Gunther Goss— Issue 14— December/January 09/10

GUNTHER GOSS

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

Page 1Page 1Page 1Page 1

∗ Message from the Executive Manager

Page 2Page 2Page 2Page 2

∗ Activities News

∗ Education for December

∗ Meetings

Page 3Page 3Page 3Page 3

∗ Christmas When We Were Young

∗ Getting to Know our Staff

Page 4 Page 4 Page 4 Page 4

∗ Quality Corner

∗ Policy of the Month

Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5

∗ Christmas Games Page

Page 6 Page 6 Page 6 Page 6

∗ What’s Happening…

December 2009

Attached Attached Attached Attached

∗ Comments, Compliments & Concerns Form

Given that this is the last Newsletter for the year, I have been giving some thought to what I can write, that is exciting or profound to finish off, what has been a very busy year?

Interestingly, my thoughts and reflections keep taking me in the one direction. Why has it been so busy and how have we possibly achieved all the things that we have during 2009? The answer is actually very simple! We really do have a great group of people, who genuinely care and are more often than not, willing to put in that little bit extra, that ensures things happen!.

All the exciting things, the new things and the things that ‘make a difference;’ in peoples lives do not happen unless the majority are enthusiastic, supportive and willing to ‘give it a go’ Bird aviaries, revamped garden area’s, chook pens, Gunther Gumnuts Play area, monthly bar-b-ques, and our own handcraft stall, (just to name a few) do not happen without those that are willing to make it work.

Having said this, I have decided to forget about trying to write anything profound and write something that we are all guilty of not saying enough, and that is THANKYOU!

To the staff, THANKYOU, for your dedication and the effort that you put in, to ensure that the residents living within the home are provided with the best possible care. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

To the families, friends and volunteers who visit, help out where you can, and trust us with the care of your loved one, THANKYOU!

To the residents who are not only patient and understand that one pair of hands can only stretch so far, but actually help turn a work day into fun, THANKYOU!

On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a safe and Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

So, until next year,

Take care,

Jo Bailey

Issue 14

December / January

09/10

Gunther Goss—Issue 14 - December / January 09/10

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MESSAGE FROM THE MESSAGE FROM THE MESSAGE FROM THE MESSAGE FROM THE

EXECUTIVE MANAGER.EXECUTIVE MANAGER.EXECUTIVE MANAGER.EXECUTIVE MANAGER.

Christmas Edition

Gunther Goss— Issue 14— December/January 09/10

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GUNTHER GOSS GUNTHER GOSS GUNTHER GOSS GUNTHER GOSS

Activities News Activities News Activities News Activities News

The month of December is finally upon us and as we expected, it has certainly snuck around quickly! This month you will see a dramatic change to our premises as day by day our Christmas decorations will go up. It is really great to see the creations of our residents arts & crafts sessions throughout the year hanging around the buildings. The residents have been extremely busy cooking their traditional Christmas treats for the Happy Hour which will be held on Friday afternoon 18 December starting at 4.00pm in our Hub. This is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to come along and celebrate a little Christmas cheer with their loved ones.

The Central Courtyard will be decorated with Fairy Lights for the Carols by Candlelight on 20 December. A sausage sizzle will commence at 5.30pm and cold soft drinks will be available to purchase. Carols will commence at approximately 6.30pm. This year our Carols will be a real sing-along opportunity for all with Sue Gatt playing some of the original upbeat Christmas tunes on the organ.

Once again the residents will have the opportunity to go for a drive around town at night to observe the Christmas Fairy Light displays. This will take place in the last couple of weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Any residents wishing to go along to look at the lights please let staff know.

As this is the last Newsletter for the year I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

EDUCATION FOR DECEMBEREDUCATION FOR DECEMBEREDUCATION FOR DECEMBEREDUCATION FOR DECEMBER “Pain Management”. That was the topic at the last in-house education session for 2009. The session proved to be beneficial for all staff as they learnt a range of strategies in identifying pain, and ways to manage it. Lets face it, I have very little doubt, at this time of year, a little “pain management” will be utilized by both residents and staff, as we hold our over full bellies from over indulging and nurse our headaches, also from over indulging, as we gear up for the busy festive season. I would like to take this opportunity to wish every one a very happy and safe holiday and look forward to seeing you all in the new year. TAKE CARE. Rose Bernie ( Education Coordinator)

MEETINGS MEETINGS MEETINGS MEETINGS

Friday 4 December— 2 pm Care Staff Meeting

Monday 7 December— 10 am Resident’s Meeting

Wednesday 16 December— 2.30 pm Staff Meeting

Gunther Goss— Issue 14— December/January 09/10

Barb showing off two of the many Mel-bourne cup hats that the residents have

created .

LEFT: Some of the Christ-mas decora-tions cre-ated by the residents from activi-ties last year.

Christmas When We Were YoungChristmas When We Were YoungChristmas When We Were YoungChristmas When We Were Young Resident’s Remember Christmas Day when they were KidsResident’s Remember Christmas Day when they were KidsResident’s Remember Christmas Day when they were KidsResident’s Remember Christmas Day when they were Kids

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Getting to Know Our StaffGetting to Know Our StaffGetting to Know Our StaffGetting to Know Our Staff

Name: Name: Name: Name: Marylin Phillips

Position: Position: Position: Position: Assistant Nurse

Time worked at Gunther: Time worked at Gunther: Time worked at Gunther: Time worked at Gunther: 1 month

Best thing about working at Gunther: Best thing about working at Gunther: Best thing about working at Gunther: Best thing about working at Gunther: friendly staff

Family: Family: Family: Family: Married with 6 kids

Favourite Food: Favourite Food: Favourite Food: Favourite Food: Arab food

Best Holiday: Best Holiday: Best Holiday: Best Holiday: Skegness, England

Special Interests: Special Interests: Special Interests: Special Interests: Art

As this is the last Newsletter for the year I would like to wish you all a very Merry

our over full bellies from over indulging and nurse our headaches, also from over

Marylin Phillips

Assistant Nurse

Gwen RoseGwen RoseGwen RoseGwen Rose “Our family lived pretty sparsely when we were young, as there were 7 children. On Christmas Eve we would all hang up our pillowcases at the end of our beds. The pillowcases were our stockings, and we would wake up during the night to go see what the other kids got in their stockings. Our stockings were mainly filled with fruit and lollies and our traditional Christmas Meal was ham & turkey and plum pudding with custard for dessert. We didn’t have a refrigerator, only an ice chest so we never had other Christmas treats (such as jellies). The railway line that came from Monto through to Eidsviold would drop off large ice blocks for us to put in the ice chest. The best Christmas gift I received when I was young was a tin train on wheels.”

Agnes McBarronAgnes McBarronAgnes McBarronAgnes McBarron “I had 5 siblings to share Christmas with when I was young in Glasgow, Scotland. Every Christmas eve we would hang our stockings over the fire place and in the morning it would be filled with lollies and bits & pieces. Our traditional Christmas Meal was steak pie with potato & vegies for lunch. Our mother would also make her own dumplings with six pence and shillings stuffed inside for them for us to spend. It didn’t snow every Christmas, but when it did it was an amazing sight. My eldest sister married a toy-maker who made all of us our own dolls for Christmas one year. This amazed us and we were over the moon as we never usually got toys for Christmas.“

Gunther Goss— Issue 14— December/January 09/10

Quality Corner!Quality Corner!Quality Corner!Quality Corner! I think as the end of the year draws near, we are all Quality Cornered Out! This does not mean that I think as the end of the year draws near, we are all Quality Cornered Out! This does not mean that I think as the end of the year draws near, we are all Quality Cornered Out! This does not mean that I think as the end of the year draws near, we are all Quality Cornered Out! This does not mean that we stop thinking about the quality of the services we deliver, and strive to do our best every day. we stop thinking about the quality of the services we deliver, and strive to do our best every day. we stop thinking about the quality of the services we deliver, and strive to do our best every day. we stop thinking about the quality of the services we deliver, and strive to do our best every day. But, it does mean that we can take a break from thinking about ‘how can we do it better’ and reflect But, it does mean that we can take a break from thinking about ‘how can we do it better’ and reflect But, it does mean that we can take a break from thinking about ‘how can we do it better’ and reflect But, it does mean that we can take a break from thinking about ‘how can we do it better’ and reflect about how well we have done it, over the last year! After all, Christmas is a time for celebration. about how well we have done it, over the last year! After all, Christmas is a time for celebration. about how well we have done it, over the last year! After all, Christmas is a time for celebration. about how well we have done it, over the last year! After all, Christmas is a time for celebration.

Christmas Lunch at Gunther!

For those family or friends who may wish to join us for Christmas lunch this year, you are most welcome to do so. However, to ensure that we cater adequately, it is imperative that you notify us by Monday 21st December, as to how many people will be coming along, This will also allow the staff time to make arrangements for extra tables ,etc if required. There will be a minimum charge of $15.00 per head for your lunch, with the exception of spouses’ who are welcome to join their loved one free of charge. This cost includes a traditional baked dinner, dessert, tea and coffee, Christmas cake and what ever other treats are on offer.

Having family and friends around at Christmas is certainly what it is all about. However, we ask that if you are going to be here, you think about the old saying of ‘many hands make light work’ . As you can appreciate being a public holiday, there will not be as many pairs of hands around as there normally would, so your help over lunch would be greatly appreciated. That way, everyone gets to sit down and enjoy each others company.

Policy of the Month!Policy of the Month!Policy of the Month!Policy of the Month!

SmokingSmokingSmokingSmoking

POLICY:POLICY:POLICY:POLICY:

All Gunther Village staff, volunteers, contractors, visitors and clients are entitled to work in a smoke free environment; therefore, smoking is prohibited:

• within 4 meters of an entrance/exit to a building or air intake area, occupied by staff or clients

• in all Gunther Village vehicles

GUIDELINES:GUIDELINES:GUIDELINES:GUIDELINES:

Staff members and/or volunteers are NOT permitted to smoke with residents.

Designated smoking areas (in line with current legislation) will be provided for residents and staff to smoke.

Residents will be assisted by staff to access these areas in line with residents rights to choice and decision making.

Staff who do not smoke may refuse to assist a resident to smoke. Should this occur, the task is to be carried out by another staff member on duty who:

a) is a smoker

b) is a non-smoker, but is willing to assist the resident to smoke

Staff who do notdo notdo notdo not smoke, may utilisemay utilisemay utilisemay utilise the “designated smoking area” provided for staff, however they do this at their own risk.

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Gunther Goss— Issue 14— December/January 09/10

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Christmas FunChristmas FunChristmas FunChristmas Fun Can you spot what’s different in the picture on the right?

There are 5 to spot! Circle the 5 differences and then complete the find-a-word. The first completed games page returned to the office

correct will win a Christmas Prize! GOOD LUCK!

WWWW SSSS RRRR OOOO CCCC AAAA RRRR OOOO LLLL SSSS

BBBB YYYY QQQQ LLLL HHHH TTTT PPPP XXXX ZZZZ AAAA

PPPP AAAA RRRR EEEE RRRR VVVV GGGG YYYY KKKK CCCC

RRRR DDDD SSSS LLLL IIII PPPP RRRR TTTT SSSS OOOO

EEEE IIII QQQQ HHHH SSSS LLLL EEEE IIII GGGG HHHH

SSSS LLLL VVVV AAAA TTTT AAAA BBBB NNNN EEEE AAAA

EEEE OOOO SSSS BBBB MMMM QQQQ CCCC SSSS PPPP TTTT

NNNN HHHH KKKK XXXX AAAA PPPP WWWW EEEE MMMM NNNN

TTTT MMMM OOOO AAAA SSSS UUUU NNNN LLLL OOOO AAAA

SSSS RRRR EEEE IIII NNNN DDDD EEEE EEEE RRRR SSSS

Find a Word!Find a Word!Find a Word!Find a Word!

Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

Santa Santa Santa Santa

Sleigh Sleigh Sleigh Sleigh

Presents Presents Presents Presents

Holidays Holidays Holidays Holidays

Tinsel Tinsel Tinsel Tinsel

Reindeers Reindeers Reindeers Reindeers

Carols Carols Carols Carols

Rules:

Words can be h o r i z o n t a l , vert ica l or backwards.

Find the words relating to Christmas that are listed.

Gunther Goss— Issue 14— December/January 09/10

What’s Happening…

December 2009

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

1

2

Music w

ith

Marie & Edith

Resident Special

Requests

3

Morning Tea at

Julie Pillings

4

Christm

as

Cooking

5

6

Gayndah m

arkets

7

Resident’s M

eeting

10.00am

8

Jingo w

ith

Respite

Afternoon Tea

in the H

ub

9

Music w

ith

Bessie & D

awn

Cards 2.30pm

Burnett W

ing

10

Burnett Wing

Barbeque

Make-up

2.00pm

11

Christm

as

Cooking

Staff Christm

as

Party

12

13

14

Marm

alade M

onday

10.00am

Roving Christm

as

Carols 5.00 pm

15

Jingo

Drive to see

Christm

as Lights

7.30pm

16

Music w

ith Jack

Staff m

eeting

2.30pm

17

Gumnuts Xmas

Gumnuts Xmas

Gumnuts Xmas

Gumnuts Xmas

Party 2.30pm

Party 2.30pm

Party 2.30pm

Party 2.30pm

Drive to see

Christm

as Lights

7.30pm

18

Pre

Pre

Pre

Pre-- -- Christm

as

Christm

as

Christm

as

Christm

as

drinks for

drinks for

drinks for

drinks for

Residents &

Residents &

Residents &

Residents &

Family

Family

Family

Family

19

20

Christm

as

Christm

as

Christm

as

Christm

as

Carols by

Carols by

Carols by

Carols by

Candlelight

Candlelight

Candlelight

Candlelight

5.30pm

5.30pm

5.30pm

5.30pm

21

Marm

alade M

onday

10.00am

22

Jingo

Drive to see

Christm

as Lights

7.30pm

23

Drive to see

Christm

as Lights

7.30pm

24

Afternoon Tea

Christm

as

Music & G

ames

25

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

26

27

28

Gunther Office closed

from today until 4

January 2010.

29

30

31

Gunther Goss— Issue 14— December/January 09/10

Gunther Village

Comments, Compliments & Concerns

As part of our commitment to Continuous Quality Improvement, we genuinely value your ideas and suggestions. Whether you have a concern you would like to raise, make a suggestion that may improve services or simply acknowledge the good things we do, we encourage you to tell us. I am very aware that due to the fact that we promote a culture of open and transparent communication, many suggestions or issues raised, are done so verbally. However, it is important that we have options and that there is a system that enables people to put something forward anonymously, should they wish to do so. (keeping in mind that this will prohibit feedback at a personal level)

Regards,Regards,Regards,Regards,

Jo BaileyJo BaileyJo BaileyJo Bailey

Executive Manager

Comment Compliment Concern ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Name: ………………………………………………….. Date: …………………………………………..

FEEDBACK

In line with our policy, we are committed to providing feedback in relation to issues raised within 10 working days, however please do not hesitate to contact me if further information is required, following reply.

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Signed: …………………………. Date: ………………………………..

Please attention completed forms to – Executive Manager, Gunther Village P.O. Box 134 GAYNDAH, 4625