Myrtle Cottage Couriermyrtlecottage.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/... · Dementia Project will...

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Myrtle Cottage Courier 1 Letter from the Editor Wow! what an Easter Celebration that was enjoyed by everyone at Myrtle Cottage check out the great photos on pages 3 and 6. Collen has again provided an amazing newsletter with lots of great information about what we have been doing. Please refer to your programs about what is coming up. Remember Myrtle Cottage is closed for ANZAC Day. There are dawn services, commemorative marches and remembrance services held at all over Macarthur. Thanking for you for taking the time to enjoy our newsletter From the editor February-March 2018 Disclaimer: Information contained in this newsletter is believed to be true and correct at the time of publication. This newsletter is provided for information and awareness purposes only. People should make their own enquiries and judgement concerning any information, services or products contained within. The views expressed on this newsletter are not necessarily those of Myrtle Cottage. Myrtle Cottage Group 6 Bosci Road, Ingleburn NSW 2565 (02)9426 3100 www.myrtlecoage.org.au Main Contents Manager’s Report ...... 2 Ageing & Disability ..... 3 Craft ........................... 5 Bell Program .............. 6 Recreation Program ... 9 Linkline ..................... 10 Happy Feet .............. 11 Transport Report ...... 12 Client Advisory ......... 13 Volunteers Voice ...... 15 Member Update ....... 17 Birthday .................... 18 Improvement Box ..... 18 Policy of the Month .. 19 From the Kitchen ...... 21 Service of the month.. 22 Word Search ............ 24

Transcript of Myrtle Cottage Couriermyrtlecottage.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/... · Dementia Project will...

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Myrtle Cottage Courier

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Letter from the Editor

Wow! what an Easter Celebration that was

enjoyed by everyone at Myrtle Cottage check

out the great photos on pages 3 and 6.

Collen has again provided an amazing

newsletter with lots of great information about what we have been doing. Please refer to your

programs about what is coming up.

Remember Myrtle Cottage is closed for ANZAC Day. There are dawn services,

commemorative marches and remembrance

services held at all over Macarthur.

Thanking for you for taking the time to enjoy

our newsletter

From the editor

February-March 2018

Disclaimer: Information contained in this newsletter is believed to be true and correct at the time of publication. This newsletter is provided for information and awareness purposes only. People should make their own enquiries and judgement concerning any information, services or products contained within. The views expressed on this newsletter are not necessarily those of Myrtle Cottage.

Myrtle Cottage Group

6 Bosci Road, Ingleburn NSW 2565

(02)9426 3100

www.myrtlecottage.org.au

Main Contents

Manager’s Report ...... 2

Ageing & Disability ..... 3

Craft ........................... 5

Bell Program .............. 6

Recreation Program ... 9

Linkline ..................... 10

Happy Feet .............. 11

Transport Report ...... 12

Client Advisory ......... 13

Volunteers Voice ...... 15

Member Update ....... 17

Birthday .................... 18

Improvement Box ..... 18

Policy of the Month .. 19

From the Kitchen ...... 21

Service of the month .. 22

Word Search ............ 24

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The Trading table has raised $231 since the last

newsletter.

Larger items can be photographed and placed on the notice

board.

Myrtle Cottage would like to

thank the following for their

generous support:

Ingleburn RSL Club

Ingleburn Rotary Club

Ingleburn Lions Club

Ingleburn Quota Club

Hi all,

Another couple of busy and productive months for Myrtle Cottage!

All our programs returned to full numbers pretty early in the year, avoiding the expected ‘dip’ in attendance during January. Of course it follows that the activities and outings are very well attended and staff have been working hard ensuring that this continues.

Our Recreational program for people between 18 – 65 of age continues to grow and we are hoping to continue this trend over coming months as we plan how to accommodate the extra demand.

Thank you to all those who helped us man our stall at the Ingleburn Alive Festival. This gave members of the general public the opportunity to learn about us and get information about our own programs as well as what’s out there in the community that may be of benefit to someone they know. As always it resulted in a fun day with both staff and volunteers helping out.

Thank you also to all those who contribute daily to help us offer the support and friendship our members enjoy!

Look after your selves and each other!

Kind regards,

Elizabeth Delcasse, Manager

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Please Note: The Diversional Therapy Program operates at Myrtle Cottage

five days per week. This program is specifically designed for younger people

with a disability or people who are frail aged. The article below relates to this

group only.

Julie, Sarah, Connie & Anna

With Easter fast approaching, we’ve been busy with our Easter crafts, decorating the room and even bringing back the traditional Easter Hat Parade! Well done to all members that participated – we’ve definitely seen some gorgeous hats! A big Thanks to everyone that donated to our Easter Raffle – we raised a grand total of $452!! What an amazing effort! A huge thank you to everyone that purchased tickets! And our lucky winners were:

Congratulations to all our winners!

Monday & Wednesday members enjoyed an “all you can eat” lunch at Bambusa Buffet in St Marys. Our Tuesday group bopped their way through a “Neil Diamond & friends” show at Cabravale Diggers and also travelled down the coast for a great lunch special at Towradgi Beach Hotel. Unfortunately Wednesday members missed out on their second

1st prize: Mary Lamb (DT)

2nd prize: Wesley Warburton (DT)

3rd prize: David Caine (Bell)

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Rooms offered for Rent at Myrtle Cottage 1. Room area 70 sq. m 2 toilets, access to adjoining courtyard.

2. Room area 180 sq. m audio visual facilities, room size can be adjusted to 90 sq. m with access to large courtyard.

3. Room area 40 sq. m full kitchen facilities, 2 toilets,

ideal for group training, computer access.

Anyone wishing to get their haircut whilst at Myrtle Cottage can make an appointment with Merilyn.

Cost $10.00 Phone the Cottage: 9426 3100

Hair cuts

outing due to bad weather. The group decided to have a BBQ at the Cottage. Another planned outing for our Thursday members was changed due to weather predictions also. Instead of Fish & Chips at the Beach, we headed to Collegians Club in Wollongong for their famous $5.50 lunch specials. A Seniors Show at Kemps Creek Bowling Club & a BBQ at Avon Dam were 2 outings that were enjoyed by our Friday members.

We have now introduced DIY Bunnings Workshops as part of further developing our “Men’s Groups”. Our Wednesday members have visited once where they had the opportunity to make an outdoor setting which Campbelltown Bunnings have ever so kindly donated to the Cottage. They are looking forward to their second session coming up in April.

Wishing you all a Safe & Happy

Easter filled with lots of love and chocolate!

Julie & the DT Team

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Our AGM is on 24 October so start putting on your thinking caps:

WHO WOULD YOU NOMINATE FOR THE 2018 ACHIEVEMENT

AWARD?

Don’t forget Membership is due 30th June

Wish list

Donations for

Mother’s Day

Raffles

Tissue Box Craft Items you need:

Tissue Box

Paint- your choice of colours

Fabric-your choice of design & colour

Lace

Ribbon

Glue

Artificial Flowers

Gems, Diamantes, Sequins

Glitter

Scissors

Instructions:

Cut out enough fabric to cover the entire tissue box. Once you have your

fabric start covering one side of the tissue box with glue. Proceed to cover

the whole box in this way.

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Bell Program Please Note: The Bell Program operates Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

Friday & Saturday for Campbelltown, Thursday for Wollondilly and

Wednesday for Camden. This program is specifically designed for people

with Dementia. The article below relates to this only

Sharny, Jordan, Diana,

Christine, Sue and Penny

Hi Everyone,

The members of the Bell Program enjoyed the outing on the 14th February to the Catholic Club, all enjoyed the meals they chose. When we moved over to the quiet section of the club, it wasn’t quiet for long. The members were laughing and singing and we also played our picture bingo. The staff were impressed when we sang our farewell song (Show me the way to go home.)

We had lots of fun crafts over the Easter week the room was decorated with Easter decorations. The Power House Art Gallery

Dementia Project will recommence soon, I plan to give most members the opportunity to experience this throughout 2018. This project is Wednesdays only. Some members may be offered an extra day or to swap a day if they wish to attend.

We will be going to Wests League Club on the 18th April for the Seniors Dementia Concert, hope everyone has their dancing shoes on as the Bell Program usually take up the dance floor.

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DONATIONS & BEQUESTS

Make a gift to be remembered for all time. There's no more generous contribution you can make to others and your community than to leave a gift in your Will. All funds from these gifts go towards enhancing the services our members rely on. A bequest to Myrtle Cottage is an invaluable gift which will ensure we can continue to provide the great service we are known for. Every year the money we receive from generous donors like you helps us to ensure we provide the best services for people to come together, have fun while maintaining skills to live independently. We would like you to consider a bequest to Myrtle Cottage. If you require further information on how to

make a bequest, please contact the Manager of Myrtle Cottage on (02) 9426-3100. The following is a sample of the correct wording to be included in your will to ensure that your bequest is received by Myrtle Cottage Group: I give to Myrtle Cottage Group Inc. (ABN 74 489 511 308): The rest and residue of my Estate

or _______ percent of my Estate or _______ percent of the residue of

my Estate or The sum of $ __________ free of all duties and testamentary expenses for its general purposes and I direct that the receipt of that organization shall be sufficient discharge to my executors for this bequest.

The Bell Survey is now being reported, anyone that needs feedback to any of the questions or there replies please contact me.

Some Carers may have noticed bus pick up and drop offs have been slightly different at times. Our times of pick up’s are between 9.45am and 10.45am. Drop off times are between 3.15pm and 4.15pm. We try to give everyone an estimated time but due to shortage of drivers, traffic conditions, unforeseen delays the estimated time may vary.

Drivers and bus assistants are

wanted for the Bell Program on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. If anyone is interested we would love to hear from you.

Until next time

Christine Turner

Happy Birthday

Mary T, Marion J, Benny F, Gabriel C, Robert B

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Due to privacy laws we are unable to give out personal

information e.g. address and phone number.

It is very important to exchange contact details with people you

would like to be in touch with outside the Cottage.

With your permission we can try to contact the person and give them your contact

details.

Increased Cognitive Function.

As we age, physical health generally declines. Though exercise is typically associated with physical health, it also improves mental health. One review study found exercise to be a “promising non-pharmaceutical intervention to prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.”

Improved Memory. Another study looked into the effects aerobic exercise and resistance training had on memory. They split participants into three groups: aerobic exercise, resistance training and a control group.

There were three main findings:

1) the aerobic group performed the best in the memory test,

2) both exercise groups performed better than the control group in

the spatial memory test, and

3) there was a significant correlation between spatial memory and overall physical capacity. They concluded, “Exercise can positively impact cognitive functioning and may represent an effective strategy to improve memory in those who have begun to experience cognitive decline.”

Other Health Benefits for Older Adults

lower risk of early death, stroke, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, cancer

improves blood lipid profile

prevents weight gain

prevents falls and lowers the risk of hip fractures

increases bone density

improves sleep quality

Exercise and the Elderly – Benefits

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NEWS FROM THE WANDERERS Connie and Penny

Please Note: The Recreation Program operates Friday & second Saturday

for people aged 18 to 65 years with a disability. The article below relates to

this only

Hi everyone

A big warm welcome to our latest members Frank T and Christopher S - it’s nice to see the new members fitting straight in with the group.

We’ve had another fun filled few months with all the Wanderers making our way to specialty shops at Camden followed by lunch which everybody enjoyed at the Plough and Harrow.

Spotlight was a first time venue for the guys and they would like go back in the future.

Ten Pin Bowling is always popular with some members as winning means everything to them. (You boys know

who you are Lol...)

Camden Show was so much better than last year as we got to see just about everything! Thank goodness we didn’t get bogged in the mud this year. We sat right next to the horses as we sipped on our coffee. Members had the best time buying gifts from the stores.

We all had a fabulous time wandering

around collecting a wide range of freebies. Some of us also bought show bags for themselves and family. Camden Council had so much information for the public.

The drive down to Austinmer beach was refreshing; it was so nice to eat our lunch as we chilled out listening to the waves. After lunch we enjoyed a small walk to the rock pool.

Another well-known spot we visited was Robertson Pie shop to buy a large amount of delicious pies and pastries. When we saw the Big Potato we couldn’t help ourselves we just had to stop for a photo.

Bye for now

Connie & Penny

Happy Birthday

Marcela M, Andrew M, Kathleen O

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Please Note: The Linkline Program operates Monday to Friday at allocated times for an hour. The article below relates to this only

Ell

I hope everyone is keeping well and enjoying the slight cool transition. I am looking forward to Autumn as it begins to cool down and offer beautiful days at Myrtle Cottage.

Linkline has endured a few challenges this year. We have lost two of our long-term members in such a short time recently, so we have all struggled a little missing the conversation, chatter and laughs as a well-connected group, but if we all stop and think they (both Dot & Len) would be expecting us to keep our act together and discuss the hard hitting questions of daily life and of course our quizzes.

I want to apologise to the members for my lack of attendance on the weekly calls. Unfortunately, due to personal commitments and now added time constraints I am unable to attend the Cottage daily and the afternoons have become more of a challenge. I will make every effort to run the calls when I am available. In the meantime please enjoy the variety of conversation and knowledge of the Myrtle Cottage staff covering the calls, there is always something to

learn or share with others.

I do look forward to bringing the Stepping On Program to the Cottage in May which will benefit all that are attending for the 8 weeks. We will have a lot of fun, learn lots together with great guest speakers.

Josip is currently developing the next Linkline program which will be great. Having another member of staff inputting always puts a positive twist on what we all are able to discuss together.

I would like to thank the Diversional Therapy Team and members for their ongoing support to make Linkline members feel continuously welcomed on outings. A recent visit to Corrimal Beach and Towradgi Hotel proved to be an enjoyable day for those Linkline members attending and we look forward to more outings with you all. Over the past 6 weeks of the program the weekly quizzes and trivia prove to be a hit sparking various thoughts and engaging conversation. In particular, we all learnt more about collective nouns of animal groups, food and nutrition, chocolate, group nouns and gardening. Our new

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program will cover topics on Australia, the 1950’s, Mother’s Day, flower trivia and general knowledge.

With the cooler weather coming, some chronic illnesses will flare up. Please focus on a good diet with lots of vegetables, especially the dark leafy green veggies to boost your immunity before Winter. Be proactive in preparing for the Winter weather, you know it is going to be cold so set yourself some goals on what you would like to achieve during this time. Things like reading a book, cleaning

or de-cluttering the house etc. That way Winter will be a little more enjoyable and Spring will arrive quicker. Put a plan in place that keeps you in a cheery frame of mind and don’t forget your daily dose of Vitamin D from the morning sun, 20mins is a perfect length of time during Winter

Take care have a good laugh each day.

Regards

Ell Gatt JP

Happy Birthday

Therese G, Merle S,

Sharrynanne C, Beryl B

We had our first session for the year on the 15th of February and what a massive day it was!! Corinna did a fantastic job on the day.

There was a big demand for everyone to have their feet done on the day due to not having any sessions during December and January. But we are now back on board for the New Year!

Each session is having more people join the program which is great to see. A very big thank you to all the staff, volunteers, bus drivers and bus assistants who work tirelessly to make this day run smoothly.

So if you have trouble cutting your own toenails, if you have diabetes or other foot conditions and would like to

have your feet pampered here at the Cottage every 6 weeks on a Thursday, please come and see me and I can give you an information pack. The next dates are:

10th May

21st June

2nd August

13th September

25th October

6th December

Until then keep dancing,

Sarah Clarke

Admin/DT Assistant

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Donations: Patchwork $500, Olga S $150, Roma J $50,

Erna H $50, Nita P $20, Robyn O $12, Darinka R $10

Remember all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Warren

Hi Everyone and welcome to the Transport report for this edition.

Members moved onto different

buses:

With our numbers increasing we have had to move members onto different buses to accommodate for new people starting here at the Cottage. We do try and keep the movement to as little as possible but sometimes it is unavoidable and some members may need to move to other buses or be picked up later or earlier depending on where they fall on the bus.

We thank all members for their patience and understanding as we build our numbers up here at the Cottage so you can get to know more people and make new friends.

Warren is currently on extended leave so I have the honour of doing this report. The pressure was on to find a good joke for you all. Azree and myself went through a few and came

up with 2 so we hope you like them and get a bit of a giggle!!!!

Joke 1:

Heading off to college at the age of 40, I was a bit self-conscious about my advancing years. One morning I complained to my husband that I was the oldest student in my class.

"Even the teacher is younger than I am," I said.

"Yeah, but look at it from my point of view," he said optimistically. "I thought my days of fooling around with college girls were over."

Joke 2:

A police officer jumps into his squad car and calls the station.

“I have an interesting case here,” he says. “A woman shot her husband for stepping on the floor she just mopped.”

“Have you arrested her?” asks the sergeant.

“No, not yet. The floor’s still wet.”

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Date: 6th February 2018 OBJECTIVE 3: Efficient and Effective Management

Attendance: Fay T, Elizabeth D, Michael T, Kerrin B, Janice S, Kath W, Stanley L, Valerie B, Peter M, Azree M

Apologies: George C, Brian F, Robyn O, Sheila J

Next Meeting will be: 3rd April 2018, 10 am.

Item Discussion Outcomes/ solutions

Business arising from previous meeting

New Thursday member

Janice S has joined the committee

Choose appropriate colour code for client advisory Members’ name badges

Still working on it

Training – attended or required

First Aid training

Staff training is to be held on 22nd Feb

Certificates are up to date. Next training session on 8/3/18

Policy development, review and Implementation

Smoking policy is explained and discussed. Focus on staff (especially with tea break)

Suggestion to amend and include volunteers & visitors.

To include a paragraph to cover non-staff personnel

WH&S

A members fall prompted a refresher training that includes safe hoist operation, loading of members and transport

Conducted from 5th Feb for all drivers, assistants and staff

Strategic Plan Updates

July – December Review

Men’s group is underway.

Other business

40th Anniversary function was discussed. At the end of the event MC was about $2000 out of pocket, which was found to be an acceptable amount.

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Other business cont’d

Christmas Parties Survey: future Christmas party is discussed.

Suggested raising money from members and have MC providing all food for morning tea instead of members bringing food individually.

Volunteers’ Christmas party went well at the RSL.

Medical student Angus is conducting surveys currently to get feedback.

To be discussed more during DT’s consultation.

Committee members to encourage members to participate and provide feedback during survey

New paint in Bell room to complement wall mural is completed.

Australia Day – asked about the possibility of raising the flag on special occasions.

Management to explore options for this to occur during the week when programs run

Promotions

Ingleburn Alive Festival 3rd March, we have booked a stall and waiting on confirmation from council

Member suggested Fisher’s Ghost Festival, where a bus could participate in the parade

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This column is for volunteers. It provides a summary of the volunteer meetings held, any notices or issues for volunteers & provides an opportunity for volunteers to have their say

Ell

We currently have 100 volunteers approximately active at the Cottage. I would like to thank all volunteers for their communication, reliability and fantastic efforts over the past month. All your positivity, creativity and feedback has created input and vision moving into the future.

The ground we are covering moving halfway into 2018 has been incredible. Your efforts over the past few months have allowed members to enjoy outings to Nepean Dam, Wollongong and Towradgi Beach Hotel.

I wish to congratulate our Volunteers who completed Volunteer Training over 5 days during the January/February Volunteer support session this year. Covering Work, Health and Safety issues such as Heat Stress, Hand Hygiene, Health & Hygiene and Sun Smart Protection. Our Bus Drivers and Bus Assistants also participated in refresher training on transport & care of our members whilst commuting on the buses.

8 new Volunteers have commenced volunteering with us since the beginning of the year, we hope you are settling in well. We still struggle to fill some role positions. Program & Bus Assistants on Saturdays in the

Bell Program, Kitchen hand on some days and we really do need more Bus Drivers. Both Liverpool Volunteer Resource Centre & Sector Connect – Volunteer Macarthur constantly advertise for us.

I did attend the Macarthur Volunteer Network Meeting on 27th March. This provides a great opportunity to monitor the trends of volunteering in our local area.

I also enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Leaders Conference on Monday, 19th February at the Darling Harbour Convention Centre with Margaret Donnelly. It was an excellent event for ‘Big Picture’ and ‘Out of the Box’ thinking. It highlighted the magic and diversity of what it means to volunteer and the social capital gains and increases by organisations that have now adopted this approach.

Attending these meetings and events helps us to stay on the front foot as a non-profit service. No developments or advancements to the services we provide can be made without a solid, passionate and committed volunteer force. We thank you; our amazing Volunteers for your determination, drive and care to provide a wonderful day activity program to our beautiful

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Thanks to members making use of the donation box for loose change etc. Every

little bit counts. The total received since the last newsletter is

$45.15 which brings the total since July 2017 to;

The Donation box is located near the entrance to the

activity room. (it’s the slot in the wall)

$133.30

New Volunteers

Vanitha E, Sam G, Callum R, Angus G, Linda P, Clarice M,

Rebecca C, Melissa B, Nutan P, Shali B, Patricia M, June D,

Sarah H, Sinini M, Roslyne S

LOST PROPERTY: If you have misplaced an item please see

staff. The Lost Property Box will also be placed on the Trading

table for people to identify their belongings.

members each and every day. It requires the best of everyone present to make the volunteer team of each day unbeatable. We look forward to spoiling you all in National Volunteers Week.

Unfortunately, due to personal commitments and added time constraints I am currently unable to be at the Cottage daily. I will be present as much as possible. When I am not available you have enjoyed the support of Josip and you always have the support of your Co-ordinators and Staff members - we are all on the same team. I do look forward to bringing the Stepping On Program to the Cottage in May which will benefit all that are attending for the 8 weeks. We will have a lot of fun, learn lots together with great guest speakers.

With the cooler weather coming,

some chronic illnesses will flare up. Please communicate with your Co-ordinators and Staff members. Arthritis is one of these pesky conditions that can reduce our ability to complete tasks. By discussing this, both you and the staff member can devise a plan that allows your day to be enjoyable without pain and the staff member is not left guessing as to why you’re not your usual cheery self.

Take care and keep smiling.

Regards

Ell Gatt JP

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New members:

Bhaskar B, Madhuri B, Dianne P, Carman H, Barbara L, Raymond M, Anne E, Colin T, Clive B, Rita B, Gladys B

Welcome Back:

Bev J, June B, Sheila J

Sick:

Helen D, Lynette F, Bibi R, Fred C, Les B, Ron M

Members that have passed away:

Jeff L, Kenneth H

Members that have gone into

permanent care:

Thomas G, Daryl B, Donald G, Roslyn M, Raymond M, Elda K

Members that have moved out of

the area:

Julie C, Kitty R. Patricia B

Members that have left the

Cottage:

Arthur R, Norma B, Tina H, Maria De M, Veronica H, Terrence C, Heather C

Thought:

We could learn a lot from,

crayons … some are sharp,

some are pretty and some are

dull. Some have weird names,

and all are different colours,

but they all have to live in the

same box

We hope you enjoy your time with us

at Myrtle Cottage & make new friends

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HAPPY

BIRTHDAY! The February birthstone, amethyst, is said to strengthen relationships and

give its wearer courage. At one time, only royalty could wear the gem.

Members:

Sheila J

Shirley B

Madhuri B

Marcela M

Michael C

Therese G

Janet G

Marion J

Merle S

Nola D

Andrew M

Volunteers:

Debbie W

Roslyne S

Dorothy B

Narelle F

Sally F

Karen S

Sharon M

Jeraldine B

Dave H

Denise M

Kerrin B

Colin S

Staff:

Sarah C

Josip P

Sharny J

The March birthstone, aquamarine, was thought to cure heart, liver, and

stomach diseases — all one had to do was drink the water in which the gem

had been soaking.

Members:

Sharrynanne C

Helen B

Beryl B

Patricia W

Kathleen O

Patricia P

Jo'anne T

Robert M

Anton B

Volunteers:

Mick S

Michelle M

Phillip C

Clara F

Christine W

Sarah W

Mary C

Soes I

Staff:

Mohd Azree M

There was no suggestion forms in the Improvement Box for this Newsletter. Please remember to use these forms, found on the brochure stand or from staff, for any comments, suggestions or improvements. We need these ideas to help Myrtle Cottage grow and develop.

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Objective

Myrtle Cottage is committed to collecting, storing, keeping up to date and disposing of members records in ways that protect privacy and ensure confidentiality maintained. This policy will operate in conjunction with the organisation’s Privacy Policy. Myrtle Cottage conforms to the Federal Privacy Act (1988) and the Australian Privacy Principles that govern the collection, use and storage of personal information.

Definition and scope

Myrtle Cottage will:

Collect and keep information about members only when it is relevant and necessary to the provision of the service.

Ensure data about each client is up to date, accurate and secure, whether stored in hard copy or electronically, in accordance with privacy legislation.

Take account of any relevant cultural or religious sensitivities for people using services in the way of collecting, storing and using their information.

Store members’ records for the required length of time.

Transfer or dispose of member records correctly.

Give members an option to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym unless an exemption under the Privacy Act applies.

Provide information to members about managing their personal information.

When the organisation collects, stores, updates and uses identifiable data about a client, the following procedures will guarantee the privacy of the member ensuring records are appropriate, accurate and secure.

Procedure

Collecting identifiable data

Myrtle Cottage collects and records the following information about individual clients:

Ongoing Needs Identification – used for collecting information at referral

Assessment Checklist – used to collect information relevant for service provision

Members Profile – used to ensure a person centered approach

Care Plan – used to record individual goals

Service Agreement – used to outline individual involvement at Myrtle Cottage

This information also assists:

service monitoring and evaluation

Members Records Procedure

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(de-identified information only is used for this purpose)

meeting the reporting requirements of Commonwealth and State Minimum Data Set (de-identified information only is used for this purpose)

monitoring and management of service to individuals (case files)

meeting the legal requirements of Privacy Principles

providing a person centered service with Montessori structure (meaningful activities to maintain memories, dignity and independence)

An annual audit linked with Coordinators Support and Supervision will review the scope of information collected to ensure that only relevant information recorded, used and updated.

Annually Myrtle Cottage program staff will request the following information from the members:

Program activities

Outing activities

Contact details

Non-response procedure

If identifiable information about a member is required for another agency e.g. referral, the staff member will obtain the member’s consent for this and record verbal consent in case notes with explanation or obtain the member’s signature on a consent form.

Storage and use of identifiable data

Information collected about individual members is stored in the following ways:

Paper files created from referral. Folders are files in lockable filing cabinets in the main office.

Electronic files created from referral in TRACCS client management system. Staff have their own password and are not to give out or use other passwords. Access to electronic file content allocated per position.

Computer access including access to TRACCS determined by position and needs authorizing to activate.

Members may request access to their files verbally or in writing to the program Coordinator or Management. Access by a member to their file requires the authorisation of the Manager and arranged by program Coordinator once approved. A request for access by a member considered and dealt with within 7 days.

… continue reading in next Newsletter

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Hi everyone

I am happy to say that the kitchen crew are working really hard together. The kitchen crew and I would like to welcome Nutan and Shali, who are two new volunteers in the kitchen. They will be working on Wednesdays and Fridays, so let’s make them feel welcomed.

I have been trailing a few new recipes with the kitchen crew and have received comments praising the food that we have been producing. I would like to thank my kitchen crew as I would probably struggle, but with their knowledge and guidance, I am becoming more confident every day that I am in the kitchen. I am also looking forward to the next few weeks as more challenges will appear but as a team we will be able to overcome them.

If anybody has any suggestions about an ideas for dessert or morning tea, please write them down and place them in the suggestion box. The recipe that is below has been tested and I can confirm that it makes a nice gooey brownie.

Quick and Easy

Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

125g butter

1/2 cup cocoa powder

3 eggs (60g)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence

1 1/2 cup caster sugar

3/4 cup plain flour

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees C and line a medium (22cmx22cm) square baking dish with baking paper.

2. Sift the cocoa into a medium bowl. Melt the butter over low heat. When the butter is melted add to the cocoa in a steady stream, stirring with a metal fork as you go. Continue to whisk until smooth.

3. Whisk the eggs and vanilla essence together. Add to the cocoa mixture in a steady stream, whisking with the fork as you go, until smooth.

4. Stir through the caster sugar until well combined.

5. Fold in the flour and stir gently until evenly and just combined.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until firm to touch. Allow the brownies to cool in the tray before cutting and serving. ENJOY!

From Jordan & the Kitchen Crew

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Service of the month:

New GP after hours bulk

billed services for South

Western Sydney

New after hours GP services are now open across South Western Sydney. The services, which have been commissioned by South Western Sydney PHN, now operate from locations in Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Campbelltown & Southern Highlands, providing urgent GP after hours care to South Western Sydney residents.

The expanded services are funded by the Federal Government through South Western Sydney PHN.

The clinic in Liverpool is open from 6.30pm to 10pm on weeknights; 1pm to 10pm on Saturdays; and 10am to 10pm on Sundays at Shop 12, 32/40 Moorebank Village, Stockton Ave, Moorebank.

The Campbelltown clinic at 23 Chamberlain St offers services from 6pm to 10pm on weeknights and from 2pm to 10pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Bankstown after hours GP clinic is operating from 2pm to 10pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at Brigadoon Medical Centre, corner Macarthur Ave and Brett St, Revesby while Fairfield clinic operates from 6pm to 10pm on weeknights, and from 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, and Sundays at Barone Pharmacy in

Ware St Fairfield. A second clinic is open at 218 The Boulevarde, Fairfield Heights from 6pm to 10pm on Saturdays & Sundays, and from 2pm to 10pm on public holidays.

Southern Highlands after hours clinic is located at 6B Mona Road, Bowral, and is open from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, 10am to midday and 3pm to 5pm on Sunday. The clinic also opens on public holidays at various times.

For after hours times, phone 4861 6433.

The new services replace the previous after-hours GP clinics in Liverpool and Campbelltown hospital, providing more accessibility to after hours medical care for patients when their regular GP is closed or not available. A report will be provided to the patient’s nominated GP the next day for follow-up and ongoing care.

Open for patients: 23 Chamberlain Street, Campbelltown, is the new home for the

local after hours GP clinic, officially opened today. Pictured at the opening are

PHN ceo Keith McDonald, (right) the clinic’s lead GP Dr Joe Nicholas, (left) and

Hume MP Angus Taylor

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01/04/18: Easter Saturday

02/04/18: Easter Monday

03/04/18: Client Advisory Committee Meeting 10.00am

04-05/04/18: Seniors Week — Lets Do More Together www.nswseniorsweek.com.au

14-29/04/18: School Holidays

25/04/18: Anzac Day Holiday

10/05/18: Happy Feet Project Day — Podiatry

13/05/18: Mother’s Day

21-27/05/18: National Volunteers Week www.volunteeringaustralia.org/nvw

05/06/18: Client Advisory Committee Meeting 10.00am

11/06/18: Queen’s Birthday Holiday

21/06/18: Happy Feet Project Day — Podiatry

07-22/07/18: School Holidays

02/08/18: Happy Feet Project Day — Podiatry

06/08/18: Bank Holiday

07/08/18: Client Advisory Committee Meeting 10.00am

23/08/18: Staff Training Day — Cottage closed

27-31/08/18: Client Advisory Committee Nominations (Mon, Tues, Wed)

02/09/18: Father’s Day

13/09/18: Happy Feet Project Day — Podiatry

29/09-13/10/18: School Holidays

01/10/18: Labour Day Holiday

02/10/18: Client Advisory Committee Meeting 10.00am

14-20/10/18: Carers’ Week www.carernsw.org.au/national-carers-week

24/10/18: Annual General Meeting

25/10/18: Happy Feet Project Day — Podiatry

23/11/18: Volunteers Christmas Party

04/12/18: Client Advisory Committee Meeting 10.00am

06/12/18: Happy Feet Project Day — Podiatry

08/12/18: Bell Careers’ Christmas Party

10-14/12/18: Daily Christmas Parties

20/12/18: Members’ last day for the year

20/12/18: School Holidays (start)

02/01/19: First day back

Important Dates to Put In Your Diary

Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late!!

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