Pioneer House Pearls
DECEMBER 2011
In my final Pioneer Pearls for 2011 I would like to extend my thanks to the community of Mudgee for all the support you have provided Pioneer House during the year. It is with your support that we have been able to achieve many things.
As we move into the festive season things are very busy at Pioneer House. Some of our residents have been Christmas Shopping in the evening. Big W invited them to come after closing to make their purchases in a quieter setting and provided a lovely supper afterwards. A trip to see the Mudgee Christmas lights is scheduled, as are our two Christmas parties, both being held on Thursday 16th December.
We have hung all our decorations and the facility looks very festive. Decorating is a big job and a few of our wonderful staff have volunteered their time to help us with this. Gayle Brodie, in particular spent her three days off decorating feverishly.
On reflecting on 2011 I can say that it has been a year of physical activity at Pioneer House. We have introduced Yoga, Tai Chi, Walking Groups, Sports activities including table tennis, table cricket, boccia etc. And we have reaped the rewards. Residents are physically fitter, according to our physiotherapist who measures these things, and behaviours of concern have been reduced by 77% in our low care dementia wing. These results are beyond our dreams and demonstrate how important physical activity is for all ages.
The next couple of weeks are busy and exciting in the lead up to Christmas and we are looking forward to it. On behalf of Residents, Staff, Management and Board members I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Diana Newman
CEO/Director of Nursing
NOVEMBER 2011
Life is full of surprises and today we have been blessed with a lovely surprise. The TAFE drawing class is here today to draw portraits of our residents. It was so interesting to hear of their journey from drawing a baby, a teenager and a middle aged person to today, drawing our residents whose life experiences are etched on their faces. Being of no artistic talent whatsoever, it was fascinating to hear the descriptions of each of these stages of life, and also very moving.
Interaction with our community is an integral part of life at Pioneer House. Our residents have been a part of a community all their lives and living in Pioneer House does not mean that this has to stop. The TAFE students here today are an example of this.
As Christmas approaches we are grateful to the community for their efforts in ensuring residents have a joyful Christmas season. This busy time is enhanced by various groups including the View Club, Rotary Club of Mudgee Sunrise, our volunteers, Dance Unlimited and many others. The bus trip to see the Christmas lights of Mudgee is always a highlight for residents, and a wonderful way to enjoy the efforts of the Mudgee community.
As we work towards our Accreditation assessment in January we can be thankful that the Mudgee community assists us in so many ways, to improve the lives of Pioneer House residents and make for such happy times.
Diana Newman
CEO/Director of Nursing
OCTOBER 2011
We were thrilled to be the recipients of a $5000 donation from Club Mudgee in September. We held a lovely afternoon tea with Club Mudgee Board Members, CEO and staff and, of course, our residents, to celebrate and say thank you. Once again the generosity of organisations is overwhelming.
It is not long to go to our big Garage Sale which has had a number of names to date, including Sale of the Century and Aged Care Treasure Sale. Whatever we call it, it is going to be lots of fun.
Put Saturday October 15th into your diary and come and rummage through the treasures that will be on offer from 9 a.m.
Or better still, bring in your treasures for us to sell and raise funds for Pioneer House, or book a site for $30 and you can sell your own treasures.
If you can help us before, or on the day please let us know as soon as possible.
All proceeds will go towards purchasing items that improve the lives of Pioneer House residents, so please support us in this fundraising venture.
If treasure sales are not your ‘thing’ consider attending our Auction Dinner on Thursday 3rd November at di Lusso Estate. Auction items include a 3 day getaway to Hamilton Island and air fares from Mudgee to Hamilton Island. Posters will be going up around the facility and the town soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
Diana Newman, CEO/Director of Nursing
SEPTEMBER 2011
Pioneer House was again, this year, a beneficiary of funds from the Black Nugget Race Meeting held by the Mudgee Race Club and sponsored by Peabody. This is the third year that we have received a cheque and we extend our gratitude to Peabody and the Race Club. And what great weather this year!
Our next major fundraiser was to be a Fete, but circumstances beyond our control have meant that we will not hold a Fete this year. However we will have a Sale of the Century – Aged Care Treasures.
This will be a huge garage sale, scheduled for Saturday 15th October and you can participate in one of two ways:
• Bring all your treasures to us and we will sell them and retain the proceeds
• Book a site and sell your own treasures. Pay us $30 for the site and you get to keep the proceeds of your sales.
If you choose the first option, phone us and arrange a time for you to drop your treasures with us, before 15th October.
If you choose the second option, call Loretta at Pioneer House on 6378 1144 and book your site.
And don’t forget our Dinner Auction on November 3rd at Di Lusso’s. Chef Rebecca Sutton will provide the mouth watering food and some fabulous items will be for sale in the auction, including flights and three nights on Hamilton Island. Please phone 6378 1144 to book.
Diana Newman, CEO/Director of Nursing
AUGUST 2011
Pioneer House is always well supported by the Mudgee community, in many ways. Recently three of our Mid-Western Regional Council members directed donations totalling $1500 from their discretionary funds, and a couple of Mudgee citizens donated money for us to buy an electric bed and pressure relieving mattress.
Along with these amazing acts of generosity we also rely on the community to support fund raising events. We will soon be asking you for that support for events to be held in the upcoming months:
The Pioneer House Fete: Saturday 15th October from 9 am till 2 pm in the grounds of the facility. This year we will be able to take full advantage of our Secret Garden which will create a lovely safe family atmosphere, so come along and join us.
The Pioneer House Auction Dinner: Thursday 3rd November at Di Lusso’s. Some amazing items will be up for auction including 3 night’s accommodation on Hamilton Island for 2 people!
All of the funds raised assist us to provide an interesting, fun and safe life for residents. And it works! I was speaking to one of our residents this morning who, yesterday, attended exercises, joined in (and played the drums) at Sing-a-long, went out to lunch and then returned for the afternoon’s card games at Pioneer House. I wish my social life was that good!
Conversely we are able to provide equipment that ensures great comfort during the final days of a resident’s life. This time is such an important one for residents and their families and we make every effort to make it a special journey that is as free from pain as possible. Additional funds allow us to do this to a high standard and we know that is works, from the very positive feedback we receive from families.
So thank you Mudgee and keep supporting us.
Diana Newman
CEO/Director of Nursing.
JULY 2011
We have had a very busy time lately in the Activities areas. Most of our residents will know that we have been undertaking some renovations to these areas. The Activities staff’s office has undergone a complete facelift. Gone are the old desks, cupboards and filing cabinets, none of which matched, and in their places are beautiful new desk tops, shelves and built in cupboards. This enables staff to work much more efficiently and effectively for the benefit of residents.
Gone also are the less than perfect storage conditions that existed in our Activities room. We now have beautiful built in cupboards to store all our Activities equipment, allowing us to reclaim space and order! The difference is significant and has enabled us to provide a much safer and more workable environment for residents. Everyone has been very helpful and cooperative during the renovations, which has greatly assisted in making it a smooth undertaking.
Another addition to the Pioneer House environment is multiple new noticeboards. These provide us with another method of communicating with residents and visitors and we hope everyone will take the time to read the items posted. It will also enable us to display photographs and other items of interest that show people some of the great things we do.
Pioneer House has also been successful in applying for a Palliative Care Grant. Whilst the details have not yet been released, this grant will enable us to purchase equipment that will improve the care and comfort of residents in their final days. The ability to improve this important part of life’s journey is welcome and will complement the superb care provided by our staff to dying residents.
Don’t forget Pioneer House’s Golf Day is being held on 17th July at the Golf Club. Please consider getting a team together for this day of fun and competition. The four ball Ambrose event includes a barbecue lunch, followed by the awarding of prizes and auction. Cost is $25 per player with a shotgun start at 11.00 am.
Diana Newman, CEO/Director of Nursing.
JUNE 2011
At the moment we are all suffering from renovation fatigue. There are lots of different projects going on and the maintenance team are being run off their feet.
We have a gorgeous activities room that overlooks the secret garden, but at the time of building the new wings, a toilet was not installed to be easily accessible to that area. Our fabulous Board Building committee has approved the installation of a new resident’s toilet next to the activities room, within the current large resident’s laundry.
The laundry has been temporarily relocated and will be reinstalled back in the renovated space which will then consist of smaller laundry and a separate toilet.
As part of the activities room renovations, we are also installing more storage space in the activities room and refurbishing the activity staff’s office space.
Fundraising provides much needed funds for the types of projects such as those mentioned above and the next major fundraiser is the Pioneer House Golf Day
to be held on Sunday the 17th of July. Please consider getting a group together to play. The cost is $25 per player. Hit off is 11.00 am and will be a four ball Ambrose event (if you are a golfer, you will know what that means). If you are not a golfer, I think it means that you play in a team of four and all hit off from the tee. The ball that is hit the furthest is then played on the next shot and so on. Quite fun really, even for the novice and serious competitor alike!
There are team prizes – nearest to the pin, longest drive etc as well as a complimentary barbecue lunch for participants. After the golf has finished for the day we will wind up with an Auction of items donated by the local business houses within the community.
The first prize for this year’s raffle is a Palsonic 80cm LCD TV and second prize is a Breville 7 litre slow cooker. Third prize consists of a Sunbeam kettle/toaster pack. Tickets are available now for purchase at Pioneer House Reception and will also be at the event on the day. They are $2 per ticket or 3 for $5.
To book your team or for more information you can call Pioneer House on 63781144, the Mudgee Golf Club Pro Shop 63722686 or Scott Fittler 0407 224414.
MAY 2011
Last month I wrote about exercise and its value for the residents of Pioneer House (and some Directors of Nursing, who shall remain nameless!)
This month we are looking at music. We all have our favourite music, or music that strikes a memory. Some of us will have learn to play, with varying degrees of success, a musical instrument, or been part of a choir.
We are lucky at Pioneer House to have a bona fide drummer!!! Joan was a long time member of a band and has brought her very own drum kit to Pioneer House, along with a number of other percussion instruments. Every time we have a music event, such as Sing-a-long, View Club singers or Happy Hour, to name a few, Joan is there playing her drums to accompany the music.
Joan has a little trouble remembering things from time to time, but you should see her when she plays the drums, and when the other residents join her with the percussion instruments it is fantastic. The joy on Joan’s face is a delight, as is the reaction of other residents.
Music certainly soothes the soul, and in our case not only gives joy to the residents but to those of us who cannot resist being in the audience EVERY TIME they play! It’s also another great exercise tool – have you played the maracas or the tambourine lately?
APRIL 2011
Activities are an important part of life at Pioneer House. We have had some really exciting things happen, surrounding activities lately that we would like to share with you.
Our new and very vibrant Activities Officer (RAO), Amanda, has introduced twice weekly sessions of Manasa Yoga for our residents. This is a Yoga program that can be undertaken whilst seated and the popularity of this has grown very quickly. Not only is it an opportunity to exercise, but an opportunity to learn to relax and be in control. Residents of all abilities are able to attend and do so in their droves.
This complements our Tai Chi sessions each Friday, run by our lovely volunteer, Carol, and is another way of exercising that benefits all those who participate.
Recently we were offered the opportunity for RAO staff to be trained to use the Sports Ability kits available, through disability services, for us to borrow to use with our residents. We purchased a very nifty table tennis table that folds up and stores beautifully, and it is on wheels, making it very easy to move. On this table our residents can play all sorts of games using equipment from the Sports Ability Kit.
Today, we had our inaugural Pioneer House Sports Day, followed by a barbecue lunch. Everyone will sleep very well tonight, judging by the amount of activity and laughter that could be heard during the day. I am not sure who won, but I think every resident thought it was him or her, which was exactly our aim! We had volleyball, table tennis, cricket and bocce just to name a few.
Along with our regular individual and group exercise programs, our residents are able to participate in a wide range of physical activities which have a myriad of benefits, including improved coordination, muscle strength, balance, circulation and breathing, as well as an improved sense of well-being and achievement.
Pioneer House is a fit, happy, healthy place to be, which is great for everyone.
Diana Newman
CEO/Director of Nursing
MARCH 2011
URGENT MESSAGE: Have you marked your diary for the 26th March?
Not only is it Election Day but it is also Region on the River, the special event being held in Lawson Park (by the river in Short St), to raise money for Pioneer House and Kanandah.
It starts at 12:00 midday and goes through to 7:00 pm and is a showcase of regional wine and food featuring wine, the food producers, local chefs and restaurants PLUS family events and entertainment.
There will be over 15 wineries and 10 food outlets plus children’s entertainment, music, bands and lots of other things to see and do. It will be a great family fun day so come along and join us and help us to provide our residents with a great quality of life.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Pioneer House has just completed a ‘makeover’ for our Braeholme courtyard. Braeholme is our high care dementia specific unit and the courtyard had become unsafe for residents. We have laid concrete paths and installed artificial turf, along with raised garden beds, new plants and gorgeous garden furniture. Our next purchase will be a water feature. It looks really lovely and provides a safe and secure environment for our residents. We can’t wait to have morning tea in the garden and do some physical activities! Our maintenance staff, in particular have put in a huge effort to achieve this for our residents.
It is for these types of initiatives that the fundraising dollar is so vital, so please support
REGION ON THE RIVER
LAWSON PARK, BY THE RIVER
SATURDAY 26TH MARCH 2011
FROM 12:00 TO 7:00 PM
Diana Newman
CEO/Director of Nursing
FEBRUARY 2011
Pioneer Pearls begins on a very sad note this month. We are all mourning the loss of resident, Selby Haworth, who was editor, publisher and official photographer of our monthly Newsletter.
Selby died on 5th February at Pioneer House. He had been involved with the Newsletter for 12 months, taking on the publishing and editing, initially, but quickly becoming a keen photographer of events which might be appearing in our Newsletter. Beautiful photos of outings became a real feature of our Newsletter, along with his whimsical turn of phrase, which was very well loved. Selby was always seeking tidbits for publishing, at every turn, and working most days on the layout and wording, on his computer.
Selby asked me, each month, for a contribution. Initially he would politely ask and wait patiently. Of course I would forget, and he would come to see me and apologetically remind me that I needed to forward my ‘bit’. Eventually we worked out that the best way to do it was for Selby to email me his request, and if I hadn’t responded, to email me again. This worked well for both of us and meant that my ‘bit’ was received in good time.
So, rest in peace, Selby. Your contributions to our Newsletter will be forever remembered.
Make a date in your diary for Saturday 26th March. The wine and food festival called Region on the River is being held at Lawson Park on that day and is going to be a fabulous event. All proceeds will assist Pioneer House and Kanandah. The committee for this event has organised lots of entertainment and activities, as well as a large variety of food and wine experiences. So don’t miss it, and support Mudgee Aged Care at the same time.
Diana Newman
CEO/Director of Nursing
January 2011
Christmas and New Year are over for another year! Phew! Pioneer House residents participated in many events in the lead up to Christmas, including a trip to see the Christmas lights, an evening visit to Big W to do some Christmas shopping, entertainment by a number of groups, including Rotary Mudgee Sunrise and the fabulous View Club and our very own Pioneer House Christmas party!
We made some changes to our Christmas party this year, with a separate party held for our residents with dementia. We also invited the children and grandchildren of staff to join us, and receive a gift from Santa. This proved to be a great success – noisy, messy and huge fun. Hilton Morgan once again proved a great Santa, ably assisted by Beryl.
We received lots of wonderful comments about our Christmas decorations this year. Last year we had a major clean out of decorations – a big hotch potch of decorations, many of which had seen better days, were discarded and new decorations were sought and bought. The result was a very classy display!
We began 2011 with an unannounced visit from the Standards and Accreditation Agency, resulting in a very positive outcome. The Agency assessors particularly praised our community involvement, through U3A classes, and also the many other sections of the community who come to Pioneer House and assist us to improve the lives of our residents. The Mudgee community is so generous to Pioneer House and how lovely to have that involvement recognised by ‘outsiders’.
The Agency also praised our innovative solutions for individual residents, and the efforts we take to meet their needs in creative ways, that cater to each person’s tastes and desires. We cannot do this without community assistance and it is the community’s efforts that allow us to receive such glowing praise.
So, a great big THANK YOU to you all. Have a wonderful 2011 and we look forward to your ongoing support.
Don’t forget our ‘Region on the River’ event on March 26th. This will be well publicised and promises to be a great festival of food, wine and lots of fun.
Diana Newman
CEO/Director of Nursing
