A Culture of Care
With all the uncertainty in the world, it’s good to be reminded about a constant, Mothers Day. We’ve seen a few changes in our lives this year, as well as at Abel Tasman Village, but it’s good to celebrate that special day.
Meanwhile, here is our May newsletter with all the news that’s fit to print! Download it here.
It’s April and time for our regular monthly newsletter. Download it here while you read Glenn’s update below…
Dear Residents, consumers, families, friends and staff
Following our Monday Advice No.6, the situation appears to be now falling into a period of relative calm. There are no new restrictions announced however the NSW Government through the Police Commissioner has indicated that the restrictions that are in place will remain so for a period of 90 days. I am hopeful that the current strategies will be enough to avoid going into lockdown because, as you appreciate this will place an enormous pressure on residents, relatives and staff. As you can see by the attached monthly newsletter, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of residents is being addressed. Some key strategies are maintenance of group activities taking into account restrictions on the number of participants, social distancing rules, the maintenance of our onsite physiotherapy service, resumption of Rosa’s hairdressing services, Katja and Janina’s skype/zoom family and spiritual sessions alongside the normal good cheer and interactions from our staff.
Our home care coordinators are now working from home. This hasn’t changed their access to consumers and I know that they are spending a lot of time contacting consumers to determine their care requirements and to support them during this difficult time. We also wish to acknowledge the support provided to our staff who are working flexibly to ensure the continuation of our services. We are maintaining a full service in Administration however will be employing flexible working arrangements where possible. If you need to contact either Virginia (admin@abeltasman.com.au) or Ishmam (accounts@abeltasman.com.au) you can email to arrange an appointment time. There will be no interruption to normal services.
Knowing that we are potentially looking at a long period of enforced isolation I feel we are in a good place to manage this as well as having all the required PPE and infection control resources due to good planning from the team. Now more than ever, we have to ensure we support each other so please take care of yourself and if you are finding it difficult to deal with the restrictions, please contact either myself, Sophia or the RN’s – we will do everything possible to support you. As always, you can email me at gen.mgr@abeltasman.com.au or call during business hours on 9645 3388.
Glenn Kirkman
General Manager
Lots of activities in March, celebrating International Women’s Day as well as St Patrick’s Day. Don’t miss Glenn Kirkman’s message about our ATV Honey and of course the precautions to help protect our residents against the Corona Virus.
Download the Newsletter here.
Wow… we’re already one month into the new year! Lots of news from Abel Tasman in our newsletter. Read Glenn’s contribution for lots of good news. Download it here
Getting the New Year into gear and looking forward to Australia Day! Here is the January 2020 newsletter with words of wisdom and our activities calendar. Download it now!
Download the Christmas Edition December Newsletter.
Check out the busy schedule in the rush toward the new year. In particular, don’t miss our annual Memorial Service on 15th to remember friends and family, along with the Samoan Special Choir.
And be sure to drop around for our Meet & Greet with staff, fellow relatives and friends at 6.00 pm on 5th December at the Village. Find out what’s going on at the village and catch up with old and new friends over a drink and nibble. Register on our facebook page or just hit reply to this email!
First of all, next Thursday 28th November, we celebrate a Dutch family favourite, “Sinterklaas” ( St. Nicholas). You’re invited to join us and we have it on good authority that the the man himself will be joining us around 10.00 am in the main hall.
On the 5th of December we have a “Meet & Greet” for family and friends to get together in an informal setting at 6.00 pm at the Village. A terrific opportunity to meet and socialise with others as well as key Village staff. Register on our Facebook page or send us an email if you’re coming.
A special occasion every December is our Memorial Service where we commemorate those who have passed away this year. It will be held in our main hall on Sunday 15th December 2019 at 10.00 am. Please RSVP to activities@abeltasman.com.au by 2nd December. You can download all the details here.
Lots of things happening in November, starting with the annual Melbourne Cup, always a reason for excitement at the Village. Remembrance Day is always a special event and at the end of the month, we look forward to St Nicholas.
Check out the full newsletter here!
We were very lucky to have had the Information and Cultural Exchange run four arts programs for Abel Tasman residents this year. It was very popular with the residents and brought new skills around arts based activities to the Village.
These photos are from: Naomi & Liam’s Craft Club with artists Naomi Oliver and Liam Benson and Vim & Vigour, seated dance exercise with dance teacher, Victoria Harbutt and DJ Black President.
Here are some photos to illustrate the activities (click for larger images, all photos by Lyndal Irons):
