SEN Nov & Dec 2023

ISSUE 22

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023

NEWSLETTER

HELLO FRIENDS Welcome residents, families, and friends to our November-December 2023 edition of SEN, the last one for the year.

Spring has officially sprung at SwanCare, and so have I! From the 23rd of August I joined the SwanCare team in my new position as Social Engagement Coordinator. Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Nilla Curia and I have been working in the aged care industry for the last twenty years or so. I started my career as a multiskilled Carer, later a Therapy Assistant and, in the last few years, became a passionate Therapy Coordinator.

My office is situated on the Ground Floor of Tandara. You are more than welcome to come and visit, although with four care centres to take care of I am pretty sure you’ll catch me out and about on the SwanCare campus quite often!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Auxiliary Committee and the Handicraft Group from the retirement village for their ongoing support throughout the year, and for all their kind donations of resources towards our activities. Our residents have been enjoying them immensely and are also extremely grateful for their support and contributions.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy end of the year and we look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in 2024!

Warm regards,

Nilla Curia Nilla Curia

GREAT MOMENTS 1 AFL Grand Final & Father's Day The Social Engagement team prepared a variety of activities at all four care centres in the lead up to the AFL Grand Final, including games of handball and kickball outside by the garden. Residents were excited to show their competitive side with some scoring a number of winning goals! Staff also got into the spirit by wearing their team colours and cheering on residents with pom poms. It was an enjoyable afternoon.

For Father’s Day, the Social Engagement team organised different activities for our residents at Kingia, Tandara and Ningana, such as arts and crafts, target shooting, necktie competitions, fishing activities,

and even setting up a bar! They had lots of fun and laughter. It was a joy being able to help make our resident dads feel appreciated on their special day with gifts and games.

Waminda Beer and pub snacks were on the menu for the Father’s Day celebration at SwanCare Waminda.

Everyone gathered in the Activity Lounge for a relaxing afternoon, where residents enjoyed some tasty snacks to accompany their choice of drink from the selection provided by our bar trolley. There was ice cold beer, port, sherry and fresh ginger beer. Afterwards residents enjoyed some fun activities including a game of darts and some Father’s Day trivia.

GREAT MOMENTS 2 Halloween We had a spooktacular day on Halloween with lots of activities organised for our residents across all four care centres. Staff dressed up for a fun afternoon of trick or treating with our residents, and we also had some special visitors stop by in their best costumes, spreading happiness and laughter all around SwanCare. It was lovely to see our residents and staff having a great time while celebrating the Halloween festivities together.

KINGIA FAMILY Chinese Festival Kingia, Tandara and Waminda residents were treated to a spectacular performance by 'Love Heartz,' a group of talented, traditional Chinese dancers. They showcased a variety of dance routines in vibrant, dazzling costumes, putting a big smile on everyone’s faces.

Reminisce on Camping Kingia and Tandara enjoyed an afternoon of courtyard camping! Outside by the garden, a campsite was set up with tents, fishing tools, games, hiking gear and walkie talkies for all to enjoy. Staff then shared a range of facts about the outdoors, before putting their lesson to the test with a fun camp quiz. Residents spent the afternoon reminiscing around their make-believe campfire, sharing fond memories and special stories from their favourite holidays.

Special Bus Trip An additional bus trip has been added to Kingia and Tandara’s Social Engagement calendars. This will enable more residents to go for an outing, thus having four bus trips per month! Our recent additional trip took us to Nedlands Yacht Club where residents enjoyed the beautiful view and spring weather.

Mobile Activities Everything is mobile nowadays; mobile libraries, mobile cafés and mobile gardens! Kingia and Tandara had their own version of mobile activities, providing fun experiences on a one-on-one basis. Everything is available on one trolley; ball games, table games, quizzes, videos to watch, newspapers, magazines, pampering and more. Name it, we have it!

NINGANA FAMILY International Coffee Day We celebrated International Coffee Day in October where our residents enjoyed learning about the history, origins and the various types that can be produced. The session also involved tasting and sensing a diverse range of coffee beans before treating residents to a delicious cup of coffee, hot or iced, made to their preference. It was the perfect activity for our resident coffee lovers.

Spring Activities Spring has arrived! Our residents have been enjoying spending time in the garden and outdoor areas, admiring the beautiful flowers and lovely surrounds. Our Cycling Without Age rides have continued around the village, as well as our Walking Club and various outdoor musical performances so we can soak up the spring sun.

Armchair Travel to Germany & Romania All aboard! Recently our residents visited two beautiful countries through our Armchair Travel sessions. They learnt about the culture, history and had the opportunity to taste their traditional food and drinks. Our residents really enjoy these types of travel experiences where they can learn about new and beautiful places, all from the comfort of their armchair.

TANDARA FAMILY ISL Program Six Occupational Therapy students from Curtin University worked alongside Tandara and Kingia residents as part of an Intergenerational Service Learning (ISL) program. One pair of students had the privilege of working with Tandara residents, Inez and Joyce, getting to know who they are, what’s important to them, and what makes them the wonderful people they are today!

“Thank you SwanCare residents and staff for the opportunity to engage in one of our valued occupations…learning! Your support, kindness and guidance are much appreciated.” - June and Donna, OT Students Nepalese Festival A huge thanks to all our Nepalese staff from Kingia, Tandara and Ningana, who contributed to the success of our Teej event. Residents thoroughly enjoyed learning about Nepalese culture and history, while being treated to a colourful parade before dancing the afternoon away.

Line Dancing Tandara and Kingia residents put on their dancing shoes to join the cowboy-style line dancing group, ‘The Silverstar Wanderers.’ Two of our residents blew us away with how well they learnt the routine, with another resident, who used to be a professional dancer, putting on a spectacular show which had everyone up from their seat and onto their feet!

Pet Therapy with Lacey Lastly, we introduced our residents to Lacey, our new Pet Therapy puppy.

Lacey belongs to Kingia Receptionist, Sheridan, and graciously volunteers her time to make our days brighter. We love having her around.

WAMINDA FAMILY The residents here at SwanCare Waminda have been very busy in the last month leading up to Halloween. There have been several art and craft sessions where residents got down and dirty with paper mache to make little jack-o’lanterns, and another project where residents painted egg cartons transforming them into bats. Their crafty creations became excellent decorations for our Activity Room.

Our Food Experience activity was another fun one that got our residents hands a little dirty yet again! In the spirit of Halloween, residents helped make some delicious sugar cookies in the shapes of bats, ghosts and pumpkins. They then decorated their cookie with a variety of delicious toppings.

For causal Friday the Waminda team wore their spookiest costume while residents enjoyed getting some fun designs painted onto their hands. Everyone seemed to have fun with many people getting into the Halloween spirit.

MESSAGE OF THE MONTH Dietetics Corner Nourishing your Body after 70: Debunking Dietary Myths

by Student Dietitian, Priyal.

Welcome to Dietetics Corner where we’re here to help you navigate the complex world of food and nutrition. Let’s uncover some common myths!

1. Myth: All snacking is off-limits Fact: Healthy snacking can be beneficial, especially as appetite may decrease and nutrition requirements increase. Reach for options like yoghurt, nuts or cheese and crackers.

2. Myth: You need less protein as you age Fact: Protein requirements often increase as we get older. Incorporating protein into your diet helps to maintain muscle mass, therefore consider choosing lean meats, fish, eggs, beans and lentils to stay strong.

3. Myth: Seniors don’t need fibre Fact: Fibre remains essential for older adults. It helps with digestion and can lower the risk of heart disease. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans are excellent sources of fibre.

4. Myth: It’s too late to make dietary changes Fact: It’s never too late to start eating better. A healthier diet can boost your energy, improve your mood and help manage chronic conditions.

By separating facts from myths, we can all enjoy a more informed, healthier life. If you have any questions or need guidance, the SwanCare team are here to help. Stay well, stay informed!

SwanCare would like to welcome the following people: Kingia:

Ningana:

Tandara:

Waminda:

Desmond L. Conception M. Margaret L June S. Linda M. Joyce C. Gwenneth K. Noreen M. Ann L. Thuan L.

Rie (Okasan) T. Irene H. Olena S.

Beatrice L. Shirley M. Maurice S. Leonard H. Margaret W.

IT'S A CELEBRATION! Birthdays & Milestones

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

7th

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Jeanette B. 25th Philippe T.

Michael P.

2nd

7th

Gerlinde R.

Rose Marie B. 20th Valma C. 27th Pauline B. 29th Kevin B. 11th

6th Kathleen M. Christine B. 16th Neville D. 16th Veronica B. 27th Patrick G. 5th Elizabeth C. 10th Albert N. 18th Phussadee C. 20th Audrey N. 1st

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

5th

Carlyle L.

22nd Vera L.

28th Irene L. 25th Norman R.

Michael L. 18th Anne S.

24th Sandra E.

12th Terence H.

16th Jillian P.

23rd Ioan T.

29th Noel S.

9th

14th Richard R.

9th

Michael C.

14th Stella F.

16th John P.

8th

Thomas M.

13th Siew-Sim C.

25th Malathie G.

Margaret A. 26th Agnes M. 13th Beryl C. 22nd Joyce C.

Jim W. 31st Barbara R. 14th Beryl R. 27th Basil K.

11th

29th Christine G. 6th

Peter D.

Gwenda P. 18th Lurline P. 3rd Joan F. 19th Kathleen L. 7th

8th

9th

Ron H.

17th Joan B.

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO CARLYLE L. & LURLINE P. WHO WILL BE CELEBRATING THEIR UPCOMING BIRTHDAY MILESTONES! Much love from the SwanCare Team.

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ACROSS

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DOWN

3. Easter game for children (7) Spring Crossword

2. Bees start doing this in early spring Page (11) 1 of 3

© GoldenCarers.com

4. Yellow spring flower (8)

3. Christian religious celebration in April or May (6)

5. Name a spring month in the Northern Hemisphere (5)

8. Smallest bird (11)

6. Butterflies start appearing in spring True or False (4)

11. Bears rouse from hibernation in this season (6)

7. Holland is famous for these flowers - 6

12. A bird that lays eggs in the nests of other birds (6)

9. Part of an insect (7)

13. Part of a flower starting with \P\ (5)

10. Soft under feathers providing insulation for birds (4)

14. Migratory butterfly (7)

15. A silk casing spun by many moth caterpillars (6)

16. A word describing baby animals or humans (9)

17. Runny nose caused by spring pollen starts with \R\ (8)

18. Australian bird known for imitating other birds (8)

20.An imaginary line on the Earth\s surface dividing North and South (7)

19. April showers bring May (7)

ANSWERS: (ACROSS) 3. Egghunt, 4. Daffodil, 5. April, 6. True, 7. Tulips, 9. Abdomen, 10. Down, 15. Cocoon, 17. Rhinitis, 20. Equator (DOWN) 2. Pollinating, 3. Easter, 8. Hummingbird, 11. Spring, 12. Cuckoo, 13. Petal, 14. Monarch, 16. Offspring, 18. Lyrebird, 19. Flowers

ALWAYS SOMEONE TO TALK TO Centre visiting hours:

Monday – Sunday

9:00am – 12:00pm 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Spritz Café hours:

Monday – Friday

7:30am – 3:00pm

Jarrah Café hours:

Monday – Tuesday

CLOSED

Wednesday – Sunday

8:00am – 3:00pm

General Manager Health & Aged Care Services

Julie Atkinson

Admissions Manager

Leanne LeBrun

Clinical Operations Manager

Duska Bodegrajac

Food Services Dietitian

Alicia Peng

SwanCare Kingia & Tandara Managers

Jovy Tesani Farhath Jameel

SwanCare Ningana Managers

Sharleen Mann Arnel Braulio

SwanCare Waminda Managers

Pauline Bremner Bindhya Baby Theres

Christmas MERRY

25th DECEMBER

WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS! There are plenty of volunteering opportunities for you to share your skills and time with our residents, so get in touch with us to express your interest.