summer · in this edition we give you some great tips for beating the heat, most of them you will...

Summer

Volunteering can change your life

Caring forour carers

2017

MeetCaptainDavid!

Get into nature

How to beat the heat this summer

| Summer 2017 LIFE

Participating fully in community life is our aim at St Carthage’s Community Care. We support children, young people and adults with disabilities, people with dementia, older people and carers. We aim to eliminate the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom by offering opportunities to enhance people’s sense of belonging and well-being.

St Carthage’s is a proud, fully registered member of The Eden Alternative. The Eden philosophy believes that, regardless of age or abilities, life is about continuing to grow.

In 2016, St Carthage’s became the first Community Aged and Disability Support organisation in Australia to be validated against all 10 Eden Principles.

© St Carthage’s Community Care, 2017.

Published by St Carthage’s Community Care3 Jubilee Avenue | PO Box 4028Goonellabah NSW 2480 AustraliaABN 67 164 776 714

T 02 6620 0000 or 1300 761 833F 02 6620 0066www.stccc.org.au

About St Carthage’s Community Care

Front cover – Our wonderful Joan, who runs the Day Club, and juggles a

thousand things with a smile and in her super special way.

This photo – Deep in thought for the next move, Kath Rubbo comes to the Italian

Seniors’ Day Club for good company, great morning tea and discuss topics of

the day in Italian, her first language.How likely would you be to recommend this service to your family and friends?0 being Not at all likely; 10 being Extremely likely

Summer 2017 LIFE | page 3

I was describing a North Coast summer to a friend in Tasmania and said it’s like what happens to them in winter: we stay indoors during the day, shut the blinds and doors to keep the house liveable and do outside activities when the temperature becomes more bearable. Yet we still love summer with those beautiful warm mornings, the long dusky evenings, and the slow pace of the middle of the day.

In this edition we give you some great tips for beating the heat, most of them you will know but it is a handy reminder (for us all!) to keep drinking more water.

Our regular columnists, David Hoffmann and Christine Porter, give us some great ideas on stretching ourselves, creatively and physically.

We talk to one of our past and wonderful volunteers, Dave Aitken who was a captain on a cargo ship. Our beautiful Eden stories show how we are constantly living and breathing the 10 Eden Alternative Principles. Send us any Eden stories that you would like to share.

Latest statistics show Australians average 46 hours a week of screen time. Wow! I know I will be making sure the tv stays off and play more board games for this summer.

Or better still research shows that to be amongst nature is good for our mental health. So check out the places to swim this summer and perhaps share with us your favourite watering hole.

Enjoy your summer.

Iris Ritt Community Services Manager

Hello

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” – Sam Keen

in this editionExercising in the warmer months .......... 5

The Eden alternative .................... 6

Stay healthy in the heat ..................10

Ask the Help Desk ....12

Your Home Care Package .......................13

Meet Captain David .14

Being a volunteer .....15

Caring for carers .......16

Get out(side) ..............17

Christine Porter: Why do I make art? ..18

If you have comments about any of the LIFE articles or any other topics you would like to read about, please contact the editor at [email protected]

| Summer 2017 LIFE

No air-conditioning? Or trying to cut down on electricity? Here are some ideas to try to keep cool this Summer:

1. Keep the blinds closed to keep the heat from coming through the window.

2. Closeoffunusedroomstopreventanycoolair going into these spaces.

3. Switch your bedding to cotton.

4. Try positioning a bowl of ice in front of a fan sotheairblowsovertheiceprovidinganextra cold breeze.

5. Cool your body, not the house with ice cold drinks and applying cold face washers to your neck or wrist.

6. UsetheoutdoorBBQinsteadoftheovenorstove.

7. Investincoolingthehouseusinginsulatedwindows, awnings and trees near light-facing windows.

Our pick for this Summer’s delicious drinkTry delicious ginger beer mojito – all you have to do is combine in a tall glass some fresh mint with freshly squeezed lime juice. Add ice cubes and pour in ginger beer. Then top it off with some extra mint and lime slices. For those who want an after 5pm drink, add a splash of rum. Enjoy!

Bored?Time for a board game.We know a good board game can unite or divide a family in the roll of a dice, and no more so than Monopoly. Not sure about you but my sister would always want to be the banker and hide money under the board to purchase hotels on Park Lane later. Hot Summer afternoons are a great time to shake out the thimble, the boot, the top hat and the battle ship!

We would love to hear from you as to how you keep cool over the hot Summer months. Email us at [email protected] or send a

letter to PO Box 4028, Goonellabah 2480

Many local pools offer adult swimming lessons so if you have ever wanted to have more confidence in the water or just brush up on your technique, ring your local pool to see when the classes are on. It is a great way to exercise.

(Re)discover your libraryWhere is cool, quiet, and lets you borrow books, magazines, music, DVDs, even toys for free by just producing evidence of your residence? Your local library is more than a relaxing haven

for book lovers; check out what is on, who is talking and what is happening! And also

gives you a good reason to lie under a shady tree this Summer!

(n.) pleasing cool temperatures, opposite of warmth. Also, the quality of being fashionable. From Mid-16th

Middle English. Source: www.unusedwords.com

coolth


As the weather warms up, here are a few tips to maintaining your fitness without risking problems.

• Choose cooler times of the day, shaded or indoor areas to exercise in. Well ventilated buildings with higher ceilings help with levels of comfort.

• Exercise for shorter periods during the day. If need be, split up your sessions to smaller chunks in the morning and evenings.

• Cover up with loose clothing. This allows convection (wind or fluid drawing heat from the body as it flows over the skin) to take place to cool the body.

• Keep water up to the body prior to, during and after exercise. This will stop issues like elevated heart rates and blood pressure from loss of fluid while you exercise.

• Be careful in humid weather. It is harder for the body to evaporate water from the skin and cool you down (from perspiration) when there is a higher moisture content in the air.

• If you are feeling the effect of heat, stop, find a spot to rest that is cooler and loosen your clothing.

• Pouring water onto clothes on your wrists, the neck and backs of the legs will increase your ability to cool down.

• Keep small sips of water going regularly and

• Stop exercising and seek help if needed.

Maintaining your exercise in the warmer months

As it becomes warmer, allow yourself some short times in the higher temperatures each day to acclimatise (adapt to the current environmental weather) to the heat. This will improve your cooling efficiency and reduce the pressures on body from elevated heart rates, blood pressure and loss of minerals.

One good point to keep in mind is that exercise is meant to help maintain or improve your health. Exercising in dangerous conditions can have long lasting health effects that you may never recover from.

David Hoffmann is a personal trainer based in Lismore, who works with people, aged from 10 years to 94 years, and believes every body needs the benefits of exercise. You can hear David on ABC North Coast every Friday morning.

| Summer 2017 LIFE

What is theEden alternative?Our Eden community commits to creating relationships that provide people with a pathway to a life worth living.

The Eden Alternative philosophy upholds the view that no matter how old we are or what challenges we live with, life is about continuing to grow.

Using the philosophy of the Eden Alternative, every person at St Carthage’s strives to enhance well-being by eliminating the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. Every day, and in every interaction with our clients and their families we aim to deliver at least one of The Eden Alternative 10 Principles to provide people with a pathway to a life worth living.

THE EDEN PRINCIPLES

1. The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of suffering in a human community.

2. Life in a truly human community revolves around close and continuing contact with people of all ages and abilities as well as plants and animals. It is these ancient relationships provide all with a pathway to a life worth living.

3. Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. In a human community we must provide easy access to human and animal companionship.

4. To give care to another makes us stronger. To receive care gracefully is a pleasure and an art. A healthy human community promotes both of these virtues in its daily life, seeking always to balance one with the other.

5. Trust in each other allows us the pleasure of answering the needs of the moment. When we fill our lives with variety and spontaneity, we honour the world and our place in it.

6. Meaning is the food and water that nourishes the human spirit. It strengthens us. The counterfeits of meaning tempt us with hollow promises. In the end, they always leave us empty and alone.

7. Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master.

8. In a human community, the wisdom of the elders grows in direct proportion to the honour and respect accorded to them.

9. Human growth must never be separated from human life.

10. Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there can be no substitute.

“Well-being is a much larger idea than either quality of life or customer satisfaction. It is based on a holistic understanding of human needs and capacities. Well-being is elusive, highly subjective, and the most valuable of all human possessions.”

– Dr. Bill Thomas, Co-founder of The Eden Alternative


Fulfilling ambitions at any age“When I took this flight, I was not under the impression that I was about to taxi the aircraft on the apron, take it to the holding bay, taxi it to the end of the strip and “take off” (of course under the direction and scrutiny of my expert flying instructor). He told me what I had to do and like a parrot I followed the instructions to the best of my little ability.

We flew in “choppy” windy weather conditions and bounced around the sky like a drunken sailor. We did a 20 minute excursion towards Casino and Coraki, then headed back to base at Lismore, where I thought that my master pilot would land the flaming thing. But NO!! He sat back and watched while I did all the work.

I’m glad I went up and endured the trip and actually lived to tell you all about it. Anyone else like to have a go?”

Living and working with Eden Principle 9: Human growth must never be separated from human life.

Creating an environment of love and joySpending time with Pauline one afternoon, our new staff member Sallyanne was able to create a happy and theatrical experience with the use of her professional singing voice and range of songs from years gone by.

As we were assisting Pauline with personal care she started to become vocal and upset. Sallyanne started to sing with her beautiful voice which helped calm and sooth Pauline. She stopped calling out, appeared to visibly relax and started to hum along.

Sallyanne continued to sing during the afternoon. Old favourites such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra songs were popular with Pauline. Occasionally Pauline would accompany Sallyanne with her soprano voice, giggling when the performance was completed. When asked ‘how does the music and singing make you feel?’ Pauline said ‘it sends a shiver down my back’.

Pauline was born and grew up in England. She served in armaments during WW2. Pauline has had many interests and hobbies throughout her life including fashion design and sewing, art and gem polishing. Pauline was an opera singer and also played the piano. Music still plays a big part in Pauline’s life. One of her great loves is listening to André Rieu.

Living and working with Eden Principle 5: Trust in each other allows us the pleasure of answering the needs of the moment. When we fill our lives with variety and spontaneity, we honour the world and our place in it.

Robert Lord, trainee pilot

Our Eden alternative

| Summer 2017 LIFE

Our Edenalternative (continued)Beanie brillianceBeryl Hayes from Pottsville has won this year’s Alice Springs Beanies and Cosies festival from a field of 6,000 entries with her fabulous creation A Home Among the Gum Trees.

Beryl also won the competition last year with her tea cosy Australia Square featuring kookaburras and lorikeets. It takes her 12 months to complete each design. She said the organisers of the festival prefer imaginative designs, “the more outlandish the better”.

Beryl has always enjoyed craftwork. She sells her work and donates the money to cancer research at the Mater Hospital. In 3 years she has raised over $6000 for the hospital.

What a great example Beryl is of the importance of being able to give care as well as receive it.

Living and working with Eden Principle 6: Meaning is the food and water that nourishes the human spirit. It strengthens us. The counterfeits of meaning tempt us with hollow promises. In the end, they always leave us empty and alone.

Beryl with one of her stunning hand made creations.


Fixing a broken heartA month ago one of our clients, Bert lost his long-time companion Chester and was left lost and inconsolable.

Fast forward to last week, Dash, a handsome beagle/corgi cross, about eight years old, and a very mellow dog, was found wandering the streets of the Lismore CBD. Dash was put up for adoption by Lismore City Council. So knowing how heartbroken Bert was, Michele, a St Carthage’s worker, organised Bert to meet Dash, at the Lismore Pound where he fed him biscuits and said hello.

Bert fell in love immediately, and Dash simply curled up and went to sleep at his feet. The impact and change it has made to Bert and his life is incredible, demonstrating the impact animals have on our lives.

Living and working with Eden Principle 3: Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. In a human community we must provide easy access to human and animal companionship.

Dash enjoying hugs and snacks with Bert (right) and Michele (left).

Working to combat the 3 plagues, helplessness, loneliness and boredom One particularly busy Monday morning we received a request from Wendy to reschedule her service to later in the week. While I searched for the file on our computer system, Wendy thanked me for looking into it.

She told me that she had received a call this morning asking if she would like to come to the local school and help out in the class room with a little girl who needed some extra support.

We were able to accommodate Wendy’s request which in turn meant she was able to volunteer at the local school.

By assisting Wendy her with request we were able to contribute, in a small way, to creating a life worth living where Wendy could get involved in her local community.

Living and working with Eden Principle 2: Life in a truly human community revolves around close and continuing contact with people of all ages and abilities as well as plants and animals. It is these ancient relationships provide all with a pathway to a life worth living.

| Summer 2017 LIFE

How to stay healthyin the heatDRINK PLENTY OF WATER

• Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty – check the colour of your wee – if it’s pale you’re drinking enough.

• If your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather.

• Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks including tea and coffee (they can make dehydration worse).

• If you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you.

• Stock your fridge with cold water and freezer with ice.

KEEP COOL

Keep your body cool

• Drink cold drinks and eat smaller cold meals such as salads and fruit.

• Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothes made from natural fibres like cotton.

• Stay out of the sun.

• If you must go outside, apply sunscreen, wear a hat.

• Plan your day around the heat – avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm.

• Put wet towels or cool packs on your arms or neck or put your feet in cool water.

• Take cool showers or baths.

• Minimise physical activity, do all household chores early in the morning when it is coolest.

Keep your house cool

• Cool your house by closing windows, shutting curtains and blinds, opening windows at night if you can to let in cool air.

• Use air-conditioning if you have it (make sure it’s set to cool).

• If you don’t have air-conditioning, spend time in a cool place like a library, shopping centre or cinema.

• Know which room in your house is the coolest (this will often be on the ground floor on the south side). If there is no power or you can’t get to an air-conditioned space, spend time in the coolest part of your house.

• Use your stove and oven as little as possible.


TAKE CARE OF OTHERS

• Visit or telephone elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, at least once a day.

• Check that they have water in the fridge.

• Encourage them to drink.

• Help them to find the coolest room in the house.

• Consider taking them to a cool place (e.g. shopping centre, library or cinema).

• Take particular care to keep children cool and get them to drink lots as they won’t often do this by themselves.

• Never leave babies, children or animals alone in a car even if the air-conditioner is on.

HAVE A PLAN

• Know who to call if you need help.

• Follow your doctor’s advice if you have any medical conditions.

• If you feel unwell, seek medical advice from your doctor or nearest hospital.

• Know where to find your emergency kit in case of a power failure.

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast.

• Know what to do in case of a bushfire. Information on bushfire preparedness is available from the NSW Rural Fire Service, or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

• Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored (the temperature in the fridge should be between 0°C and 5°C). Defrost foods in the fridge, not on the kitchen bench.

AFTER THE HEAT HAS PASSED

• Continue to drink plenty of fluids so your body can get back in balance.

• Take time to rest and recover as coping with extremely hot weather can be very tiring.

• Go to your doctor if you feel unwell after the heat has passed.

• Open windows and doors to let your house cool down but make sure you don’t compromise the security of your home.

• Contact family and friends to see if they have coped during the heat and if they now need help with anything.

• Think about how well you coped during this time of extreme heat and what, if anything, you would do differently next time.

• Make any changes in your home so it will be more comfortable for you during another time of extreme heat.

REMEMBER THE 4 KEY MESSAGES TO KEEP YOU AND OTHERS HEALTHY IN THE HEAT

Source: NSW Government, Department of Health, Beat the Heat http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx

drinkplenty ofwater

keepcool

takecare ofothers

have aplan!

| Summer 2017 LIFE

Ask the Help Desk

Send us a question at [email protected] about anything to do with your St Carthage’s service.

Dear Help Desk,

Under my son’s NDIS plan, he has been approved for Support Coordination. What does this mean and how will this help us?

Thanks, Robyne

Hi Robyne,

A Support Coordinator will help you put your son’s NDIS plan in to action. The Support Coordinator will help you and your son go through his plan and help you choose and connect with service providers.

The Support Coordinator will help you explore and link with community and mainstream services and help coordinate these as required. The Support Coordinator will talk with your son and your family about any other options to be considered as the year progresses and will help with developing goals for your next plan.

For more information about Support Coordination, please contact St Carthage’s or you may call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

Dear Help Desk

How much notice would I need to give St Carthage’s if I would like staff to assist me with my supports?

Regards, Matilda

Dear Matilda,

We ask that you give us 72 hours’ notice when requesting a service. However we do understand that this isn’t always possible for “one off” unplanned events and we will do our very best and endeavour to roster support for you.

The impossible we do immediately – miracles may take a little longer!

Dear Help Desk

I recently chose St Carthage’s as my service provider to provide support to me under my NDIS plan. What happens if I need to cancel my service? How much notice am I required to give so I’m not charged?

Regards, Geoff

Hi Geoff,

When you chose St Carthage’s as your provider, you would have signed a Service Agreement. In the service agreement, it states that if you wish to cancel a support or service appointment, all cancellations must be communicated to St Carthage’s Community Care by 3pm the day before the appointment is scheduled. If the required notice is not given then the full cost of the service or support appointment is charged.

Dear Help Desk,

My father has dementia and is becoming very frail. I’ve noticed that mum is often teary and just looks tired all the time. I think she is really struggling to care for him now. Mum wants to keep caring for him at home as long as possible but I know she’s going to need some help. I help out as much as I can but I know that’s not enough. I don’t know what we can do. Is there someone who can help us?

Lucy

Dear Lucy

It sounds like your mum could use some respite. Respite is a short period of rest or relief from something that is ongoing and at times difficult or tiring. Respite for carers of people with dementia, memory loss or who are frail and aged is an important part of a person’s care plan to help them maintain their lifestyle and independence at home and to help the carer in the caring role.

We can help you and your parents navigate the aged care system – feel free to call us to talk about the next steps.

Remember, if you have any questions at all, call us. We are here for you.

NOTICE BOARD

When setting up a Direct Deposit payment through your bank or paying using internet banking make sure you put your Customer ID in the reference area so we are able to identify who the payment has come from. If you believe you have made a payment that has not come off your account, call our office on 6620 0000 and to help us it would be great if you had the amount, date and/or receipt numbers handy when you call.


Your Home Carepackage is therefor you

Spending your funds in your Home Care Package can make life a little easier.

Ian, who is living with bi-polar, was in and out of hospital, and after a six week transition program (with Compacks), Ian started receiving house cleaning and social support from St Carthage’s through his Home Care package.

When Jess, his Support Planner from St Carthage’s, went to see Ian, he disclosed he struggled with activities such as cooking, cleaning and meal preparations. Jess advised Ian that support for daily living and developing these skills can be part of his Home Care Package.

Like many people, Ian was hesitant at the start to take on the service as he was unsure about spending his funds in his package. Jess advised Ian that the primary part of the service can be shopping to fit in with his living needs and social interactions can be an added bonus.

Iris Ritt, Manager of St Carthage’s said that St Carthage’s Support Planners are here to assist people to utilise their budgets in their care packages to make life easier.

“We love to get calls and have discussions about the many and varied ways to best use the Home Care Package to stay living at home and independent.

“We encourage people to talk to us about living easier and more comfortably, and we work with you to discuss the best options for you,” said Ms Ritt.

People have come up with some fantastic ways to use their home care budgets to support them fully. Some examples include operation for an animal companion, flying lessons, modifying a car to fit in a wheelchair, and horse riding lessons.

Other things people have used their care budgets on are removing a tree to access a shed safely, gardening, electric beds, carpet cleaning, air conditioners – the list is endless.

Around eight months ago Ian agreed with Jess to take up social support and is now reaping the rewards. After a few visits, Community Care Worker Angelina, and Ian have formed a great bond. Angie, as Ian calls her, has assisted Ian to develop and master new skills.

Ian used to have Meals On Wheels come daily for him, however now with the help of Angelina, Ian has chosen to cancel Meals on Wheels and cooks his own meals. Ian is also out and about driving again and his next goal is to get back to the social day out in Lismore.

“If you notice that things are changing or that you want more control please call us. We can work with you to make your life worth living every day,” said Ms Ritt.

So start thinking of ideas and ways that keep you independent, motivated and loving life!

| Summer 2017 LIFE

Meet Captain David AitkenIt was when he was second in command of a chemical tanker, and Chief Officer, when Captain David Aitken thought he was going to die.

“Someone left the main door of the deck open, and we were going through a storm, with waves coming in over the deck, water was pouring in and filled up the storeroom,” said Captain Aitken.

Being Chief Officer, Captain Aitken said he couldn’t ask anyone else to do it, so he ventured out to try to shut the door.

“I counted the waves, to get a sense of timing as to when I could safely go onto the deck and shut the door. However as I turned my back a rogue wave washed me across the deck. As luck would have it, some huge pipes stopped me going into the sea. But I was pretty worse for wear afterwards.”

Captain David Aitken, in his calm and generous way, explained that this went with the job.

Captain Aitken, or Dave, as he is known at St Carthage’s Community Care was one of the valuable

volunteers who assisted with creating interesting and engaging opportunities and outings for older people.

“I helped set up the Men’s Group who meet every Friday. We start at Goonellabah in the coffee shop for morning tea to decide where we will go and what we will do that day,” said Captain Aitken.

Captain Aitken said that it started as a group of men getting together but after the first meeting it became a group of friends, with many saying they wished it was Friday every day!

“Being a volunteer brought me out of my shell. After my separation with my wife, I moved into town. And I was retired. I didn’t last a week. I started volunteering at Community Transport and then St Carthage’s asked me to help them with the bus so I was a bus driver for many years,” said Captain Aitken.

This more settled life is far away from his career as a captain of bulk cargo ships. Captain Aitken would carry cargo from either Fremantle or Bunbury in WA, and discharge in Geelong or Portland in Victoria.

Starting out at 16 years old, Captain Aitken said that he has seen huge changes in the industry. The first he personally experienced was when he was made captain, and he was the leader of one of the first reduced numbers of crew, going from 44 to 17 people on board. This meant that everyone had to know more than one job, for example as

Captain David Aitken, captain of M.V. Portland featured on the front page of the industry magazine, Portland Portfolio.


Benefits of being a volunteer

captain, Dave took over the radio officer job.

“So I had to manage a lot of change as well as run the ship,” said Captain Aitken.

Captain Aitken said a career highlight was when he didn’t need to use any pilots. Pilots are people who are specialised in steering a ship into a specific port, so essentially they take over the ship from the captain to get it into port.

“I was qualified and experienced enough that I no longer needed a pilot for three of my ports. This was really great because the ports said that I was good enough to do it myself and it also saved the owner of the ship money for not using pilots. I was pretty chuffed,” said Captain Aitken.

Apart from a few harrowing experiences, Captain Aitken said he wasn’t really that worried in big seas.

“You had a big ship underneath you.”

Volunteering is a wonderful way to gain life experiences, develop interpersonal networks and meet new people. It gives people new and exciting opportunities and relationships.

Being a volunteer strengthens social ties that protect individuals from isolation, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust. Research shows volunteering has many mental and physical health benefits.

Volunteer for St Carthage’s Community Care, Captain David Aitken said that volunteering is really great.

“It got me out of the house, meeting people, talking to people. The satisfaction is absolutely brilliant because everyone is glad that you can do something for them,” said Captain Aitken.

As a volunteer, St Carthage’s benefits from your time, knowledge, energy, skills and life experiences. Our volunteers are a rich source of inspiration and stimulation, providing our wider community with friendship, empathy and compassion.

“There is never a bad word. It is always ‘thank you’.”

There are many avenues for you to explore on your path to volunteering at St Carthage’s. We would love you to join us.

Dave Aitken as a volunteer for St Carthage’s.

Dave Aitken, far left, as the bus driver for the Men’s Group with some of regulars of the Men’s Bus Group.

| Summer 2017 LIFE

Caring for carers

The relationships we have with our family and friends are the most loving, dynamic, and rewarding experiences of our lives. With the passage of time these relationships may change due to illness or age, and many of us find ourselves in the role of carer for the most special people in our lives.

At St Carthage’s we believe in the importance of well-being, joy and happiness while supporting your loved one to create a life worth living. We provide opportunities for you the carer, to meet your personal, social, emotional, and family needs through respite care.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Respite care works best for the carer, when the carer knows that their family member is engaged and happy. We believe it is much more than being “looked after”. It’s about building trust, and supporting the person to engage in life in whatever way they are able to.

Respite can be provided for a few hours a week or for longer periods, depending on the person’s needs. It can be provided in the person’s home or in the community.

If you are a carer (formal or informal) of a person aged 65 and over, and would like to find out how to access respite services, please contact our office on 6620 0000.

TYPES OF RESPITE CARE

Planned Respite can happen on a weekly basis, in the following ways:

• In Home Respite where a worker will come to the person’s home so that carers can go out for a few hours.

• Centre-Based Respite happens at our Day Club. It is a social group and offers the care recipient opportunities to enjoy the company of others, share a hearty meal while adding some variety and laughter into their day. This in turn, gives the carer 5 hours of respite time each week.

• Community Access provides a social outing in the community either individually with a care worker or as part of a small group. A great example of this is our “Blokes Bus Group.”

• Flexible Respite could be a combination of different options, depending on your needs.

• Overnight Respite can be provided either in the person’s home or in our very own respite unit at Jubilee Avenue, Goonellabah. It is usually short-term from 1–4 nights.

Roland (left) with Pete at Jubilee House, bespoke accommodation designed for respite care.


Get out(side)!

Most people agree that spending time outdoors enhances their physical and mental health. A recent online survey of over 2,000 US adults revealed that people believe spending time outdoors can reduce stress (75 percent), benefit mental well-being (74 percent) and lead to living a longer, healthier life (63 percent).

The benefits of spending time in nature include elevated mood and happiness, as well as improved cardiovascular health. Studies are being done on the benefits of being outside in nature to people with diseases like cancer. However, commitments such as work and other choices such as television often get in the way. In fact, respondents to an Australian survey, conducted by R U OK?, said they spent an average of 46 hours a week looking at a screen.

So how do we increase our Nature Engagement Levels, or NELs? We need to find ways of spending more time outside and amongst nature.

Try these ideas to raise your NELs:

Start with a sunrise: Watching the sunrise can be a beautiful, moving, and healthy way to start your day; benefits include balanced circadian rhythms, improved mood, and increased Vitamin D levels.

Bring nature to work or into your home: Enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors at work by placing a plant on your desk or in the home. Even setting a nature view as your desktop background works. Host outdoor meetings, or “walk and talks,” around your building, which helps boost colleagues’ moods and focus, too.

Engage your mind: Get your mental exercise by visiting local art galleries, museums or monuments. Go on a National Park guided tour.

Eat outdoors: Move your meals outside to unplug and enjoy your food in a new environment.

Try growing some of your own food: Getting your hands in dirt connects you to nature. If space is tight, explore a community garden.

Take a walk: Avid hikers report high levels of happiness, fulfilment, and connection with the world around them, and studies have shown that the colour green increases motivation to engage in rigorous activity.

So, get outside, take a deep breath and watch the sky, the trees, the birds – you will feel much better for it!

| Summer 2017 LIFE

Why do Imake art?by Christine Porter

Christine Porter is a full time practicing artist living in Lismore. She is a painter, printmaker, teacher and publisher. Her latest etching series “Magpie” is available from selected galleries on the mid-north and north coast, as well as through her website: www.christineporter.com.au

Images: (top) Magpie VII, (bottom) Magpie XIII , 2017, drypoint engraving, 8x8cm

1) Making art makes me happyAs a professional artist, I need to get into the studio every day. Once I’m there the creativity takes over. The more I create, the more I want to, and the easier it becomes. It’s just as easy, however, to be distracted with the day-to-day so I need a plan.

I PLAN SPACE AND TIME I have a separate room as a studio, but when I travel, it’s just a sketchbook. I allocate certain days to paint.

I PLAN TO CELEBRATE If I see where I’ve been, I know where I can get to. I keep records. I cross things off lists. I celebrate milestones.

I PLAN TO BE INSPIRED One day I was having lunch – not thinking about anything. A magpie stepped into my field of vision. I watched him and suddenly realised he would make a fabulous painting subject. Lunch forgotten (except by the magpie) I sketched him. I ended up with 24 little drypoint engravings.

If I hadn’t allowed myself to be in the moment that day I would have missed out on this wonderful journey. Art is about constantly unfolding opportunities.

2) Making art gives me a sense of purpose I have things to do each and every day. There are people who depend on me. There’s an ongoing connection with my clients far beyond point-of-sale. But there is also the responsibility I feel to myself. This is important to me, so I’ve fashioned a way of it happening.

Living a creative life doesn’t have to be as full time as I’ve made it. It can be as simple as putting aside an hour a week for a class or activity. If I wasn’t a professional artist, I’d still be making art - probably just the same way that I’m doing now.

MAKE A PLAN FOR SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE HAPPEN

It doesn’t have to be realistic – this is just a game.

Start with a blank page and let your imagination run free. Use magazine pictures, draw, or use words.

Circle the things that could happen.

Make them happen (or imagine them happening, that’s half the fun).

CELEBRATE SOMETHING YOU’VE DONE

Gather a few friends and find something to celebrate.

Congratulate yourself for what you’ve done well, even if it seems like only a small milestone.

PRACTICE SOME ART (EVEN IF IT’S NOT “ART”)• take a photo • arrange some flowers • organise a bookshelf • plant a pot• build a cairn• watch a moonrise: (upcoming

full moon dates Dec 4, Jan 2, Feb 1)

• think quiet thoughts.


Sudoku time!If you haven’t ever tried Sudoku, it’s a puzzle with simple rules yet is a great brain stretch. The objective is to fill the numbers into the grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the numbers from 1 to 9.

We have provided an easy one to get started, and medium and hard versions for those seasoned Sudoku people.

COMPLETED YOUR PUZZLE?

Send in your completed Sudoku (only need to complete one of them) to St Carthage’s or give it to your Care Worker and you will go into the draw to win one of our new water bottles.

First 20 to be drawn out will win!

MEDIUMSIMPLE

HARD

POSTAGEPAID

AUSTRALIAPRIORITY

If undeliverable, please return to:

St Carthage’s Community Care PO Box 4028 Goonellabah NSW 2480

Where to swim this summerFamed for our glorious beaches, the North Coast swimming gems also include our lakes and creeks.

Check out these wonderful swimming places to keep cool:

Cudgen Creek nearby Cudgen Lake, near Cabarita – perfect spot for picnicking, walking, paddling and swimming.

The Serpentine at Ballina offers a sheltered spot on the river where the water is shallow for those who like to paddle, and if you are lucky you can get a shady spot under a tree.

Evans Head (above) has great beaches, and excellent swimming spots and park areas next to the river.

For family swimming and picturesque picnic areas, try Charlie Ryan Park at the western tip of Iluka Bay.

Explore rock pools, enjoy a swim at the beach or walk through the national park at the picturesque Minnie Water, near Wooli.

Photo: RIckyluv photography

summer · in this edition we give you some great tips for beating the heat, most of them you will...

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