Bob Owens Retirement Village • Winter edition 2019
Anzac service Our veterans, residents and staff were all involved in a special commemoration
Meet Suzanne
Hazel Hare challenge
Everyone loves our new eco bags
A note from Brian... Welcome back to another edition of Bob’s Register! With winter upon us, I hope you are all keeping warm and taking care of yourselves and each other. In April this year, I celebrated four years as village manager at Bob Owens. Each and every day has been wonderful, and I look forward to many more special times with residents, families and my team. Our Clinical Manager Tracey Dunn has also celebrated four years here! Tracey is instrumental in making sure the team provides the best of care for our care centre and serviced apartment residents. She was a key contributor to Bob Owens successfully achieving a four-year certification.
we have celebrated Easter, hosted our Anzac service, and held a very special Mother’s Day. The highlight every year for me is our mid-winter solstice celebrations and once again we had a spectacular time. We have many events coming up and we would love for you to join us. In the meantime, have a look at the photos and stories in this edition – there’s so much to enjoy! Kind regards,
Brian Bark Village Manager Ph: 07 579 3041
So many wonderful things have happened in the village since our last catch-up. In recent months
A note from Jan... We have been busy welcoming many new faces into our wonderful community. I’ve been out and about at events recently. I’ve presented prizes at 10 bowls clubs and also visited Otumoetai Tennis Club to meet the players. We’ve had some fabulous entertainment at the village with ‘Elvis’ performing, maestro Carl Doy on piano, and the wonderful singer Rebecca Nelson.
Serviced apartment available now!
We were also pleased to host a visit from the Stroke Foundation van for free blood pressure checks. Finally, we had a fabulous time at our annual Bethlehem Pottery Exhibition in June. There are plenty more great events coming up and I hope to see you at one soon.
Bob’s Register | 2
Jan Corbett Sales Advisor Ph: 07 579 2519
Village news
Day of remembrance Our village centre was packed with residents, their family and friends as we commemorated Anzac Day. It was a special day for our residents as they remembered the sacrifices of those that have gone before us. During the ceremony our village choir performed, the ode was recited, the Last Post played, and the national anthem of New Zealand was sung. As the wreath was laid, bagpipes were played. It was a very moving ceremony and afterwards, the guests and residents mingled over a cup of tea. Pictured: Fred and Viv Andrews present a wreath for the Anzac remembrance ceremony. Inset: The Reverend Ian Pittendreigh helps lead the service.
Bob’s Register giste er | 3
Forgetfulness: Normal Ageing or early Dementia? A few months back I visited someone in Mangakino, a small New Zealand central North Island town, originally built for the workers who were constructing the huge hydro dam of the same name. I had visited there as a kid to see the massive building works. When I returned home, a drive of around 40 minutes, my wife enquired where I had been. I knew where I had been in crisp detail, but not the name of the town. Whakamaru was the next town and that I remembered well from my schoolboy visit more than 60 years ago. But Mangakino had taken fright and raced away from my finely tuned neurones. “Come back” I wanted to shout. But I could only bleat: “It’s slipped my mind. I’ll remember later.”
Simple solution: I’ll Google it, or at least the neighbouring dam: Whakamaru. Sure enough, there on the map nearby was Mangakino. Problem solved. Nope. Not solved at all. After I closed the screen I called out to my wife: “It was XXXX?” The pesky word remained absent, absent without leave I might add, and the Google jog had gone with it. I began to think that I’d better check in to a dementia unit as I was losing it, and what did I need to take with me? Common sense prevailed as I felt on top of stuff otherwise. So, I wrote the word Mangakino on a card and placed it beside the phone and computer. It took three days for that pesky neurone either to wake up or pass the name to an underworked neighbour. And it did, and now I am Mangakino educated and friendly.
Bob’s Register | 4
Self-diagnosis is a wobbly area and can prematurely label a spouse or loved one with a disturbing diagnosis that is not the case. Sometimes the individual is reacting adversely to medication; drug doses for older subjects are commonly too high. Or their thyroid gland is out of kilter, or there are disturbances of their liver or kidney. Type II diabetes can induce changes suggestive of dementia, as can mini strokes. Too much alcohol in the elderly is a common disrupter of behaviour and memory. Depression and anxiety can overrun the governors of normal behaviour. A bladder, or even deep skin infection may tip behaviours off balance and individuals can appear confused. Low levels of vitamin B12 are a common cause of abnormal behaviour and personality in older people. So, don’t rush to judgment. Find the disorders that are not dementia and get them treated.
I don’t have dementia!! So occasional, or even common trouble with memory recall is a feature of normal ageing. When dementia arrives, at first with isolated episodes of abnormal or even bizarre behaviour, sudden mood changes, or increasing patches of forgetfulness or lack of recognition of people they know well, or increasing confusion, then it is time for action. Daily skills begin to fade; individuals can struggle with conversation; judgement becomes unreliable; they may wander without knowing where they are, and their personality can alter materially. It is time for a proper medical assessment, to be sure that the issue is dementia, as in many instances it is something else. You don’t want to get it wrong!
Missing a masquerading condition that is readily identified and treated is a major lost opportunity to discard the dementia label and return life to its rightful path.
About Dr Doug Dr Doug Wilson is an academic, a physician, a pharmaceutical industry researcher and a medical scientist as well as a writer. For the past 30 years he has monitored the scientific literature as it relates to ageing and his aim is to cut through the fads and fallacies to concentrate on the core issues and the physiological and psychological reasons behind them.
Bob’s Register | 5
Book review
The Secret Diary of Charlotte Gatland Written by Patricia Charlotte Dennis. This is an extraordinary story of a woman who carved out a future in the pioneering days of New Zealand. Charlotte was the ancestral aunt to British and Irish Lions Rugby Coach and former Waikato rugby player, Warren Gatland. Charlotte’s story from 1847-1884, starts when she was aged 19. Charlotte was born in England, the daughter of a British officer and her mother Catherine. She was the eldest daughter with three siblings. “I enjoyed reading it from start to finish, as it was such a good read. I think it would appeal to both men and women.” Charlotte’s mother spent time teaching her daughters every facet of housekeeping. At nineteen, Charlotte enjoyed parties and was just beginning her social life within London society. Her sisters gifted her a diary for her 19th birthday and she was determined to write in it every day of her life.
As England was experiencing a depression, her father, who was a sergeant major near retirement age, decided to take a posting in New Zealand. The family was not pleased, however, they had to go along with the decision. Leaving London on the Sir George Seymour, the family arrived four months later in Auckland, New Zealand. Upon arrival, the promise of a house and land did not pan out. Instead they lived in Onehunga, which was a “tent city” and very different from where they had come from. In New Zealand, Charlotte faced many challenges, adventures and hardship. It was the start of a very different life. I found the book very interesting and informative and very hard to put down. I enjoyed reading it from start to finish and I would like think it would appeal to both men and women. Reviewed by Valerie Brady, Hilda Ross Retirement Village.
Bob’s Register | 6
We’ve done it again… Fabulous five as Most Trusted Brand Ryman Healthcare has been named the most trusted brand in the retirement industry for the fifth time.
“Deciding to move into a retirement village is one of the biggest decisions people make in their retirement,” he said.
We’ve taken the top award in the aged care and retirement village category in the Reader’s Digest 2019 Most Trusted Brands awards. Ryman also won in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018.
“Our residents trust us to look after their care and their security, and to care for them into the future. It’s a privilege to look after them.
The aim of the awards is to identify the brands Kiwis recognise and trust the most. The winners are chosen from a survey of 1,500 New Zealanders across 65 categories. Catalyst Marketing & Research surveyed respondents on which products they recognised and used, and which held their trust in each category. “To win this award five times shows that we’re consistently delivering, and we will continue to do so.”
“To win this award five times shows that we’re consistently delivering, and we will continue to do so. “It is always nice to win awards, but the best reward is the feedback we get from our residents and their families each day.” Ryman Healthcare has also won the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award in the aged care and retirement village category four times.
Ryman was singled out for praise for having helpful and friendly staff, residents who love living in Ryman villages, and for providing care that is “good enough for Mum”. Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod said it was humbling to win the award for the fifth time.
Bob’s Register | 7
Independent resident profile
Meet Suzanne
completed college I started working in the travel industry. I worked for Atlantic and Pacific Travel for 16 years and then worked for Holiday Shoppe in Tauranga. I loved helping people fulfil their travel dreams and I still keep in contact with some of my former clients. Over the years I have been involved in many activities. With a friend we instigated synchronised swimming at the Otumoetai Swimming Club and I became the first secretary of the Bay of Plenty Synchro for the NZ Swimming Association in the 1970’s. I also became a civil defence warden.
I have no regrets about moving to the village, it has exceeded all my expectations, and long may that continue. Hello, my name is Suzanne Franklin–Gard’ner, and I have lived at the village for nearly four years. My late husband, Ted Franklin, my daughter and I, emigrated to New Zealand in 1966 from Bermuda. Our original plans were to settle in Auckland but a visit to Tauranga changed that. We took a risk and bought a small citrus orchard on Levers Road. After a few years we sold it as it didn’t prove to be financially viable. My husband became a real estate agent and after my daughter
Having been widowed for a few years, I married a long-time friend, RAF Group Captain John Gard’ner. I was fortunate to accompany John to Britain for the 65th and 70th anniversary services for the Battle of Britain. The Westminster Abbey services and meeting Prince Charles and other royals were especially memorable occasions. John has since passed away. I have no regrets about moving to the village, it has exceeded all my expectations, and long may that continue. I still am very active, enjoying golf, croquet, walking, gardening and pastoral care for our church. My motto for life – live for today and count your blessings.
Hazel Hare challenge Our serviced apartment residents enjoyed an Easter challenge. There were plenty of items to tick off the list. Teams and individuals could be seen hunting in the library for the book that didn’t belong, checking the photo board to identify photos, making a card for someone at their lunch table, and making hot cross buns.
Everyone received a prize to celebrate their achievements and we all agreed that it had been a fun week. Inset: Residents Kay Thomson and Reg Collins with some of their Easter challenge rewards.
Bob’s Register | 8
News from our serviced apartments
News from our care centre residents
Bob’s Breakfast Club
Mother’s Day
This time of the year we continue the long tradition of Bob’s Breakfast Club in the special care centre. The residents were excited and delighted for the traditional big Kiwi breakfast. We continue this every month with a different theme.
For Mother’s Day we treated the residents and their families with a fantastic high tea. The atrium looked fabulous in purple and white. The residents whiled away the afternoon with delicious food and drinks.
Pictured: Residents and staff, including Zherwin Gianan and Dianne Dona, love Bob’s breakfasts.
Pictured: Kevin Kelly and resident Dawn Kelly take a moment to relax in the main atrium.
Staff profile
Introducing Tracey
It was a four-week holiday to mark her 40th birthday that led to Bob Owens Clinical Manager Tracey Dunn leaving her native Northumberland in the UK and moving to a new job halfway round the world. Now, four years later, Tracey is celebrating the fact that the village has been awarded a four-year certification with no findings, for the first time! “Four always has been my favourite number!” she laughs.
I love what I do.
Bob’s Register | 9
“But this is the result of a lot of hard work by the team and I’m so proud and happy for them, it’s a wonderful achievement.” It’s a far cry from her previous role working as an accident and emergency ward nurse but she has absolutely no regrets. “In this role you truly get to follow someone’s journey. It’s about the relationships and building up trust with people. And you get to know them all so well. I love what I do.”
Puzzles Word Builder
Sudoku
How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the six letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one six-letter word.
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9.
Good 11
Very Good 14
4 8 3 9
Excellent 19
Y H D L R A
1
4 3
Across 1. Shakespeare play with a season in the title (3,7,4) 10. French sculptor who created The Thinker (5) 11. Nickname of the Australian rugby team (9) 12. Door in a castle wall that leads to a harbour (3,4) 13. Relating to weddings (7) 14. Part of eggs surrounded by albumen (5) 16. Island famous for its annual motorbike races (4,2,3) 19. The personiďŹ cation of cold weather (4,5) 20. Playing pieces in the game of mahjong (5) 22. Insects which were a food source for Maori (7) 25. Paua, to non New Zealanders (7) 27. Extremely painful (9) 28. Slow-moving river boat (5) 29. Area of London’s Hyde Park (8,6)
Across: 1. The Winter’s Tale, 10. Rodin, 11. Wallabies, 12. Sea Gate, 13. Nuptial, 14. Yolks, 16. Isle of Man, 19. Jack Frost, 20. Tiles, 22. Cicadas, 25. Abalone, 27. Agonising, 28. Barge, 29. Speakers Corner. Down: 2. Hydraulic, 3. Wanda, 4. New Mexico, 5. Ellen, 6. Stamps out, 7. Alibi, 8. Epsilon, 9. Frosty, 15. Soft drink, 17. Lethargic, 18. Melbourne, 19. Jackals, 21. Skewer, 23. Clone, 24. Skier, 26. Amber.
Bob’s Register | 10
5 1
5
3
9
4
7
Answers: Aryl, dah, day, dhal, dray, dry, had, hard, hardy, HARDLY, hay, hydra, lad, lady, lah, lard, lardy, lay, ray, yah, yard.
2 1
6
Crossword
6 7
2 9 2
6 7
4 5 Down 2. Engineering term meaning ‘moved or operated by liquid’ (9) 3. 1988 John Cleese ďŹ lm: A Fish Called __ (5) 4. US state, capital Santa Fe (3,6) 5. The host of a US daytime talk show, also the name of the show (5) 6. Eradicates, does away with (6,3) 7. Legal defence (5) 8. Fifth letter of the Greek alphabet (7) 9. Name of the snowman in a 1950 song (6) 15. Any non alcoholic beverage (4,5) 17. Sluggish, listless (9) 18. City which held the 1956 Summer Olympics (9) 19. African wild dogs which hunt in packs (7) 21. Metal meat pin (6) 23. Identical copy of a person (5) 24. Winter sports enthusiast (5) 26. Brownish-yellow colour (5)
Chocolate and Walnut Brownies
A note from Ryman chef,
Fiona Le Gros Hello, my name is Fiona and I am a chef at Hilda Ross. I have been a chef for 12 years, and before that I was a second language English teacher.
Ingredients 275g Dark chocolate 200g Butter 50g Plain flour 50g Cocoa powder 2.5g Baking powder 160g Chopped walnuts 200g Caster sugar 5 Eggs
My mother was a home economics teacher, so we learnt to bake from a young age! I love working at Hilda Ross Retirement Village (I have been here for nearly two years) – the residents and staff are fabulous people. My chocolate and walnut brownie recipe can be served warm or at room temperature. It can also be frozen – if you can resist the urge to eat it!
Method • Melt the chocolate and butter together, keep separate in a bowl. • Sift dry ingredients together in another bowl. • In a third bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until doubled in volume. Fold the dry ingredients into egg mix, then fold in the chocolate and add the walnuts. • Pour the mixture into a lined tray. • Bake at 170ºC for 30-35 minutes.
This recipe is very versatile, I have taken it on family picnics, road trips, given it as gifts and served it at fine dining functions. You can swap out the walnuts for macadamia nuts or anything else that you’d like. This recipe is such a crowd pleaser and very easy to make. I first encountered it when I was a trainee chef at a restaurant and I have loved it ever since.
Bob’s Register | 11
Village news
Eco bags a huge hit! If you bump into Jeanette Hastie here, chances are she’ll be clutching her Ryman eco bag. Jeanette uses one for her knitting and another for shopping. “They’re great bags,” she says. “They’re deep and big and you can get plenty in them.” The reusable bags were an idea put forward by Hilary Westley, a serviced apartment coordinator at Ryman’s Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village, and it won the 2018 Innovation Award. The brightly-coloured designs have made them a huge hit with Ryman residents up and down the country. Elizabeth Gaskell takes hers on every shopping trip. “I think they’re wonderful. I always take mine when I go into town on the bus.” Above: Elizabeth and Jeanette with the Hilary bags.
Brian Bark Village Manager Ph: 07 579 3041 Call Brian for general enquiries, or information about resthome, hospital and dementia care.
Jan Corbett Sales Advisor Ph: 07 579 2519 Talk to Jan for information about independent apartments, townhouses or serviced apartments.
112 Carmichael Road, Bethlehem
bobowens.co.nz