Keep Connected Summer 2021

SUMMER

Keep Connected Find Your FREE 2022 Calendar Inside!

GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS under $30!

COVER STORY...

Celebrating a new chapter AT ENCORE APARTMENTS

CHRISTMAS RE CIPE FROM THE ADELAIDE CENTR AL MARKET

Welcome

to the Summer issue of Keep Connected

A

s 2021 draws to a close and Christmas is officially upon us, the holiday period provides a great opportunity to reflect on the year that was, and welcome a fresh year with fresh possibilities.

However you choose to celebrate the festive season, this issue of Keep Connected is packed full of stories from our clients and residents, along with interesting summer articles on things you can do over the coming months.

We have included a flyer with information on how to access live Adelaide Festival shows for the discounted price of just $15. A great way to get to the theatre and discover something new next year.

In this edition you’ll find some information from our official philanthropic partner, The Hospital Research Foundation who are raising money for their annual Christmas appeal.

Their annual appeal will establish a new arts therapy program helping people post stroke and living with dementia.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support of ECH over the last 12 months.

This year, ECH celebrated several big milestones, including the opening of our new vertical village, Encore Apartments in Modbury. See page 12 to hear from some of our new residents about their experiences at Encore and how they’re enjoying village life so far.

I would also like to thank in advance our staff who will be working over the festive period to ensure those receiving essential services can continue to do so.

This year there was a hive of excitement and activity at College Grove, with the official opening of our new Care Hotel, Dandelion. It’s been exciting to watch Dandelion come to life and continue to grow creating new solutions to meet the needs of our clients.

Kind Regards,

Warm summer days are the perfect time to get out and enjoy the best of South Australia. Turn to page 24 to see our list of suggested locations for affordable outings. Or you could jump aboard an ECH bus to explore a range of exciting destinations, see page 32 for details.

I wish you all safe and happy holidays.

Dr David Panter ECH Chief Executive

FESTIVE SEASON OPENING HOURS ECH Wellness Centres will be operating on reduced hours and services from Saturday 25 December, returning to normal operations on Tuesday 4 January 2022. Please note: • • •

2

Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Community Rehab and urgent Home Care Package (home visits) will be available during this time Group classes and on site services will not be provided during this period ECH Day Programs will be closed from Friday 24 December, returning to normal operations on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

ECH Keep Connected

Dandelion, an ECH Care Hotel at College Grove.

Reflecting on a

rewarding year at ECH One of the best moments for ECH Board Member and Chair of the Investment Committee Peter Siebels has been watching the new residents move into Encore Apartments.

Peter says there was so much excitement surrounding the move and the new residents love that they get to be part of a brand-new village.

“It has been so rewarding to watch the residents move into their new apartments and hear such positive feedback about their experience,” says Peter.

The ECH Board was invited to walk-through Dandelion earlier this year and they could not be prouder.

“It was an incredible experience to walk through Dandelion and see the plans come to life.”

“

All of the staff at Dandelion are so passionate, and it was amazing to see their work first-hand.

“

I

t has been an extremely rewarding year for ECH with several successful projects now complete this includes Encore Apartments at Modbury and the proof of concept Care Hotel Dandelion at College Grove in Walkerville.

Highlighting the response to COVID-19 this year, Peter says the lockdown in July really demonstrated the commitment ECH has to developing processes that ensure our clients and residents receive the very best care.

“The entire ECH team has put so much work into ensuring we have processes in place to minimise disruption during lockdowns.”

“We already had strategies in place so that if a lockdown did occur, we were able to focus on supporting our clients, residents, volunteers and staff.”

As ECH moves into 2022, the Board hopes to implement the strategies and processes that were developed throughout 2021, and continue to build on Dandelion.

“All of the planning and discussions that were undertaken throughout 2021 will form the roadmap for major developments that we’ll undertake as an organisation in 2022 and beyond.

The next 12 months look set to be exciting for the future of ECH.”

3

HOME SERVICES

ECH

Year in Review At a glance, see how ECH has performed during the 2020-2021 financial year and grew it’s community.

156,859

At-home visits

195

clients achieved a good and respectful death at home

146

Billy users

2,093

PROPERTY & RETIREMENT LIVING

clients received personalised care at-home

2,001

Independent Retirement Living Residents (IRL)

The Sensory Room at Day Program College Grove.

4

29%

of existing units are rentals

133

new IRL residents

12,728

maintenance requests fulfilled

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

674

employees

155

newly onboarded staff

DIVERSITY

9

staff with 25+ years of service

32

12

staff with 15-24 years of service

Fortnightly

staff with 10-14 years of service

new LGBTI clients onboarded calls to 270 LGBTI people during COVID lockdown

252

73

124

volunteers completed an amazing 5,923 hours

LGBTI people active in the Rainbow Social ECH Keep Connected Connection Program

4

ECH Keep Connected

RESPITE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

7

active walking groups with 83 members

27

people active in the Pen Pal Program

5

604

clients equated to

16,671

attendances at Day Programs

119

clients equated to 1,574 attendances in Short Stay

Conversation Cafes attended by 58 people

10

people/week at Halifax Cafe

6

people/week at Henley Beach Community Garden

50

people/week attended Cumberland Park Community Centre Programs

WELLNESS

4,918

clients equated to

99,049

attendances at individual and group sessions

183

clients attended 666 bus trips

5

Queen’s honours

FOR CHRIS’ OUTSTANDING SERVICE

ECH Independent Living Resident and client Chris got the surprise of her life when she received an email asking her if she would accept an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) at the Queen’s birthday honours.

6

ECH Keep Connected

C

hris, who lives at ECH Victoria Court with her husband Bob, had no idea she had been nominated, or that Bob and his friend John had secretly gathered information for 18 months to nominate her!

“I was just like - wow,” said Chris, “I was so surprised.”

Chris received the award at a special ceremony at Government House, for her service to veterans and their families during her time at The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia – SA Branch Inc. Chris joined in 2007, and went on to be the Assistant Secretary, Secretary and now President.

Chris actively cares for and advocates for the members on a range of issues - from payments and support for widows to support services for children of veterans.

“Being in a military family is very different and it can be difficult,” says Chris. “Through the Partners of Veterans our members feel like there’s always someone they can talk to and we help each other. We make sure that nobody feels isolated.”

Chris’ care for others started long before she reached retirement age.

“I came out of a very violent marriage,

which ended in a hostage situation and then living in a women’s refuge.”

“Once I got back on my feet I volunteered at the shelter.”

It snowballed from there and Chris went on to spend her whole career helping others working in a range of areas including support for women and child protection.

At the same time Chris has spent 25 years battling Leukemia and just as she was starting to recover her husband Bob was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a recognised consequence of exposure to Agent Orange from serving in the navy in the Vietnam War. With health issues making life trickier, the couple turned to ECH for support and received some Home Services, before deciding to move to ECH Victoria Court seven years ago.

Chris explains: “In our previous home we had a garden that was across six levels and it just became too much for us. We love Victoria Court. Being here allows us to live independently, which we enjoy. We have support for gardening, maintenance and the things we were finding hard.”

The couple love the community support in the village and are friends with the other residents.

“It’s a lovely community and we all look after each other,” says Chris.

“If someone is away we check their letterbox and water their plants. Every bin day one of our neighbours brings in everyone’s bin after they have been collected.”

Chris was nominated for the OAM after a chance conversation between Bob and a friend John at their local bowls club. John who had an OAM himself pulled Bob aside and said “your wife deserves an OAM for everything she does in the community.”

With John’s help, Bob spent 18 months, gathering items like Chris’ resume and secretly getting references from her former bosses.

“I’m extremely proud of her,” says Bob. “She came from this terrible place in her first marriage to helping so many people.”

“She’s a very caring person. At one stage she was so unwell and on a walking frame and she just keeps going. In between she’s helping the grandchildren with their resumes and going to the gym three times a week.

She’s a very special person.”

To find out more about the various ECH Independent Retirement Living options, visit ech.asn.au or call 1300 275 324

7

new chapter

Celebrating a at Encore Apartments

It has been a busy and very exciting few months for the residents of Encore Apartments, as they settle in to call their new village home.

We spoke with some of our residents to hear about their experiences and how they are enjoying village life so far.

L

iz and Foss had been thinking of downsizing for a few years but weren’t sure about the idea of moving into a retirement village.

When they came across Encore Apartments after driving past the village construction, the couple agreed it was the perfect fit for them.

“We knew Encore Apartments was the right place for us as we can continue living independently in a retirement village environment with the opportunity to meet new people every day,” says Foss.

As the village has so much to offer, the couple are keeping very busy now, and Liz hopes to get involved in the SA Montessori Early Learning Centre when it opens in early 2022.

“I would love to volunteer at the SA Montessori Early Learning Centre. I was a kindergarten teacher when I was younger and enjoy spending time with children, so to be involved will be wonderful,” says Liz. Liz and Foss are taking the time to enjoy the community feel of Encore Apartments and look forward to the warm weather so they can ride their bikes and go for walks in their new area.

A

fter experiencing some health issues and living with friends while she recovered, Joan saw her move into Encore Apartments as an exciting change in her life.

When she decided to move, Joan started looking for the right place where she wouldn’t need to worry about maintenance or managing a garden, yet provided the peace of mind of having other people around if she needed some extra support.

JOAN 8

“Living at Encore Apartments is great because I have more spare time, I am able to meet new people

LIZ AND FOSS and I have access to ECH services if I need them,” says Joan.

Joan enjoys being active and spending time outdoors while also getting to know her new neighbours.

“I’m so close to the shops at Tea Tree Plaza so I enjoy going for a walk and bumping into people who also live at Encore Apartments.”

“I like to look at my experience as a new lease on life, moving forward and not looking back,” says Joan.

ECH Keep Connected

R

obert and Jackie said farewell to the ocean air for their brand-new apartment in Modbury to benefit Robert’s health and wellbeing.

The couple previously moved from Golden Grove into a Goolwa Beach Retirement Village in 2018, but when Robert was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in early January, the couple decided it was best to move closer to his specialist.

“We spent a week in Adelaide for some appointments and while here we went to visit the Encore Apartments display suite,” says Jackie.

“We thought ‘do we move back to Adelaide or stay at Goolwa Beach?,’ but we thought Adelaide was the best place for Robert’s health, and we wanted to be closer to our family,” says Jackie.

Apart from living closer to their three children and four grandchildren, Jackie said the best part of the move was the location.

“Encore Apartments is situated in such a great area, close to a great range of shops, as well as the hospital and Robert’s specialist which is perfect for us,” says Jackie.

ROBERT AND JACKIE

N

ew residents Bob and Kaye were the first people to call Encore Apartments home when they moved in early October.

Moving was a significant step for the couple having lived in Port Augusta for the past 25 years.

Kaye worked as a teacher and Bob worked for Des’ Transport and while they had not originally planned to retire this year, Bob says the timing just felt right.

“When we first saw Encore Apartments, Floor 1 was already complete, and we were very curious about it,” says Bob.

BOB AND KAYE

When they got home, Kaye Googled the village and contacted ECH straight away.

Two days later the couple were

visiting the display suite and choosing their brand-new apartment.

“All of the ECH staff have been wonderful right from the start, providing support and helpful information to make the transition as easy as possible,” says Kaye.

Bob and Kaye are enjoying living in a vertical village and are excited to be part of a community.

“I’ve always been community minded, so now that we live in this village environment, I would like to encourage my neighbours to get involved in activities such as making sandwiches and baking cakes for the CFS or the Salvos to distribute to people in need,” says Bob.

For more information on Encore Apartments, visit echencore.com.au or scan the QR code with your mobile phone camera.

9

JAN’S JOURNEY BACK

TO INDEPENDENCE 10

ECH Keep Connected

“I can be a very determined person,” says Jan smiling across at her husband Bill.

I

n February, Jan woke in the night unable to talk, walk, or get out of bed. She had experienced a major stroke and shortly after arriving at the hospital her husband Bill was advised to think about arrangements for Residential Care and he was advised it was unlikely Jan would ever return home.

Jan spent three weeks in the Royal Adelaide Hospital followed by seven weeks in the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre. She had one clear goal in mind – to get back home.

“I kept telling the staff I had to get home for my granddaughter’s 21st birthday party. With the help of a TCP with ECH, I did get home and I went to her party!” says Jan. ECH arranged for Jan to return home with a Transitional Care Package offering a range of support including Personal Care, Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy.

Bill and Jan have been married for 54 years, and Bill has been at Jan’s side for every step of her recovery.

“The Transitional Care from ECH was brilliant,” says Bill. “Before Jan even came home, I sent photos to an ECH Occupational Therapist of our chairs, bed, bathroom and garden – everywhere Jan walked around our home – so they could begin assessing if we needed handrails or other changes.

“Our first appointment with ECH was at 12:30pm on the day Jan was discharged from hospital, as we arrived home, ECH was already here helping us. I cannot thank the staff enough for the support they have provided to aid Jan’s recovery.”

ECH Allied Health Assistant Caleb Renshaw says Transitional Care Packages are an important step for people who want to improve their health after a traumatic physical experience like a stroke.

“I also remember one of the ECH Exercise Physiologists was always challenging me,” she says laughing.

“She would always make me do more and try harder.”

For ECH staff like Caleb, it is incredibly satisfying to see clients achieve their goals.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had, helping people and making a real difference to their lives, it’s great,” he said.

“It’s really the second step in rehab,” says Caleb. “It’s all about improving quality of life and independence and helping people to reach their goals.”

At the end of Jan’s TCP, ECH arranged for her to continue therapy as an outpatient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“Jan wanted to be able to do what she did before, help out around the home and cook with her husband and we’ve helped her achieve that,” he said.

Today Jan is able to speak well, walk unaided and even do the housework.

Jan is extremely proud of what she has achieved, far exceeding the initial prediction that she would not live independently again.

Before the stroke Jan and Bill were busy retirees, helping in their church, sailing, doing pilates and spending time with friends and family. On the weekend before Jan’s stroke, the couple - who used to run a bakery cooked 700 pancakes for a church fundraiser.

To go from that to Jan being unable to walk and talk was very hard for the couple.

“There were times when I just felt so disheartened,” says Jan. “But the staff at ECH were so encouraging.

I remember when I met the ECH Speech Pathologist and she was so confident. She said ‘This can be fixed.

We just need to retrain your brain’, and that encouraged me to keep trying.”

“The plan now is to keep doing more and more for myself and becoming more independent,” says Jan. “My big goal is to get back to driving, which can take quite a while but I’m hopeful I’ll achieve it.”

In the short-term, Bill and Jan are just grateful to be living at home together and looking forward to spending Christmas with their family.

TCP is there to assist people who may have experienced a stroke or a serious fall, and that may need extra support in order to return home and reach the same level of independence as before their hospitalisation.

For information about Transitional Care Packages and eligibility, contact ECH on 1300 275 324

11

Gift ideas

for your family & friends under $30

Affordable Christmas gift ideas for all ages!

AGE 0 - 2 years

$18

Bluey Deluxe Activity Pack Target

$29

50 Piece Wooden Jungle Block Set Kmart

100 Words About Places Big W

$15

3 - 10 years

Crayola Silly Scents Mini Art Case Target

$30

10 - 18 years $25 Telestrations Big W

Create your own tie dye kit Target

$30 The Lego Ideas Box Big W

$12

Golf Putting Mat with Ball Return Kmart

Oil Pastel Set Typo

$9.09

$29

Adults

$19.99

Lotus & Japanese Pear Wild Lotus Room Spray Dusk

Adidas Linear Core Gym Sack Rebel Sport

$27.95

NATIO Travel Essentials Set 4 Pack Priceline

$19.99 *Prices accurate as of September 2021

12

ECH Keep Connected

Nature’s Air Conditioners There are many joys to caring for plants, but did you know that your plants could also be helping to keep your home cool?

ECH Social & Therapeutic Horticulturalist Dean Gaston.

This moisture can significantly lower the air temperature, so whether you have indoor plants, pots on a patio, or a lawn around your home, they could all be making your home more comfortable and lower your need for air conditioning in summer.

“

If you have limited outdoor space, there’s still plenty you can grow in pots.

Dean suggests creating simple vertical gardens using a raised planter bed, a small trellis and climbing plants can be a great way to shade north and west-facing walls from the sun. The plants will love the sun and stop it Around all the ECH villages shining on your walls and making there are gardens and they your home hot in summer.

“

P

lants have a process called evapotranspiration, where they take water up through their roots, and when hot, release it through their leaves, cooling the air around them.

have a wonderful cooling effect on the environment.

ECH Social & Therapeutic Horticulture Therapist Dean Gaston says: “Plants are incredible at keeping us cool.

You only have to stand under a tree or in a green space on a very hot day and you’ll feel the difference in temperature.”

Great indoor plant choices to keep your home cool include Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant), Aloe Vera, Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema), palms and mother in law’s tongue. Indoor plants also do a wonderful job of taking impurities out of the air, adding oxygen and decreasing humidity, making your home a healthier place to be!

Send us photos of your cooling greenery to keepconnected@ech.asn.au and we’ll feature them on the ECH Facebook page.

13

Festive

FOOD SWAPS If there’s ever a time to eat too much, then it has to be Christmas.

However, if you’re managing your weight or a diet-related condition like diabetes you might be feeling gloomy about a Christmas where all the best foods are off the menu.

However, according to ECH Dietitian Deepti Parmar, healthy eating doesn’t mean having to miss out on festive treats. A few simple food swaps and thinking about what you eat could be the key to a delicious and healthy holiday season.

Deepti explains; “Around Christmas I tell people to be mindful of what they are eating and eat little amounts of everything, so if you are reaching for the chocolates and cakes, also make sure you’re having some salads and veggies.”

Here are some simple swaps you can make this Christmas.

ti ECH Dietitian Deep

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Parmar.

ECH Keep Connected

CHERRIES INSTEAD OF CHOCOLATE Summer is a brilliant time for delicious in-season cherries, mangoes, apricots, nectarines, strawberries and more, so rather than having a box of chocolates on the side, try snacking on a bowl of ripe cherries or other delicious summer fruits.

FILO PASTRY FOR PUFF PASTRY Puff pastry is very high in fat and can in many recipes easily be replaced with filo pastry which is low fat. Brush the filo with milk between layers and only use oil on the outer layer.

MARGARINE OR VEGETABLE OIL INSTEAD OF BUTTER FOR BAKING Salted butter is very high in saturated fat and salt, yet in many recipes for cakes and biscuits it can easily be swapped with low fat margarine or vegetable oils without affecting the taste.

MEAT AND VEGGIE COMBOS If you are cooking meat, look for lean options and find ways to add veggies, for example making barbecue skewers with half chicken and half colourful veggies like tomatoes and capsicum for an attractive healthy meal.

VEGE CRUDITÉ OVER CRACKERS Crackers can be high in calories and salt for their tiny size. Veggie crudités can be made from carrots, cucumber, capsicum or any veggies you love and are a great alternative with cheese or dips.

To learn more about Dietetic Services or book an initial consultation, visit ech.asn.au or call 1300 275 324

15

FAMILIES WHO WORK TOGETHER GROW TOGETHER In the spring edition of Keep Connected magazine, we got to know some of the families who work together at ECH. In this issue, we’re getting to know even more of our family tree as they share how rewarding it is to work together.

Ben and Constance Leonard.

Anna and Emily Jones.

BEN AND CONSTANCE LEONARD

ANNA AND EMILY JONES

ECH Care Coordinator Constance and her son, Ben, both work at ECH. Constance has worked at ECH for 18 years, starting at the Wellness Centre at Henley Beach when Ben was just 15 months old.

ECH Nursing Lead of Clinical Operations Anna and her daughter Emily, an Enrolled Nurse, both started at ECH in 2020. Anna encouraged Emily to apply for a role with ECH as she believes it is an extremely supportive environment with plenty of learning and mentoring opportunities.

Although Constance and Ben don’t often cross paths at work, they occasionally interact with the same clients.

When a position came up at ECH for a Home Support Team Member, Constance encouraged Ben to apply as she noticed a real sense of inclusivity and support over her many years working with ECH.

“As a young person, Emily connects beautifully with older people and has genuine care and empathy for our clients,” says Anna.

Anna and Emily both love that ECH is such a family orientated workplace, and their roles allow them to take shifts and care for Emily’s two young children.

“ECH is a really positive and supportive place to work, and I wanted my son to experience that,” says Constance.

16

ECH Keep Connected

Ingrid Armanini, Vivienne Armanini, and Angel Lock.

Deb Ashe and Phoebe Malycha-Coombs.

INGRID ARMANINI, VIVIENNE ARMANINI, AND ANGEL LOCK

DEB ASHE AND PHOEBE MALYCHA-COOMBS

For these three caring women, working at ECH is a real family affair. ECH Home Support Team Members Ingrid and Vivienne are mother and daughter, with Angel being their daughter-in-law and sister-in-law to be.

Mother and daughter Deb and Phoebe started working together at ECH in the Customer Service Team in 2015, and continued to work together in the same roles for a few years.

Having worked at ECH for more than 17 years, Vivienne’s mother-in-law is also an ECH Home Support Team Member. After hearing about her passion for working at ECH, Ingrid, Vivienne and Angel visited a careers expo where they put their names down to work at ECH. One-by-one they all accepted offers and today are all now caring for ECH clients.

Now an ECH Member Services Officer, Deb says it is a pleasure to share the experience of working at ECH with her daughter Phoebe who is the Acting Manager of Client Services and Social Programs.

“The most important part of my job is to make each client smile and laugh. If I can make a difference in their day, that’s all the reward I need,” says Ingrid.

Phoebe says it’s lovely to work at the same organisation as her mum and feels like it has made their relationship stronger.

“I’ve been lucky enough to watch Phoebe grow into the person she is today and I’m really proud of her,” says Deb.

JENNY KROGDAHL AND AMY HERBERT ECH Member Services Officer Jenny and her daughter, ECH Home Services Lead Amy, are new to working together, with Jenny starting at ECH earlier this year.

After working at ECH for nine years, Amy encouraged her mum to apply when she was looking for more fulfilment at work.

“It’s a testament to ECH that you can refer your own family to work here. There are many family connections within the organisation,” says Amy. Jenny Krogdahl and Amy Herbert.

Jenny says she has found the fulfilment she was looking for since starting at ECH as she loves helping people.

17

Affordable Summer Days Out

Migration Museum – Adelaide CBD Himeji Japanese Garden – Adelaide CBD While international travel is still up in the air, this small beautifully manicured garden in Adelaide’s parklands is like stepping straight into Japan. The garden is wheelchair accessible, free to enter, and a perfect place to visit with friends or the grandkids.

The garden entrance is via a large gate on the corner of South Terrace and Glen Osmond Road.

Discover the rich history of the migrants who have populated Australia and South Australia through the 20th and 21st Centuries and made us the multicultural country we are today.

From the British mass migration schemes to the modern migration of university students and skilled workers, the Museum features historical documents and items that tell the stories of the people who travelled to Australia to start new lives.

The Migration Museum is located at 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide, and is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 5pm.

Admission is free.

The Bradman Collection – Adelaide Oval For cricket fans, the Bradman Collection brings together Sir Donald Bradman’s personal and priceless collection of cricket memorabilia from 1927 to 1977.

The Bradman Collection is free to enter and open 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.

For more information visit adelaideoval.com.au/bradmancollection or call Adelaide Oval on 8211 1100.

For more information visit migration.history.sa.gov.au or call 8207 7580.

18

ECH Keep Connected

Long, warm summer days are a perfect time to get out and about, enjoying the best of Adelaide.

Aside from its many beautiful beaches and parks, Adelaide hosts an excellent selection of museums, galleries, gardens, and places of interest.

Here are a few suggestions to explore this summer.

Strawberry Picking – Hahndorf

Adelaide Planetarium – Mawson Lakes Ever wanted to learn more about the stars, or voyage through outer space? The Adelaide Planetarium at the University of South Australia’s Mawson Lakes Campus offers the opportunity to explore the planets and more than 5,000 stars on a large dome-shaped artificial sky.

The planetarium offers courses and events for everyone, from kids to adults.

For more information visit unisa.edu.au/connect/ galleries-museums-and-centres/ adelaide-planetarium or call 8302 3138.

Carrick Hill – Springfield

There’s nothing better than biting into a juicy freshly picked strawberry on a warm summer day.

From its wonderfully preserved period home to its beautifully landscaped gardens with views out to the ocean, there’s no shortage of things to see and do at Carrick Hill.

From November to April, the Beerenberg Farm at Hahndorf opens its strawberry patches to the public from 9am to 5pm every day (except Christmas Day).

If you’re visiting with children, the Story Book Trail in the gardens is a fun stroll featuring characters from favourite children’s books including ‘Wind in the Willows’, ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Jungle Book’.

Stop in the Beerenberg Shop afterward to grab a homemade ice cream or try some of their beautiful jams and chutneys.

The gardens and Story Book Trail can be visited free of charge, the house is $17 for adults, $12 for concessions and free for children under 15.

For more information visit beerenberg.com.au or call 8388 7272.

For more information visit carrickhill.sa.gov.au or call 7424 7900.

19

ECH

Amazing

ARTISTS

F

ollowing a lot of feedback, we decided to bring back our annual calendar.

We were stunned with how many fabulous artwork submissions we received from clients, residents, staff and volunteers.

As we are unable to feature all the submissions in the calendar, we wanted to share a few of the brilliant artworks that didn’t make it in.

Butterflies submitted by various people from the ECH Community

Previously our annual report was part of the calendar. This has now moved online and can be found at ech.asn.au/about-us We hope you enjoy your calendar!

Robyn Jarvis

Day Program Attendees

Effie Theodoridis

Right: Noel Richardson Left: Delia Elbert

20

ECH Keep Connected

Smart advice for

a safe summer

With hot summer days just around the corner, it pays to be prepared for the impact the fire danger ratings and extreme heat may have on you and the services you receive from ECH. BE BUSHFIRE SMART

SAFETY DURING HEATWAVES

KNOW WHERE TO GET HEALTH ADVICE

If you live in, visit or drive through bushfire prone areas, make sure you know the Fire Danger Rating each day during fire danger season by checking the CFS website or listening to ABC Adelaide. If you live in a bushfire area, make sure you have a bushfire plan.

During extreme heat ECH may change services to your home or village, which could include additional services, or some that may need to be rescheduled. ECH will always contact you to advise of any changes before they happen.

Summer can cause serious health issues like dehydration, as well as more minor concerns like bites and stings. If you are feeling unwell and are unable to access your usual GP call Healthdirect 24 hours a day seven days a week on 1800 022 222 to speak a health professional.

On days where a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating has been forecast in your local area, you will be contacted

by ECH to reschedule your services to another suitable day.

For further information regarding bushfire safety, phone the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline on 1800 362 361 or visit cfs.sa.gov.au

It’s important to stay cool and drink more water than you normally would during a heatwave.

During periods of extreme heat, the Australian Red Cross offers free daily telephone checks to people who are vulnerable and isolated, to see if they are safe and if they need any help.

To register for the TelecrossREDI service call 1800 188 071 or visit redcross. org.au/get-help/communityservices/telecross/telecross-redi

21

Ingrid’s iPad is a WINDOW TO THE WORLD When ECH Home Support Team Member Ellen Beal started her social visits with client Ingrid, she had no idea what a difference her help would make.

I

Home Support Team Member Ellen and ECH Client Ingrid.

ngrid, who has lost most of her vision, would go for walks with Ellen and began telling her how much she missed being able to do simple things like read the supermarket specials catalogue.

access to the software and tools she needed.

Little did she know that Ellen had excellent technology skills and could help her overcome this by using software that reads text aloud.

“Giving people more independence in whatever capacity you can is one of the best parts of this job,” explains Ellen. “So, when Ingrid explained she was struggling with her iPad I just thought this is something I know and I can share. It has just been fabulous helping Ingrid and watching her learn and be able to do more and more.”

Soon, Ellen had Ingrid’s iPad reading magazines, news and emails to her, writing emails by listening to Ingrid’s voice, and even playing her favourite music through the Spotify app.

“I’m so happy!” says Ingrid. “Ellen is the best person, if I had to mark her out of 10 I would give her 12! She is like a really good friend.”

Ingrid, who has a Level 4 Home Care Package (HCP) was also able to use some of her package funds to purchase a new iPad, allowing her

For Ellen, being able to bring so much joy to Ingrid has been one of her work highlights.

With the help of ECH, and Ellen in particular, Ingrid is now delighted to be able to grab her weekly specials at the supermarket again. “Since I have been with ECH my care has been so perfect,” says Ingrid with a big smile.

“Now with this help from Ellen I’m just so grateful, it has changed my life!”

INGRID’S FAVOURITE APPS Skype & Facetime For video calls with her sister in Germany.

YouTube To listen to and watch audio described videos of just about anything.

Spotify To listen to music and podcasts.

For more information on ECH Home Services, visit ech.asn.au/home-care or call 1300 275 324

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ECH Keep Connected

Beware

CHRISTMAS CHARITY SCAMS

C

hristmas is a time for giving, and for many Australians that includes a donation to one or more charities. However, it pays to do a few checks to make sure your festive donation is going to a good cause and not into the hands of scammer.

Unfortunately, phone, email, text and even face-to-face scams are becoming much more common. Scammers have sophisticated ways to make texts and emails look official, including links that look a lot like the real charity’s website but are actually fake.

To help people donate safely, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has provided the following tips1: • You can check if a charity is registered on the

• Messages that contain spelling errors or sound

• If you receive a call from someone claiming to be

• Always ask for identification from door-to-door

• Do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails –

• If you think that there is something wrong,

ACNC Charity Register, acnc.gov.au/findacharity

from a charity, ask to call them back. Search for the charity on the ACNC Charity Register and use the phone number published there to call them back.

delete them.

• If you receive an email from a known charity, visit

their website directly or call them, do not use links in emails to make a donation.

unusual may be fake.

and street fundraising collectors and check if the charity is genuine. If you need time to check, ask if you can make a donation by phone or online later.

contact the charity directly and alert them to your concerns.

• Visit the Australian Government’s Scamwatch

website scamwatch.gov.au for a list of known scams and information on how to avoid scams.

https://www.acnc.gov.au/media/news/charity-scams-rise

1

For more information you can call ACNC on 13 22 62 or visit acnc.gov.au

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Keep an eye out for Christmas social events on the ECH Facebook page.

Visit facebook.com/ECH.Inc.au

TIPS FOR BEATING Christmas stress Whether you are on your own, or part of a large family with lots of social events, Christmas can be a stressful time for many reasons.

Here’s a few tips for a calm and happy festive period.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

MANAGING FAMILY TENSION

BEATING LONELINESS

Whatever the source of your Christmas stress, whether it is running around socialising and buying gifts, or frustration at not having friends and family close by to celebrate with, taking time to look after yourself is a great antidote.

Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you automatically get along.

Christmas family gatherings can be a major source of stress and anxiety, and even depression when they don’t meet our expectations of a happy family Christmas.

If you are separated from family and friends physically, connect virtually with phone calls or video calls. If you’re more isolated, consider volunteering or attending community events to connect with others.

Throughout the festive season make sure you eat well, get out and exercise and just do plenty of things that you really enjoy.

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Try to set realistic expectations for your gatherings. It may not be perfect, but try to look for the positives in the family relationships you have. If you know certain topics will cause arguments, avoid them and try to focus on the good parts of the day like the food and the company.

If you’re alone on Christmas Day, make plans to avoid feeling depressed or lonely. Treat yourself to special meals and some nice gifts and plan some activities you love like going for a walk or starting an activity you’ve always wanted to do.

ECH Keep Connected

ECH Exercise Physiologist Hannah Wutke-Brown and Client Colleen.

ECH Independent Retirement Living Resident Ella.

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST Ticking a new adventure off their bucket lists has given ECH client Colleen and ECH Independent Retirement Living Resident Ella a sense of accomplishment – and thrilling experiences they will never forget.

A

t 85, ECH Wellness client Colleen is extremely brave having taken part in the Adelaide City Plunge in September.

This year the Adelaide City Plunge involved abseiling 70 metres from the top of the InterContinental Hotel on North Terrace. Colleen helped raise vital funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities, which assist families whose children are receiving treatment at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

However, Colleen is no stranger to extreme sports - this is the second time she has abseiled in the Adelaide City Plunge, yet it’s the first time she has persuaded ECH Exercise Physiologist Hannah Wutke-Brown to go with her.

“Hannah was petrified leading up to the event but I’m so happy that she was part of my team and helped to support such a worthy cause,” says Colleen.

When Pam offered to take Ella for a trip in her plane, she was a little nervous, but she knew this was something that she had to experience for herself.

Although Colleen is afraid of heights, she says her advice is to not look down and just enjoy the view.

“I try to focus on looking across at the view of Adelaide so that I don’t feel scared and this time I was lucky enough to look over Adelaide Oval.”

“I was a little scared, but I felt very safe with Pam at the wheel. I had flown overseas before but never in a little plane like this,” laughs Ella.

Congratulations to both Colleen and Hannah for taking the plunge and raising vital funds for such a great cause.

ECH Independent Retirement Living Resident Ella also recently ticked a new experience off her list when she took a scenic flight with her family friend of many years and pilot, Pam Coulson.

The flight in a two-seater aircraft called a Jabiru took off from the Adelaide Soaring Club at Gawler, giving Ella with a bird’s eye view of the lovely countryside across the Barossa Valley.

Ella says it was the perfect day for a scenic flight with clear blue skies and she can’t wait until the next time she can fly.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.”

If you would like to tell us about a new and daring experience you’ve had, let us know! Email us at keepconnected@ech.asn.au

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Meditating

your way to mindfulness

W

ith the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for us to get caught up in our to-do lists and forget to remain present in the moment.

As human beings, our natural state is to be relaxed, calm and present, however we are often preoccupied with our thoughts, worrying about the future or thinking about what happened in our past, which causes stress on our bodies.

Mindfulness is the process of recognising when we are stuck in these thoughts and being able to come back into the present moment.

Founder of Agile Mind Amanda Goodfellow works with ECH to provide mindfulness and meditation tips for Home Care Package clients and staff.

“The more time we spend in the present, the clearer our minds to make better decisions,” says Amanda.

The way we come back into a state of presence is by meditating.

AMANDA’S TIPS FOR MINDFULNESS

“Through meditation, we are connected to something that we can hear, feel or smell in the air and for that moment we have created a space where we are not thinking, but are simply present in the moment.”

The festive season can be an extremely busy time, so it’s important to stop, slow down and remain present in what we are doing. Below are some tips that can help you stay more ‘in the moment’.

On a physical level, when we worry, our nervous system is in a constant fight or flight response, which leads to anxiety. When we are able to slow our breathing and focus on it, this helps to calm our nervous system.

Amanda says mindfulness is extremely beneficial to our mental health as it allows us to remove stress and have more space in our minds to be creative and positive.

“Mindfulness reduces our state of anxiety so that we can remain present and focus on the things that are most important to us.”

1. Stand or sit still and breathe in for four counts, pause and then breathe out for four counts.

2. Connect with your senses. Think of three things that you can feel or smell. This could be feeling your feet on the floor or smelling your Christmas cookies baking in the oven.

3. Try not to drift off with your thoughts that enter your mind keep settling more into a peaceful awareness.

Amanda Goodfellow Agile Mind

Look out for more of Amanda’s mindfullness tips in the next edition of Keep Connected magazine.

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ECH Keep Connected

SUMMER BUS TRIPS Each week passengers jump aboard an ECH bus to explore an exciting or iconic destination around South Australia and socialise with friends or meet new people.

The bus trips depart from Henley Beach, Victor Harbor, Happy Valley and Walkerville.

Selected bus trips also offer pickups from non-ECH locations, including Goolwa for Victor Harbor and Cumberland Park Community Centre for Happy Valley.

Please note, we are following safe social distancing guidelines, so numbers are strictly limited.

For the latest bus trip timetables visit ech.asn.au/events

HENLEY BEACH

VICTOR HARBOR

Thursday 2 December

Wednesday 2 March

Al Ru Farm Gardens

Murray Bridge Explorer

Thursday 3 March

Wednesday 16 March

Carrick Hill

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

HAPPY VALLEY

WALKERVILLE

Thursday 9 December

Tuesday 11 January

David Roache Museum

Woodside Cheese Factory

Thursday 10 March

Tuesday 8 February

Adelaide Zoo

Morialta Conservation Park

HOW TO GET ON BOARD The cost to attend an ECH bus trip is $38* per person and includes snacks, lunch and any applicable entrance fees.

*To access the subsidised rate of $38, you will need a referral from My Aged Care. To access a My Aged Care referral please call us on 1300 275 324.

If you do not wish to obtain a referral, please discuss with staff about ‘out-of-pocket’ costs.

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CHRISTMAS SPICED GRANOLA TIP! You could make this Christmas Spiced Granola to gift to your family and friends during the festive season.

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Makes: 1.5kg approximately INGREDIENTS

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced) and line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine oats, pistachio’s, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, stirring to combine.

3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, olive oil, zests, vanilla, cinnamon, mixed spice, ginger and salt over a low heat, stirring until honey becomes runny and mixture is well combined. Pour over the oat mixture stirring until the mixture is evenly coated in the honey spice mix.

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4. Evenly divide mixture between prepared baking trays and place in preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring mixture after 15 minutes.

Remove baking trays from oven and allow granola to cool completely.

5. Place granola in a large mixing bowl, add cranberries, berry mix, coconut flakes and shredded coconut, stirring until mixture is well combined. Place in airtight containers and use within three months.

4 cups rolled oats 1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios 1 cup slivered almonds 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1/3 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup South Australian honey 1/3 cup mild South Australian olive oil finely grated zest of orange finely grated zest of lemon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon mixed spice 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon pink salt flakes 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup antioxidant berry mix 1 cup coconut flakes 1 cup shredded coconut

ECH Keep Connected

Asian style barbecued prawns halved in their shell served with coriander, chilli & lime Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 3-4 minutes Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 1kg Giant Australian green prawns, halved lengthways and deveined 1tbsp soy sauce 2 limes, cut into wedges Marinade 1 bunch coriander, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 birds eye chilli, deseeded (optional) and chopped Zest of a lime

METHOD 1. For the marinade, place the coriander, garlic, chilli, zest and oil together in a large mixing bowl, whisking until well combined.

2. Add the prepared prawns, tossing until well coated and leave to marinate for 30 minutes.

3. Heat a barbecue grill or frying pan on high.

4. Season the prawns with soy sauce, tossing well to combine.

5. Place prawns flesh side down for 1-1 ½ minutes before turning and cooking for 30 seconds or until just cooked through.

6. Pile the prawns on a plate and serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy!

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COMMUNITY NEWS FOODPRINT ESPRESSO OPENS AT COLLEGE GROVE Foodprint Espresso has recently opened at College Grove! The café coffee cart provides a welcoming space for people to relax, have a chat with others and share experiences. Foodprint Espresso offers quality coffee, light meals, and wholesome homemade treats.

Feel free to drop into ECH College Grove to try their range of food and beverages on offer!

DELIGHT YOUR SENSES AT THE ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDENS If you enjoy spending time with plants and nature, then the new Horticultural Therapy classes being offered by the Adelaide Botanic Gardens could be for you!

As a sponsor partner of the Botanic Gardens, we’re pleased to be able to offer ECH clients and residents the opportunity to get involved in a number of unique mindfulness classes.

The Foodprint Espresso Cart at ECH College Grove.

Classes cost $10.50 per person and there are still a few spots on offer.

Dates include 25 February, 25 March and 22 April.

Head over to ech.asn.au/events to book your spot!

STATE THEATRE COMPANY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA SPONSORSHIP We are excited to share that we have recently become a sponsor of the State Theatre Company of South Australia.

Connecting through the arts is a great way to remain socially involved and get to know like-minded people.

Watch this space for more information coming soon!

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ECH Keep Connected

ATTEND A COMMUNITY CAFE DURING SUMMER If you are 65 years or over and looking to make meaningful connections with people from your local community during Summer, then why not take part in the range of activities and workshops available at some of our community cafes.

Halifax Café 187 Halifax St, Adelaide SA 5000 Activities on offer every Thursday in December, January, February, and March, from 10am - 12pm

The Organik Café and Store 37 Broadway, Glenelg South SA 5045 ECH activities on offer on the following dates:

• • • •

Thursday 9 December Thursday 13 January Thursday 10 February Thursday 10 March From 10am – 12pm

The Annex Café 3 Waterloo St, Glenelg SA 5045

CALL OUT FOR NEW REFERENCE GROUP MEMBERS ECH is seeking expressions of interest from ECH clients or their direct family members to join our Reference Group.

Together, Reference Group Members connect information gathered at other ECH meetings and workshop a specific topic for a maximum of two hours every two months. It’s usually a fun and lively debate!

To find out more or register your interest call 1300 275 324 or email ask@ech.asn.au

ECH ANNUAL REPORT The 2020/21 ECH Annual Report is now available to view on our website. The Annual Report includes key milestones and achievements from the past financial year with a message from ECH Chief Executive Dr David Panter and Chair of the ECH Board Rosina Hislop.

If you would like to request a hard copy, please call 1300 275 324. To view the Annual Report, visit ech.asn.au/about-us

ECH activities on offer on the following dates:

• • • •

Thursday 23 December Thursday 27 January Thursday 24 February Thursday 24 March From 10am – 12pm

CLIENT FEEDBACK PROJECT In early 2021, ECH clients were invited to complete a survey about the quality of services they received.

Feedback from the survey included many comments from the respondents about their health and how it affects their quality of life.

Following this, we recently embarked on a new project, which will allow us to understand how different aspects of life can affect your wellbeing.

As part of this project, ECH Home Care Package (HCP) clients will receive a questionnaire, which will help us to gauge how stable our HCP clients quality of life is.

The completion of the questionnaire is voluntary, and all information provided will remain confidential.

If you have any questions about the project, please call ECH on 1300 275 324.

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Christmas

PUZZLES

Emoji Pictionary Quiz Guess the Christmas activity or phrase represented by the emojis. Can you guess all ten?

1.

2.

3.

Rebus Puzzles Each picture represents a Christmas word or phrase - can you work out what they are?

1.

2.

4.

5.

6.

KANYE WEST 7.

8.

3.

4.

Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

WISH

10.

List, 10. Christmas Dinner Hot Chocolate, 9. Santa’s Naughty or Nice Christmas Carolers, 7. Joy to the World, 8.

Nosed Reindeer, 5. White Christmas, 6.

3. Jingle Bell Rock, 4. Rudolph the Red 1. Letters to Santa, 2. Christmas Movies, PICTIONARY ANSWERS: CHRISTMAS EMOJI

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9.

discover the possibilities

gift card

WIN! Send in your answers to the Christmas Rebus Puzzles to keepconnected@ech.asn.au or call 1300 275 324 by 30/01/22.

Two winners will be drawn at random to win a $50 EFTPOS gift card.

Winners announced in the next issue. Last issue’s winners were Margaret Cheers and Irene Jacques.

ECH Keep Connected