In This Edition: Preventing Falls, Covid-19 Updates in Sydney, Aged Care Reforms, Improving Memory, and much more!
Welcome to Our 365 Care July Newsletter
July is living up to its mid-winter reputation with some very cold weather these past few weeks.
With the border closures, we’re all hunkering down keeping cosy at home, but we’ll still keep you updated on trends, issues and stories that matter to you.
So sit back, enjoy a nice, warm cuppa and enjoy our latest newsletter!
Health Focus for The Month: Preventing Falls
Falls are a natural part of life but as you get older, they become more than just a scraped knee and can cause serious injuries. One in three Australians over 65 are injured from falls every year.
There are many factors that may cause you to fall. Maybe you don’t see or hear as well as you used to. Maybe you’re not as sure-footed or your reflexes aren’t as quick anymore. Perhaps you’re on medication that affects your balance.
Whatever the reason, if you have a fear of falling, that is completely understandable. The problem is when that fear stops you from keeping agile and living your life. Making simple adjustments to your lifestyle and to your surroundings will help improve your situation, not only from preventing injury but also to promote a healthier well-being.
Here are 5 tips to help prevent falls:
1. Keep physically active
Keeping the body limber will help to prevent falls. Do an exercise routine that allows maximum stability while including some resistance to build up your bone density. You could do small weights or body-weighted exercises while holding onto a rail or walk with trekking poles or a walking stick. Water aerobics are a great idea too.
2. Have your eyes and ears tested
Having your sight and hearing tested and making adjustments to your glasses or hearing aid can do wonders for your ability and confidence to navigate through your day.
3. Check your medication
Consult with your doctor whether any of your medications is making you feel dizzy and out of balance. Perhaps they can substitute it for one without that side effect.
4. Reassess your home
Remove any tripping hazards such as rugs, small tables, or boxes from your living area. Get broken floor surfaces and old carpets with snags repaired or replaced immediately. Use non-slip mats in the shower or bath. You can also kit out your home with handrails, particularly in the bathroom.
5. Wear stable, sensible shoes
Invest in rubber-soled shoes that won’t slip. If you’re used to wearing high heels, ditch them. At this point, you need to feel more comfortable for your safety. Be careful of walking around the house in socks as these can be slippery.
COVID-19 Updates
New wave has Sydney considering lockdown
Sydney has been hit with a bout of new COVID cases of the Indian Delta variant that managed to make its way into other States as well.
Sydney Premier Gladys Berejiklian has now placed Sydney into a 14 day lockdown as case numbers are expected to rise. She has also not ruled out an extension of this, should numbers not begin to decline. Also borders across the country have been shut as travel is being very strictly controlled in an attempt to quell the spread of the virus. And New Zealand has closed its borders to Australia until further notice.
The source of the spreading virus is thought to be a limo driver who may have come into contact with an infected international arrival. The driver had not been COVID-19 vaccinated despite following PPE protocols. The authorities are working hard to track everyone who has had contact, get them tested, and contain this virus strain.
As an organisation, we support COVID-19 vaccinations and strongly encourage everyone to be vaccinated. We also encourage you to be COVID tested, even if you’re experiencing the mildest of symptoms, and limit your movements as much as possible during lockdown.
If you need extra assistance, please contact your Coordinator.
Aged Care Industry Update
Three key reforms from the Royal Commission will change the face of aged care in Australia
Following the Royal Commission report on aged care, 148 recommendations were made with the rollout planned for the next five years.
Of those recommendations, these three fundamental reforms could change the way Australia cares for its elderly.
1. A rights-based age care system
Australia has previously been on a ration-based system, but this initiative will mean there will be no cap on numbers or long waiting lists for people requiring care. Each individual will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and given the level of care they require.
2. Stricter regulations and governance
The report called for an independent commission to be put in place to closely regulate aged care facilities and ensure the level of care is acceptable. This means all aged care institutions will be held accountable and will need to provide a regulated standard of care.
3. Care for carers
There is a need to improve the capabilities of staff through training, as well as improve their working conditions. The report also called for a minimum of 200 minutes per day of staff time for each resident so that all residents are well looked after and given the necessary attention.
We at 365 Care look forward to the implementation of these essential reforms that will support our commitment to provide quality, compassionate care for you.
Slice of Life Stories
Feisty Granny Fights Fascism in Belarus
A 74-year-old great-grandmother is leading women in Belarus against the fascist dictatorship of President Alexander Lukashenko.
The former Soviet republic has been in turmoil over the last few months since the government-controlled Electoral Commission allegedly threw the election in favour of the dictator once again. Many men were imprisoned for protesting, so the women took up the cause. Fearless granny Nina Baginskaya has now become the face of the protests, appearing in memes and social media.
Being an icon may be new to her, but protesting is not. This tiny but tough lady has been taking part in protests in Minsk since 1986, when she started campaigning for Belarus’ independence. The former geologist has been arrested, detained and fined multiple times over the years, but has become such a force to be reckoned with that Lukashenko himself has, albeit mockingly, given an order to leave her alone.
Nina sews her own red and white flag—the banned national flag of Belarus. Every time a flag gets confiscated by police she makes another one. Nina is proof that revolution is not just a fight for independence that’s fit for the young.
Nina encourages her peers by saying, “Grandmothers and grandfathers, you’re doing this right. The more you stay at home, the quicker you’ll die.” On the question of whether she is afraid, she replies, “At my age, it’s ridiculous to be afraid of anything.”
Tech News
New research shows playing video games improves memory and physical function
A new study has come out of the University of Cape Town that provides evidence on how playing video games can improve memory and physical performance among the elderly.
PhD student Udhir Ramnath has studied the way elderly persons respond to active video games.
An active video game, such as an Xbox 360, tracks your body movements as you use the controls to “virtually” play the game. You can play virtual tennis, for example, where you watch the tennis court on your screen and hit the ball when it comes at you by making the movement of hitting a ball on a real-life tennis court.
Ramnath’s study took place over 12 weeks and included 22 participants over 72 years old with memory problems. Half the group did some standing and seated exercises. The other half used active video games.
The gaming group showed a noticeable improvement in physical function, such as balance, strength, stability and mobility, as well as cognitive function.
It’s also a great way to share something with the younger generation. So, next time one of your grandkids comes around, challenge them to an active video game and show them that you’ve still got it.
Wonderful mid-winter recipes
Stay warm, cosy and satisfied with these yummy, healthy treats from delicious.com.au
Mini fish pies
Savour this sumptuous seafood dish for your family get-togethers!
Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup (250ml) white wine
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill, stalks reserved
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon, stalks reserved
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, stalks reserved
- 1 leek, thinly sliced
- 3 eschalots, thinly sliced
- 250g skinless salmon fillet, cut into 4cm pieces
- 250g green prawns, peeled, deveined
- 8 scallops, roe removed, halved
- 25g plain flour
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 300ml pure (thin) cream
- 1kg King Edward potatoes, peeled, chopped
- 100ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- Salad leaves, to serve
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Place the wine and 1 cup (250ml) water in a large frypan over medium heat. Add the herb stalks, leek, eschalot and 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes or until the flavours infuse.
- Add the salmon and poach, turning, for 2 minutes. Add the prawns and scallops and cook for a further 1 minute until the seafood just changes colour. Remove the seafood using a slotted spoon and transfer to a clean bowl. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together flour and 25g butter. Remove herb stalks from the pan and return stock to medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the butter mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking to combine after each addition. Season and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes until thick. Add cream and cook for a further 2 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Place potato in a large saucepan of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Drain and pass through a potato ricer or mash until smooth with a potato masher. While the potato is still hot, beat in the remaining 225g butter. Add the milk and egg yolks, season and set aside.
- Fold the seafood and chopped herbs into the cooled sauce and divide among four 350ml ovenproof dishes. Pipe over the potato and cook for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden. Remove from oven and serve with salad leaves.
Warm winter wine
Serve this mellow drink with your meals or enjoy it as a relaxing night cap.
Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
- 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar
- 1 cinnamon quill
- 4 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 long strip orange rind
- Lemon slices, to serve
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the wine and sugar in a saucepan over low heat and stir to dissolve.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients (except the lemon slices) to the saucepan, increase the heat to medium-low, and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mulled wine and serve in heatproof glasses with the lemon slices.
Mind Games
WORD SEARCH
Look for the following words horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in reverse.
WOMBAT
KANGAROO
TASMANIA
COMMONWEALTH
PERTH
QUANTAS
MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
KOOKABURRA
AYERS ROCK
BARRIER REEF
AUSTRALIA
ULURU
DINGO
KOALA
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
MEMORY GAMES
- Make a list of all the places you can remember visiting.
- Recall the names of every classmate you can remember.
- Recall the Rules of Childhood Games that you used to play.
https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/3-memory-games-you-can-play-with-your-childhood/
Book Review
Our Reading Recommendation: Historical Fiction Books
Here are several selections of historical fiction novels from Better Reading that will give you unique perspectives of personal stories against the background of real events.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in 1939 Nazi Germany, a young woman begins stealing books to learn how to read and opens her mind to a world of life-changing words. An enduring story on the power of books and its influence in a tumultuous, uncertain time.
The Goldminer’s Sister by Alison Stuart
Australia’s gold rush began when it was discovered in the small town of Gippsland, Victoria in the 1850s. Alison Stuart weaves a tale set in the ensuing and turbulent years of gold fever. Eliza Penrose arrives in Maiden’s Creek (based on Gippsland) in 1873 to find her brother—who went off in search of gold—and solve the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.
Dark Tides by Philipa Gregory
Philippa Gregory is a bestselling author famously known for her historical fiction novels. Her latest story set in the 1600s follows the intriguing Tidelands family. From the contrasting worlds of poverty and wealth in Restoration London, to the vibrant scenery of Venice, and the frontier life of New England, Dark Tides gives life to a family’s quest for love, for wealth, and for a home to call their own.
Upcoming Events
Movie Morning on 27 August, Friday
TIME: 9:30 am
WHERE: Blacktown West Point, Top Level Car Park
RSVP: 20th August
Christmas in July has been postponed to August due to the lockdown. We will confirm the details as soon as possible while we monitor the situation.
Please inform your Coordinator if you wish to join us or email office@365care.com.au
Service You Can Trust
At 365 Care, we provide quality, compassionate home care in Western Sydney for the elderly and for adults with disability who want to remain independent in their own homes. We work alongside families seeking peace of mind whilst building caring relationships that are based on honesty, respect and advocacy.
For more information on the aged care services and disability services we offer and how we can assist in maximising the value from your home care packages, contact us on 1300 365 248.
ANSWER TO WORD SEARCH