienced a stroke may need extra support to return home and reach the same level of independence as before their hospitalisation.
ECH has a number of qualified health professionals experienced in treating older people with various health issues, including overcoming physical barriers to maintaining independence caused by a stroke. We work with our clients to understand their goals and assess and diagnose their condition.
1https://brainfoundation.org.au/ 2https://strokefoundation.org.au/
To learn more about how ECH can help support stroke recovery, call 1300 725 324
Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone.
At ECH our volunteers have provided tremendous support since ECH was established back in 1964.
Thanks to the ongoing commitment from over 130 volunteers, ECH has been able to offer our our clients and residents additional support and benefits such as increased independence and the opportunity of building long-lasting friendships.
In the lead up to National Volunteer Week in May we would like to thank and recognise a small handful of our volunteers for the vital work they provide.
Visit the ECH Facebook page to read more of our volunteer’s stories and see how we celebrated National Volunteer Week in May!
Barb volunteers on Wednesdays at ECH’s sessions at Cumberland Park. Barb’s kind, warm nature ensures everyone feels welcome the minute they walk through the door.
A skilled artist she helps in the art room as well as organising regular fashion parades with donated clothing. Barb recruits the models and comperes the event with true professionalism!
Recently, Barb instigated the wellbeing room where people can go if they prefer a quieter space for tea and a chat.
Thank you, Barb. You truly are a much loved and valuable member of our Cumby Crew!
Janine is an ECH resident and volunteers as part of the ECH Social Connections Reference Group. Her dedication and insightful observations are greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Janine for giving up your time and energy to help improve the experience for other residents who live in an ECH village.
JANINE BARBRA ECH volunteer Janine (left)Susan is an ECH Reference Group member and regularly attends ECH social activities. She goes above and beyond in her volunteering role to support both ECH staff and customers with varying tasks.
Susan is great at providing ideas on different ways of working and brings a fresh perspective on the way can ECH work by coming up with lots of positive ideas for change.
Thank you, Susan for being a valued volunteer. We really appreciate all the time and energy you put into your role at ECH.
Anne volunteers at our Social Day Program in Smithfield. A valuable asset to the team, Anne is super helpful and is happy to help out with everything and anything – often without even being asked.
Sometimes it’s the small things in life that have the biggest impact and Anne’s positive and kindhearted nature makes a big difference to our customers and staff.
Thank you, Anne for all your support and kindness. We are extremely grateful to have you as part of our volunteer team.
Lyn goes above and beyond to support ECH programs. She brings energy and fun to our Tuesday Tune Ups group and provides a green thumb to our Social Day Program at Smithfield where she gets her hands dirty attending to their small outdoor garden.
The programs value her time and energy she gives so freely and she never asks for anything in return.
Thank you, Lyn, your dedication is very much appreciated.
Jenny kindly gives up her time to help with gardening activities at the ECH Social Day Program at College Grove.
She is new to the ECH volunteering team yet has already taken on many responsibilities in the way of supporting our customers to engage in fun and meaningful gardening activities.
She is open to trying new things and is extremely engaging, organised and motivated, which makes her a fantastic addition to the team.
Thank you, Jenny!
If you would like to learn more about volunteering opportunities at ECH, visit ech.asn.au/volunteering
MARJORIE LYN JENNY SUSAN ECH volunteer Susan ECH volunteer Anne (middle) ECH volunteer Lyn (left)Hello how are you? How was your weekend?
Gd thx! Did you want to meet for coffee later? LMK!
Proper texting etiquette isn’t always obvious. To help, we’ve put together our top tips of pointers to help take the stress and confusion out of text messaging.
Sending a text in all CAPS is considered shouting. Texting in all CAPS can also be used to emphasise the meaning of a word. However, sometimes useful, it may also be considered to be rude.
Text slag is acceptable, but can often be hard to read or interpret. Some examples include R U ok (are you okay), C u L8r (see you later) and IDK (I don’t know). If you’re ever really stuck on what the text slang means, you could look it up on noslang.com
Text abbreviations are shortened versions of a word or phrase used. The abbreviations and acronyms are used to save time and avoid typing. Some commonly used ones include;
• LOL (laugh out loud)
• ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing)
• FYEO (for your eyes only)
• TMI (too much information)
• LMK (let me know)
• TBH (to be honest)
Text messages shouldn’t seem like a novel. Try to keep it brief and to a couple of sentences per text message.
While there’s no harm in a little irony now and then, sometimes sarcasm doesn’t come across as easily, and in text messages and it is hard to gauge a joking tone. People may be offended if they can’t tell when you’re being serious.
social
may have
a few rude text messages in your life – or perhaps even realised only too late that you’ve committed a texting faux pas yourself!
If your friend or family member agrees, you should ensure that all contact with the scammer stops. Find out exactly what personal information has been revealed.
The first thing you can do to help someone is to work out whether they are being or have been scammed. Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), provides useful information on the main scams in circulation. To find this information, visit scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams
You may need to investigate. For example, find out what the opportunity is and get the information in writing, review the fine print and see if it’s legitimate. You can also research unfamiliar companies with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) by visiting asic.gov.au
Once you have confirmed the scam, ask the person what they would like to happen next. This helps them to feel they are taking control.
Block the scammer’s email address or ‘unfriend’ them from any social media sites or apps. Have your friend or family member consider changing your email address and phone number, especially if contact from the scammer continues. Their telephone provider may agree to change their number for free. If a physical address has been given, seek advice from local police.
Victims are often embarrassed or afraid to tell their friends and family when they have a problem. They fear losing their independence and do not want you to think they’re incapable or vulnerable.
Remain patient and supportive, and remember that they may be experiencing strong emotions, even if they do not immediately show it. Talking about the issue with a support person may prove useful.
A friend or family member who is a scam target may be too caught up in the scammer’s web of deceit to recognise they are being scammed. However, you can play a vital role in protecting your loved ones from harm.
Foods that should not be consumed after a certain date for health and safety reasons must have a “useby” date. Do not eat foods that have passed their “use-by” dates.
A best-before date indicates how long food will last before losing quality. Eating foods after the “best before” date may still be safe, but they may have lost quality and some nutritional value.
Manufacturers usually choose a best-before date well before the time when the food would be expected to deteriorate and spoil. These dates encourage you to eat the product while it is fresh and at its peak but can still be eaten after the date has passed.
“Use-by” dates indicate that the food is no longer suitable to eat after the date has passed. Never eat food past its ‘use-by’ date, even if it looks and smells okay.
Foods can spoil well before their use-by or best-before date because their packaging has been damaged or not transported properly. Check for dents, leaks and tears in the packaging. If you see signs of damage, don’t purchase the product, as it might be contaminated. Many products, such as dairy foods, must be kept at a low temperature to avoid spoilage.
Cold and frozen foods should be collected last when shopping to keep from getting warm. If you can, keep them in a cooler bag while travelling home. When you arrive home with your groceries, put away your cold and frozen foods first.
If you are unsure if something is safe to consume, check with
• Food Standards Australia New Zealand
(02) 6271 2222
• Australian Consumers’ Association
(02) 9577 3333
• Food Safety Information Council
0407 626 688
If you have food past its expiration date, you might wonder if it’s still good to eat. In Australia, it is mandatory for foods with a shelf life of less than two years to have a “use by” or a “best before” date.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups organic rolled oats
1/4 cup ground almonds
1/4 cup brown rice flakes
2 cups almond milk
2 cups boiling water
Pinch of salt
3 tspn ground cinnamon
2 bananas, chopped
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup Greek yoghurt
Honey, to drizzle
1. Preheat oven to 180ºC (160ºC fan-forced).
2. Place oats in a roasting pan and toast in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large saucepan combine oats, ground almonds, rice flakes, milk, water, salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and half the banana over a medium heat, stirring constantly until the porridge boils and thickens. Remove from heat, cover and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
4. To serve porridge, divide evenly between 2 bowls and sprinkle the top with remaining banana, slivered almonds and cinnamon. To finish, place a dollop of yoghurt on top and drizzle with honey.
The Easter Racing Carnival has been one of South Australia’s premier social and sporting occasions for almost 150 years, and the annual pilgrimage to the Adelaide Hills track is, for many, a family tradition that goes back generations. Uniquely among SA racecourses, racegoers can bring their own picnics and barbeques, and by the time racing begins the car park is awash with marquees, tents and barbeques as families and friends soak up the unique country racing atmosphere.
The Adelaide Festival is the iconic performing arts festival internationally recognised as Australia’s pre-eminent arts festival. Enjoyed amid warm March days and starry nights at the height of South Australia’s festival season, Adelaide Festival’s celebration of creative excellence makes for an event of truly epic proportions.
For more information, visit adelaidefestival.com.au
As a proud sponsor of the Adelaide Festival, our ECH community can access discounted tickets to five shows during 6-16 March.
For more information, visit ech.asn.au/adelaide-festival
The SA Autumn Garden Festival was South Australia’s first gardening festival. It is a fantastic opportunity to hear from some of Australia’s top gardening experts and stock up on the latest plants and accessories.
For more information, visit saautumngardenfestival.com.au
For more information, visit countryracingsa.com.au/racing-club/oakbank
The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is a biennial festival held over two days and one evening at the historic river Port of Goolwa. The on-water program provides a stunning display for spectators. The on-land program includes maritime displays, art exhibitions, children’s activities, music, regional food and wine in a festival atmosphere.
For more information, visit sawoodenboatfestival.com.au
A runaway success across Australia, The Pirates of Penzance is one of the most popular operettas ever written that both old salts and scallywags will equally enjoy. The story of a roguish pirate king and his adventurous young charge who explore the coastline in search of treasure and romance comes sailing into Adelaide with all the laughs, unforgettable melodies and tongue-twisting songs.
For more information, visit stateopera.com.au
Following the success of the 2022 event, Clare Gourmet is back again for a week-long celebration. This year, there’s even more reason to visit the Clare Valley for the Gourmet Week and enjoy live music, different winery experiences and long lunches.
For more information, visit clarevalleygourmet.com.au
Whether you love footy or are just looking for a fun way to stay active, Walking Footy might be the ideal activity for you. Brought to you by SANFL and ECH, Walking Footy is a fun, modified Australian Rules Football program created for people aged 50 or over. Played in small teams on a field the size of a basketball court, Walking Footy is a fun, inclusive and safe game with no running, tackling or bumping involved.
For more information, visit ech.asn.au/walking-footy
ECH offers a wide range of social events, activities and experiences so you can meet other likeminded people, learn new skills and share your hobbies and interests.
Discover all our current events and experiences at ech.asn.au/ events or scan the QR code.
As part of our sponsorship with State Theatre, we have 13 double pass tickets we would like to giveaway to our ECH clients and residents to the show Every Brilliant Thing on Friday 5 May, 8:30pm at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
The show Every Brilliant Thing follows a young boy who attempts to bring his mother out of depression by making her a list of every brilliant thing in the world. Decades pass, the list grows, and what was once a game eventually becomes a new way of looking at the world – a world where there is joy to be found in every corner of our world if we can open ourselves to the possibility.
To go into the draw to win tickets, please email keepconnected@ech.asn.au with your full name and email address by Friday 28 April. For more information on Every Brilliant Thing, please visit statetheatrecompany.com.au/shows/every-brilliant-thing
At the end of 2022, volunteers and participants of the community café, Halifax Café launched the release of their beautiful book ‘Our Adelaide’. In partnership with the City of Adelaide, Halifax Café and ECH, the group have been developing the book for 18 months and are extremely proud of the result.
ECH resident and volunteer Ros, who was the driving force behind this project, said in her speech, “This little book may only have 40 pages, but the memories it evokes are endless. The memories in here are sure to awaken all of your five senses.”
A copy of the book is now proudly on display in the Hutt Street Library.
Residents from Henderson Lodge wrapped up the end of 2022 with Christmas lunch at the Lockleys Hotel. Arranged by Margaret, the village’s social organiser, the group enjoyed great company and had an afternoon full of laughter.
Residents at Encore Apartments partnered up with Back Pack 4 SA Kids for the first time to run the Christmas toy donation charity. From gifts for a newborn to an eighteen-year-old teenager, the village collectively donated up to 113 presents within three weeks! It’s something truly sensational to see residents and the community donating so much for a worthy cause.
In early December, residents at Encore Apartments formed a resident committee called the ‘ECH Encore Association’ and held their first village-wide event, ‘Meat and Greet’. As the name suggests, it was a BBQ held in the community garden and an opportunity to meet their fellow neighbours. The event was a roaring success with 80 residents attending. With eyes set on the future, the group has already begun planning their next events for the year.
Encore residents Rob and Jan were busy spreading joy and festive cheer to their village and community with their amazing Christmas display. The woodland themed display had running model train, little animal villagers and an abundance of lights and music.
During Christmas, residents at Winzor Retirement Estate pulled out all the stops to festoon the village with bright and cheery Christmas lights! An amazing 43 of the units in Winzor were decked in Christmas glory. 37 of these units, the hall and two community gardens were all decorated by one resident –Alan. Well done Alan!
As part of ECH’s sponsorship with the Centre for Creative Health, a wonderful mural was painted on an outside wall of ECH College Grove. The mural is inspired by flora and fauna and creates connections to a calm night sky with moonlight shining through the eucalyptus leaves. Next time you are in the area, come check it out!
During the Christmas period, visitors at The Organik Café in Glenelg South spent some time making wreaths guided by ECH volunteer Tevor. With a shared love of gardening, Café owner Lee encourages this group to experiment and share their knowledge with each other. Meeting fortnightly on Thursdays at the café the group welcomes newcomers.
The sunflowers at our Henley Beach community garden have been soaking up the summer sunshine! The garden, located out the front of our Henley Beach Day Program, provides a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to come together and enjoy spending time outside. If you love gardening then we would love to see you here!
For more information visit ech.asn.au/community-connect/community-gardens
The crew at Cumberland Park Community Centre spent the morning flower arranging with ECH Horticulturalist Dean. With his guidance, the group learnt that with a bit of planning and careful preparation it is easy to create a beautiful flower bouquet or centerpiece that maintains colour and freshness.
To learn more about the activities on at the Cumberland Park Community Centre, visit ech.asn.au/communityconnect/cumberland-park-community-centre
ECH client, Sarah recently spent the afternoon out enjoying the fresh air with her Home Support Team Member, Jodie. As part of Sarah’s social support, the pair go out every Wednesday to find a nice place to have lunch, a cup of tea and enjoy each other’s company. Jodie knows that Sarah is very fond of her tea so she researches in advance new places to try a pot of tea. On this occasion, Sarah decided to have breakfast for lunch and enjoyed some delicious pancakes. The happy afternoon was photographed and shared to Sarah’s son.
ECH offers a great range of social events, activities and experiences so you can meet likeminded people, learn new skills or share your hobbies and interests. Some of our current group activities include gardening, playing board games, singing, making art and crafts, and a simple coffee and chat. All of these groups welcome newcomers.
To learn more about these activities including dates and times, visit ech.asn.au/events or scan the QR code below.
Fill in the missing letters to complete the iconic South Australian locations.
Fill in the boxes to solve the equations. Tip! The answers go to the first decimal place.
Once you have found all the words in the word search, use all the remaining letters in the order they appear to discover the secret sentence. Send this sentence to keepconnected@ech.asn.au or call 1300 275 324 by 28/4/23 and two winners will be drawn at random, each win a $50 EFTPOS gift card.
Winners will be announced in the next issue. Last issue’s winners were Annette Williams and Leah Bickley.
At ECH we are constantly looking at ways to reduce our ecological footprint on the planet. This is why we ask that once you’ve enjoyed this magazine you pass it on to a friend, family member or even your local café so that it gets a long life. This magazine was printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper which supports the growth of responsible forest management worldwide.
