Eco Warrior Combined Love of Art and the Environment WIN a Remedial Massage Tech Tips Find out How an Apple Watch May Help You, Plus Your Chance to Win Your Own!

ACH GROUP autumn 20 Issue 6

lifestyle magazine for 50+

eco warrior combined love of art and the environment WIN a remedial massage tech tips find out how an apple watch may help you, plus your chance to win your own!

yoga a question of balance Welcome 34 Publisher ACH Group Production Manager Michelle Kelly Contributors Anna Randell, Themis Chryssidis, Sophie Thomson from the 9 Photos Michelle Kelly, Anna Randell, stock, supplied Feedback We appreciate your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] and let us know what you think. Alternatively post to PO Box 646, Torrensville 14 Plaza, Torrensville SA 5031 CEO About ACH Group Founded in 1952, ACH Group Dementia was also a focus for is a not-for-profi t organisation it is so wonderful to a group of Japanese aged care promoting opportunities and services to support good lives highlight one of our workers who visited ACH Group for older people. amazing customers on (page 18), a hugely benefi cial Subscribe connection we have with our To subscribe visit the cover. international community. achgroup.org.au/news/ Joy has a strong connection You can also fi nd out the goodlivesmagazine to her community through her or call 1300 22 44 77 benefi ts of yoga (page 16), many volunteering roles as how technology in the home contents well as social opportunities as can help you with your health part of ACH Group’s Riverside (page 28) and even how Artist program. Having the you can help ensure a more opportunity to exhibit in the sustainable future for our SALA Festival has enabled her global community (page 20). to sell her work and donate the 10 30 21 sales to charity (page 10). Happy reading! Speaking of art, you can also read about the residents of Colton Court residential home Feedback and Winners 4 70 years to celebrate 22 Community Garden 40 who come together with the children from the local Social Media 5 Artist in residence 24 Living with Dementia 42 Montessori Children’s Centre to 22 Henley Beach Rd, What’s On 6 Motorbike enthusiast 26 Fairy Gardens 44 Mile End SA 5031 create craft projects - all great ways to connect generations achgroup.org.au News and Views 8 Smart Home 28 Sta Profi le 46 within a community (page 34). 1300 22 44 77 Meet Lee, who is set to share Cover Story 10 Good Food 30 Real Estate 48 her inspiring story with the wider community at the Adelaide Fringe 14 In the Garden 32 Out & About 50 national dementia forum JOIN THE CONVERSATION (page 42) while others living Practice of yoga 16 Intergenerational Programs 34 with dementia are fi nding joy Japanese exchange 18 Healthy Feet 36 making fairy gardens (page 44). Frank Weits ACH Group Chief Executive Officer Sustainable travel 20 Join a Book Club 38

2 3 FEEDBACK Good LIVES MAGAZINE

Join the Enter more competitions conversation on in this issue on pages 29 winners and 37. CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks for the overwhelming interest in our competitions! Thank you to Congratulations to the following winners: mary raman who shared with us her good lives magic little meals book: Lindi Brokenshire social magazine feedback mobile phone tripod & selfie stick: Elena Pike # – a $50 Coles voucher IS heading her way. We love to hear your mobile photo feedback. Keep sending your ideas via email to media entries to [email protected] or post to Good Lives win tripod & Magazine, PO Box 646, Torrensville Plaza, Torrensville selfie stick SA 5031 There was such a wonderful response wishing everyone a very property of the week - smart perry park retirement living to our mobile phone winning letter happy new year! move for retirement living. dog park opening. tripod & selﬁ e stick winner Good morning! Just a competition. Here note of congratulation to are just a few of the your team on a fabulous photos received. publication. My husband and I have our names down with ACH Elena Pike - Canada Group for a retirement home in the future; we are both still working and are in our early seventies. This magazine gives us, besides great reading, positive feelings about what can celebrating 2019 interNational when the bloom of the we are so excited to continue happen in this next stage of Volunteer day. jacaranda tree is here, our partnership with adelaide our lives! christmas is near. fringe for 2020. Steve Kenny - yellow rose Katrina Goczova - Yvonne Worden - – Mary Raman in the garden peacock feather butterﬂ y garden Editor’s note: Mary – we Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Subscribe to our digital version of the magazine via thank you for your positive ACH GROUP ACHGROUP ACH_GROUP achgroup.org.au/news/goodlivesmagazine/ feedback. Of course we had to share it with our readers! 4 5 What’s On Good LIVES MAGAZINE

march Tasting Australia what’s on ... What: Discover Australia and South Australia’s best food and wine through a variety of events, tours, and classes. One of Good Lives Magazine’s previous cover features, Cheong Liew, is one of the stars of this year’s Tasting Australia. When: 27 March - 5 April february Where: Various locations, Adelaide Stand Together - a celebration of friendship february More info: Dogs – a story of our best What: The Sing for Joy Choir When: 22 February tastingaustralia.com.au friend is returning with an even Where: Adelaide Festival What: Explores the history of bigger show based around Centre Writers Week may the importance of ageless dogs from a scientiﬁ c/cultural friendships. More info: perspective and asks the What: Writers week is a Cirque Du Soleil’s Kurios When: 29 May to 7 June achgroup.org.au/events large and mostly free literary question, how did they evolve What: Cirque Du Soleil is Where: Cirque Du Soleil Big festival held annually in from wolves to our playful pals? back with their new show, Top, Adelaide Showgrounds, Adelaide. This exhibition is sure to make Kurios. A tale in which time Wayville. your heart sing. When: 29 February to 5 March february comes to a complete stop, More info: When: Running until 26 April Where: Pioneer Women’s transporting the audience Adelaide Fringe 2020 www.cirquedusoleil.com Where: South Australian Memorial Garden inside a fantasy world where What: The Southern Where: Various locations Museum More info: everything is possible. Hemisphere’s biggest open across SA access arts festival. More info: adelaidefestival.com.au/ More info: samuseum.sa.gov.au/event/dogs writers-week When: 14 February to 15 adelaidefringe.com.au March June (read more on page 14) Adelaide Cabaret Festival When: 5-20 June What: The biggest cabaret Where: Adelaide Festival March june festival in the world Centre, King William Street, History Trust of South highlighting local, national Adelaide Womadelaide 2020 Australia and international artists. More info: What: Join in the annual What: The History Festival adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au four-day festival of music, promotes our historical arts and dance that collections, places and stories celebrates cultural and through hundreds of events all year creative diversity. When: 1-31 May Jam Factory Free Tours When: 11am every Monday - When: 6-9 March Where: Various locations What: Go behind the Friday Where: Botanic Park, across Adelaide scenes, hear about the latest Where: Jam Factory, 19 Adelaide More info: exhibitions and meet the Morphett Street, Adelaide More info: historyfestival.sa.gov.au makers in the four studios. More info: womadelaide.com.au jamfactory.com.au

6 7 News and Views Good LIVES MAGAZINE THE national award good for student news program new high support dog park opening A new dog park at chair trial Perry Park retirement living Work to attract nursing “We’re so pleased that our Pre-placement education Aimed at improving the village has tails wagging students to aged care has e ort in demonstrating to touched on a range of areas quality of life for older and is creating community been recognised in a national students that working in including healthy ageing, people, new high support connections. The park has award. aged care can be a rewarding dementia, the admissions chairs will undergo trials been created in an enclosed ACH Group’s Student job and career has been process and relationship across ACH Group’s eight communal space with a recognised.” building. residential care homes over barbecue and seating, Placement Team was the the next 12 months. shading and dog water winner of the Team Innovation The team developed a “We want people to fountain. Category at the 2019 HESTA number of student placement understand that the aged care The support chairs were Aged Care Awards. initiatives to change student workplace is a place that’s designed by two ACH Group Research across the world Student Placement Manager perceptions, including a dynamic, and that it’s about nurses in collaboration with shows the positive e ects pre-placement day, an online supporting people to live a local company Comseat fringe partnership having a pet can have on Samantha Manoel said she was thrilled to win the award. orientation, induction booklet good life.” Australia as an alternative to ACH Group is excited to our bodies, minds and social and student evaluations. the traditional high support continue its partnership with connections. Pets can reduce chairs broadly used across the Adelaide Fringe for 2020. loneliness and depression, ACH Group’s health and aged care sectors. Adelaide Fringe and ACH Group relieve stress, lower blood The trial followed years of both believe in challenging pressure and provide Student research and development stereotypes, celebrating opportunities for social Placement Team after sta were unable to ﬁ nd uniqueness and creating interaction and exercise. an alternate solution to the opportunities for an inclusive Greencross Vets and were proud current o ering. and vibrant ageing community. Noarlunga PETstock kindly winners of the The chair supports people shared goodies with the four to remain independent legged friends that came for Team Innovation and socially engaged while a run around and a puppacino Category at the reducing the risk of a loss of at the opening of the park. muscle strength and pressure 2019 HESTA Aged area degradation, and has the Care Awards. appearance of an everyday armchair. new strategic direction Together with its Good Lives philosophy, ACH Group’s new Working closely with strategic vision in connecting communities will position it to ACH Group, researchers continue to be a trusted customer-led organisation that gives Find out more about from Flinders University will people conﬁ dence that they are in safe hands. conduct the clinical trial, this student placement This will be done by bringing together customers, local comparing the physical and program at achgroup. community, government, business and researchers to social outcomes for those org.au/work-wth-us/ co-create individual and systemic solutions that remove using it. student-placements barriers to participation in daily life and create opportunities for people to live well. 8 9 COVER STORY Good LIVES MAGAZINE

In a Q&A with Good Lives Magazine, Joy refl ects on her passion for art, the importance of indigenous culture and the rise of a younger generation of environmentalists. How did you hear about Riverside Artists? I was volunteering at the Willunga National Trust with my friend Judith and I told her I was doing too much and that I needed to cut back my hours and get back into art. Art really helps me with my health You sold three pieces at You have lived with issues; it helps me to relax SALA last year through Fibromyalgia, a chronic and keeps my mind occupied. three different ACH Group condition that causes pain, She suggested ACH Group’s Riverside Artists, where she exhibition venues. Was that a stiffness and tenderness in volunteers, and now she picks surprise? muscles, tendons and joints me up and drops me o . I love it Yes, I suppose it was. It’s nice for many years. How were there; it’s my time out. that people appreciate my you diagnosed? work, but I do it for myself Like most GPs at the time, my really. I’ve been part of SALA You obviously have a talent doctor didn’t know anything since Riverside Artists started for art. Is it a lifelong about it. He knew there was exhibiting eight years ago. something wrong that he passion? Gaynor, the coordinator, is couldn’t fi x, so he sent me to I didn’t learn it at school. It was amazing, she gets us organised. a small school at Ardrossan a rheumatologist, who told on the Yorke Peninsula, and Art really helps me with me to go home. A year or so you just got taught what the later, I was at work, working teachers could teach you, so my health issues; it helps as a nurse, and as I just lifted a it was pretty limited. My dad me to relax and keeps my chair, I screamed and froze. My would bring home these library mind occupied. muscles had just had enough. books illustrated with black and At that stage the doctor told white sketches. I think that’s me to go home and rest but not meet where I got my passion for pen stop altogether, because my and ink work from. I had some muscles would atrophy. It was a lessons in my early 40s, and very slow recovery – for the fi rst later to refresh my memory two months all I could do was bought a copy of “Drawing on the dishes which would take the Right Side of the Brain”. I me the whole day. The kids did followed my nose and started everything. teaching myself, building on After three months, I could love,Joy art, health and the environment what I had already learnt. These get to the letterbox. I was days I work mostly in pen and lucky enough to stumble on a Joy Forrest divides her time between volunteer ink and I like to draw native physio who was able to help by roles at the Willunga National Trust, Friends of animals, especially birds. teaching me how to relax. These days I’m pretty good; I have to the Aldinga Scrub and the Willunga Environment mentally force myself to relax and that helps control Centre, but the two hours she spends at the symptoms. Riverside Artists each week are sacred. 10 Image: SALA 2019 11 Cover story Good LIVES MAGAZINE

You donated your SALA sales Without nature, which we are You chose an Aboriginal a part of, we are gone. We to the Willunga Environment are expecting to get out of name, Palitja, for your Centre. Have you always Australia’s soil what they get daughter. Why? been passionate about the from fertile soils in the UK, I worked as a nurse and environment? and we just can’t do that. We governess in the Northern Territory and I was nursing Yes, I grew up with a humans are pushing animals Aboriginal kids when Palitja mother who would take us to the brink of extinction. We was born. I learnt so much mushrooming and who loved should be looking after what about Indigenous culture and her patch of bush. She taught we have left, not destroying it. I have so much respect for us quite a lot, and that comes How do you feel about the the people. Too many people from her farming background. are not aware of how much Grandpa always loved to have younger generation? Are we could have been learning trees around. When my great they as passionate? from the fi rst peoples in the grandfather cut a road through Here at the Willunga last 200 years or so. It felt the Yorke Peninsula the scrub Environment Centre the high right to give my daughter was so thick, they ran out of school kids started their own such a beautiful name. food for the horses. group, Youth and Community The horses ended up eating in Conservation Action, or the YACCA, six years ago. My What do you think makes a the sheoaks, and when they good life? got back, they said the horses granddaughter Ida was one were in better nick than when of the fi rst ones, and now she Love. Love is the they left. Farmers back then is a leader. It started with high wanted to collect grain from school kids on a Monday after most important what they called ‘weeds’, the school, increased to Tuesday, Image: Willunga Environment Centre committee members Australian grasses, to use as but then the primary kids had thing. And fodder, but they had to use their noses out of joint, so now seed imported from the UK. there’s a group for them too, a healthy I have some help at home from over to landholders in the area. People can come here and the Yaccalings. ACH Group and my daughter Every now and then we get pick up a map and follow the That mindset is still there, and environment. that’s sad. It used to upset me We have all ages here – real is a huge help, too. Going to invited to go and help plant trail. Each has a sign on it that littlies, as well. They have Riverside Artists has helped me them. I have been participating explains how old it is, how long when sheep farmers burnt to It would be nice encourage new growth, but started a butterfl y garden at get mobile once again. I do it for in Bush Care Monitoring with it will live, how much oxygen it the side of the centre and work my therapy and it’s working. Friends of the Aldinga Scrub. produces and how much shade the soil would just wash away if we all put down the gullies. In the 60s with Onkaparinga Council, We have three sites where we it produces. Trees for Life and other groups those on the Can you tell us about your go through and record any I worked as a governess for a while on a sheep station. who ask for help. We get volunteering roles? new plants, dead plants, scats, We have all ages speakers in and run workshops top of our list, I joined the committee of the birds, tracks, anything we see, We used to go yabbying in here – real littlies, the Darling River, but it looks and people drop in here to Friends of the Aldinga Scrub and record it. We have a few learn and to recycle. wouldn’t it? when we moved to Aldinga ‘birdies’ in the group who can as well. They have di erent now to what it did I have noticed that there are 25 years ago. I was getting recognise calls. I’ve handed then. started a butterfly more people coming in and more mobile. Then when we over the paperwork – lots of garden at the side of do you feel there is hope for getting involved. At our last ACH Group runs moved to Willunga, I joined the calculations - to my 19-year-old the future? AGM we had a full house. It’s art groups across Willunga Environment Centre, granddaughter Ida; she puts it the centre and work a great place, but we badly fi rst as a volunteer, and then on all on the computer. The results There will be more and more metropolitan Adelaide with Onkaparinga need funds to keep going and the committee. I also volunteer of the last 10 to 15 years will be bushfi res – that has already and the Fleurieu. Council, Trees for Life started. The writing is on the we hope government funding for Trees for Life. My daughter available online soon. At the To fi nd an art group near wall and the government is not continues. and I raise 600 trees a year; Environment Centre, one of our and other groups who you, call 1300 22 44 77 doing its share of the lifting; it’s we set up crates out the back recent projects is mapping the To fi nd out more about the or visit achgroup.org.au/ ask for help. up to small organisations and and raise seedlings to hand signifi cant trees in Willunga. Willunga Environment Centre discover-and-explore individuals to get things done visit willungaenviro.org.au and that’s not enough.

12 13 ACH GROUP COMMUNITY SPECIAL OFFER ACH Group is excited to continue its partnership with $10 discount off Adelaide Fringe for 2020. FRINGE MEMBERSHIP Both organisations believe in challenging stereotypes, For a special price of $15 per year (normally $25), you can score a whopping celebrating uniqueness and 25% discount on selected Fringe shows creating opportunities for an in 2020 and a whole lot more! inclusive and vibrant ageing Being a Fringe Member gets you exclusive community. access to discounted gigs, shows and venues all year. To claim this offer, call FringeTIX on 08 8100 2088 or visit adelaidefringe.com.au STAND TOGETHER - YABARRA - and apply discount code ACHGROUP20 A CELEBRATION OF DREAMING IN LIGHT

FRIENDSHIP Full Fringe program can be downloaded from YOU ARE INVITED TO JOURNEY ALONG adelaidefringe.com.au. AN IMMERSIVE DREAMING TRACK TO THE SING FOR JOY CHOIR AND EXPERIENCE THE STORY OF CREATION AND ACCOMPANYING MUSICAL THEATRE COUNTRY AT TANDANYA. FOR ALL 31 DAYS ACH Group can assist with transport PERFORMERS WILL BE SINGING ABOUT AND NIGHTS OF THE 2020 FRINGE, AUDIENCES to and from a Fringe show and a companion THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP AND WHAT ARE INVITED TO COME EXPERIENCE THE to go with you, if required. IT MEANS TO BE TOGETHER AS PART OF DREAMING THROUGH CUTTING EDGE LIGHT Call 1300 22 44 77 to arrange. THIS YEAR’S FRINGE. TECHNOLOGIES AND STATE OF THE ART ILLUMINATIONS. A FREE STORY FOR ALL SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY GENERATIONS AND ALL COMMUNITIES TO 2:30 - 4PM SHARE IN. YABARRA WILL BE A UNIQUE DUNSTAN PLAYHOUSE INDOOR CULTURAL EXPERIENCE WHICH WILL ADELAIDE FESTIVAL CENTRE ENGAGE, IMMERSE, AND EDUCATE ALL WHO $22 PER TICKET SHARE THE DREAMING IN LIGHT.

BOOK NOW FIND OUT MORE ACHGROUP.ORG.AU/EVENTS ADELAIDEFRINGE.COM.AU health & wellbeing Good LIVES MAGAZINE

the practice of yoga “Yoga unwinds the spring health benefits of yoga by stretching the body in a This ancient practice, founded According to Yoga Australia, safe and systematic way. This in India’s Himalayan region, there is a growing body of begins with the major muscles A question increased in popularity in evidence to demonstrate and gradually attends to the Western culture during the that yoga can be a useful smaller muscles as the larger 1960s-70s and continues to and cost e ective tool in the ones become more supple. grow in popularity across all management and treatment The result is an increase in age groups today. of a wide range of conditions. range of motion for the limbs, Yoga is usually practiced improved posture and a Health benefi ts may include: in a quiet and calming reduction in sti ness and pain. • Calming e ect and of balance environment, often with soft While stretching the muscles, reduced anxiety music or lighting. People in strength is also developed, • Improved a class are encouraged to providing more support for cardiovascular health focus on their breathing as the joints and improvement in they follow the teachers’ balance and mobility.” • Increased joint mobility instructions. • Improved respiratory The teacher explains “Yoga unwinds e ciency and demonstrates set • Enhanced memory and movements and ‘postures’ the spring by concentration that move the body in a stretching the • Improved sleep quality certain position, requiring strength, concentration and body in a safe and balance. But don’t worry, you systematic way. do not need to be able to twist yourself into knots; classes and this begins with the did you know? movements can be tailored to major muscles and suit individual abilities and will ACH Group runs adapt as you improve. gradually attends to a yoga class at its ACH Group Head of Health the smaller muscles Health Studio 50+ Services Kate Dobie says as the larger yoga is a complete system of at Glenelg. strengthening and stretching ones become more To join a class, the body. supple." please call Yoga is a form of gentle “An easy way to explain the Kate says people feel the benefi ts is to use the analogy benefi ts of yoga immediately 1300 22 44 77 exercise that is not religious of a spring. Over the years and often report that they can or visit our body becomes wound move more freely and feel but promotes spirituality, up and more tense, and less ‘lighter’ and ‘calmer’. achgroup.org.au/ able to adapt and fl ex to the encouraging people to learn and demands of our activities and health-and- environment,” she says. wellbeing/ develop inner peace and nurture exercise-groups their ‘mind, body and spirit’.

16 17 Our Community Good LIVES MAGAZINE

“i really want to learn about dementia care and how ach group supports people living with dementia in their Dementia a focus of decision making.” Sun-VisionJapanese exchange visit

A group of aged care workers Other topics included the The exchange wrapped up in its 12th year, from Japan spent a week in holistic approach to physical, with a visit to South Australian ACH Group Learning and the sun-vision’s South Australia learning about mental and cognitive health attractions Gorge Wildlife Development Manager the latest in dementia care, at each of its residential care Park and Beerenberg Farm at Rebecca Burns said: “The exchange program prevention and understanding homes to help residents Hahndorf. program is an exciting involves annual as part of an annual exchange continue to live healthier, In its 12th year, the Sun-Vision’s opportunity for both with ACH Group. happier and more active lives. exchange program involves Japanese care workers visits to australia The group of 11 social workers, annual visits to Australia and and ACH Group sta care workers and leaders They participated in bi-annual visits by ACH Group members to learn about and bi-annual focussed on innovation and a range of activities employees to Japan, who help aged care services from visits by ach group the latest thinking on brain as hosts and translators the the perspective of a health ahead of Sun-Vision that are of benefit following year. di erent culture.” employees to japan. Social Welfare Corporation’s international symposium on During the week the group to people living dementia care this year. heard about strategies to with dementia, Care worker Wakana Tanii was reduce employee turnover, including a mosaics excited to be in Australia for innovation in mobility and his second visit. “I really want independent living equipment and tai chi class to learn about dementia care and focussed on early and how ACH Group supports intervention to improve health and a dementia people living with dementia in outcomes. masterclass. their decision making,” he said. 18 19 Travel Good LIVES MAGAZINE

as gustave flaubert once said “travel With great travel comes great travel we discover just how makes one modest, responsibility; a responsibility vast the world is and how to leave nothing behind but di erent life can be for others you see what a tiny a warmth in the heart of in the world we live.” place you occupy in Travel those visited, and to take You can make such a di erence the world.” home nothing more than when you think sustainably the memories created, of about travel choices, like experiences abroad. choosing a provider who As we see a growth in gives back to their visited sustainable travel, there is an communities, engages the upturn in the trend of people local economy and strives for travelling for good and in the sustainable practices. style of travelling to give back. Find yourself a trip where you sustainability Travelling to provide volunteer with are volunteering and giving services to local communities back through your actions. is gaining popularity and How about adopting and is now an easily available planting a piece of coral to aid at heart holiday option with tour in reef regeneration in Tahiti, providers jumping on board. or lending a hand in building This enabling easy access for a village in Cambodia? Travel everyone; providing options to change the world and look to travel green, sustainably to include more and more and in support of the local sustainable and developing communities. experiences in the future. As Gustave Flaubert once said Call Phil Ho mann Travel on “Travel makes one modest, 1300 748 748 or visit you see what a tiny place you [email protected] occupy in the world, when we

solo traveller club Discover the world with Phil Hoffmann Travel’s Solo Traveller Club. Meet likeminded travellers and create travel friendships!

20 21 OUR COMMUNITY Good LIVES MAGAZINE

In 1949, they set sail – a o . It was very hot and there month apart – bound for the were so many fl ies,” Mickal Bonegilla Migrant Facility in says. Melbourne. When Mickal arrived, he “I told Maria I heard from Latvian friends would look after that Maria was in Western Australia, working at the her and she said she Kalgoorlie hospital. would look after He fl ew from Melbourne me, and that’s what to Perth, caught a train to Kalgoorlie, then a taxi to the we’ve always done.” hospital, where he surprised During those years they had More than 300,000 Maria and ‘claimed her’ to eight children – “every year, migrants passed the applause and cheers of Maria had a baby!” – followed hospital sta . by a ninth child when they through the moved to Adelaide. Sadly, Mickal says at the registration one of their children passed Bonegilla Migrant o ce, he was told he needed away in Western Australia. a witness. love Centre between In September the couple, 1947 and 1971. “I said wait a minute, don’t aged 93 (Mickal) and 94 worry, I’ll get one,” he says. (Maria), celebrated their “The fi rst gentleman that 70th wedding anniversary comes along, I asked him, and surrounded by family. he said alright, come on.” Supported by a Home Care He had chosen well – the Package with ACH Group, stranger was one of the they live in the house they story town’s wealthiest property built together in Adelaide’s investors. northern suburbs, where After the ceremony, he took Mickal continues to tend spans the decades the couple out for a meal and pigeons, chickens, a dog and Sadly, since the insisted on paying. cat, and a generous garden. time of writing, Maria “He ordered turkey, and All Maria and Mickal’s children, passed away peacefully at asked me what I wanted to along with 16 grandchildren home. With the support of Mickal, a Polish national, and drink – I said I don’t drink, and 24 great-grandchildren, Mickal and Maria Czapla overcame Maria, a Russian, were among because I was in the army live in Adelaide. family, we have published the millions displaced by war in the story to honour the odds when they fell in love in and a lot of people went “We always loved being here Europe who found themselves cuckoo from drinking too at home and we’re so lucky Maria’s memory. the aftermath of World War Two under the protection of the much. He couldn’t believe it.” to have kids to look after us Americans in an internment more than 70 years ago. Maria and Mickal spent the – our fridge is always full,” camp in Stuttgart, Germany. next 10 years living in a tent Mickal says. “I’m happy that Determined to stay together, the at a Kalgoorlie construction we came to Australia – this is To find out how pair changed Maria’s surname camp, and managed to save the lucky country." to a Polish one. Mickal taught ACH Group can support you 250 pounds for a deposit to “I told Maria I would look after Maria enough Polish to convince at home, call 1300 22 44 77 buy a house. her and she said she would authorities to allow her to travel or visit achgroup.org.au/ “I remember wearing a look after me, and that’s what to Australia instead of returning help-at-home/ special hat to keep the fl ies we’ve always done.” to a bleak future in Russia. 22 our community Good LIVES MAGAZINE

The 24-year-old, who studied Her exhibition ‘Solace’, held Fine Arts at the Victorian in October at the Hill Smith “I love coming here College of Arts in Melbourne, Gallery in Adelaide, featured – I can see people enjoyed her fi rst residency in fl owers she received as an aged care setting and said sympathy gifts preserved in getting better and she found the experience a her late sister’s sewing studio. better, and see rewarding one. Kapara resident Joyce Draper, Each fortnight she brought in who grew up in Broken Hill, the confidence botanical sketches and invited said she enjoyed her time with residents to illustrate them Olympia. growing,” she using watercolour paints. “I enjoy doing the art – it gives said. “It’s been “I love coming here – I can see you a peace and contentment people getting better and from accomplishing a wonderful better, and see the confi dence something,” she said. experience for me.” growing,” she said. “It’s been a Olympia’s work was wonderful experience for me.” recognised last year as runner- Olympia said her Kapara visits up in the Belle Magazine also helped her cope with the Art Start Competition for grief of loss after her sister emerging artists. skills passed away in 2018. blossom Olympia Antoniadis enjoyed spending time with residents in her in arts first arts residency at Kapara, Glenelg, in October. Emergingresidency South Australian artist Olympia Antoniadis shared her skills with residents of kapara residential care home as part of an arts residency.

24 25 Our Community Good LIVES MAGAZINE

“It’s days like today you simply can’t script – so much joy. This is a beautiful memory that our family will cherish for many years to come.”

Malcolm has always loved A fellow motorbike enthusiast, for many years. It’s been great motorbikes, participating in, Steve made the 1400km trip to see family and share this and winning, a number of in a 2010 Road King Harley experience together.” 24-hour trials, sidecar races Davidson which he customized Malcolm’s daughter Deb said and other events in his late with a Premier dusting-style the day was ‘truly magical’. teens and 20s. He sold his last sidecar. motorbike when he moved “It’s days like today you simply On a beautiful spring day, he can’t script – so much joy. This from Waikerie to Adelaide in and Malcolm’s extended family 2018. is a beautiful memory that our gathered at Perry Park ahead family will cherish for many When nephew Steve heard his of a trip around Port Noarlunga years to come.” uncle had moved to Perry Park and surrounds. residential care home following “I’ve had motorbikes all my a diagnosis of advanced life,” Steve said. “Malcolm dementia, he decided to set and I used to ride motorbikes back on out on a road trip from his together on the farm and we home in Wee Waa, NSW, to pay used to take part in fundraising him a visit. runs, including the Postie Run,

To book a tour of one of ACH Group’s eight residential There was no mistaking the joy when care homes, call us the road on 1300 22 44 77. Malcolm Wohling had a surprise visit from a nephew and his Harley Davidson at Port Noarlunga.

26 27 Tech tips Good LIVES MAGAZINE

66-year-old Gaye started “It’s been brilliant When Gaye’s heart using an Apple Watch last year because she had experienced for me. I didn’t want rate jumped from low a fall and wanted to be able to to wear something WIN an contact her daughters in the to dangerously high, case of an emergency. around my neck when it’s not going to work her watch ‘tapped As well as its fall detection if I fall outside the apple tool, the watch has an in-built her’ on the wrist, electrocardiogram (ECG) home. And it tells the sounded an alarm and system that can detect cardiac time, too!” abnormalities such as atrial watch displayed an alert. ﬁ brillation. The watch (Series 4 or later) Gaye says along with peace can be worn in the shower and Tell us how you are of mind when it comes to can monitor a user’s heart rate, falls, the watch is helping temperature, sleep and activity using technology to her monitor serious health levels. Built-in messaging help you live a good smart conditions including heart means a user can program the disease and severe sleep watch to issue reminders for life as you get older apnoea. when to take medication and for your chance to “When my heart rate jumped, other medical tasks. win an Apple Watch I didn’t feel any di erent, but I The watch has a loudspeaker, sat down for 10 minutes until allowing the user to hear Entries close on 30 June it came back to normal,” she incoming calls, and can also 2020. Email your entries to time says. play podcasts and audiobooks. [email protected] or alternatively post to A resident of Perry Park PO Box 646, Torrensville retirement living in Port Plaza, Torrensville SA 5031. how does it work? Noarlunga, Gaye says she Gaye’s watch is ‘synced’ found the system easy to use For full terms and (connected) to her iPhone and but says it does need to be conditions go to has an inbuilt GPS system. It is charged regularly. achgroup.org.au/news/ loaded with two emergency goodlivesmagazine “It’s been brilliant for me. contacts – her daughters – I didn’t want to wear who are alerted if Gaye has a something around my neck fall. when it’s not going to work if “If you fall, the watch asks I fall outside the home. And it you if you are alright. You can tells the time, too!” dismiss the message if you are ok, but if you’re not, it will automatically contact your emergency contacts. ACH Group is launching a pilot program offering a Smart “They can ring me, and if I Home Advisory Service, which will assist older people to don’t answer, they ring an install and use technology around their home. The Smart ambulance and tell them Home Advisor will help people identify which challenges of where I am.” day-to-day life could be helped by technology, and will trial a range of new technologies, including Smart watches, sensor lights, voice activated technology and robotic cleaners. Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health.

28 29 FOOD Good LIVES MAGAZINE cajun salmon with grilled peach salad & chive yoghurt (Serves 4)

Ingredients Method ⁄ cup Greek yoghurt 1. Combine yoghurt, chives, 3. Combine peaches, cos garlic, and half the lemon lettuce, spring onion, ¼ bunch of chives, fi nely chopped juice in a small bowl. Set tomatoes, basil and good 2 garlic cloves, fi nely grated aside. remaining half the lemon Juice of 1 lemon 2. Heat oil in a large frying juice in a large bowl. Toss to coat. 1 tablespoon olive oil pan over medium-high heat. Rub paprika and 4. Divide chive yoghurt CALLUM HANN & 1 tablespoon smoked paprika coriander over all sides between serving plates. 1 tablespoon ground coriander of the salmon except the Top with peach salad and THEMIS CHRYSSIDIS skin. Cook salmon, skin salmon. connects food communities FROM SPROUT 4 x 150g Salmon fi llets down fi rst, for 3-4 minutes COOKING SCHOOL 2 peaches, cut into thick wedges each side or until golden and done to your liking. 2 baby cos, leaves separated Remove salmon from pan 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered and set aside. Add peach 2 spring onions, thinly sliced and cook for 1-2 minutes each side, or until lightly You have almost certainly with friends at a restaurant ½ bunch of basil, leaves picked charred. heard us say it before, food connects you with your friends While food brings people together. It and the people around you and is definitely defi nes cultures, is a way of those serving you. showing gratitude, is a form Similarly, where and how you a vehicle for of social glue and is often eat will impact socialising. A central to most celebrations. barbecue outside in the sun socialising and So, how will food connect with friends will be relaxed and is often a major you? likely have more laughs and While food is defi nitely a fun compared to lunch at a reason for vehicle for socialising and is restaurant with work colleagues people coming often a major reason for people or a formal dinner at a fi ne coming together, when the dining restaurant. together, when social setting is right, often the Whatever the case, it’s clear actual food matters less, and that food connects people for the social the connectedness comes from a variety of reasons and in a setting is right, “the way we eat”. range of settings. Remember A dinner at home on the couch to take time to share food with often the actual in front of the TV connects you friends and family. with, well, your TV. A dinner with food matters friends at your home connects – Themis Chryssidis less, and the you with close friends, a dinner connectedness comes from “the way we eat”.

30 GARDEN Good LIVES MAGAZINE

Most herbs do best in an 3 7 open sunny position as Coriander thyme this encourages the freer Although it can be grown all There are many varieties of production of their essential year round, this annual herb these low growing, often In the oils which give them their tends to bolt to seed in hot prostrate perennial plants aroma and fl avour. Sun-loving weather. While some people with di erent aromas, as well herbs grown in too much like to prune o all fl owering as foliage and fl ower colour. shade will not have the same stems to encourage the plant Taller forms grow 30cm high delicious taste. to produce more leaves, by 35cm wide, while others are the seeds which form after completely fl at and ground Growing herbs in pots is a fl owering are also deliciously hugging. great solution if you are limited edible. To keep a plentiful for space, sun or you simply supply, sow seeds every 8 desire to have your herbs mint 14 days in spring and autumn. With Sophie as close to the back door as This suckering herb spreads possible. It is better to grow readily and is best contained plants in larger pots rather in a pot so it can’t misbehave. Thomson than smaller ones and you can There are many di erent easily grow several varieties varieties with di erent aromas garden in the one pot. Always use a and in harsh climates they premium quality potting soil prefer a sheltered sunny or and organic based fertilisers to shady position where they feed your herbs. Here are my don’t dry out. top 10 herbs for pots. 4 chives 9 lemongrass 1 parsley This frost tender perennial with This herbaceous perennial plant strappy foliage forms a striking Both the curled and Italian or forms a clump of grassy foliage clump with arching green fl at leaf parsley are biennial, 20cm high with attractive razor-sharp foliage. generally living for 2 years, mauve drumstick-like fl owers making growth in the fi rst year, in late spring which are also 10 and fl owering and setting seed edible. Garlic chives have white bay tree in the second. fl owers and coarser, fl atter This classic Mediterranean foliage with a mild garlic fl avour. herb is a large shrub with dark 2 basil glossy green leaves and can even form a tall bushy tree, This annual plant is planted in 5 rosemary however it can be kept in a Herbs are essential in the spring as the weather starts to decent sized pot for a long warm up and the risk of frost is This perennial shrub can grow time, thus limiting their size. kitchen and nothing beats using over. There are di erent forms up to 1.8m high, although there varying in foliage size, colour are several dwarf and ground the freshest ingredients straight and fl avour, and even the cover forms available. It has fl owers are edible. It is best to pale blue fl owers and aromatic from your own garden. Growing prune o the fl ower stems to needle-like leaves. encourage more leaf growth. 6 marjoram TIP your own is easy, it saves you money Most herbs do best in This perennial herb has a an open sunny position and there is no wastage as you only sweet, mild spicy fl avor and the as this encourages harvest what you need. golden foliaged form makes a the freer production great contrast plant. Oregano of their essential oils looks very similar however which give them their it has quite a strong distinct aroma and fl avour. fl avour.

32 33 our community Good LIVES MAGAZINE

The pre-schoolers from McLaren Vale Montessori “We all look Children’s Centre have forward to seeing become good friends with residents since they started them and I think the their fortnightly visits four years ago. little ones really As well as art classes, the enjoy spending time group enjoys a range of activities together, including with us, too.” an annual visit from Adelaide Hills wildlife sanctuary Warrawong2U. Colton Court resident Nancy Whitcher, 91, always intergenerational programs looks forward to the visits, ACH Group runs Vale School for the ‘Young especially doing craft projects. intergenerational Hearts’ intergenerational “We enjoy having the kids playgroups and activities concert. come down and showing across its residential care Choir leader Paul Sinkinson them things that they can homes, including a weekly says the concert, in its fourth do with their hands, and playgroup at Highercombe, year, o ers many rewards help them do it. We all look Hope Valley, high school for both the students and forward to seeing them and students’ community service choir members. I think the little ones really placements, and a frequent “In society, there is enjoy spending time with us, collaboration between sometimes a perception too.” Pembroke Community Care preschool students and that the generation gap An avid knitter, Nancy residents as part of an art cannot be bridged, but donated 20 knitted animals to class at Milpara, Rostrevor, these two groups break the Montessori centre three and a school holiday out of all the stereotypes,” he years ago. hours care program at Perry says. “You can see it on the Colton Court Lifestyle Park, Port Noarlunga. faces of the choir, and the Coordinator Cheryl Ormerod kids – they just love being Last year the ACH Group says it is clear the visits are together and sharing the joy Sing for Joy choir teamed enjoyed by everyone involved. of music.” up with students from Wynn “Everyone just loves the children and because we tailor activities to the children’s age groups, they learn a lot from the experience, too.” at any age Colton Court friends resident Nancy Making art with a group of three-and-four-year olds Whitcher, 91, always is a highlight of an intergenerational program at looks forward Colton Court residential care home. to the visits, especially doing craft projects. 34 35 health & wellbeing Good LIVES MAGAZINE

We ask ACH Group podiatrist Add a few drops of tea Tatiana Drewniak for her tips on keeping our feet healthy in tree oil for antiseptic did you know? Healthy the warmer months. properties, lavender ACH Group Soak and relax for relaxation, Epsom podiatry Take some time out to soak salts with magnesium services are Walking barefoot, wearing flip your feet in warm water. Add for pain, stress and available a few drops of tea tree oil for flops and open shoes during antiseptic properties, lavender muscle tension relief. at various for relaxation, Epsom salts locations. feet the summer months harden and with magnesium for pain, Wear good, light closed shoes, stress and muscle tension take them o during the day Contact us on thicken the skin, particularly relief. to cool down, change socks and put them on again for 1300 22 44 77 on heels, which can crack and Exfoliate and moisturise walking. Choose sandals with to find a service hurt and look very unsightly. Gently exfoliate dry feet at an enclosed heel for better near you. least once a week. Avoid support. Crocs are much spending money on gadgets better for you than thongs. such as rasps and shavers as Never go into the garden these can lead to injuries, cuts without shoes. and infections. Instead opt Don’t polish for natural products such as WIN co ee grinds or baking soda When summer ends it is an as a scrub. ideal opportunity to give nails Remedial a break from nail varnish and massage is After a foot bath or shower, varnish remover, which can be use a moisturizer to keep harsh on the nail and could be now available feet in top condition. Regular a source of fungal infection. at ACH Group’s exfoliation and moisturising Fungal treatment can be an will keep your heels feeling expensive, lengthy and very Health Studio and looking great. often unsuccessful process. 50+ at Glenelg. Choose the right shoe Check your nails and seek To celebrate we are o ering Our summers are hot and are professional advice if a lucky person a chance getting hotter. When wearing treatment is required. Early to win a one hour remedial sandals and open shoes, autumn is an ideal time to massage. know your limitations. If your invest in a good pair of closed shoes. ACH Group can provide Entries close on 30 June balance is not good, thongs 2020. Email your entries to and ﬂ ip ﬂ ops may not be the comprehensive footwear advice before your purchase. [email protected] ideal choice of footwear. or alternatively post to PO Box 646, Torrensville Plaza, Torrensville SA 5031. For full terms and conditions go to achgroup.org.au/news/ goodlivesmagazine 36 37 book clubs Good LIVES MAGAZINE

As well as making new friends, The Adelaide Horror Book Club The Mockingbird Lounge invites book clubs can challenge us Meetup is an online group aimed groups of six to eight to form a to read di erent genres and at readers of Stephen King, book club, or people to sign up be exposed to new ideas and Dean Koontz and other authors as an individual to be placed ways of thinking. that specialise in frightening in a group that meets once a For those who would like to their readers. meetup.com/ month at the Glenelg South write their own book, writing en-AU/Adelaide-Horror-Book- café. To fi nd out more, call groups can be a place where Club-Meetup/ (08) 8294 3398. people fi nd inspiration, advice The Reading Café at Noarlunga ACH Group’s Book Group is based and practical tips from others Library is a book group that at Yankalilla. Discuss di erent on a similar journey. meets in a dedicated library genres of books, listen to book We’ve tracked down a few to nook and encourages “diversity reviews and even meet the whet your appetite and get in reading and the joy of shared occasional guest author. To fi nd you out and about. experience.” Phone (08) 8384 out more, call 1300 22 44 77. 0655.

Wizards, Wookies & Wendigos Book Portside Writers is a group of writers who live in Adelaide’s Want to write a book Club for Women is Adelaide’s western suburbs. The group fi rst book club for women review? Wakefield Press meets for “tea and cake and who enjoy science fi ction and freestyle writing activities.” will supply the book! fantasy literature. They meet meetup.com/en-AU/Port- Contact us at once a month in the city to Adelaide-Creative-Writing- discuss books over co ee [email protected] Group/ and brunch, and also o er or call 1300 22 44 77 online discussion boards for join a people who can’t make it to a meeting. meetup.com/en-AU/ WWWBC4W/ 20% discount AT WAKEFIELD book PRESS! BOOK OFFER Good Lives magazine Love a good read? Why not share it with friends? readers are eligible club for a 20% discount on Adelaide is home to a growing number of book purchases at the Wakefi eld Press Store, 16 Rose Street, clubs that provide opportunities for readers to Mile End, or online via wakefi eldpress.com.au get together to share, debate and enjoy books. using the code GOODLIVES20

38 39 volunteers Good LIVES MAGAZINE

“It’s nice to be able to come out here in the sunshine. You can see that people enjoy getting their fingers back in the soil, and watching things grow.”

Jill Cook and Ann Murcott produced a range of edible They came up with the are neighbours at retirement goodies and a splash of colour living community James to a formerly under-utilised idea of establishing a Evans Court in Magill who area. There are plans to use community garden to both enjoyed large gardens produce in monthly community draw people together before retirement. lunches held at Milpara They came up with the idea residential care home. with a common interest. of establishing a community Jill, who tended a large garden “My son and mother passed garden to draw people at Port Pirie for many years, away within 12 months of each together with a common is thrilled to be part of the other. Adjusting to life on my interest. project. “I’ve always loved own has been di cult and this gardening. There are people garden gives me a sense of With support from ACH Group, purpose, as does volunteering they set up two raised garden here who also enjoy it, but no longer have gardens of their at the Royal Adelaide Show beds with a self-watering each year. I enjoy working irrigation system, fresh soil, own, who I thought could benefi t from this. It’s nice to with others and seeing the compost and a range of plants, happiness this place brings.” seeds and seedlings. be able to come out here in the sunshine. You can see that Milpara resident Claire Once a week they visit the people enjoy getting their McPheat says being in the volunteers garden to spend time with fi ngers back in the soil, and garden brings back memories Milpara residents, sta and watching things grow.” of her home garden at Kadina volunteers who help with dig in for new For Ann, a former full time in the Mid North. “I love it here, I sowing, harvesting and really enjoy being in the garden weeding. carer of her physically disabled son and mother living with again.” From chillies and potatoes to dementia for many years, strawberries, capsicums, herbs the garden is a source of and fl owers, the garden has relaxation.

Are you interested community in volunteering with ACH Group? Call us on gardenTwo volunteers are sharing 1300 22 44 77. their love of gardening with Milpara residents with a new

community garden. Top left: Volunteers Jill Cook and Ann Murcott with produce harvested from the new community garden at Milpara, Rostrevor. Above: Milpara Lifestyle Coordinator Daniel 40 with resident Avis Harrison, who enjoys spending time in the garden. 41 OUR COMMUNITY Good LIVES MAGAZINE

“Once people get a new could slow the progression of dementia. diagnosis of dementia, “Every time you learn a new they tend to withdraw skill you’re developing new socially, which is pathways in the brain, building up new connections, building probably the worst your cognitive reserve.” thing they can do,” said Neurologists focus on fi ve non- Dr Short. “Lee maintains pharmacological strategies Lee Martin is set to share her to improve brain health: inspiring story as opening social engagement with looking after heart health, speaker of a national people and continues to regular exercise, eating a dementia forum. meet new people, which Mediterranean diet, embracing The 61-year-old, who was is really positive." mental challenges, and social Lee’s diagnosed with younger onset engagement. dementia at the age of 57, has Dr Short said while diagnosis Photo: Lee and ‘TK’, her Cavalier King Dr Short said Lee’s case was Charles Spaniel, joined ACH Group’s been approached to speak rates for dementia had noteworthy because she had Danelle Maher-Norris to speak about at the National Institute for improved, more needed to younger onset dementia with ABC been proactive in tackling Dementia Research (NNIDR) be done to raise awareness Radio Adelaide’s Spence Denny as dementia via ACH Group’s Australian Dementia Forum of younger onset dementia, a part of Dementia Action Week in Tailor Made program. Under September. to inspire othersry2020 held in Adelaide from 31 condition that a ects people the program, Lee has been May - 2 June. under the age of 65 years. sto exposed to activities she has and I felt like I was on my own Lee will talk about how she never tried before, including “When people are in this age and really down in the dumps,” is working to keep her brain ceramics, jewellery making, bracket, they don’t think they she said. “Then I started healthy and her success golf and lawn bowls. Through can get dementia, so it will learning bowls and golf with a in slowing the onset of the program, she has made often be up to fi ve years before group who were going through Alzheimer’s disease. new friends and continued to they get a diagnosis,” she said. the same thing, and I have Her MMSE (Mini Mental State socialise with others who are “We know that once diagnosed made so many new friends. I Examination) score has also living with dementia. early intervention can make just love getting out with them a big di erence to people’s remained relatively unchanged “Once people get a diagnosis and doing new things. We have lives.” for the past two years, at of dementia, they tend to a laugh together. I’ve made up around 24 out of 30 – an withdraw socially, which is Dr Short said stigma my mind that I’m not going to unusual result, according to probably the worst thing they surrounding dementia sit back and let this (dementia) neurologist Dr Cathy Short. can do,” she says. remained an issue. beat me.” The six monthly test is a “Lee maintains social “Often people are still working, ACH Group worked with Lee 30-point questionnaire used to engagement with people and still being employees, they’ve to access NDIS funds to help measure cognitive impairment continues to meet new people, got young families – it can be in the costs associated with and to track progression of any which is really positive. What very di cult. Their needs are the program. Lee exhibited changes. ACH Group is doing with a not met in the community and ceramic work in last year’s “Generally speaking, for program like Tailor Made is unlike a diagnosis of cancer, SALA Festival and participated someone with dementia, excellent.” where people are supportive, in The Art Bus Australia’s an MMSE score will drop by Based at the Queen people fi nd their friends ‘Remember My Story’ program. about two points a year, and Elizabeth Hospital Memory stop contacting them, and Lee’s King Charles Cavalier sometimes faster when it Disorders Unit, Dr Short has they become more socially ‘TK’ has been trained as an comes to younger onset,” Dr been involved in more than isolated.” assistance dog. Short said. “The fact that Lee 40 clinical drug trials for Lee, a mother of three, said has remained relatively stable after four years with ACH Alzheimer’s disease and other For more information is really, really impressive.” Group’s Tailor Made program, dementias. visit achgroup.org.au/ she felt ‘better than ever’. She said there was growing living-with-dementia evidence that challenging “When I was fi rst diagnosed, or call us on 1300 22 44 77. ourselves to learn something my friends stopped calling me, 42 Photo: Lee in a ceramics class at JamFactory. 43 FOUNDATION Good LIVES MAGAZINE

FLASHBACK SALA 2019 10 EXHIBITION VENUES OVER 300 PIECES OF ARTWORK EXHIBITED BY CUSTOMERS, growing VOLUNTEERS & STAFF

Funded by an ACH Group A project to create and sell fairy gardens Foundation grant, the Busy “We wanted to show connections Bees Fairy Garden project that people living is bringing together residents, staff and was launched last year and has become a popular weekly with dementia can volunteers at Kapara residential care home. get-together for residents of Kapara’s Rose Cottage still contribute and memory unit at Glenelg South. create.” The gardens are sold at Every Thursday a table is laid markets at Willunga and out with pots, soil, succulents, Glenelg, creating a sense of pebbles, glitter glue, acorns, achievement and ensuring the fl owers and fairy garden project is self-su cient in the ornaments before the tiny long term. gardens come to life. “We wanted to show that Enrolled Nurse Stacy Allan said people living with dementia the project had been a huge can still contribute and create,” success for the community. she said. “It gives people a “Everyone is getting involved sense of purpose and there is – we have volunteers out so much enjoyment in making artwork shopping for bits and pieces, the gardens.” and one of our carers is making wanted for tiny fi gures from clay,” she said. “It’s really taken on a life of its own.” sala 2020! Registrations are due Stacy said for people living in June - fi nd out more with dementia, creating the by calling 1300 22 44 77 gardens on a small scale or watch out for more brought back memories information at from their own gardening achgroup.org.au/events experiences.

44 45 staff profile Good LIVES MAGAZINE

"it's really good here, it's challenging, and digs his new role i'm trying a bit of Nathan everything."

Nathan Balkwill has always Nathan was employed by ACH strategies to help him move loved the outdoors and feels Group through its partnership safely. A Barkuma care worker right at home as a Grounds with Barkuma Employment visits Nathan once a week to and Maintenance team that began in 2013. check on his progress. member with ACH Group. Qualiﬁ ed with a Cert 3 in Grounds and Maintenance The 27-year-old lives with Horticulture, he works across Supervisor Cameron Scott cerebral palsy, a condition that two residential sites: ViTA says he has been impressed by a ects his movement and at Daw Park and Kapara at Nathan’s work. muscle coordination. Glenelg. “He is willing to give anything But he hasn’t let that stop him a go; he’s a great worker,” he taking on a range of tasks, from nathan was employed says. “He’s learning a lot and clipping hedges and mowing by ach group through he’s not afraid to take on a new lawns to painting and general task.” maintenance duties. its partnership with “It’s really good here, it’s barkuma employment Find out more about challenging, and I’m trying a that began in 2013. working with us bit of everything,” he said. “I Nathan has weekly achgroup.org.au/ enjoy getting out and about physiotherapy and personal work-with-us and I feel really welcomed and training sessions to help included here.” manage the condition and

There are 34,000 Australians living with cerebral palsy, the most common physical disability in childhood. (Source: Cerebral Palsy Alliance.)

46 47 Real estate Good LIVES MAGAZINE

“Retirement living communities offer common spaces and activities and events to create opportunities for people to meet. It might be a chat by the letterbox, a cup of nice to tea with someone, or a wave as you take the bin out.” ACH Group has a range of retirement living options in desirable locations knowA resident of ACH Group’s youNeighbours around Australia “Sometimes as people age When Faye injured Fred McCallum Court, Faye are encouraged to get together they may ﬁ nd it harder to across Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula her foot at home, says having a close connection to celebrate and connect as stay in touch and might feel and East Melbourne. with neighbours is one major part of Neighbour Day on isolated and lonely,” she said. To see a range of available units, visit she called out to a beneﬁ t of being part of a Sunday March 29, which this “Retirement living communities achgroup.org.au/retirement-living/available-units neighbour who drove retirement living community. year has the theme ‘Social o er common spaces and “I was so lucky to have Connections’. activities and events to create her to the hospital, someone nearby who knew me ACH Group’s Nat Johncock opportunities for people to then collected her and who was willing to help,” said living in a retirement meet. It might be a chat by she says. “I had people rally community o ered the letterbox, a cup of tea with mail and took out her around while I recovered and opportunities for neighbourly someone, or a wave as you take bins during her stay. helped me get back on track. connections, a sense of the bin out.” We look out for one another all belonging and genuine Nat said being part of a the time.” community links. retirement living community made catching up easy, whether through organised activities such as social drinks, card games or garden groups, or through common spaces such as a community centre or outdoor entertaining area. 48 49 OUT & ABOUT Good LIVES MAGAZINE out & about residents’ meeting South Australian Retirement Living residents enjoyed the good things in life at the annual residents meeting held at the National Wine Centre. ach group celebrates Excellence was recognised across the workforce at our annual ACH Group Celebrates Awards Night, part of its rewards and recognition program.

dog park opening sun-vision friends We had so much fun The Sun-Vision exchange is in it’s 12th opening the new dog year and involves annual visits to Australia park at Perry Park and bi-annual visits by ACH Group employees retirement living village to Japan. The group learnt about the latest in Port Noarlunga. With in dementia care, prevention and thanks to Erin Thompson, understanding. Mayor City of Onkaparinga for attending. empathy suits ACH Group CEO Frank Weits and GM People and Culture Brigitte Tiss experienced ﬁ rst-hand ACH Group’s innovative Empathy Suit training program.

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