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Published by Southern Cross Care WA, 2018-07-16 03:39:23

Southern Star Magazine Winter 2018

Southern Star Magazine Winter 2018

Southern Star
magazine

2018 winter edition

From the CEO

Welcome to the winter 2018 Fremantle, Southern Plus East In this edition you can also
edition of Southern Star Fremantle will be a unique health read about some of our clients,
magazine. and wellness precinct, combining residents and volunteers who
In this edition, we’re delighted a contemporary residential inspire us with their unique and
to share with you a number of aged care facility with an onsite very personal stories. When I read
new initiatives we’re introducing health and wellness centre these stories, not only does it
that reflects our commitment to with medical and allied health remind me of the challenges faced
providing the best possible care specialists (i.e. geriatricians, GP’s, by so many in our community, but
and services to our clients and physiotherapists) and exercise and I’m extremely proud of the positive
residents. rehabilitative facilities. We believe contribution the SCC and Southern
One of the initiatives that we our state of the art facilities, first Plus team makes every day in the
are particularly proud of is the class hospitality and 24-hour care, lives of our clients and residents.
opening of Southern Plus East will deliver numerous benefits for We always welcome contributions
Fremantle. Located at the former not only our residents but also for and feedback from our valued
Kaleeya Hospital site in East the wider community and will set a clients and residents for Southern
new standard in aged care. Star, and you can do so by
As always we have a number of contacting your facility manager
informative health and wellness at your location or by emailing
stories including exercises for [email protected].
osteoarthritis, dealing with nerve On behalf of the team at SCC and
pain and tips for staying healthy Southern Plus, I would like to thank
during winter. We’ve also included you for your continued support
a story by our Dementia Services and hope you enjoy this edition of
and Pastoral Care teams which Southern Star.
addresses the very difficult
situation that so many of us are Errol Turner
faced with at one time or another Chief Executive Officer
- living with loss.

Star Contents Your
feedback
Resident Feature: Ross Bartlett 3
There are many ways you can
Around our community 4-5 have your say. If you would like
to make a suggestion regarding
Southern Plus East Fremantle 6-7 Southern Star magazine, please
email [email protected]
SCC launches new real estate business 8
Southern Star magazine is
ILU residents benefit from on-site health and wellness 9 published by Southern Cross Care
(WA) Inc and is subject to copyright
New home care bundles 10-11 in its entirety. The contents may not
be reproduced in any form, either
Staying healthy in winter 12-13 in whole or part, without written
permission from the publisher.
Overcoming osteoarthritis 14 All rights reserved in material
accepted for publication unless
Open days highlight benefits of respite care 15 specified otherwise.

Living with loss 16-17

Understanding nerve pain 18-19

Innovative soccer program gives Stephen a new lease on life 20

Harry finds his purpose through volunteering 21

Winter soup recipe 22

Real estate listings 24

2 Southern Star Magazine

RESIDENT FEATURE

Resident Feature:

Ross Bartlett

88 year old Ross Bartlett has After meeting and marrying Eileen “I’m very fortunate to have a
been living at Thomas Perrott in 1951, and then starting a family, wonderful family who visit me
Village for the past 12 months, Ross decided to leave the air force often and are always checking
having downsized from his home and settle down firstly in York and in on me. I enjoy getting out and
in Kwinana after sadly losing then in Kwinana. Soon after, he about so I’m often going out for
his wife of 65 years Eileen to joined BP at its Kwinana Refinery, lunch with family too,” he said.
cancer. He also receives home working there for 30 years in Ross said he’s glad he made the
care services from Southern Plus, various roles, finally retiring in move to Thomas Perrott, enjoying
including physiotherapy, cleaning 1985. the community atmosphere, low
and occasional transportation to maintenance lifestyle and support
appointments. Retirement provided a wonderful he receives from the Southern
opportunity for Ross and his wife Plus team.
Ross was born in York, Western to take off and explore Australia, “The other residents here are very
Australia, to a farming family. He which they enjoyed doing for the nice. It’s a friendly place, which is
said York was a fairly desolate next 11 years. good because it can be lonely after
town in those days, and with little my wife passed away. I also find my
or no medical services in the “We both wanted to have an villa easy to look after, especially
region, he was literally born in a adventure and see Australia so we having the weekly cleaning service
‘horse and cart’. purchased a 4WD and a caravan from Southern Plus.
and off we went. We had a “Both Southern Cross Care and
“There was not much there when fantastic time going off the beaten Southern Plus have been fantastic.
I was growing up and my parents track and we were lucky enough My Wellness Partner Linda, in
did it pretty tough, especially when to see some amazing places”. particular, is wonderful, tending to
the depression hit”. my every need and making sure
With three children, six all my home care services are in
At the age of 14, Ross went off to grandchildren, eight place,” Ross said.
work doing various jobs, including great-grandchildren and lots of
a stint with the WA Farmers extended family close by, family Ross and his wife Eileen
Co-operative Company and the plays a huge part in Ross’ life.
WA Government Railways until
deciding to join the air force in
1947 aged 18.

3

Around our community

Profile – Norm Eaton Southern Cross Care salutes our
Anzac heroes
As we commemorate ANZAC Day, we’d like to
pay tribute to 98 year old Bunbury resident and Residents, family members and staff at SCC
Southern Plus home care client Richard ‘Norm’ locations across Western Australia held events to
Eaton who served during World War 2. commemorate Anzac Day.

Born and raised in Goomaling, in 1939 he joined At Success Village, over 90 people attended the
the AIF at Northam and sailed from Fremantle ANZAC Day service which had been arranged
for the Middle East in April 1940. by resident Terry Corkhill. Wreaths were laid and
addresses made by a number of residents, including
Along with British and New Zealand units, the the reciting of ‘The Ode’ by resident Ken Thompson,
Australians were in action in the Libya campaign followed by ‘The Last Post’ and a minute’s silence.
and then, without adequate equipment, were
ordered into Greece to dislodge the German Over 40 residents and guests at Margaret Hubery
occupation force. When that ploy was failing, House (MHH) remembered the fallen with a beautiful
the Allied units were sent to Crete to attempt and moving service followed by a singalong and
a similar task, but again didn’t succeed. morning tea.
Unfortunately, Norm was injured and taken
prisoner, spending four years in a German MHH residents enjoy
prisoner of war camp in Poland. Today, he is pet therapy
greatly honoured by the Greek community in
Australia as one of two remaining Australian Margaret Hubery House
survivors of that ill-fated Crete campaign. (MHH) residents recently
enjoyed cuddling and feeding
After the war, Norm married Marjorie in 1946 and some gorgeous baby animals
worked on land clearing for war settlement farms from the ‘Old Macdonald’s
in Denmark. Shortly after, they moved back to Travelling Farm’. The event
their own farm in Goomaling, and in 1956 with was thanks to the generosity
their five children, moved to a farm in Boyup of Dr Sue Joubert from
Brook. In 1972 he and Majorie retired to Bunbury, Kenwick Vet Hospital and her
however he now lives with one of his sons. mother Alison Pailthorpe who
is a resident at MHH.
Norm has been a member of the Knights of the
Southern Cross for 68 years mostly in the Boyup
Brook/Bridgetown/Manjimup Branch until he
moved to Bunbury. During that time he occupied
most branch positions, helped build the Boyup
Brook Catholic primary school, presbytery
and convent and was a long-term president
of the school’s P&F association. He is also a
Life Member of the RSL and active in the Torch
Bearers for Legacy.

4 Southern Star Magazine

Kath Thompson Margherita celebrates 90th
celebrates 101st birthday birthday

Congratulations to long-time BF Congratulations to one of our longest
Prindiville resident Kath Thompson standing home care clients, Margherita
who recently celebrated her 101st Da Campo who recently celebrated
birthday. To mark the special her 90th birthday. Margherita, who has
occasion, SCC CEO Errol Turner two daughters, five grandchildren and
and Head of Retirement Villages, three great-grandchildren, attributes
Ken Pantany paid a visit to Kath her longevity to hard work and a no-
to wish her a happy birthday. nonsense approach to life. Pictured
with Margherita are her regular support
workers Shelly Saunders and Tina Bova.

Mothers Day high
tea at FPH

Frank Prendergast
House residents recently
celebrated Mothers Day
with a delicious high tea
held in the Crystal House.
Beforehand, some of the
residents got to show off
their baking talents in the
kitchen by making the
scones for the high tea.

Raising a cuppa for cancer at Success Village

On 17 May, Success Village residents enjoyed a ‘Biggest Morning Tea’, raising
$3,260 for Cancer Council. Residents also sold arts and crafts, gifts and baked
goods and a silver necklace, made and donated by Margaret Maher, was raffled.
Resident and event organiser Sheila Russell said they had a great turnout and
everyone had a wonderful time while raising vital funds to help support people
touched by cancer.

Since 2011, Success residents have raised over $20,000 for Cancer Council.

75 years of Gardening fun at FPH
wedded bliss for
Violet and Arthur Frank Prendergast House
(FPH) residents recently
Congratulations to enjoyed a gardening
Margaret Hubery House session with children from
resident Violet Carbon the local Mater Christi
and her husband Arthur Catholic Primary School
who recently celebrated and Bunnings Cockburn.
their 75th wedding Residents and the children
anniversary. They are planted some flowerpots,
blessed with six children, which will be a lovely
16 grandchildren and 25 addition to the FPH garden
great-grandchildren. during the winter months.

Delivering the next generation
of aged care in East Fremantle

Southern Plus is excited to “Importantly, we believe this Many rooms also have private
announce that it will soon be offering will set new standards in balconies and expansive views of
opening it’s next-generation aged health and wellness and will be a East Fremantle and the Swan River.
care centre in East Fremantle. point of difference for the local
community,” Errol said. The clinical care of residents is
Located on the former Kaleeya of the highest priority, with a
Hospital site which SCC Each of the 83 rooms have been dedicated and experienced team
purchased in 2014 from the State designed and decorated with the providing residents with discrete
Government, Errol Turner SCC CEO maximum comfort, privacy and 24/7 nursing and personal care.
said redevelopment of the site safety of residents in mind, with For residents with dementia,
began in 2016 with nearly every ensuite bathrooms, electronically specialist and high-care dementia
aspect of the site being renovated adjustable beds, premium bed support is available to ensure the
to create an outstanding, linen, towels and toiletries and resident is comfortable and happy
innovative aged care service quality hotel standard furniture. in their surroundings.
under our health and wellness
brand ‘Southern Plus’.

“It is our aim for the new site to
deliver a contemporary integrated
health, wellness and aged care
environment with restorative and
health services for the senior
community in East Fremantle and
surrounding areas.

6 Southern Star Magazine

Through the on-site health and The new centre has been To give residents greater control
wellness centre, residents can designed with spaces that over their day-to-day experiences
access the services of medical provide a welcoming environment and to stay connected with
and allied health specialists for residents and their visitors their family and friends, they
including geriatricians, GPs and to enjoy, incorporating outdoor will have access to the unique
physiotherapists. Residents areas such as balconies, client concierge technology
can also take advantage courtyards and gardens designed ‘Care Cohort’. The application,
of the on-site hydrotherapy specifically for those with which residents and their family
pool, physiotherapy, exercise dementia. Residents can also members can access via a
physiology and exercise classes access common areas where they smart TV or the personal tablet
which are delivered through can relax, socialise or take part supplied in each residents room,
Southern Plus’ partnership with in activities including a spacious offers movies on demand, meal
the School of Medical and Health lounge, library and cards room. management, service requests,
Sciences, Edith Cowan University. health monitoring and internet
Residents will be offered chef- connectivity.
At the heart of Southern Plus designed nutritious meals in a
East Fremantle is a commitment choice of fine dining, casual dining If you would like more
to ensuring residents enjoy or in-room dining locations. The information about Southern Plus
a variety of daily activities, extra’s that are offered include East Fremantle, please contact
entertainment and regular a choice of meals at breakfast,
events to help maintain social lunch and dinner, freshly baked 1300 000 161.
connections. Importantly, whether items for morning and afternoon
it is joining in a garden therapy tea and alcoholic beverages
session, listening to a concert or available with meals, ensuring
watching a movie in the in-house even the most discerning resident
movie theatre, it’s entirely up to is catered for.
residents how they spend their
time and how many activities
they choose to join.

7

SCC launches new real estate
business

In July 2018, Southern Cross Care “We know that when making the Leading the Southern Plus Realty
(SCC) will be launching an exciting decision to move into a retirement team will be Adam Green, a
new initiative, Southern Plus Realty, village or a residential care facility licensed real estate professional
to provide real estate services to there are many important factors with extensive experience in both
all SCC clients. to consider, in particular the sale traditional property and retirement
of the family home, which can be village property transactions.
Grant Blake, SCC’s State Sales a very stressful situation for many
Manager said Southern Plus people. “With his broad range of
Reality would provide an invaluable experience in the real estate
service for those looking to move “With Southern Plus Realty, our industry and strong commitment
into an SCC retirement village or licensed real estate professionals to customer satisfaction, Adam
residential care facility but who can remove a lot of that stress by will ensure SCC clients receive the
needed to sell their family home at providing a seamless ‘one-stop best possible service and advice
the same time. shop’ service by not only assisting throughout the whole process,”
clients to sell the family home, but Grant said.
also organising the purchase of a
unit at any SCC retirement village,” For more information about
Grant said. Southern Plus Realty please
contact Adam Green on
0431 795 686 or email

[email protected].

8 Southern Star Magazine

ILU residents benefit from on-site
health and wellness services

As part of our commitment to ‘Winter Wellness’ seminars at each checks by our GPs will hopefully
providing residents with the best village, providing tips and advice keep them healthy and well during
possible service, we recently to residents about keeping healthy the winter months.
surveyed our retirement village and well during the winter months.
residents to understand what “We are now finalising the new
Southern Plus health and wellness In the future, a new on-site health GP clinic at Success Village and,
services they would like to access. and wellness clinic will also be as we move closer to the launch
The results revealed a high opening at Success Village, with date, we look forward to sharing
demand for on-site health and GP services provided by Dr Yap more information with residents,
wellness services via GPs including and Dr Chong. including the location of the
flu vaccinations, health checks and clinic and how they can make
even house visits. Ken Pantany, SCC’s Head of appointments,” Ken said.
Retirement Villages, said the new
In response to these results, health and wellness initiatives
Southern Plus recently offered offered by Southern Plus would
free flu vaccinations and health provide numerous benefits for
checks by our new GPs Dr Sing residents.
Jack Yap and Dr Michael Chong, to
every retirement village resident. “Not only will residents be able to
Our GPs also ran informative enjoy the convenience of on-site
health and wellness initiatives, but
the flu vaccinations and health

9

New home care bundles

As part of our commitment to meeting the health
and wellness needs of our home care clients,
Southern Plus recently launched its new
next-generation home care bundles.
While each bundle includes different services, every
Southern Plus home care client receives access to
a dedicated Wellness Partner, 24/7 access to our
concierge service and our Same Face Promise.
Julie Arnould, Southern Plus Home Care Operations
Manager, said the bundles had been designed to offer
convenience, flexibility and value for money to clients.
“Our Wellness Partners will work with clients to
understand their health and lifestyle needs and will
be able to recommend the best bundle of services
for the client, ensuring they get the very best service
and support at all times.
“Importantly, our services are flexible so if our clients’
situation or needs change at anytime, so too can the
services they receive and their Wellness Partner will
be happy to assist them with this,” Julie said.
For more information about Southern Plus home
care services, please contact 1300 000 161 or visit
www.southernplus.org.au

HACC now part of Commonwealth Home
Support Programme

From 1 July 2018, Home and Community Care (HACC) services for older people aged 65 years and
over, and 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Western Australia, will
be funded and managed by the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Health through the
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Southern Plus’ CHSP services supports clients to remain independent and living in their own home
for as long as possible, while also helping clients to stay active and connected with their local
community. Some of the CHSP services offered by Southern Plus include social activities, domestic
support, meal preparation and personal care.
For more information about CHSP services please contact one of our friendly care advisors on
1300 000 161.

10 Southern Star Magazine

Home care bundles at a glance

Focus Main services

Provides personal and domestic Community links
services in and around the home or Domestic assistance
local community. P ersonal care
D omestic support
Essentials

Offers our highest level of services Hospital to home
and support, focusing on every Community
aspect of your health and wellbeing. Home support
Health and wellness
Care PlusTM Allied health
Personal alarm
Home is Where With gardening and handy-man Equipment
the Heart is services in addition to in-home
domestic services, this package H ome gardening and Maintenance
Social Links allows you to remain safe, keep A nnual home safety checks
on top of your garden and home D omestic Support
maintenance and enjoy your home. Personal alarm
Equipment
Whether you want some
companionship, social support or Entertainment
assistance with running errands or C ommunity links
paying bills, this package will keep you Social support
connected to life outside your home
and doing the activities you enjoy.

Mind and Provides in-home support or centre D ay centre respite
Memory Support based respite programs to provide In-home respite
people with dementia with additional
support to keep their brain active and D ay centre respite
health resilient, while also providing a In-home respite
much-needed break for carers. Physiotherapy
Personal alarm
Will provide a much-needed break
to carers through access to day and
overnight respite and companionship
services.

Carers Day Off

11

Staying healthy in winter

By Ro Hogan, Head of Clinical Care

While the cooler weather is • Cover your nose and mouth Medication
often a welcome change for with a tissue when you cough or
all of us after the warmer sneeze. Taking paracetamol will help to
summer months, the change relieve your headache, muscle
in climate can present • Throw tissues in the bin after aches and reduce your fever. It’s
health risks especially for you use them. important to check the active
older people. ingredients on your medications
• Wash your hands often with and be careful you don’t
The following tips prepared by the soap and water, especially after double dose (many cold and flu
WA Department of Health offer you cough or sneeze. medicines have paracetamol as
some great advice for staying an active ingredient). Discuss
healthy during the winter months. • Use alcohol-based hand medicines with your pharmacist
sanitisers if you are unable to or doctor before using.
Preventing colds and flu wash your hands after coughing
or before eating. The flu vaccination can also
Colds and flu are particularly help to protect you against
common viruses in winter. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose getting the flu. If you are over
Antibiotics are not a suitable or mouth as germs spread this 65 it is also recommended that
treatment for colds and flu way with your unwashed hands. you be vaccinated against the
because antibiotics target pneumococcal virus as well,
bacteria, not viruses. • Try to avoid close contact with especially if you have a chronic
people who have a flu-like disease as this can assist in
Take the following steps to protect illness. protecting you from pneumonia. If
yourself from colds and flu this you are uncertain if you have been
season: No treatment will cure your cold vaccinated with the pneumococcal
or flu, but if you get plenty of rest vaccine please talk to your doctor.
• Get immunised and protect and stay hydrated you can expect
yourself from flu. to recover quicker.

12 Southern Star Magazine

Eat nutritious foods Drink plenty of water Stay warm

Eating food high in nutritional It’s also important to hydrate Cold weather is especially
value will feed your body the yourself by drinking plenty of dangerous for older people and
vitamins, rich carbohydrates and water throughout the day. people with pre-existing or chronic
fats that give you the nourishment health conditions. People with
you need to recover more quickly. In summer, the hot weather heart conditions or respiratory
reminds us that we are thirsty (breathing) problems may have
While it is very important to rest but it’s easy to neglect hydration worse symptoms during a cold
when sick, bed rest can contribute when the weather becomes spell and for several days after
to you losing muscle tone and cooler because we think our body temperatures return to normal.
muscle mass and this can be doesn’t need any more water.
counteracted by increased protein To keep warm and well during
in your diet. Skin problems, like eczema, also periods of cold weather you
become more common in the should:
While, it may be tempting to eat winter because of the change in
more food in winter, it is better temperature, blustery weather • Keep curtains drawn and doors
to eat a well-balanced diet and indoor heating can dry out closed to block draughts.
throughout the year that is: our skin. Keeping your body well
hydrated will help to keep your • Have regular hot drinks and
• High in antioxidants, protein, skin healthy, flush out toxins and at least one hot meal a day if
fibre and vitamins B, C, D and E ward off winter bugs. possible.

• Low in sugars and fats. Keep active • Eating regularly helps keep
energy levels up during winter.
It’s common to feel less motivated
during the winter months and even • Wear several light layers of
getting out of bed can sometimes warm clothes (rather than one
feel like a chore. Try to get into a chunky layer).
routine of getting out and doing
some exercise every day, as it has • Keep as active as possible.
numerous benefits for the mind
and the body. Source: WA Department of
Health ‘Staying Healthy in Winter’
, The Australian Immunisation
Handbook

13

Overcoming osteoarthritis

In this edition of Southern Star, we spoke to Southern Plus physiotherapist
Julia Huntley about osteoarthritis.

“I treat many clients with What are the symptoms? • An exercise program tailored to
osteoarthritis, as it is a very your condition and ability.
common condition among older The most common symptoms are
people. And while there is no cure pain and stiffness of the joints, • Pain relief, using medicines
for osteoarthritis, there are a which may affect your ability to such as paracetamol or non-
number of simple things people do normal daily activities, such as steroidal anti-inflammatory
can do to relieve the symptoms, walking, climbing stairs and opening drugs (NSAIDs), as well as newer
including staying active and eating jars. Other symptoms may include psychological approaches.
a healthy diet,” she said. clicking noises, grating sensations,
or a loss of flexibility in a joint. • Devices such as braces, walking
Before taking any medication or sticks, and insoles.
undertaking any exercise please What treatments are
consult your doctor. available? • Joint replacement surgery, if
your symptoms are no longer
About osteoarthritis While there is no cure for controlled with other therapies,
osteoarthritis, there are a number including weight loss.
It is a disease that affects the of treatments available, which vary
whole joint including bone, depending on which joints are If you would like more information
cartilage, ligaments and muscles. affected, and the severity of your about our physiotherapy services,
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint condition including: please call 1300 000 161.
but occurs most often in the knees,
hips, finger joints and big toe. • A weight loss program, if you (Source: https://www.myjointpain.
are overweight. org.au/library#/fact)

Exercises for osteoarthritis

Side leg raises Heel raises Single leg stance
• Stand facing the bench with • Hold onto support and stand up
• Stand facing the bench with
your feet shoulder-width apart both hands. tall with feet together.
and hold onto the bench with
both hands. • Slowly rise up on to your toes • Bend right knee so that your
• Slowly raise your leg out to the by lifting your heels from the foot comes up off the ground.
side and hold it up for a count ground.
of three gentle breaths. • Hold for 10 seconds.
• Repeat seven times for each leg. • Hold yourself up on your ‘tippy
toes’ for three gentle breaths • Swap legs so that your left foot
14 Southern Star Magazine then lower your heels. is off the ground.

• Repeat seven times. • Repeat five times.

Open days highlight benefits of
respite care

Recent open days held at Southern “We understand how tough it can Southern Plus also has respite
Plus’ Tony Quinlan Respite Centre be being a full-time carer, and centres in Broome and Busselton.
in Hilton and Donovan Respite how important it is for carers to Among its broad range of in-home
Centre in Forrestfield provided have a much-needed break or health and wellness services,
an opportunity for the local time away from their usual care Southern Plus also offers in-home
community to come along and responsibilities to focus on their respite care.
find out about the benefits of own health and wellbeing.
respite care and the activities that For more information about
respite clients can enjoy while at Our respite centres provide an Southern Plus’ respite services
the centre. essential service to carers in the please call 1300 000 161 or visit
local community by providing day www.southernplus.org.au
Some of the activities enjoyed or overnight respite on either a
by visitors included pet therapy, one-off or regular basis,” Julie said.
Tai Chi, games, music and dance
therapy and a demonstration of Providing an enjoyable and
sanding and staining furniture relaxing atmosphere for clients,
from the local ‘Men’s Shed’ group. Julie said Southern Plus respite
Julie Arnould, Operations Manager centres offer a broad program of
for Southern Plus, said respite care activities including for clients with
provided valuable support for dementia and special needs.
carers in addition to the numerous
benefits for those being cared for. “Our trained staff take the time
to understand the needs and
interests of the clients they
care for and have developed
a broad range of activities
that are designed to promote
cognitive stimulation and social
connections. Additionally, having
our own bus ensures our clients
can also enjoy regular social
group outings in the local
community,” Julie said.

15

Living with loss

By Rejáne le Grange, Dementia Service Manager and Ian Simms,
Pastoral Care Manager

“To live is to lose”, Protest and The presence and gentle
someone once said. They disorganisation assistance of empathetic people
were not being unkind or can be a marvellous feature in our
disrespectful, they were Loss disrupts, no matter how ability to manage loss and recover
simply identifying that carefully we might wish to plan a sense of stability and forward
the exposure to loss and our lives. There is an inevitable movement. Despite the temptation
sadness seems to escalate disorganisation that results. We to cut ourselves off from such
the longer we are alive. We react, and our expression can take people, these are the very ones
lose good friends, precious a variety of forms of protest. who could make all the difference
family members, stimulating in helping us to acknowledge what
jobs, and even various Sometimes the anger is intense has happened and to re-establish
faculties as we get older. So and complicated. We are patterns of social and spiritual
how do we cope with this frustrated by the disruption: “Why integration.
relentless onset of loss? did you have to get sick and die?”
The questions hang awkwardly Acceptance
Denial because there is no simple answer.
We might project our frustration Loss can be overcome; it doesn’t
Some people cope by ignoring the onto God or people around us have to break us. But it does
fact of loss. “We’ll just carry on as who only want to help, and we feel require that we acknowledge it
if nothing has happened”, they say. badly about our irritability all the and reposition ourselves in relation
Though it might be intended to be while that we rage. to the big things in life. People who
an initial reaction to the shock, it is have suffered loss find they have
true that denial can become a way There can be moments of the opportunity to re-evaluate
of life. The real impact of the loss bargaining, where we make where their strength lies. Spiritual
is never measured and admitted. irrational promises, in the realities are revisited and refined,
During periods of denial, it can be hope that the situation can be friendships shift and take on new
difficult to make wise decisions, reversed or fixed. This response value, and lifestyle adjusts to
and what is so vital for wellbeing is complicated, too, by feelings of embrace the opportunity of the
is the presence of people who can guilt: “If only I had done something new season that has opened up.
listen patiently and offer practical else, this would not have This is the territory of acceptance.
support. happened”. It’s a positive place to be. It does
not dismantle memories of the
When it is apparent that we are one who has gone; it simply holds
not going to be able to shift things, them differently and respectfully,
we slump into depression. Those and it enables us to breathe again.
strong feelings of helplessness
and hopelessness disempower us
to function and we lose interest
in many of the things we used to
enjoy. Our appetite and sleep can
also be detrimentally affected. It
is here that the assistance of a
doctor can be sought.

16 Southern Star Magazine

“Loss can be
overcome, it doesn’t
have to break us.”

17

Understanding nerve pain

In this edition of Southern Star magazine, leading pain
management expert Professor Visser from the Churack
Chair of Chronic Pain at University of Notre Dame
Australia shares information about the signs, causes
and treatment of nerve pain.

What causes nerve pain? The most common nerve pain Other symptoms
conditions in older persons are:
Nerve pain is due to damage shingles (caused by re-awakening Apart from pain, patients may also
of the ‘electrical-wiring’ in our the chickenpox virus trapped experience other sensations in the
body, our nerves. When nerves in our nerves since childhood); area of pain:
are irritated, they become super- diabetic nerve pain (in the feet);
sensitive and fire-off thousands sciatica leg pain (trapped nerve in • Touch pain: super-sensitive skin
of extra pain signals, just like the the back); carpal tunnel (trapped triggered by lightly brushing the
shower of sparks coming from a nerve in the wrist); trigeminal skin, hot or cold.
damaged powerline that’s fallen neuralgia (severe shooting pain in
to the ground after a storm. These the face) and stroke pain (severe • Feels like the pain you
extra nerve impulses or sparks are pain in the face, shoulder or even experience in an area of
interpreted as extra pain signals half the body). sunburn when you take a hot
by the brain. shower after a day at the beach.
What does nerve pain
Nerves anywhere in the body can feel like? • Touch pain is triggered by cool
be damaged because of an injury breezes, air conditioning, bed
or surgery, compression, diabetes, Because nerve pain is a problem sheets or showers.
viruses (shingles) or a stroke. with the body’s electrical wiring
(nerves), it often feels electrical • Numbness.
in quality. People describe
‘electric shocks’, ‘lightning-strikes’, • Pins and needles.
‘buzzing’, ‘zapping’ and ‘tingling’,
‘burning’, ‘stabbing’ and ‘aching’. • Strange sensations (like ants
Nerve pain often ‘waxes and crawling on the skin).
wanes’ or comes in ‘bursts’, lasting
from seconds to hours. • Muscle aches and spasms.

• Changes in skin temperature,
colour or sweating.

18 Southern Star Magazine

Managing nerve pain Nerve pain medications Comfort measures and
physiotherapy
Nerve pain is sometimes difficult We use medications to reduce the
to treat and can be long-lasting, number of pain impulses (sparks) Bandages, stockings or Tubigrip™
especially conditions like shingles. coming from irritated nerves (a can protect touch-sensitive skin
A pain cure is not always possible sort of chemical fire extinguisher). from rubbing. A tight t-shirt
but treatments often work well. Medications include pregabalin worn over sensitive skin on the
[Lyrica™], amitriptyline [Endep™], chest or abdomen may help
When managing nerve pain, we duloxetine [Cymbalta™], tramadol (e.g. for shingles pain). Try warm
adopt a multi-pronged approach, and tapentadol. Because these or cold packs to painful areas.
combining pain medications, medications work by reducing Physiotherapists can help sciatica
comfort measures, physiotherapy nerve firing in the brain, they can due to a trapped nerve in the back
and psychology. sometimes make you feel sleepy or try a TENS machine (a safe
or dizzy and affect memory. The electrical pain treatment applied to
Preventing and treating the way to deal with these side effects the skin).
cause is to slowly build up the dose at
night so the body gets used to it. Mood and sleep
Firstly, we try to treat the
underlying cause if we can e.g. Gels, creams and local Pain can severely affect a
diabetes, vitamin deficiencies. anaesthetics person’s mood and sleep, leading
to depression and anxiety. Your
A chickenpox vaccination in middle These are applied to areas of doctor will need to treat this as
age reduces the risk of developing sensitive skin to reduce touch well your pain for a successful
severe shingles pain later in life. pain and sensitivity. Menthol gel, treatment.
capsicum cream or lignocaine
patches are used. Don’t suffer in silence

If you are experiencing a strange
burning or shooting pain with
touch sensitivity or numbness of
the skin, get it checked out by your
doctor. You could have nerve pain
which can be treated effectively
once the diagnosis is made.

19

Innovative soccer program gives
Stephen ‘a new lease of life’

After a long battle with Stephen (left) in action playing soccer “This is a real good news story.
schizophrenia, Stephen Rea, a Footingball is an entry level into
resident at SCC’s Community Lorraine also had words of praise the sport. It is welcoming and
Options home in Bentley, is for SCC and the staff at SCC’s players are in a fun and inclusive
benefiting from an innovative new Bentley Community Options Home, environment at community-
soccer program run by Football where he resides. friendly clubs.
West.
“Before he went to Bentley he’d “I have been involved with Stephen
42 year old Stephen was diagnosed had two years of hell. But finally since he joined and I have seen
with schizophrenia in his early we found someone who would him develop. The biggest thing I’d
twenties and requires full-time listen to what Stephen and I had point out is his increased social
care. Over the past 17 years he has to say and it made a world of inclusion – he is developing bonds
been in and out of hospital, yet difference. and friendships around him,”
during that time he always had one Gordon said.
ambition – to play soccer again. “SCC’s mental health team look
after him 24 hours a day. In fact, (Story reproduced with kind
His dream was fulfilled in January they were the ones who found the permission of Football West and
this year when he joined the soccer program,” Lorraine said. photo courtesy of FotoEnzo)
Football West Equal Footingball
Division, supported by Healthway, Football West Inclusive
which caters for players of all Development Officer Gordon
abilities. Now Stephen had signed Duus said Stephen’s progress
up to play in the outdoor season was an example of what could
with Lynwood United – and his be achieved with the Equal
mother is thrilled with the impact it Footingball program, supported by
has had on her son. Healthway.

“It’s absolutely amazing, it’s
brilliant. His one goal all these
years was to play soccer again.
He’d always been a brilliant
goalkeeper when he was a child,
he was the best goalkeeper in
the South West when we lived in
Bunbury, but I never thought it
would happen.

“It’s given him a new lease of life.
He went on his own last Sunday,
I was amazed. And he’s making
friends as well. You find with
mental health that a lot of friends
drop off,” Lorraine said.

20 Southern Star Magazine

Harry finds his purpose
through volunteering

A chat at a party two years I really enjoy the teamwork and “They come from all walks of life
ago was the trigger for a young it’s fun and rewarding helping but have one thing in common
student to change his life and start the residents. I love nursing and – the satisfaction of making a
volunteering at Southern Cross working in aged care is definitely difference to someone else’s life.
Care (SCC). something I’m keen on,” Harry said.
“Harry is a great guy and
Harry Turner was studying at Jacqui O’Meara, Therapy testament to the benefits of
university but, like many people his Coordinator at Margaret Hubery volunteering. For younger
age, didn’t know which career path House, mentors Harry and said his volunteers, it’s an opportunity to
to take. His friend suggested he story is very inspirational. gain new skills and experience and
had the ideal qualities for nursing, it also looks good on your CV to
so he left university and started “It’s amazing that he has prospective employers.”
volunteering, at SCC’s Margaret volunteered for so long at such a
Hubery House. young age and it’s been brilliant SCC has over 200 dedicated
nurturing his talent for nursing. volunteers who provide friendship,
Harry has not looked back and has He is a valuable member of our companionship and support to
since started a Bachelor of Nursing volunteer team and our staff and residents and clients. For anyone
at Notre Dame University and still residents love him – he’s so friendly interested in finding out more
regularly volunteers at Margaret and helpful,” Jacqui said. about volunteering with SCC,
Hubery House. please contact SCC Volunteer
Ian Simms, Head of Pastoral Care Services on 08 9269 6855 or
“Volunteering at Southern Cross and Volunteer Services, said
Care was a wake-up call for SCC were very grateful to Harry [email protected]
me – you could say I found my and all of its volunteers for their
calling – and it’s changed my life. tremendous support.

21

Chicken and winter vegetable
soup recipe

Ingredients: Method:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Step 1
3 garlic cloves, crushed Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add
2 dried bay leaves garlic. Cook, stirring for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add bay
1 swede, peeled, chopped leaves, swede, turnip and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally,
1 turnip, peeled, chopped for 5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften. Add stock
1 carrot, peeled, thickly sliced and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer. Add chicken. Cook for
1 litre chicken stock 12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Using tongs,
3 baby white potatoes, quartered transfer chicken to plate. Cool 10 minutes.
1 small sweet potato, peeled, chopped
2 chicken breast fillets Step 2
1/2 cup lentil, quinoa and bean mix Meanwhile, add sweet potato and lentil mix to soup. Cook for
12 large fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 12 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Step 3
Cut up chicken into small pieces and add to soup.

22 Southern Star Magazine

SHE SHOULDN’T
HAVE TO CHOOSE

BETWEEN VIOLENCE AT HOME, OR
SLEEPING ON THE STREET.

Jenny’s life is full of impossible choices. Her children have
had to face hunger, cold and insecurity. She didn’t think she
had another option.
You can give Jenny another choice.

PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY THIS WINTER.

Call 13 18 12 or visit vinnies.org.au/winterappeal

Images and names have been changed to protect the privacy of the people we assist.

Retirement living at its best

Retirement is a new beginning to be enjoyed – One where you choose the way to live your life -
and at Southern Cross Care we recognise this. In selecting one of our villages, you will be part of a
community that embraces independent living. You will be able to live an active healthy life that offers
an aspirational lifestyle, safety, security and peace of mind - right at your door step.

Success Village 21 Thomas Perrott Village 21

27 Pearson Drive, Success 10 Houtmans Street, Shelley

Success Village is situated in the bustling central Thomas Perrott Village is a picturesque village with
location of Success, and contains 136 units, with 5 well-maintained gardens, featuring a total of 55
different designs of two and three-bedroom homes, units with either one or two bedrooms. This village is
beautifully designed and set amongst landscaped conveniently located near the local shopping centre,
gardens. The village is conveniently located to a bowling club and tennis courts in Central Road and
broad range of local amenities. Canning River. A bus stop is approximately 200
metres away from the village.
Villa 123 for sale: $355,000

Villa 49 for sale: $330,000

Donovan Village 22 Foley Village 22 1

138 Lewis Road, Forrestfield 84 Collick St, Hilton

Donovan Village is nestled amongst natural bushland Foley Village is a modern, state of the art retirement
next to Yule Brook and is located with a residential village located in Hilton, just 6km from Fremantle. The
care home and a respite centre, not to mention Village contains 86 terraced villas and units with a
access to park a caravan. The onsite community range of both 2 and 3 bedroom layouts. Residents can
centre, library, gym and barbeque area encourage access locally or onsite a range of services including
a relaxed and inviting lifestyle. Close to transport, GP’s, allied health professionals, shopping centre and
medical facilities and shopping, Donovan Village is an hairdresser. There is also a Catholic Church adjacent
ideal retirement option. to the complex.

Villa 20 for sale: $459,000 Villa 22 for sale: $469,000

Call Adam 0431 795 686 for more information. Visit www.scrosswa.org.au/homes-sale/

15 Rowe Avenue PO Box 76 1300 669 189
Rivervale WA 6103 Burswood WA 6100 [email protected]
www.scrosswa.org.au


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