SUMMER RAUMATI - NEWSLETTER 2023 CHAIRPERSONS MESSAGE Christmas Greetings from your Board! Thankyou to all who turned out for our annual Christmas morning tea at Blueberry Corner, at the end of November. The sight of a capacity crowd of our people, carers, clients, volunteers and staff enjoying the wonderful setting. Music, food, singing, dancing and laughing made me feel so proud to be involved in the organisation. It also reminded me how important it is to treasure such moments of joy. They are precious and fleeting but create memories to help us on the journey. I hope all your own Christmas celebrations contain many moments of unexpected joy, warmth and laughter and look forward to working with you again in the New Year. Meri Kirihimete, Jenny Dowthwaite (Chairperson) Pictured is Jenny (right) at Blueberry Corner with one of our long-standing volunteers Wil. MANAGERS MESSAGE Ngā mihi o te wā, seasons greetings and warm wishes to you as we approach the end of the year. We hope that you, your whānau, and those you support have a safe and happy summer holiday season and that you get the chance to unwind and recharge for the year ahead. Thank you to all our volunteers, funders, those who have made donations and other supporters over the past 12 months. We appreciate your kindness and look forward to working alongside you again in 2024. We extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost a loved one recently. We would also like to thank all the families who have bequested donations to Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty, in lieu of flowers. Noho ora mai Sue Cave, Manager
CARER SUPPORT MEETINGS 2024 We are extending our carer support meetings to Kawerau in 2024. Carer support meetings offer the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations, socialise, gain information, share experiences and learn from others. Please cut out the calendar and save the date! Whakatane Dates Date Time Venue Tuesday 27th February 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 26th March 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 30th April 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 28th May 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 25th June 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 30th July 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 27th August 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 24th September 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 29th October 10.00 am to 12.00pm Whakatane Library Tuesday 26th November 10.00 am to 12.00pm To be advised: end of year get together Kawerau Dates Date Time Venue Wednesday 28th February 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 27th March 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 24th April 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 29th May 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 26th June 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 31st July 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 28th August 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 25th September 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamilton Hall Wednesday 30th October 10.00am to 11.30am Bert Hamiliton Hall November date and time to be confirmed End of year get together also to be confirmed
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRAIN THIS CHRISTMAS Our Educator Fiona offers the following advice: Christmas is a time to spend with family and whanau. It is also a time to pause, reflect, refresh .... and consider your brain health. This Christmas give your brain some love and consider some healthy options. 5 Ways Christmas can be good for your brain 1. Spend time with family and friends. Social engagement with friends and family is a special part of the festive season. Your brain will love you for it too! Christmas is a time to connect, to lay down new shared memories, bond with family traditions and reminisce with happy memories from the past. It is also an opportunity to express gratitude which can support a greater sense of wellbeing. Make the most of this special time and experience a boost to your brain health. 2. Eat a variety of nutritious foods. Make some simple adjustments to make your Christmas dinner extra nutritious. Your brain will thank you! It is the perfect time to include berries, nuts, fresh salad greens and vegetables into your meal. Just be mindful not to overdo the wine and chocolate! 3. Make time to move your body, your brain will love the activity! Make the most of the summer sunshine, longer evenings and mild temperatures. Go for a family walk or challenge the family to a game of bowls on the lawn. Be brave and take a dip in the ocean or turn up the music and show off your dance moves. Whatever it takes, keep your body moving and keep your brain happy. 4. Allow for a good sleep. Keep in mind healthy sleep habits and routines. Being active during the day will support a good night’s sleep. Be careful not to nap too long during the day, have a calm, restful routine to get you ready for sleep and go easy on the sweet treats. Your brain will enjoy the rest! 5. Challenge your brain, it likes to be kept busy! Dust off the chess board and challenge the neighbour to a game, unpack a pack of cards and teach the youngsters how to play, find a different book to read in the sun or try a new crossword. Whatever it takes, find new ways to challenge your brain and keep it active. Wishing you all an active, happy, meaningful Christmas season with special moments and special memories. Arohanui – Fiona Hutcheson (Educator)
CHRISTMAS WITH DEMENTIA MATE WAREWARE For most of us, Christmas is about family and friends visiting, lots of food, Christmas decorations and presents. But for those with dementia, it can be strange people, noise, lots of talking, disruption to routine and a sense of too much going on. Here’s a few tips that may help make this a fun time for everyone. 1. Changes to routine o Try to keep things as close to the usual routine as possible and plan ahead for any changes o Think about putting decorations up gradually over a few days so it doesn't come as a big change all at once o If the person with dementia is taking medication, ensure they have enough for the festive season. Repeat prescriptions may be difficult during public holidays 2. Keep it simple and familiar o Keep the day's activities low-key o Stick to familiar routines – having meals at regular times and in familiar surroundings helps to limit any potential confusion 3. Create a quiet space o A large number of guests can be overwhelming, so ask family and friends to spread out their visits over the festive period. If things do get busy designate one room in your house as a quiet room where your loved one can relax without loud noise 4. Memories and traditions o Use a range of options to evoke festive memories e.g., Christmas scented candles, an old song or Christmas movie o Find something fun the person with Dementia can take part in. It might be hanging tinsel, making a photo album or memory box together or wrapping gifts o Bring out the photos, ask the person with dementia about their happy Christmas memories 5. Christmas food and drink o A full plate can be daunting for someone who has difficulty eating. Don’t overload the plate and serve smaller portions of softer food for those who have difficulty swallowing o Avoid having lots of different patterns and decorations at the dinner table. It is a good idea to use a plain coloured tablecloth with plates of a different colour to create a contrast o Simple pre-meal traditions like saying grace, making a toast, or wishing everyone a happy Christmas before eating can provide a social cue that food is coming Conversations may be challenging for someone living with dementia. To help them out use short and simple sentences, avoid complicated words, and try not to repeat things multiple times.
VOLUNTEERS A message from our Volunteer Coordinator, Talia Our volunteers have provided around 1000 hours of service to Alzheimers EBOP in the past 12 months and travelled over 5000kms. We have attracted over 20 new volunteers this year and our numbers presently stand at 45. We are so pleased to have been able to provide 11 new companion matches this year. If you are a companion carer, please make sure to discuss with your client and their whanau your plans for the holidays. This is with a view to alleviating any stress or anxiety due to any schedule changes over this busy time of year. Our volunteers have also helped in providing Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions, taken part in fundraising events such as our movie fundraiser, raffles, craft markets and expos. We have provided regular newsletters and training sessions to our volunteers this year including sessions covering Cognitive Stimulation, Brain Heath, Elder Abuse and Legal Matters. There are many more opportunities for volunteer work in 2024 so contact me if you are interested on 027 382 7299 or email me [email protected] I hope our team of volunteers has enjoyed their time with us and our clients this year. May our connections remain solid and rewarding going into 2024 and beyond. CHRISTMAS TREATS We all deserve some “treats” over Christmas. Here is a yummy contribution from our Navigator Lesley. Nice easy one to make with the grandkids! Apricot Fudge Slice Here is a healthier option, where you can be creative! 250gm butter 1 and ½ cups dried apricots 1 cup brown sugar 1 tin condensed milk 2 packets wine biscuits Melt butter, sugar, and condensed milk. Add chopped apricots and crushed biscuits. Press into greased tin and sprinkle with coconut. Put in fridge till set.
MEMBERSHIP Membership entitles you to vote at our AGM, subscription to our newsletter and first access to events. All subscriptions and donations remain in the Eastern Bay of Plenty to support people living with dementia mate wareware and their families. Please fill in the form to join. Name: Email address: Telephone: Mobile: Address: Annual subscription for a family: $5.00 Plus, Donation $ Total $ Send form to: Alzheimers Society Eastern Bay of Plenty, PO Box 13, WHAKATANE 3158 or you can direct credit Westpac 03-0490-0180920-00 Particulars – use your last name Reference – membership or m/s&donation BEQUESTS and DONATIONS If you would like to support our services and make a positive difference to the lives of those affected by Dementia, you may like to consider making a bequest or donation to Alzheimers EBOP. This can be completed in several ways: • Making an online payment 03-0490-0180920-00 using your name as reference • Making a one-off or regular payment • Leaving a gift in your will (please contact us for more information) Donating to the Eastern Bay of Plenty Community Foundation Endowment Fund for Alzheimers EBOP, usually by a one-off payment or by provision in your will. This is a “gift that keeps on giving” as every year income is received by way of investment growth of the Endowment Fund. Remember you can claim a tax credit from IRD (using form IR526) at the end of the tax year if, during that year, you: • donated $5.00 or more to Alzheimers Eastern Bay of Plenty and • are a NZ tax resident and • received taxable income
ALZHEIMERS SOCIETY EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY INCORPORATED Chairperson Jenny Dowthwaite Board Members Board Advisors Pat Kane, Peter Hill, Bryce Sheedy Jeremy Bendall, Maria Clarke Manager Sue Cave Navigator Elayne Tangitu, Lesley Harris, Lee Harper Educator Volunteer Coordinator Office Administrator Office Hours Office Phone Number Fiona Hutcheson Talia Spackman Heather Balcombe 8 am to 12 noon Monday to Friday 07 308 0525 THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS Home Care Services Community Services Independent Living Service Advocacy/Information Services We also provide Conference Room Hire, Equipment Hire, On-site Library and Internet Access, Hearing Therapist, Stroke & Brain Injury, COPD and Post-Polio Field Officers On-site. We are a totally committed and professional team who can assist with any of the above Service needs. Telephone 07 307 1447 Fax 07 307 0229 MARY SHAPLEY RETIREMENT VILLAGE A Bupa Village that combines the best features of a Rest Home and Hospital Facilities. Independent Units, Companionship and Security. 4 Spence Lane Whakatane Phone 07 308 5457 Enquires Welcome We have dedicated experienced staff providing a high standard of personalised care, visiting in-house Doctor, daily Diversional Therapy activities catering for individual needs, group settings and regular outings and in-house church services. Families and friends always welcome, we provide a safe secure homely environment. Inquiries and inspection welcome. OHOPE BEACH CARE
Alzheimers Society Eastern Bay of Plenty Incorporated www.alzheimers.org.nz/eastern-bay-of-plenty Lightning Hub, 1st Floor, 193-195 The Strand, Whakatane 3120 Phone 07 308 0525 or 0800 004 001 P O Box 13 Whakatane 3158