Jean’s Register Jean Sandel Retirement Village
Winter edition 2019
Village extension Our design team and contractors recognised with a builders award
Meet Shirley
Community support
Mokau visit
Greetings from Izak... Hello, and welcome to the winter edition of Jean’s Register. I hope you are keeping warm as our beautiful mountain, Mount Taranaki, has received its snowy cap. We are lucky to have a cosy village to enjoy here while the winter season passes by outside. We have hosted a wide variety of entertainers in the village recently so there are plenty of occasions for our residents to socialise and enjoy. Our activity teams have worked hard to make sure we have been able to host special Anzac Day commemorations, a Mother’s Day celebration and some fine dining evenings. They have all been events to remember.
I’m also very proud of the staff bowling team that beat another retirement provider on their green in an inter-village competition. What a fantastic effort! If you and a friend would like to experience our wonderful village and join in our events please feel free to contact me for an update on our action packed programme. As always, please drop by for a visit and check out what’s happening. Kind regards,
Izak Luther Village Manager Ph: 06 751 4420
A note from Michelle... Winter has arrived! Our residents are enjoying the indoor activities and the warmth of our cosy lounge. At Jean Sandel we feel very privileged to be the sponsors of the Paritutu Bowling Club’s mixed fours winter tournament, which runs through to mid-September. We recently had a lovely afternoon celebrating Mother’s Day. Our ladies enjoyed a glass of bubbles with piano entertainment provided. A few spot prizes were given out, and then a lovely high tea was enjoyed by all.
Serviced apartment available now!
Upcoming events to look out for at the village, include a New Plymouth Armed Offenders Squad presentation and a Vera Lynn tribute by singer Vicki Lee. Her songs are sure to bring back plenty of memories. I look forward to seeing you soon.
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Michelle Lord-Roper Sales Advisor Ph: 06 751 4504
Village news
Village extension Ryman’s design and property teams had to come up with a way to more than double the capacity of our village’s main lounge. The teams’ work alongside contractor ICL Construction has won a silver award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards. The upgrade and extension, including the formation of massive steel structural walls, performed very well against some very high end residential projects across the country. The recognition for cooperation between the designers and contractors, while keeping residents happy, came at the 2019 awards and gala dinner. The village resident numbers are growing, and the extension was needed to match the need for extra amenities. It also added features such as an upgraded bar area, and an outside balcony with a view. Pictured: A group of village residents gather to enjoy the new balcony and surrounds. Inset: Beryl Ahie, Virginia Bryan and Trini Humphrey enjoy the new bar area. Jean’s Register | 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Serviced apartment resident profile
Meet Shirley Hello, my name is Shirley McLean-Crafar and I’m a serviced apartment resident here at the village. I was born into a farming community in Eltham, in South Taranaki and lived with my parents until I was 17. I found work at Watkins Seeds in Currie Street, New Plymouth travelling in by trolleybus every day. Much later I worked at Duncan and Davies Nursery. After I married, we lived at different cheese factory locations in the region. My husband was a first assistant at the factories. We were always involved in horticulture, and also enjoyed playing indoor bowls. Later we went to England where we remained interested in the horticultural world. My husband was a judge at many flower shows both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. After he passed away at the age of 60, I battled on at our little farmlet. I married again and Frederick and I moved to a townhouse at Jean Sandel in 2009. Later that year Frederick passed away. I enjoy living in Jean Sandel where the staff are all wonderful, caring and friendly.
Recently I have moved into a serviced apartment here. I enjoy living in Jean Sandel where the staff are all wonderful, caring and friendly.
News from our Serviced Apartment
Beach town visit We had a great trip to Mokau, which is a wee beach town north of New Plymouth. A delicious lunch at the Whitebait Inn was followed by an interesting visit to the Mokau Museum.
the ladies on the trip with the MG club was Jenny Hawkins who attended Westown Primary School with resident Ann Jackson. They have been good friends ever since.
When we arrived at the White Bait Inn, there were six MG sports cars in the car park and a chance meeting ensued. One of
The residents enjoyed having a look at the cars! Pictured: Jenny Hawkins and resident Ann Jackson.
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News from our care centre residents
Village news
Mother’s Day
Community support
Residents and their guests enjoyed a lovely high tea to celebrate Mother’s Day. The cakes and tables were beautifully prepared, and the ladies enjoyed the chance to socialise and share amusing conversations about their children.
Our resthome residents and staff wore head scarves recently in support of the Muslim community. The display was to show solidarity with a group which lost so many people in the Christchurch mosque shootings tragedy.
Pictured: Residents and staff reminisce celebrate the day.
Pictured: Our residents and staff show their respect and support for the Muslim community.
Staff profile
Introducing Catherine
Hello, I’m Catherine Joy Veloso, and I am a registered nurse here in the hospital. When I first came to New Zealand in 2016, I found the culture and climate totally different from that of the Philippines. I started with Ryman as a caregiver at Anthony Wilding village in Christchurch, working with a fabulous team, and completing a nursing assessment programme at ARA lnstitute of Canterbury.
I enjoy taking care of the residents.
Once I became a registered nurse, I was offered a job at Jean Sandel and I moved from
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Christchurch to New Plymouth without any hesitation. As a family, we’re now happily living together at our little home, very close to my workplace. During our days off, we usually stay at home, play games, watch TV and do some household cleaning. To relax we go down to the beach to watch the waves and sea. In the workplace, I enjoy taking care of the residents. Watching them make positive steps is really rewarding.
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 personification 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.
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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 film: 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.
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Village news
Garden of nurture Our independent residents were treated to a tour of a food forest by the students at Francis Douglas Memorial College. A group of students started the food forest and garden called Te Mara Maanakitanga (the garden of nurture). A food forest is a multi-layered food production machine, and a beautiful garden environment which can be incorporated into almost any sized garden. Some of the residents were able to share their gardening knowledge with the students. After their tour they were treated to scones, jam and cream. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Pictured: Residents and staff gather with students at the project centre.
Izak Luther Village Manager Ph: 06 751 4420 Call Izak for general enquiries, or information about resthome, hospital and dementia care.
Michelle Lord-Roper Sales Advisor Ph: 06 751 4504 Talk to Michelle for information about independent apartments, townhouses or serviced apartments.
71 Barrett Road, New Plymouth
jeansandel.co.nz