THE PATHWAYS KILLARA GARDENS NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2019

Greengate Times

JANICE’S COLUMN

Pathways Killara Gardens Executive Manager, Janice McNair

It is lovely to see so many residents coming to the dining room for their meals as this encourages socialisation and aides in reducing depression. Whilst we enjoy families to share meal times with their loved ones, this creates an issue in the seating arrangements and overcrowding. If you would like to have meal with your loved one it would be appreciated if you could either utilise the outdoor areas (weather permitting), remain in your room or utilise the private dining room. The residents are our priority and they need to be seated and served first.

It has been noted that some cars are being parked at the glass sliding door entrance in the garage. There have been a few close calls with cars trying to enter & exit at the same time, and with a car parked in this space has left little room to move. Please do not park here as your car may be damaged.

Some families have expressed their need for information on Dementia. We have complied a folder on Dementia facts and ways of managing a better visit for families. This can be found on 2nd floor in the green lounge room. Feel free to read or take a copy of any of the fact sheets. Extra information can be found on the Dementia Australia website.

CULTURAL EVENTS

at Killara Gardens

In recent months we have continued to bring various cultural highlights to the facility. These events are a great way to acknowledge our residents’ backgrounds and values.

At the end of August our male residents enjoyed a special Father’s Day lunch which was a real highlight. One resident commented that it was the “…best Father’s Day lunch they had ever had”. Well done to the kitchen, care and allied health staff who contributed to making the event a wonderful occasion for our male residents.

Also in August we held a fundraiser with our staff and residents for the Buy-A-Bale charity which provides assistance for our farmers who are struggling at the moment with drought. A lot of our residents grew up in the country and/or have family who live there, so it was meaningful for them to give back to help those that are in need. We raised over $1000 which was a great effort by those who contributed! We gave some of our residents a line dancing demonstration which was a whole lot of fun.

SOME ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

of the Winter months

Back in June some of the residents were able to enjoy a visit from Lindfield Public School students who brought their wind instrument ensemble to perform for us.

We held another gardening group for some of the residents in Abbotsholme potting some succulents.

Our Men’s Group enjoyed a pub lunch “down at the local” – the Greengate Hotel.

Some of our HOPE-U-CARE staff on level 1 have been busy running a Knitting Group with some of our residents.

On Level 2 our HOPE-U-CARE staff have been doing a great job running activities for our residents there. These include doing Tai Chi, and doing puzzles together. A welcome addition for some of our residents in Killara Gardens Levels 1 & 2 has been “Rufus” our robotic therapy dog.

DO YOU HAVE A CONCERN OR FEEDBACK

Calendar of special dates, activities & events

October-December 2019/20