Expert to deliver free Caboolture seminar on senior mental health issues

Aged care specialist Gae Munsie will be presenting a seminar for Caboolture residents on March 2 about dealing with issues arising from dementia.

Ms Munsie has over 35 years of experience in senior management roles at both Gold Coast Hospital and Allamanda Private Hospital, where she started out as an operating theatre manager but then branched out into a variety of executive roles.

Last year, Ms Munsie was appointed as the director of care for Tall Trees—an aged care provider with neighbourhoods in Queensland and New South Wales.

Before commencing at Tall Trees Ms Munsie spent 12 years as the manager of various aged care facilities, during which time she introduced models of care that were recognised by the industry as best practice.

Ms Munsie says it’s important for seniors and their families to have a good knowledge of potential future mental health issues.

“While it’s not something that people necessarily feel comfortable discussing, it’s vital information that can improve the quality of life for seniors and make the care process much easier than it would otherwise be,” she says.

“Unfortunately, because it is a taboo subject, it may get ignored or played down by seniors and their families, which inevitably causes more harm than good.

“I want to ensure that anyone that walks away from this presentation is able to be proactive about making decisions surrounding dementia.”

Ms Munsie, who has had significant experience dealing with issues surrounding dementia through her extensive career in aged care, says the seminar will equip those in the audience to make the right decisions about looking after someone with dementia.

“I will be approaching this talk from a factual and practical point of view; that is, helping people to get a good understanding of what dementia is, and supplying them with information they will be able to use in order to deal with the condition,” Ms Munsie says.

“Even if your senior parents are in good health currently, the information I’ll be discussing may help you to make some important decisions in the next few years that could make a major difference to their quality of life.

“It’s a tough subject, but it’s important that we all approach it in an intelligent and informed way.”

Part of the new guard of accommodation for seniors, Tall Trees provides customised care services for their residents whilst offering an environment that’s more like a resort than an aged care facility.

The seminar will be held at Tall Trees Caboolture, which is located at 23 Adelaide Drive, Caboolture South.

The seminar will start at 11am on Friday March 2, with a morning tea beforehand from 9:45 for all attending.

For more information about the seminar or to book your seat, please contact Tall Trees before Thursday March 1 on 1300 304 413.

Local Labor and LNP candidates vie for seniors’ vote at forum

Seniors from the Morayfield area will get a chance to grill pollies from both sides of the political divide on Wednesday in a special Q&A forum being held at a local aged care neighbourhood.

Labor state member for Morayfield Mark Ryan will be appearing at Tall Trees Caboolture at 11am on February 29, where seniors will be able to question him on a range of political issues.

This will be followed with an appearance at 1pm by the LNP candidate for Morayfield, Darren Grimwade, as well as the deputy leader of the opposition Tim Nicholls.

The forum is a free event for anyone in the local area, with seniors particularly encouraged to attend as the focus will be largely on issues that affect older Australians.

Networking coordinator at Tall Trees Caboolture Sharon Brown says involvement in the political process is important at any age.

“Getting old doesn’t mean becoming a passive observer in the political process—and the enthusiasm displayed by our residents in the lead up to this Q&A session is a clear indicator of that,” Ms Brown says.

“Some of our residents have been voting for over 70 years, so they’re going to be able to ask questions with quite an incredible sense of political context.

“We are encouraging all seniors from the electorate to attend, as this will be a fantastic opportunity to let the candidates know what some of the major issues in the area are, while also allowing the opportunity to develop a more informed opinion on who to vote for.”

Please call Tall Trees head office on 1300 304 413 by February 28 to book your free seat at the forum.

Tall Trees Caboolture is located at 23 Adelaide Drive, Caboolture South.

Tall Trees neighbourhoods are located in Caboolture, Redland Bay, Rochedale, Tanah Merah and Banora Point on the Tweed Coast.

They follow the concept of ‘ageing in place’, which allows seniors to move into a spacious apartment within one of their communities and receive whatever level of care is right for them.

Love is all around Tall Trees this Valentine’s Day

Aged care provider Tall Trees Ocean View is home of nine couples in their seventies, eighties and nineties who are all happier than ever together at home and very much in love.

Couples such as Blue and Doreen Godbee are overjoyed with the delight of sharing another Valentine’s Day together.

Mr Godbee says he and Doreen married on April 2 in 1955 and lived in many places all over Australia before finally settling down in Banora Point.

“We met in ’53 at a wedding – that’s where the romance began and we got married two years later,” Mr Godbee says.

“I worked in the Airforce for 20 years which saw us move from Queensland to New South Wales to the Northern Territory to Victoria over time.

“After retirement we lived in Kingscliff for 28 years, then built a home in Banora Point where we lived for a while but in the end it became too much for us to handle.

“Along with our daughter we did the research and found Tall Trees best suited our requirements as a couple–because all care is provided in our own apartment, there’s no need to move around or be separated.

“We moved in almost two years ago and we’re so happy together here. We ride our double-scooter in and around town, as well as down to Kingscliff to touch base with old friends there.

“Doreen and I make a great team – she navigates and I drive, and it’s just really nice having those trips together.”

Recent newly-weds Alister and Lorna Arnott will be celebrating their first Valentine’s Day this year as husband and wife after getting married on 11 November last year.

“We met nine years ago and have been together all that time, but thought it was a good time last year to get married,” Mr Arnott says.

“We both looked after each other during sickness, but when I had four operations in the one year in 2007 was when we decided to make the move in here.

“Although she was in great health at the time we were still able to be together as well as have assistance if we needed it.

“We love having guests over to entertain and go down to the local bowls club regularly for a game.”

Tall Trees style of supported living provides the ability for senior couples to stay together in the later years of life even if they have different care requirements.

With Tall Trees neighbourhoods in Tanah Merah, Rochedale, Caboolture, Redland Bay and Ocean View, many seniors are able to remain living with their loved ones and share Valentines Day together year after year.

For more information call Tall Trees on 1300 304 413 or visit www.talltrees.net.au

Celebration of love at the Bay this Valentine’s Day

Aged care provider Tall Trees Redland Bay are hosting an event for seniors to celebrate the day of love in style this Valentine’s day on Tuesday 14 February.

Seniors of the local area will pop open the bubbly upon arrival to loosen up for an evening of socialising, trivia, music and dancing.

Tall Trees networking coordinator Hannah Reed says holding a social event for Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to highlight how much love is in their lives.

“A lot of fun things are planned for the afternoon with prizes for the best dressed as well as for couples who have celebrated over fifty years of marriage,” Ms Reed says.

“Tall Trees enjoys acknowledging those who have shared a lifetime together, as part of our ethos is ensuring couples stay together in the later years of life no matter what their care needs are.

“A session of trivia will kick the afternoon off, followed by an afternoon of excellent music provided by the amazing Girls Choir for the lovebirds to dance the day away.”

The theme is red, with prizes being presented for the most charismatically dressed and those who have celebrated five decades of marriage or more.

The event, sponsored by White Lady Funerals will be free for seniors, with complimentary champagne upon arrival and light snacks offered throughout the afternoon.

For more information or to RSVP please contact Hannah Reed on (07) 3442 9376 or email Hannah@talltrees.net.au.

New Redland men’s shed to offer local blokes a top quality facility

Aged care provider Tall Trees Redland Bay has established a feature-packed men’s shed on the neighbourhood’s grounds, filled it with tools, and is ready to open it up for the public to use.

Men’s sheds are established as places for men to congregate, with the convenience of having all of the facilities of a workshop without requiring the same outlay of cash.

They have been identified as important instruments in the battle against depression and isolation amongst older Australian men, providing a comfortable and familiar environment in which to socialise.

Both residents of Tall Trees and the local community will be able to sign up to become members of the new shed.

Tall Trees Redland Bay’s networking coordinator Hannah Reed says they are glad to be able to provide a facility that will bring enjoyment to many.

“A major part of the Tall Trees ethos is about being active within the community and providing assistance to seniors broadly—not just those within our neighbourhoods,” Ms Reed says.

“Men’s sheds are really gaining prominence as vital locations in our community, and are starting to earn a status that’s nearly akin to going to the pub or going to watch a game of sport.

“Due to our central location to a number of suburbs, it’s likely that we’ll have men coming from all over to use the shed.”

While Tall Trees established the men’s shed, the initial drive for members is being looked after by the Redlands Seniors Network.

The men’s shed committee will, however, consist of one Tall Trees staff member who will be able to offer further assistance to those running the facility while ensuring that it benefits both the public and residents.

President of RDCOTA Tony Christinson has been involved in the setup of other men’s sheds. He says the new facility will be a very welcome addition to the area.

“Typically, these kinds of sheds are established by groups of men who identify a need, then look for a venue that will be suitable—in this case, with Tall Trees offering their facility up, it’s almost the other way around,” Mr Christinson says.

“Tall Trees have set up a really fantastic shed on their grounds, and I expect that there will be excellent uptake from the local community.”

The men’s shed at Tall Trees already has all of the tools you’d expect to see in the garage of someone who’s been a handyman for most of their life.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the new men’s shed, or a part of the men’s shed committee, come to Tall Trees Redland Bay on Thursday 9 February between 9:30 and 11:30am.

For more information, contact RDCOTA on (07) 3488 0680.

Tall Trees Redland Bay is located at Salisbury St, Redland Bay.

Seniors go all out for Australia Day celebrations

The dining hall of Tall Trees Rochedale has been decked out with Aussie flags in preparation for their ripper of a party on Wednesday celebrating Australia Day a day early.

Entertainer Graeme Leis will be performing classic Aussie compilations for residents to get into the spirit of the day and reflect on the best things about our culture.

Tall Trees lifestyle coordinator Tracy Kenyon says the day kicks off with an Australia day themed morning tea with Anzac biscuits and lamingtons.

“We’re getting right into it this year an we would love to make some damper for lunchtime to follow our very Aussie morning tea,” Ms Kenyon says.

“Residents get very excited when we do themed lunches, but focusing on Australian culture and traditions is not only a lot of fun but brings sentimental memories of their past back to the surface.

“Graeme Leis is coming in the morning at 11:30 for the celebrations and will be dressing up to add even more excitement to the party.”

Ms Kenyon says they’ve scheduled celebrations a day earlier so more staff members can be a part of the special occasion.

“On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian,” Ms Kenyon says.

“At Tall Trees we take the opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.

“The day isn’t all about the food or the music, but being surrounded by others who share a common love for our country.”

Only one way to celebrate Australia Day at Tall Trees

Residents and staff at Tall Trees Tanah Merah are casually celebrating Australia Day exactly how all Aussies should – with a lunchtime BBQ surrounded by friends and family.

Family of the residents will be invited to the neighbourhood party with boardies, beer and Aussie tunes on Australia Day.

Tall Trees lifestyle coordinator Kay Colenso says the residents are looking forward to kicking back and relaxing in good company with good food.

“There’s no doubt the daggy Hawaiian shirts and boardies will be coming out of the cupboards this weekend in the spirit of the event,” Ms Colenso says.

“I know us staff members will be carrying on like scallywags for the day to keep the residents amused – and ourselves too.

“We’ve found heaps of old dinky di tapes to put on and listen to for the day and sing along to as we gather round the barbeque.”

Ms Colenso says although it’s a bit of lighthearted fun, Tall Trees likes to make a point of thinking about the nature of the holiday.

“On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about our country and being Australian,” Ms Colenso says.

“It’s always been a day to sit back and reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation, and as individuals.

“But of course, it’s always the perfect great excuse to put some snags on the barby and have drink and a laugh with everyone we care about.”

Francis a female first for Brisbane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tall Trees Caboolture is the home of 93-year-old female pioneer Francis Smith, the first ever female to be a licensed taxi driver in Brisbane in the late 1950s.

Francis owned a taxi business in Capalaba with her husband that ran 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 14 years.

During this era women who had held wartime jobs were expected to abandon their careers in order to provide employment for men returning from war.

Francis overcome all opposition to her actions of working in a man’s world and helped pave the way for women to claim their position in the workforce.

Francis says she originally started driving taxis to help her husband out when he was unable to drive, but it wasn’t easy in the beginning.

“My husband owned the business and when he became ill I thought we would lose our livelihood if I didn’t take over,” Francis says.

“When I went to get my taxi license the men at the office would think ‘why give a woman one when there was a waiting room full of men applying?’ but I went there every day for three weeks trying to apply.

“I finally got it in the end – but I think it was only to get rid of me and it was restricted so I could only drive in Capalaba.”

Francis says that she persevered despite the challenges she faced during her taxi-driving career.

“It seemed that even though I had my own license and was legally allowed to drive, it was always going to be strongly opposed,” Francis says.

“Taxi inspectors gave me grief about driving and tried to stop me, but I always stood my ground because our business was providing for seven children.

“We had two children of our own and for five years my husband and I cared for my friend’s five children after his wife passed away giving birth to the fifth child.”

Francis says her husband’s best friend was a policeman from Cleveland and she believed he helped her gain a full taxi license.

“My original license only allowing me to drive in Capalaba was no good, so I eventually got an unrestricted taxi license and I think our friend made it possible,” Francis says.

“I would make many journeys to strawberry growers and pack the car up with the fruit and drop if off at the huge trucks to have the strawberries taken to the markets.

“A lot of our clients had an account with the business and we were often paid by farmers with watermelons, strawberries and even pets.”

Francis says she got used to working around the clock every day of the week.

“I would often get called upon to go to somebody’s house miles away to put the roast on or turn the chook over in the oven,” Francis says.

“Although I faced many obstacles pursuing my license and keeping it, I did what I had to in order to keep our business going.

“After 14 years we decided to move on and so we sold the business and bought a hotel.”

Francis has long since retired and has recently moved to Tall Trees Caboolture.

“Many of my friends living here have also lived in the suburbs of Brisbane most of their lives and we enjoy looking at how much has changed over time,” Francis says.

“Although men laughed at the thought of it originally, I am glad I stuck to it to become the first of female taxi driver, and set an example for women to follow.

“Doing this set a good example for my children, and my daughter was the first female barmaid over in New Zealand.”

For more information call Tall Trees on 1300 304 413 or visit www.talltrees.net.au

Quest for Logan’s Outrageous and Courageous seniors comes to a close

An initiative to find two of the most outstanding seniors in Logan has drawn to a close, unearthing some fantastic stories in the process.

“Outrageous and Courageous” has been run in partnership by supported living operator Tall Trees and Logan Community Bank® branches of Bendigo Bank, and has sought to find outstanding seniors in Logan who embody the spirit of adventure and excitement, or who are great examples of personal strength and giving.

Today saw the announcement of the two winners: Olive Webster for the category of “Logan’s most outrageous senior”, while Deidre Grigg took out the category of “Logan’s most courageous senior”.

Olive Webster was chosen for the fact that she celebrated her 90^th birthday with a ride on a Harley Davidson around Sydney, while 77-year-old Deidre Grigg has tirelessly dedicated her time to coaching and supporting the gymnastics program at the local PCYC.

Tall Trees director Mr Usher says that Outrageous and Courageous has been won by two very worthwhile seniors.

“The central focus of this competition has been about getting people to think about the different ways in which seniors break away from some of the tired, old ideas that people have about seniors,” Mr Usher says.

“What we have in both Olive and Deidre is an incredible spirit that proves that age really is no barrier to achieving great things.

“To jump on a Harley Davidson at any age is a pretty outrageous thing to do, but to do it at 90? That’s just amazing.

“On the other hand, to still be teaching gymnastics well into your 70s is an absolutely massive achievement.

“I extend my congratulations to both of our winners—they’re an incredibly deserving pair of these titles.”

Mr Usher says initiatives such as this are vital in order to recognise the ongoing role that seniors play in our communities.

“Too often, there are stereotypes that people have about seniors that just simply are not true—and the results of this competition prove it,” Mr Usher says.

“As a provider of supported living, a major part of our ethos is ensuring that seniors are able to get the absolute most out of the day-to-day lives as possible.

“We will continue working in the future to create programs that recognise the important part that seniors play in our local communities.”

Tall Trees neighbourhoods are located in Caboolture, Redland Bay, Rochedale, Tanah Merah and Banora Point on the Tweed Coast.

For more information call Tall Trees on 1300 304 413 or visit www.talltrees.net.au

Logan senior shows Love and Care through Christmas charity work

A Logan senior who has sewn, knitted and weaved over 500 items for children in need is putting the call out to the local community to provide similar assistance this Christmas.

73-year-old Sally Spurgin is a resident at Tall Trees Rochedale, and became involved with the Project Love and Care charity in December 2008—just one month after she moved permanently to Australia from the UK.

Project Love and Care was started in 2005, and aims to provide children and teenagers in foster care with some of the basic necessities in life, such as clothes, toiletries, stationary and toys.

While some of the products such as toiletries and underwear need to be purchased new, other items such as clothes and toys can be donated second hand or made from scratch. All donated items are sent to the Department of Communities or to the police to be distributed to children up to the age of 17.

In her time volunteering with the charity, Mrs Spurgin has made knitted animals, fabric dolls, shirts, shorts, dresses and pajamas. She says that there’s a side to the festive season that necessitates an increased volume of donations for the charity.

“Things happen over Christmas that should never happen at this time of year—but they do, anyway,” she says.

“There really is an added need for assistance to make a difference to the lives of young people who may be going through a rough time this holiday season, particularly when for others it’s a time of such happiness.

“Currently, the charity is aiming to pack five to six hundred assistance bags per week, so they will need all of the donations they can get.

“It’s a great opportunity to assist those less fortunate, and will in many cases help to ensure that young people in difficult situations are getting the best start to life possible.”

Mrs Spurgin is a resident at supported living neighbourhood Tall Trees Rochedale. The village’s lifestyle coordinator Michelle Pashen says that Mrs Spurgin’s commitment to helping the charity serves as an inspiration to the community.

“Sally is very dedicated to Project Love and Care, and the fact that she joined this charity so soon after moving to Australia is a true testament to her character,” Mrs Pashen says.

“She has dedicated so much time to making many fantastic items for children in need—some of these toys she makes would fetch top dollar from a retail store.

“Being able to spread the word about the charity is very important to her, and particularly so at this time of year. It’d be fantastic if more were able to follow her lead and donate to this or any other worthwhile charity over the festive season.”

In addition to Mrs Spurgin, contributions to the charity have also been made by Tall Trees residents Vi Hasseltine, Jacquie Morland, Thelma Heather, Dorothy Swile, Jill Hutchinson and Barbara Organ.

Are you interested in supporting Project Love and Care? If so, you can get in touch with the charity’s director Ann George by calling (07) 3372 8493, or by sending an e-mail to georgefamily_23@hotmail.com