Summer 2013 Latest news, services and developments of ACH Group Bedford Heights celebrates its 10th birthday For Ken and Joan Quirk, the 10th birthday of Bedford Heights represented 10 years of independence. They downsized almost 10 years ago and have never looked back. Ken and Joan were among the 150 residents of ACH Group’s Bedford Heights Estate gathered to celebrate the 10th birthday of the site. “We were amongst the first one who moved here and we have never looked back,” said Ken. “Here we have achieved a social and active lifestyle.” The residents reminisced about their lives since they decided to call Bedford Heights home. As they shared their stories, one thing was unanimous – they love where they live. According to Jen Davies, who moved to Bedford Heights Estate three years ago, the village is perfect for those who want to achieve the perfect balance between independence and lifestyle living. “There is a positive feel about Bedford Heights that allows you to be as social or as private as you would like to be,” she said. Residents were fully involved in arrangements for the celebrations with some volunteering to run the bar and some preparing a special photo presentation featuring the great times shared in the village. Site Manager Barbara Seccull said there has been a great partnership between residents, staff and community. ”Residents have been active members of the community and fully involved in what happens in the village, as well as other matters important to them,” she said. Ken and Joan Quirk were invited to cut the birthday cake. The Estate comprises 147 villas and a popular community centre, Buckland Lodge, where residents can enjoy a drink at the bar, catch up for a chat, game of cards, search the library for that special book, or attend a gentle exercise class and much more. Inside this issue... 2 James Evans Court redevelopement starts 3 “You’ve got to keep moving,” says Les 5 Glenda’s 35 years of dedication 7 Animals bring different 6 Margaret confident in her hi-tech 8 Enid debuts on the big stage world generations together Corporate updates CEO’s message First step on the road to renewal Piccolo. With 1218 housing units worth a net asset of $72M, ACH Group is redefining its housing options to respond to the demographic changes that are occurring throughout Australia. With links to ACH Group’s strong community, health and residential services, a redeveloped James Evans Court aligns closely with market analysis advice, demographic data trends and qualitative research feedback on current market demand. Mike Rungie, CEO, ACH Group Home is one of those things that really matters in our lives. It’s not just the place we live... it’s a place where we like to be, with others or on our own, to do things, to store things, to be close to things, to know our neighbours and community. Homes let us relax, cook, garden, follow our hobbies, exercise, work, volunteer, study and do the things we value. And yet the latest census suggests that large numbers of older people are paying commercial rents or mortgages, and as their income reduces, they may struggle to maintain their homes. Recognising this, ACH Group has made a major commitment to not only increasing its offering of affordable housing, but ensure that this housing will be a home in the richest sense. James Evans Court resident Nevenka Harvey, Minister Tony Piccolo, ACH Group CEO Mike Rungie and ACH Group Board member Brent Blanks. ACH Group hosted a ceremony for the commencement of works at James Evans Court on October 23, attended by the Minister for Social Housing Hon Tony Attention has been paid to supporting how people have told us they want to live full and growing lives. We are very keen to learn from this project, and are asking prospective residents to input on design and give us feedback. ACH Group is delighted to announce that we have launched a new look website. Based on feedback from our community, the website has a number of new features, including a dynamic front page which shows a variety of content such as news articles, events and new developments, and an event calendar showcasing events you may be interested in. We’ve included a resources page with links to Turning the Page (Summer 2013) relevant publications, as well as a Good Lives blog to encourage conversations between you and ACH Group so we can find out more about what you want, and what you need as you grow older. If you haven’t visited the website for a while, please do at www.ach. org.au. We welcome your feedback, please let us know what you think by emailing [email protected]. The gift is in the giving ACH Group volunteer manager Tay Parker, volunteer Maxine brown and Keetah Murphy from Spring Gully. Two iconic South Australian companies joined forces to recognise the outstanding contribution made by ACH Group’s 500 volunteers. The brainchild of ACH Group’s Volunteer Coordinator Tay Parker saw local South Australian company, Spring Gully prepare gift baskets for the volunteers who contributed over 111,000 hours last financial year. “We thought it would be a great way to recognise and reward our volunteers and support this iconic family business, at the same time. The volunteers will be presented with baskets of great local produce that South Australian families love,” said Tay. Spring Gully marketing Assistant Keetah Murphy talked about the importance of South Australian companies supporting each other. “Spring Gully was honoured to be the brand chosen by ACH Group to show appreciation for the valuable work of their volunteers”. Turning the Page is a quarterly publication by ACH Group. If you have any questions or would like to subscribe to the publication, please contact the Marketing and Communications Team on telephone (08) 8159 3632 or email: [email protected]. For more information about any of ACH Group’s programs please contact 1300 224 477. Website: www.ach.org.au 2 “James Evans Court will incorporate learnings from our Healthy Ageing program run at the nearby Milpara site which fosters engagement, health and fitness as part of a good life.” New website, new tools The first of these new projects is James Evans Court in Magill, featured in this edition. The one and two bedroom units will be beautifully appointed, in a small community in a great location. The site will also provide access to secure, affordable, long-term quality accommodation, within a community setting,” said Mike Rungie, ACH Group CEO. @ACH_Group Good lives “You’ve got to keep moving,” says Les Les Arnel did not expect to be so busy after he finished working full time, but at 91, the Highercombe resident says his days are filled with bus trips, barbeque nights, gym session, carpet bowls, cooking groups, sing alongs, wine and cheese events and singing at his church’s choir. know if you could call it dancing, but I kept moving along.” Les is a gym enthusiast and walks regularly. Lately, he’s keeping track of his every step. “I am participating in the Walk Around Australia challenge and just the other week I walked six kilometres. You should never limit yourself on what you can do due to your age. Age is a number and I definitely don’t feel 91.” Les says there isn’t one boring day in his routine because he is willing to keep his body and mind active. “At Highercombe there are activities happening all the time and they are all very enjoyable, so there is no reason not to be involved,” Les said. “Even when I am not feeling 100 per cent, I make an effort to get out of my room and do something. You’ve got to keep moving otherwise you fade away.” Les is also very involved with the choir at his church. “I practice for the choir every week but because I have vision impairment, I have a special program on the computer to help me learn the songs,” Les said. “And because I am interested in music, I even gave it a go at dancing. Well, I don’t Les shows on the map how far participants have gone in the Walk Around Australia program at Highercombe. Lena and friends ride to magical moments tickets were offered for the residents of ACH Group’s Kapara, and their families, to enjoy the show in Adelaide. “When Michelle (lifestyle coordinator at Kapara) said we could go and watch the show for free, I could not believe it. I love animals, especially horses so it was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Lena. “I could not stop clapping and crying. It was so emotional and uplifting.” Roy Cockram described the experience as magical. “Everything was beautiful and came together really well,” he said. Lena, front, with Bridgette, Shirley, Roy, Hilda and Betty ready for the spectacle Cavalia. Lena has always loved horses, and used to ride every week when she was younger, so when she was offered free tickets to watch the internationally renowned spectacle Cavalia last month, it felt like an early Christmas present. The opportunity came about following an email to Luce Rose, from Cavalia’s Montreal office and a few days later, hundreds of free Bridgette Holmes said she was impressed with the riders and acrobats . “I would love to watch it again, and again. I was terrified of horses, but not anymore,” she said. Betty, Hilda and Shirley said the horses were the best part of the show and described them as exceptional. Cavalia is a spectacular and moving tribute to the relationship between human and horses throughout history, a dream of freedom, cooperation and harmony. ACH Group would like to thank the producers of the show and Luce Rose for their generosity. Turning the Page (Summer 2013) 3 Special feature on carers Carers’ achievements are celebrated Travis Saunders, left, and Jenny Potter right. Marcia Johnson Timm and Rosemary Warmington AM, CEO of Carers SA. Moira Deslandes from Carers SA Australia. Family carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are older. Carers are an integral part of Australia’s health system and are the foundation of our aged, disability, palliative and community care systems. Caring can happen to anyone, anytime. In Australia there are 2.6 million carers and an estimated 220,000 family carers in South Australia. The Carers Recognition Act (2005) enshrined in legislation provisions to recognise and support carers and their role in the community; it created a Carers Charter and created an environment that acknowledges the vital role of carers in our community. The Carer Achievement Award recognises a South Australian family carer who has not only provided substantial long term care but who has also worked to improve the recognition, services and supports for other carers. Carers SA presents this award to celebrate this individual achievement in championing the carer cause to improve the lives of family carers in South 4 Turning the Page (Summer 2013) Australia. Celebrating and recognising carers helps to raise the profile of carers and the essential role they play in maintaining the health and well-being of those who need that support. Award finalists were Travis Saunders of Joslin who cares for his four year old son Patrick who has austism. Patrick requires significant and often expensive therapy. Travis developed a website run4austism.net to help families fundraise for therapies. $43,000 has been raised to date, donating to eight autism organisations. Travis has run 12 marathons in 12 months to promote autism awareness and has raised $15,000. Jenny Potter of Glenside cared for her husband Ralph for 10 years after he was diagnosed with Younger Onset dementia until his death in 2012 at age 65. Jenny organised education, support and carer retreats for Ralph and herself and other couples in the same situation. She is involved with the Alzheimer’s Australia (SA) Young Ones support group and attended the first Alzheimer’s Australia National Consumer Summit. The third finalist and winner was Marcia Johnson Timm of Eden Valley. Marcia’s contribution is a standout because she made her voluntary contribution to carers of people with a mental illness over 20 years and during a time when there has been enormous stigma towards people with mental illness. This felt stigma was also shared by family Carers, who mostly had to cope alone with little or no formal support with the hidden mental health challenges this presented. Marcia held her carer support groups during a time when there were no services for carers of people with a mental illness and when there were even fewer mental health services for the consumer. It was during a time when our legal and health care systems were largely punitive towards people with a mental illness. Within this climate Marcia ‘pulled together ‘ her group of carers of people. The groups still continue! Moira Deslandes is the Senior Policy and Carer Engagement Officer of Carers SA Australia. Special feature carers An open day with a difference The usually peaceful and private premises of Savas Cottage were shaken up by the sound of laughter, music and dancing, when it opened its doors to the public on October 30. ACH Group staff and volunteers welcomed the community to its Open Day by offering valuable information on respite for carers, social activities, exercise groups, lawn bowls, art activities as well as ipad demonstrations. Putting their best feet forward on the day was Social Links dancing club, “Stepping Out.” Around twelve members showed off their moves to songs like Dean Martin’s Sway. Adding colour to the event was Social Links resident artist, Patrick Egan – demonstrating landscape painting. A strong supporter of ACH Group’s social links program, Patrick took some art classes after experiencing a stroke. “I used to play the mandolin until I had a Resident artist Patrick Egan welcomes Savas Cottage visitors at the front door. stroke and that changed everything. I then came across this local art group run by ACH Group,” said Mr Egan. “You come for a chat, a cup of coffee and in my case you do some painting.” Around 40 people attended the open day including residents, local businesses and ACH Group Staff and Volunteers. Showing off their dance moves was ACH Group Social Links group “Stepping Out”. Glenda’s 35 years of dedication made copies for the family,” said Glenda. Glenda is 91 and has been caring for her husband Neville, 96, since 1978. “Neville is a war veteran but his years serving have debilitated his health,” she explained. “My mother was a carer for my father, so from an early age I knew what being a carer involved and I was happy to step in. “When you are a carer, you need to dedicate time to someone else, which sometimes means you don’t have time to do things for yourself but that doesn’t bother me.” Glenda and Neville also remain active. Glenda has been Neville’s carer for 35 years. Glenda Coombe has always been interested in writing; a passion she fulfilled by writing a few books, mostly about her family history. Even with responsibilities as a carer, wife, mother of four and grandmother of two, Glenda had found time to write a few books, one of them being a celebration of her 60 year marriage with Neville. “One of the books is particularly special as I wrote about my story with Neville, to celebrate our 60 years together and we “I still do the cooking, we go to church every week and we participate in a craft and fellowship group in the area, which I used to run until last year,” added Glenda. “Neville is also involved with Legacy and we catch up with our children often.” Glenda has been the carer for her husband Neville for 35 years. Turning the Page (Summer 2013) 5 Our community Margaret confident in her hi-tech world I was 40 years old and working at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Today I use computers and the internet for keeping in touch with my children through emails and Facebook, writing and researching my family tree,” Margaret explained. Margaret Hill with some of her favourite hi-tech gadgets. Surrounded by her iPad, mobile phone, laptop and PC, Margaret Hill is happily embracing the hi-tech world. “I’ve always been addicted to technology. I first learnt to use a computer when Margaret even has her own website, developed with the help of friends to promote and sell one of two books she has written. Her first book, Corrugated Castles (www.corrugatedcastles.com), follows Margaret’s journey from England as a migrant mother and lighthouse keeper’s wife. Her second book is an account of her life written and published especially for her eight children. Margaret says writing and using computers keeps her brain and body active and healthy. “I had a stroke last year. But I keep active by walking everywhere and doing a physiotherapy routine daily. “I’m on two committees at ACH Group’s Elkanah Retirement Village, Morphett Vale (where she lives) and another at Senior Citizens. Most days I hop on the bus and go browsing in the shops or meet my children or grandchildren for lunch.” On her rare days in, Margaret has the best of both worlds – tuning into life at Elkanah…and further afield. Charlotte’s teddy bears bring smiles to children with cancer When Charlotte lost her husband and one of her daughters to cancer, her grief gave her strength to help sick children. Having already made hundreds of Teddy bears over the years, which she donates to hospitals to then be presented to children in treatment for cancer, Charlotte’s production did not stop during her rehabilitation at ACH Group’s City Views. “The teddy bears are easy to make and needing rehabilitation myself was no reason to stop,” Charlotte said. “Even when I am not feeling so well, I think of the smiles on the children’s face when they get a Teddy and that keeps me going. “I lost my husband from cancer 12 years ago and lost my daughter only ten weeks after my husband passed away, so I sympathise with what families go through when a loved one is battling cancer and this is my way of helping.” Charlotte has been an inspiration to staff and customers of City Views. Charlotte donates the teddy bears she makes to children battling cancer. Hospitality queen Mavis celebrates 100 As Mavis celebrates her 100th birthday she looks back at her life with no regrets. Mavis and her husband owned and managed a few pubs and hotels in Verdun, Callington, Penola and Gawler. It all started 67 years ago. “We bought our first hotel when I was pregnant with my first child Chris. It was great raising a child in a small town where we knew everyone,” Mavis said. “Hotels and pubs are hard businesses to run, but it is also rewarding to get to know so many people.” Mavis blows out one of her birthday candles. 6 Turning the Page (Summer 2013) Mavis had a very active life in the hospitality industry while raising her three boys. Today, she still enjoys getting out and about and she is ready to celebrate her hundredth birthday with two parties – one organised by her ACH Group neighbours, including one of her sons Max, and a family lunch at the pub. “My son Max and his wife Audrey live at unit 45, which is close to mine at Perry Park. My son Chris lives in Kingston Park and visits often and my son John and his wife Maureen live in Penola. I have a happy life here and I like that I can still live independently,” said Mavis. Our community Walk brings sunshine and health to Kapara It’s a sunny Friday afternoon and Shirley Klose strides down to the beach with a smile on her face. “I love to get out in the fresh air and sunshine. It makes me feel happy and healthy,” she says. Shirley is one of 15 ‘Kapara Trailblazers’ – a group of active ACH Group Kapara residents who walk up to five times a week, usually to the local Glenelg beach and back. Along the 1,240 metre round trip the walkers enjoys fresh air, sunshine, companionship and social interaction with the community. Kapara Lifestyle Coordinator Jane Leach with Kapara walker Shirley Klose. The group started a few months ago and a marked difference in the wellbeing of the walkers has already been noticed. “I really enjoy getting out and about. Not only does it have benefits in terms of keeping fit, but we chat to people along the way, stop to pat dogs and really take an interest in the community, ” said keen walker Shirley. The walk to the beach is dotted with benches sponsored by the local Holdfast Bay council to give the walkers a wellearned rest along the way. “The way we’re going we might need a few more benches. I’m out walking five times a week!” quips Shirley. The Kapara Trailblazers, registered with Heart Foundation SA, is a joint initiative through the Federal Government’s Foundation for Older Australians - and one of a couple of walking groups at Kapara. Animals bring different generations together For Martha Rosenthal, cuddling a dragon lizard was a unique experience she was happy to share with students from Yankalilla Area School. Martha was one of the many residents of ACH Group’s Yankalilla Centre who enjoyed the visit by Animal Capers and the students from the local school, as part of an Intergenerational Festival promoted by Council on the Ageing (COTA). The event encouraged the interaction of generations while offering new experiences. “I was very interested to see the animals today, but now that I am here, I think the best part is having the children here too,” said Martha. “It is great to see the children getting the opportunity to be out and about learning new things. They were very well behaved too.” The Every Generation Festival is held each year in October to promote intergenerational activities. ACH Group promotes intergenerational interaction as older people and children have an opportunity to learn from each other’s experience. The animals were a medium used to allow the opportunity for the interaction to flow freely in a safe environment. Connor Naseef and Abby Kirkbride from Yankalilla Area School enjoyed their visit to ACH Group’s Yankalilla Residential site, where they shared their knowledge about animals with residents Leslie Morrall and Martha Rosenthal. Ruth continues to learn Those who know Ruth Gray might say artwork for the South Australian Living Artists Festival. that 100 is the new 60. Ruth celebrated her 100th birthday recently at Riverview Respite, located at ACH Group’s Perry Park. She was surrounded by family and friends and enjoyed an afternoon tea in her honour. Ruth Gray celebrated her 100th birthday with an afternoon tea at the Riverview Respite. Since attending Riverview Respite, Ruth has been presented with new opportunities, such as joining the Perry Park knitters when she contributed creating a piece of Ruth lives independently but has found that her connection with Riverview has helped her participate in activities with other people. Riverview Respite offers flexible operating hours, five days a week; opportunities to socialise with Perry Park residents and more. Guests are able to learn new skills and be involved in a range of activities. Turning the Page (Summer 2013) 7 Foundation for Older Australians Enid has her debut on the big stage Enid pictured minutes before her big debut on stage. Right top: Members of Sing for Joy choirs ready to entertain and below are Angela, Jane Doyle and Lisa. When Enid Lackenstein attended the first Everybody Sing performance by ACH Group’s combined choirs last year, she liked it so much that she left determined to become involved. This year, as the choirs started rehearsing for their sold out concert at the Adelaide Festival Centre, Enid was ready for her stage debut where she was heard by an audience of three hundred people. All four ‘Sing for Joy’ choir groups – Salisbury, Payneham, Glenelg and Seaford performed together at the “Everybody Sing!” concert, as part of the COTA Every Generation Festival. “I was with a group of friends at the Everybody Sing performance last year and we were so impressed with how good they sounded, as well as how much they seemed to enjoy it. We could not keep still and just got up and started dancing to the songs,” Enid said. As a result, Enid and six of her friends decided to join an ACH Group Sing for Joy choir in Salisbury. “My friends and I joined and we are very happy with our decision. We leave our troubles behind when we sing. And the choirs are a great social activity that keeps us connected to our communities and other people,” said Enid. Enid also said their singing has improved. “My singing is improving and I put my heart and soul into the concert.” Sing for Joy is a community project established by the ACH Group Foundation for Older Australians that encourages people to sing, to have fun, learn and perform to local audiences. The Foundation Room lifted up Barbara’s spirit TESTIMONIAL - Before I came to the Foundation Room at Perry Park, I was finding it hard to sleep but the minute I arrived there I found myself doing things I never thought I would be able to do after battling cancer. The Foundation Room helped me keep positive and work hard to remain active and healthy. support for palliative care, dependent on the identified need. Barbara La Starza The Foundation Room is set within the relaxing environment of ACH Group’s Perry Park at Port Noarlunga. The support I received from Perry Park staff was wonderful and I will always remember my stay at the Foundation Room. The Foundation Room has been established with funds provided by ACH Group’s Foundation for Older Australians. The laughters and walks shared will stay with me for a lifetime. I was also taken on bus trips which were very fun. Its purpose is to deliver a service that is individually tailored and incorporates emergency or planned respite; restorative or rehabilitative care and Please consider making a donation or bequest to ACH Group Foundation for Older Australians, so we can keeprunning the Foundation Room and supporting Australians like Barbara. To find our more please visit www. ach.org.au/foundation-for-olderaustralians.