Welcome to the Summer edition of our

newsletter. We hope you will enjoy the review of our activities and events held over the last 3 months, including Fathers’ Day celebrations, Music therapy, Men’s Group creative art, Oktoberfest, Halloween Kindy visit, Melbourne Cup, Remembrance Day, Animal farm visit and, the very special Centenarians’ visit to Government House. We also take this opportunity to welcome all the new residents and families who have joined us since the last newsletter release.

Fathers’ Day Celebration The Fathers’ Day celebration at Avalon House was fantastic. All the Dads enjoyed the beautiful afternoon tea as well as the wonderful music played by the pianist, Natalia. They also appreciated the chocolate gift from Avalon House and the handmade cards that were made by some of our residents. It was a great family get together!!!

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Music Therapy Music Therapy has taken off at Avalon House. The new activity, which was introduced in September, has seen our residents singing, tapping and grooving along to many of their favourite songs. It is planned for the activity to continue monthly and our residents are strongly encouraged to bring forward any song suggestions!!

December 2018 [AVALON HOUSE NEWSLETTER]

Halloween Kindy Visit Halloween was not exactly spooky at Avalon House this year… Our residents were visited by the gorgeous kindy children from John Street Kindergarten and enjoyed a display of song and dance. Jack Cafini dressed up as a witch with treats for the children and Noeline also handed out sweets by the train track.

Oktoberfest Oktoberfest came to Avalon House on the 9th of October. We all celebrated with our lovely entertainer Annette, and a feast of German sausage, beer or a cool drink. There was a rousing rendition of Oom Pah Pah and many other joyous German and Bavarian songs. Our residents enjoyed plenty of photographs with the smiling entertainer, each other and our gorgeous RAO ladies dressed in their “dirndls” (traditional dresses).

New Activity!! Mens’ Group – Creative Art We had a very successful first creative art session with our male residents in November. The men’s group was well attended and all were engaged with the activity and social interaction. The facilitator, Anne explained that “there is no pressure to be an artist, just the opportunity to express yourself and share your story with others”. The men are looking forward to future sessions.

December 2018 [AVALON HOUSE NEWSLETTER]

Remembrance Day 2018 The Remembrance Day service at Avalon house was attended by many residents and family members. Anglican Minister, Sturt Young conducted the service which he delivered in a very respectful way. Residents and family commented that it was a peaceful, commemorative event.

Centenarians trip to Government House What an honour and privilege it was to join 3 of our special centenarians at an afternoon tea held at Government House in the beautiful Botanical Gardens. The event was arranged by the Sydney Lions Club and hosted by the Governor of NSW, David Hurley and his wife, Linda. A very warm welcome was extended to the centenarians and their guests. Each centenarian was given a rosette to wear with their name on it. The Governor gave a very heartfelt speech that acknowledged the centenarians and the special part they have played in shaping our country. The oldest guest present was 106 year old Frank who was given the honour of cutting a special birthday cake for all the centenarians. We were entertained by the Military Wives Choir which included the Governor’s wife, who sang a solo tribute to the centenarians. A lovely afternoon tea was served as the choir members led a singalong with the audience. The highlight for us was having photos of our 3 centenarians - Dorothy, Molly and Odessa taken with the Governor. Odessa took his hand and thanked him for “the most delightful afternoon - I will never forget”. Those words said it all. Text here…….

Walks and Talks popular We are very happy to report that we have had record numbers of residents joining us for our weekly Walks and Talks recently. With such beautiful weather at the moment, it is so nice to know that more residents are enjoying the fresh air and sunshine as well as each others company, while walking around our lovely neighbourhood.

December 2018 [AVALON HOUSE NEWSLETTER]

Melbourne Cup Fun It was Cup fever at Avalon House this Melbourne Cup day. Every resident choose a horse from our lucky dip sweeps. That was a fun way to get everyone in the mood. We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating the big race with a packed room of residents wearing hats and lovely headpieces to add to the festive feeling. Champagne and afternoon tea was served before the race. Many lucky residents won and they were delighted with their prizes.

Animal Farm comes to Avalon During the month of November the residents were treated to a visit by a mobile animal farm. Residents had the opportunity to pat and cuddle with a number of different farm animals, including baby ducks and chickens, bunnies, Wilber the piglet, guinea pigs and goats. It was a wonderful sensory experience and lovely to see the smiles that the animals brought to the faces of our residents.

Aromatherapy News As Christmas approaches I have been thinking of the scents of Christmas, and how our memories are evoked by these smells. I have a delightful essential oil burner blend that we will be using around the home to enhance our Christmas celebrations, consisting of Cinnamon, Clove, Sweet Orange, Scotch Pine and Frankincense. The warm spices of cinnamon and clove are reminiscent of Christmas cake and pudding, and the Frankincense relates directly to the gifts the wise men brought the Baby Jesus. The Scotch Pine summons memories of real Christmas trees and cold winter days, and the sweet orange ties the blend together. For a more modern Australian feel, citrus oils are always a favourite – light, summery and fresh, they match our warm sunny Christmas climate and are always joyful and invigorating.

Helen Mascall Aromatherapy Coordinator, Thompson Health Care

December 2018 [AVALON HOUSE NEWSLETTER]

As always, we are looking forward to the next season of fun activities and wish you all the most wonderful Festive Season and a happy start to the new year ahead. from the RAO Team! Maria, Kylie, Chris, Bethany & Jacqueline

Email : rao_avalonhouse@thc.net.au

Upcoming Events for

SUMMER 2018/2019 December 4th & 6th BBQ lunches 7th Magic Show 11th Residents & Relatives

Christmas Party 12th Christmas Lights 19th Kindy Christmas Carols

and Anglican Christmas Carols

January 1st & 3rd BBQ lunches TBA Hawaiian Party 26th Australia Day

February 5th & 7th BBQ lunches 14th Valentines Day TBA Ladies High Tea with Mercedes

Summer Entertainment Pam (pianist); Lyric Trio; Natalia;

Soledad Comedy Trio; Leyla;

Andrew Dyce; Elvis; Mercedes

Message from our DON, Jenny Rose and DDON, Hayley Bonnici

As you know we have introduced a new menu and meal service, which includes monthly BBQs and this has been well received by our residents and their families. Our new furniture has arrived and fireplaces have been installed in our Dolphin unit as well as in first floor lounge area. These are to provide ambience and visual display – not for heating purposes, and they provide another focal point in the home. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve the care and service we provide to our residents. Feedback and suggestion forms are located at reception as is our suggestion box, so feel free to fill one in or speak to either Hayley or myself. Our re-accreditation from Australian Aged Care Quality Agency is to occur at anytime prior to 17th February 2019. You will be notified by email when they arrive in the home, and you will be welcome to speak with the auditors if you wish. They will be attending Avalon House for 2 days for the re-accreditation. As the year closes we give thanks for the opportunity and privilege to be a part of your resident’s life. Hayley, myself and all of the team at Avalon House wish you a very happy Christmas season and, during this time of faith and family, may you find the true meaning of Christmas.

Kind regards,

Jenny and Hayley