SUMMER / AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2014 Message from our Founders Peter & Dawn MacKenzie Having worked with the elderly for over 25 years, it is good to reflect on what we have learned from this special group of people. Taking the time to listen to our residents has shaped who we are today. We can learn a lot from history in one form or another; history often repeats itself. Over the years, we have heard about the good times, the not-so-good times, war, the Depression, pop culture, politics, family life, love, marriage, food, pets, hobbies, travel, and employment. Our residents experienced longevity of marriage with a majority of stay at home mothers. De facto relationships have emerged and have equal legal status to traditional marriage. Long term employment and ‘the gold watch’ after 20 years was the aim. A handwritten letter was a pleasant way of communication, now with computerisation emails, SMS’s, Facebook, etc have changed our way of communicating. Some of our residents Skype and use a computer, however their faces light up when they receive a handwritten letter. Some of the pop culture of the past is still relevant with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Marlene Dietrich being played today and even copied. Movies didn’t display violence, nudity or bad language as they do today. In the past there were romances, detective dramas, westerns and comedies. The food for our residents was mostly meat and three vegetables without a food pyramid. Now our residents are experiencing culturally different food and gourmet experimentation, alongside roast lamb dinners and apple pies. This generation of people has experienced so many changes in their lifetime, from a horse and carriage to a man on the moon. Hats off to our residents for a life of great memories and an acceptance of today’s lifestyle. This generation will also learn from the next generation - all part of our wonderful life cycle.

Message from our CEO Margie Hepner Hello everyone, 2014 is well underway and by the next edition of our quarterly newsletter, preparation for the Living Longer, Living Better Aged Care Reforms will be in its final stages. In the last newsletter, I mentioned the development of a Strategic Plan for all aspects of the business. Delivering this plan will ensure that we are ready for the aged care reforms that will be applied from 1 July 2014. The Federal Government has issued several changes to these reforms, which has had an impact upon our planning. The six working parties covering our main operational areas will ensure that we are Reform Ready by this time. More information about these changes will be shared with our Residential Service Managers at our April monthly meeting. A project team has been created to determine improvements of our rostering and payroll systems. Additionally, our care management system, iCare will be relaunched in the coming months, with the focus of this project to maximise the database’s functionality. I look forward to meeting many more of you throughout the year as we work together to achieve our goal to do more, for more people. All feedback is encouraged in our roles at Embracia. We welcome your comments at [email protected]. For more information about the Living Longer, Living Better Aged Care Reforms, visit: livinglongerlivingbetter.gov.au.

embracia.com.au Christmas Carols Jenny Crapper, Lifestyle Coordinator

Embracia on Ashley held our annual Carols evening in December 2013. Despite the 40 degree heat there was a strong turnout of residents, their friends and families, and our staff. A festive supper - and especially the ice cold lemonade - provided a great place for everyone to mingle and chat. Musical entertainment was supplied by tenor Robert Dugdale and accompanied by pianist Matthew Field. Leith and Pete from Prestige Pianos, Preston were kind enough to donate their time and equipment. Our biggest social event of the year would not happen without the wonderful staff, and even family members, who donate their time to set it up, assist and clear up afterward. It is worth every minute when you hear someone say how wonderful it is that they can come and share this event with their mother or father. Christmas at Embracia on Ashley, Reservoir

Meet the new addition to our family Cara Miller, Lifestyle Coordinator Recently we’ve welcomed another addition to our family of pets at Embracia on the Avenue - this time, in the form of a delightful and tame baby Indian Ringneck Parrot. The residents and team have fallen in love with it. As it needed a name, we a started a bird-naming competition. A wide selection of names were suggested and voted on by the residents with resident Margaret’s name receiving the majority of votes – for Frankie. Margaret got her inspiration from both the name of the staff member and resident Franks. Frankie enjoys lots of conversation with our residents, staff and visitors and loves participating in activities – even helping the residents play bingo by handing the residents their caps! He’s also taken a shine to our Lifestyle Assistant Gay, who feeds him daily with a selection of fruit and vegetables.

Frankie the parrot enjoying a game of bingo Embracia team member, Shiralee, feeding the parrot page 2 embracia.com.au Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Angela Stone, Lifestyle Coordinator At Embracia on the Park, the residents, students and staff celebrated Australia Day in style with a strictly friendly game of the traditional Australian soldier’s game of Two Up. The day also included a boomerang-throwing competition and Australian Citizenship Quiz. The home was decorated with Australian flags and residents and staff were equally encouraged to dress up in Australian-themed colours. Residents looked lovely in their green and gold leis or the red, white and blue badges which they had helped to create Charles during the week. After exercising the body and mind, everyone celebrated with an Australian Day barbecue cooked by our wonderful volunteer Tom. The kitchen staff did a great job of supplying a barbecue, followed by Australian-themed cakes and sweets. The day concluded with entertainment, singing and dancing to traditional Australian songs.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie We’d love to hear from you

We want to thank everyone who has gone above and beyond to positively impact the lives of our aged care and retirement village residents. One Doris and Kevin way of doing this is by making sure that our aged care staff members are properly acknowledged for their efforts. We would greatly appreciate your time in sharing your Embracia experience by completing the Compliments, Complaints, Hazards and Suggestions Form located in the reception areas of each of our homes. All feedback is encouraged at Embracia. Alternatively, we invite you to share your comments confidentially at [email protected] Gladys, Tom (volunteer) and Angela Pat embracia.com.au page 3 Brain Trainer Plus gift for residents Trina Haylock, Lifestyle Coordinator On Christmas Eve last year, incorporated volunteer association Friends of Eden presented Embracia in Glasshouse Country with the memory fitness software Brain Trainer Plus. After a successful trial in July 2013, it was determined that the Brain Trainer would benefit residents and enhance the quality of life with its interactive diversional activities. With its variety of quizzes and memory games and ease of use, Brain Trainer Plus will be used individually or in a group setting with the option for personalisation for residents to monitor their individual progress. We thank Friends of Eden and everyone who has supported the many fundraising efforts through purchasing raffle tickets and participating in other types of fundraising events. Residential Services Manager Christine with residents and Friends of Eden volunteers Rob, Salma, Fred, Pat and Joy

Mischief Makers Trina Haylock, Lifestyle Coordinator Embracia in Glasshouse Country resident Mavis gave each resident, volunteer and several staff members a beautiful handmade Mischief Maker for Christmas. Mavis has spent hundreds of hours knitting with a bit of help from Judy Heit (Lifestyle Assistant) and Shirley (volunteer), Mavis was able to complete her special gifts for everyone just in time for Christmas Eve. Thank you Mavis for the very special heartfelt Christmas gift; it is a gift we will always treasure. Handmade Mischief Makers for Glasshouse Country residents

Christmas Christine Minetti, Retirement Village Manager Embracia in Glasshouse Country Retirement Village residents and staff celebrated Christmas 2013 at Chateau restaurant nestled in the scenic Glasshouse Mountains, overlooking the region. Taking a bus trip tour up through Maleny to Cedarton, A sit-down European lunch with a German menu, complete with Christmas pudding and all the trimmings was served. Retirement Village Manager Christine Minetti got into the spirit by dressing up in a fabric Christmas tree costume. The bus trip tour up through Maleny to Cedarton on the range Retirement Village roads. Manager Christine Minetti getting into the Christmas spirit page 4 embracia.com.au A Melbourne African Safari Colleen McGregor, Lifestyle Coordinator Embracia in Templestowe residents enjoyed their trip to Werribee Open Range Zoo on 21 Nov 2013. Clydesdales, Shetlands The highlight of the day was being able to view the and Peacocks amazing African animals up close from the comfort Lyn Freeman, Lifestyle Assistant of the safari bus - a new experience for all of the residents. Embracia on Bribie residents enjoyed a day out at the Strathgordon Clydesdale Farm at Woodford. After the safari tour, everyone enjoyed a lunch at They enjoyed morning tea and lunch in the barn the Meerkat restaurant. surrounded by the Farm’s chickens and peacocks. It was a great day for the residents and everyone As expected, the peacocks put on quite a show had a terrific time, talking about it for days! displaying their beautiful plumage. Patting, feeding (The next adventure is a trip to the Melbourne and posing with the horses for photos were the Aquarium as requested by the residents) highlights of the day.

Reginald with a Clydesdale and Shetland pony at Woodford, On the way to Werribee Open Range Zoo

Win Gold Class movie tickets! We’re currently conducting a short survey on what you think about our quarterly newsletter. We’d love to hear your thoughts. To thank you for your time, we’ll add your name in the draw for a chance to win one of two Gold Class cinema double tickets for all surveys returned to Embracia Support Centre by Friday 28 March 2014. Please email, fax or post your completed survey to be in the draw.

Post Scan and email to Embracia Support Centre [email protected] Level 1, Suite 16 40 Burgundy Street Fax Heidelberg VIC 3084 (03) 9455 0706

embracia.com.au page 5 Fun at Peninsula’s first fete Lou Thompson, Lifestyle Coordinator

The inaugural Embracia on the Peninsula fete was held on Saturday 30 November 2013 and was a great success, attracting people from the greater Peninsula community. The fete included plant, craft and art stalls that featured pieces that were created by residents. The garage sale was very popular for bargain hunters. A barbecue was served and the café served Devonshire teas or coffee. Children had plenty of activities to enjoy with cookie decorating, face painting, temporary tattoos and visiting the farm yard animals and getting on board the Rosebud Fire Brigade fire truck. Resident Dorothy meeting a baby goat Residents who remained in their rooms received special room visits with the animals. Embracia in Peninsula resident June Christie and her 12 year old poodle Petal, gave us a demonstration of Fly Ball. June’s many hours of obedience training Petal showed through on the day. The Peninsula lifestyle team thank everyone who assisted to make the first fete day a success - with special mention to the local businesses that were very generous in donating vouchers and goods for our fete.

Face painting fun at the fete Petal the Poodle demonstrating Fly Ball page 6 embracia.com.au Santa and his Harley visit Glasshouse Sharing the Christmas spirit Trina Haylock, Lifestyle Coordinator Cara Miller, Lifestyle Coordinator The Glasshouse Mountains Ulysses Club visited Embracia on the Avenue sponsored a community Embracia in Glasshouse Country on Sunday 8th Christmas dinner on 22 December 2013 for 200 of the December. Santa rode in on a thundering motor most disadvantaged members of the Caboolture bike and proceeded to walk throughout the home community, including 100 children. The dinner was delivering a special gift to our 99 residents. organised by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. We were delighted to receive a heartfelt thank you card In the meantime, for those keen on a bit of from Kelly Richards, Associate Pastor at the church; adventure, there was the opportunity to take a ride "Thank you so much for your donation towards the on a bike or trike and feel the power of a Harley or Community Dinner held at the Caboolture Seventh- Triumph. Residents reminisced about the bikes they Day Adventist Church. Everyone in attendance has a used to ride and we made sure everyone who wonderful evening...We wish you all the best for 2014 wanted to were able to have a ride. as you care for the seniors in our community." The smiles on the faces of everyone said it all. One resident commented, “ Wait until I tell my children and grand children what I got up to today, they won’t believe I have been on a motor bike.” While another lady shared; “You have made my year!”. A big thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the wonderful members of the Glasshouse Mountains Ulysses Club for taking the time to come out and see us and bring so much joy to our residents.

Spreading the joy of Christmas in Caboolture Become an Embracia Volunteer Can you contribute to the wellbeing of our residents? There are many opportunities to support the Embracia community. Choose activities that match your skills, interest and at a time that suits you. Consider volunteering for bingo calling, playing an instrument, singing, assisting at art and craft Revving it up with the activities, gardening, reading the daily paper or Glasshouse Mountains Ulysses Club providing companionship to our residents. Find out more at www.embracia.com.au/careers/volunteer

embracia.com.au page 7 Celebrating NYE at Glasshouse Country Trina Haylock, Lifestyle Coordinator Our annual Embracia in Glasshouse Country New Years Eve Party was a ‘blast’. The residents filled the theatre complete with party hats and blowers to celebrate the end of another year. The traditional Auld Lang Syne was sung with gusto and everyone enjoyed savoury snacks and refreshing drinks.

Eunice enjoys the celebration Rob, Salma, Annette, Hydy and Joy see in 2014

Dutch Themed Morning Tea Trina Haylock, Lifestyle Coordinator Residents at Embracia in Glasshouse Country decided to host a Dutch morning tea on 15 January. Brightly coloured paper tulips were hand-crafted and featured the windmill that had been made by resident from a previous themed event. Dutchies Bakehouse in Sippy Downs prepared Oliebol, Speculaas, Krentebol, Gevuld Speculaas and Drop (Dutch licorice). Volunteer Fred quizzed us on our knowledge of Holland. A special thank you to resident Jacob for giving a very interesting talk on the history of the Netherlands and to volunteer Shirley Dredge for not only making all of the tulips but also for her skills on the piano accordion. We all loved singing along to Tulips from Amsterdam and Tiptoe Through The Tulips. Due to the success of this morning tea we have decided to hold one with a different theme each month.

page 8 embracia.com.au Mooloolaba Harbour Cruise Christine Minetti, Retirement Village Manager On 25 November 2013, the residents of Embracia in Glasshouse Country Retirement Village recently enjoyed a one hour cruise around the Mooloolaba Harbour and canals. The cruise was a great way to explore the canals around the harbour for our residents from the retirement village at Glasshouse Country. Morning tea was provided, as residents listened to the cruise commentary. It was ‘’an experience not to be missed’’ according to Cruising Mooloolaba Harbour and canals the residents.

Marilyn, Dolly and Cher come to Lynbrook Sam Gillick, Lifestyle Coordinator When you think of 'Cabaret', you think of bright lights and long legged performers dancing wearing sequinned costumes. Not to disappoint and bringing a whole lot of pizzazz to our home at Embracia in Lynbrook, were no other than a dynamic trio of Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton and Cher. Cheryl (the daughter of one of our residents Ruby) and co-star Dianne brought the house down singing their signature tunes in an atmosphere of glitz and glamour. Our residents, family and friends enjoyed a light supper of finger food and wine. Following the performance, staff surprised families with a dance-off with both sides displaying some cheeky moves!

Cabaret comes to Lynbrook

St Valentine’s Day Dianne Hinds, Lifestyle Coordinator On Friday 14 February, Valentine’s Day, our residents enjoyed love heart chocolates followed by chocolate fondue with strawberries. As a special treat, entertainer Ian Cox sang Aussie songs, played the didgeridoo and sang a few crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. It is obvious to see by the photos, he had his audience enthralled. We hope everyone had as happy a Valentine’s Day as we did.

Alma being serenaded on Valentines Day embracia.com.au page 9 “And the award goes to…” Trina Haylock, Lifestyle Coordinator There was something for everyone on Australia Day at Embracia in Glasshouse Country . An Aussie café and quiz was held on Wednesday; a barbecue in our Coonowrin community has held on Thursday; Australian-themed energiser exercise programs, thong-throwing and an Aussie sing-along with volunteers Fred and Joyce on Friday. And it was Aussie, Aussie, Aussie all the way on Australia Day with more Aussie songs with Lyn, our Lifestyle Coordinator and volunteer Rhonda. The life-sized swaggie mannequin was back in the foyer accompanying the Aussie animals for photo opportunities. Rounding off the festivities were Australia Day awards presented to our most community- minded residents and volunteers. Our residents nominated:

• Salma for serving the community and lending a helping hand. • Arthur for the orchid house and Coochin Gardens. • Mavis for her giving spirit and nimble fingers. • Winsome for being a good neighbour to fellow residents and showing community spirit. • Mary for her special way with words and regularly sharing of her poetry. • Lorna for providing fresh baked goodies for the Craft Club and Café. • Leslie for looking after the little yellow canary and caring for it so well. • Rhonda for serving the community as a volunteer and helping with our gardens. • Fred for making us laugh out loud and enjoy ourselves while exercising.

Salma, Rhonda, Arthur and Mary Fred and his Australia Day award page 10 embracia.com.au 5 Minutes with… Jenny Wright, Residential Services Manager Embracia on the Avenue What do you like about working with Embracia? I am enjoying working with the residents and staff at The Avenue, the home-like atmosphere is how residential care should be. The genuine passion for enriching resident lives is so evident in everything we do at Embracia; my own values have found their match in Aged Care. Tell us something about you? I am a single mum with two fantastic teenage children. I am an avid Carlton supporter , and love nothing more than catching up with my extended family sharing stories and reliving childhood memories of growing up in country Victoria. What are your interests outside of work? I have rediscovered the enjoyment of photography having just purchased a digital SLR camera, I enjoy weekends away discovering SE Qld whenever possible with my two teenage children. What is your favourite recipe/food? I cannot go past my mums chicken with sweet curry mayonnaise and mango salsa on a bed of avocado and snow peas, sounds quite Queensland orientated , however was discovered whilst still a Victorian!

75 quilts for 75 Woodford Residents Michael Isaac, Corporate Advisor

Embracia’s new 75 place aged care home under construction at Woodford in Queensland received a boost in community support with the creation of a “75 Quilts for 75 Beds” Project launched early this year. The project aims to be the community’s welcome to the 75 residents as they move into the home once it opens its doors. Knitting, quilting, crochet and craft groups at Woodford and nearby Kilcoy have embraced the project while others are donating yarn and fleece. They look forward to showing their talents and adding warmth and a bright and cheery atmosphere to the surrounds. Local volunteer coordinator Rhonda Affoo, is encouraging the community to make it their feel-good project for 2014 and is certain the community is up for the challenge. Rhonda is shown with the first donations – a crochet quilt (left) made and donated by 90 year old Francis Tinney of Woodford and a pieced quilt (right) made and donated by Noeleen Wakefield of Koumala, . Embracia will be acknowledging the generosity of contributors with a Woodford local, Rhonda Affoo is coordinating the 75 Quilt project certificate of appreciation and looking forward to begin caring in such a welcoming community as Woodford.

embracia.com.au page 11 Where to find us

Aged Care Homes Retirement Villages Embracia on Ashley Embracia on Bribie 17-21 Ashley Street, Reservoir 199-213 Goodwin Drive, Bongaree Victoria 3073 Australia Queensland 4507 P 03 9469 4900 P 07 3400 1050 or 1800 014 619 (Qld only) embraciaonashley.com.au embraciaonbribie.com.au Embracia in Lynbrook Embracia in Glasshouse Country View our website 42 Olive Road, Lynbrook 96-104 Peachester Road, Beerwah with your Victoria 3975 Australia Queensland 4519 Australia downloaded P 03 8795 5777 P 07 54390511 or 1800 885 053 (Qld only) QR code reader. embraciainlynbrook.com.au embraciainglasshousecountry.com.au Embracia on the Park 21-25 Inverness Street, Clarinda Victoria 3169 Australia Offices P 03 9545 5960 Victorian Head Office embraciaonthepark.com.au P 1800 281 274 Embracia on the Peninsula Queensland Head Office 441 Waterfall Gully Road, Rosebud P 07 3400 1050 Victoria 3939 Australia P 03 5982 9200 embraciaonthepeninsula.com.au Our Mission Embracia in Reservoir 65a Glasgow Avenue, Reservoir is to do more, for more people, Victoria 3073 Australia more often. P 03 9469 5555 embraciainreservoir.com.au Embracia in Templestowe Our Goal 1 Innisfallen Avenue, Templestowe Victoria 3106 Australia is to improve the lives of all those P 03 9846 6077 embraciaintemplestowe.com.au who have contact with Embracia. Our people are the heart of Embracia on the Avenue 15-29 Bonton Avenue, Deception Bay what we do. Queensland 4508 P 07 3293 5400 embraciaontheavenue.com.au Our Guiding Principles Embracia on Bribie 199-213 Goodwin Drive, Bongaree Personalised Service Bribie Island Queensland 4507 Family P 07 3400 1000 embraciaonbribie.com.au Teamwork Empowerment Embracia in Glasshouse Country 96-104 Peachester Road, Beerwah Fun Queensland 4519 Australia Success P 07 5436 5444 embraciainglasshousecountry.com.au

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