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.

http://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2011/12/15/article/Its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-Christmas/GQVTWADFXW.html

A new initiative between Tall Trees and U3A will see residents at the supported living neighborhood having regular all-in ukulele jam sessions.

U3A was formed in 1986, and provides leisure and educational courses to local seniors. The Brisbane chapter is one of many around Australia and runs over 190 courses per year.

U3A’s first ukulele demonstration will be on 24 November at Tall Trees Tanah Merah, which is open to the supported living neighbourhood’s residents as well as other U3A students.

Tall Trees Lifestyle Coordinator Kay Colenso says the initiative provides myriad benefits for participants.

“It’s a great opportunity to get involved even if you aren’t musically inclined, because the ukulele is quite an easy instrument to learn,” Ms Colenso says.

“Gathering the residents and the public for music lessons is a fantastic way to further build social interaction while ensuring motor skills are being exercised.

“It’s well known that learning a musical instrument helps to stimulate brain activity and can positively affect other areas of learning—we feel this is a simple and fun way of ensuring the ongoing mental health and happiness of our residents.”

Ms Colenso says she believes many residents will be excited to participate—particularly given the popularity of previous courses at the neighbourhood.

“Teachers from U3A already visit the neighbourhood holding classes for cryptic crosswords, canasta, and Mah Jong among many others,” she says.

“Whatever it may be, their classes consistently bring a lot of happiness to the residents of Tall Trees Tenah Merah—we expect the ukulele classes will be big a hit both with our residents and the seniors from the community.”

http://southcitybulletin.com.au/page8.html

After decades of being clean-shaven, residents and staff at supported living neighbourhood Tall Trees Ocean View donned a set of healthy moustaches for November—all in the name of men’s wellbeing.

Residents James Murray, Jack Walker, Ken Anstee and Ray Watts, and staff member David Pickering have all participated in the month-long Movember fundraiser, which raises money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and depression initiative Beyondblue.

Tall Trees Ocean View welcome consultant David Pickering says the charity has been a great cause to get involved with.

“The blokes and I have been loud and proud about growing our mo’s to raise money for men’s health issues,” Mr Pickering says.

“Beneath the surface of Movember’s fun campaign is a very serious initiative that shouldn’t be overlooked.

“Without Movember, there are too few fundraisers that are designed specifically to assist in research into men’s health issues or initiatives helping them through depression.”

Resident Ray Watts said until this month, it had been years since he had a moustache.

“The first time I grew one was back in 1942, and now this month is my second time ever,” Mr Watts says.

“It started with the staff here at Tall Trees telling us about the fundraiser and encouraged residents to get involved, and I joined in as it goes towards a cause that affects me personally.

“I have had prostate cancer for eight years now, but this year is the first time I have heard about the idea of Movember, with David and a few of us getting on board with it.”

81-year-old Ken Anstee, another resident partaking in the Movember activity, says he can’t wait to shave it off.

“This is the first time in my whole life that I have ever grown a moustache and it is sure to be the last,” Mr Anstee says.

“I honestly can’t wait to get rid of it, but I committed to growing it this month because it is for a very good cause. I really hope the money we pull together will make a difference.

“My daughter is sponsoring me for growing a mo this month and we have residents and staff getting behind us as well.”

Tall Trees Ocean View have had a donations box at reception to make visitors aware that residents and staff are involved and to encourage their support in fundraising for men’s health.

Donations can be made by visiting the neighbourhood at 2 Terranora Road, Banora Point.

http://www.mydailynews.com.au/story/2011/11/28/movember-growth-spotted-among-the-tall-trees-men/

Seniors at Tall Trees Caboolture will get a chance to talk face-to-face with Member for Longman Wyatt Roy on Tuesday next week, with the MP joining residents at the supported living neighbourhood for a special morning tea.

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.

Sharon Brown, networking co-coordinator at Tall Trees Caboolture, says staff and residents at the neighbourhood are thrilled about the opportunity to meet the MP.

“Mr Roy’s been very active in the local community, and we’re really pleased that he’s chosen to come here to see the service we provide and talk with our residents about matters close to them,” Ms Brown says.

“At Tall Trees, we’re always working to ensure that seniors have a voice in the community, and this is a fantastic way for them to be able to voice their opinions.

“Our residents and staff are all looking forward to meeting Mr Roy.”

Mr Roy won the seat of Longman in the 2010 federal election, displacing Labor’s Jon Sullivan and achieving a swing of 3.79 percent.

Tall Trees Ocean View at Banora Point is holding a fashion parade for residents to pull out their suits, frocks and fancy hats and strut around in the spirit of the Melbourne Cup.

The residents make their own Melbourne Cup Fascinators to wear on the day and those who made theirs last year and will be excited to wear them again.

Neighbourhood Lifestyle Coordinator Rachel Phillips says she is arranging the event to bring the Melbourne Cup close to home for Tall Trees Ocean View residents.

“The fashion parade will be held in the dining hall to re-create the spirit of the Melbourne Cup for residents,” Ms Phillips says.

“They are all very excited about this special event as they have an excuse to get all dressed up and will make a fun day out of it.

“Some of our residents say they remember going to the Flemington Racecourse for the Cup when they were just 18.”

Ms Phillips says the Melbourne Cup is not just about the races for many residents, but also their memories of the fashion and their experiences around that time of year.

“Our residents often speak about the 1940s fashions, and that they were ‘all the go’ for the Melbourne Cup events,” Ms Phillips says.

“We have some residents that just absolutely love horses and enjoy watching the Cup for that reason alone.

“In fact, one of our residents had always dreamed of becoming a jockey when they were young and watching the races but their parents would not let them!”

Ms Phillips says the event is still something that they’re passionate about, with the upcoming Melbourne Cup featuring quite heavily on their calendar.

“The residents enjoy watching the races on the big screen at Tall Trees Ocean View, alongside all their close friends here,” Ms Phillips says.

“They all live together in the supported living community and have become like family to one another, and events like these bring them even closer together.

“Last year’s Melbourne Cup event was fantastic, and I think this year’s will be even more fun with lots of striking outfits to liven up the day.”

Tall Trees Ocean View coordinate regular events and social outings, and encourage friends and families to get involved and stay with the residents in the days before and after the event.

One of Queensland’s oldest married couples is gearing up for the annual Melbourne Cup, having spent their life together as avid racing enthusiasts.

Jack Robinson, 93, and his wife and Olive, 91, have followed the horses and attended racing events over the course of their 72 year marriage.

They live together at supported living community for seniors Tall Trees at Tanah Merah, where the staff will be organising a Melbourne Cup event for the residents.

Jack says horseracing is still something that they’re passionate about, with the upcoming Melbourne Cup featuring quite heavily on their calendar.

“We’ve been to Flemington Racecourse a number of times during our marriage for the Melbourne Cup, and though we’re not going to be able to make it down this year, we’re looking forward to the day nonetheless,” he says.

“It’ll be great to be able to enjoy the races on the big screen at Tall Trees, alongside Olive and all our friends here.

“Last year’s Tall Trees Melbourne Cup event was fantastic, and I think this year’s will be even better.”

Jack and Olive married in 1939, with Jack coming from a family of horse enthusiasts, while Olive’s family were strictly opposed to gambling.

She’d never put down a bet in her life before meeting Jack.

“My family were non-gamblers,” Olive says.

“No way could we have anything to do with gambling, until I met Jack – we used to go the races twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

“I used to live in Victoria, and when I moved up to NSW to marry Jack I became a little bit lucky.

“They used to call me ‘The Quinella Queen’.

“All of the men around us would ask Jack what my picks were for the day.”

Despite their age, Jack says they still get out to the track when possible, attending their most recent meet a month ago for a charity event at Eagle farm.

“Four of us from Tall Trees went down, and we had a marvellous day,” Jack says.

“I didn’t have a win, but Olive got her quinella up.

“We can’t make it down to the track as much these days, but she’s still got that amazing luck.”

Siobhan MacDonald, neighbourhood manager at Tall Trees Tanah Merah, says Jack and Olive are a unique couple.

“They’ve got to be some of Queensland’s oldest racing fans – that’s for sure,” Ms MacDonald says.

“Going to the races was quite a popular pastime in their day, but they’ve shown true dedication to the sport by still attending events when they can.

“While we think most of our residents here at Tall Trees are looking forward to the Melbourne Cup, I don’t think anyone is as much as Jack and Olive are.

“I think their enthusiasm for racing will make the day that little bit more exciting.”

After spending much of their lives following the horses, Jack says there’s one simple piece of advice that he’s stuck to, and suggests young punters do, too.

“Bet within your means – enjoy it, don’t try to be a millionaire,” Jack says.

“It doesn’t matter then, if you win you’ve had a lovely day, if you lose, you haven’t done any harm.”

Local aged care provider Tall Trees and Logan Community Bank® branches Bendigo Bank are looking for noteworthy seniors in Logan for their Outrageous and Courageous competition.

Adults and children will be able to nominate their parents, grandparents or senior friends under the categories of “most outrageous” or “most courageous”, with a winner being selected for each.

Tall Trees director Phil Usher says that Outrageous and Courageous is an initiative that will help to bring recognition to the amazing lives of seniors in the community.

“We believe this competition will help to recognise the remarkable seniors in the local area and remind the younger generation that age doesn’t stop you from doing amazing and exciting things,” Mr Usher says.

“The ‘outrageous’ category is targeted at those seniors who break all stereotypes of the elderly and still have a great taste for adventure.

“The ‘courageous’ category will acknowledge those selfless individuals that contribute tirelessly to the community, country or to their family and friends around them.”

Mr Usher says all entrants will need to submit details of the person they are nominating and select which of the two categories they come under.

“After selecting what kind of character they are, friends or family members can share the stories of their nominee and explain exactly what makes them outrageous or courageous,” Mr Usher says.

“Outrageous nominees could be someone who likes to engage in adventurous activities such as skydiving or playing in a rock ‘n’ roll band.

“Courageous applicants may include charity workers, war heroes, or unshakeable patriarchal figures, and I am sure this category will give well-deserved recognition to seniors that have done a lot for the community.”

Mr Usher says the staff at Tall Trees are looking forward to seeing all of the entries and learning more about the admirable seniors in the Logan area.

“The best submission for each category will be judged by Tall Trees and Logan Community Bank® branches Bendigo Bank, who are very eager to see what tales of adventure and courage come out of the Logan area,” Mr Usher says.

“Seniors often share their stories with the people they are closest to, but Outrageous and Courageous offers the opportunity to let the wider community appreciate their life achievements.

“Submissions need to describe why the nomination is outrageous or courageous and we encourage people to use photos as well as the stories to describe their nominee’s personality and experiences.”

A first prize in each category will include a holiday to the value of $1,250 dollars, provided by Travel by Tracey.

Nomination forms are available from any of the Logan Community Bank® branches Bendigo Bank or from the competition website at www.talltrees.net.au/oandc

Nominees need to be over the age of 75.

To find out more about Tall Trees, please call 1300 304 412 or visit www.talltrees.net.au

Leading Australian aged care provider, Tall Trees Group, has appointed industry innovator Gae Munsie as its dedicated director of care across all of their neighbourhoods.

Tall Trees recently undertook the management of three new facilities in Caboolture, Redland Bay and Banora Point, bringing the company’s total number of locations to five.

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

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 the appointment is a great opportunity to use her experience already gained within the industry to effectively coordinate programs of the highest quality care across the Tall Trees neighbourhoods.

“My role sees that carers at all five neighbourhoods are maintaining the Tall Trees standard of care, which is a more personal, flexible, and dignified approach,” Ms Munsie says.

“I believe our seniors deserve the absolute best when it comes to aged care, and should be able to live in acomfortable environment that allows them to live their lives the way they would like to.

“Working with Tall Trees allows me to build on my passion with a company that is truly changing the face of aged care in Australia.”

Tall Trees have revamped several aspects of their business with the launch of the additional locations, including a range of new services, new executive members, and a new weekly pricing structure.

The company’s new weekly pricing scheme that starts at approximately 30 per cent of the weekly pension, and includes a care package, all grounds keeping, property maintenance, breakfasts, reduced cost lunches and dinners, and a concierge service.

MsMunsie’s position will see her managing care at Tall Trees’ five locations, as well as developing new aspects for Tall Trees’ service offering.

www.baysidebulletin.com.au/news/local/news/general/gae-new-tall-trees-director/2318727.aspx

The National Workplace Development Fund will provide $558 million over the next four years to priority industries for training, with aged care as one of the two biggest priorities.

The funding will assist in the first year of operation and for courses in a wide range of disciplines that support the operations of aged care providers.

Tall Trees is pleased to see aged care being recognised as a priority for funding, as staff in the industry have a major impact on the lives of many Australians.

As an aged care provider for neighbourhoods in Queensland and Northern New South Wales, we are happy to see additional funding to assist in the training required to enhance the qualifications and skills of aged care professionals.

Aged care in Australia is an important industry, and it relies on a greater degree of funding so that some of the major needs in the sector can effectively be addressed.

http://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2011/08/16/article/New-funding-to-train-staff---apply-now/SUYPTWIBCS.html

The recently launched Tall Trees at Redland Bay is searching for endorsed enrolled nurses to fill their ranks, with apartments being snatched up at a rapid rate by seniors from around south-east Queensland.

Tall Trees recently undertook a major expansion of its operations, with three new care neighbourhoods in Redland Bay, Caboolture and Tweed Heads joining existing facilities in Brisbane’s Tanah Merah and Rochedale.

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.

Tall Trees director of care Gae Munsie says the company is now looking to quickly fill nursing positions at the new Redland Bay facility in order to keep up with demand.

“We always knew that the apartments at Redland were going to sell quite quickly given the proximity to the bay, the quiet location and the quality and size of the rooms. However, the sales rate has truly exceeded our expectations,” Ms Munsie says.

“Unlike the newly acquired locations in Caboolture and Tweed Heads, Redland Bay did not have pre-existing care infrastructure, as the building itself was intended to be an over-50s resort.

“This, coupled with a rapid sales rate and an already heavy demand on nurses in the local area means we are about to start a major recruitment drive for the new neighbourhood.”

Because Tall Trees’ supported living model is different to most other aged care facilities, Ms Munsie says that prospective employees need to have a number of qualities that will make them suitable for a role with the company.

“At Tall Trees, we don’t try to divide our residents up according to their care requirements or state of health—we help them to live happily and comfortably in their own homes, and that takes much more work than some of the more traditional styles of aged care,” Ms Munsie says.

“We achieve incredible results for our residents because we work in with their lives, and allow them to be independent as possible while still receiving the necessary medical and personal care that they require.

“However, because we’re essentially providing in-home care, it’s takes a good deal of pragmatism, excellent personal skills and a real passion for helping people in order to be successful as one of our nurses.

“Tall Trees is an extremely rewarding company to work with, and I invite all nurses from the Redland Bay area to come and see our take on aged care.

“I believe those who are unfamiliar with supported living will be very pleasantly surprised by our approach.”

Would you like to work at Tall Trees Redland Bay? If you have experience as an endorsed enrolled nurse and have a passion for working with seniors, give the Tall Trees HR department a call on (07) 5562 6199.

Tweed senior Bev Hogg from Tall Trees Ocean View at Banora Point has single-handedly knitted over a thousand trauma teddies to donate to charity.

Ms Hogg is part of a neighbourhood group made up of 12 Ocean View residents and two ladies from the wider community who are prolific knitters of clothing, rugs and toys to donate to less fortunate children worldwide.

The group of ladies meets every week and tirelessly offers their time and skills for those in need by knitting and crocheting garments for babies and children. 

Tall Trees Ocean View community networker Shirley Pickering says the items they contribute to Brisbane-based charity The Dorcas Group are sent all over the world as well as within Australia.

“Items are sent to orphanages and missions in Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, outback Australia as well as to flood victims in Queensland,” Ms Pickering says. 

“In their work with the Dorcas Group, our ladies have helped to produce 600kg of rugs that have been sent to China and four hundred dresses and tops to children in the Philippines.

“Tall Trees Ocean View residents love being involved, as it gives them a great sense of contribution while letting them participate in a wider network of people who give tirelessly to assist those less fortunate.

“We believe very strongly in supporting the local and broader community, and our ladies’ work with the Dorcas Group embodies that perfectly.”

Star-knitter Ms Hogg says she places great value on the work her and her group has carried out.

“Knitting has always been a favourite pastime of mine, but to be able to use my handiwork to help out those in need makes it an even more worthwhile activity for me,” Ms Hogg says.

“I’m very proud of what we have achieved in our work with the Dorcas Group—their focus and logistical capabilities have really helped us to do some great things with what is essentially a hobby for all of us.”

Ms Pickering says that knitted beanies, toys, dolls, teddy bears, ponchos, children’s clothes, quilts and rugs are sent overseas to children enduring hardship.

“Our ladies have contributed a huge amount of clothes and toys for Destiny Rescue Homes in Cambodia, Thailand and Mozambique,” Ms Pickering says.

“These are areas where children as young as six years old are taken from their families and sold into prostitution.

“The children are saved by Destiny Rescue and set up in orphanages—our knitted items assist to clothe them and keep them warm.”

Ms Pickering says the group has also contributed to the Dorcas Group’s Lil’ Angels project over the last couple of years.

“The Lil’ Angels project was created to help meet the needs of mothers in hospital that are experiencing loss of their babies or general hardship,” Ms Pickering says.

“Our group of ladies has knitted four thousand items including plain gowns and dresses for stillborns and miscarried babies, as well as bootees and hats. 

“The dresses are made to assist with the grieving process for mothers, and these garments have been distributed to major hospitals in the Brisbane area.

“Pamper packs are also given out by social workers at each hospital for those mothers who have lost their baby or a single mum who is struggling.”

The Dorcas Group operates under the Worship Centre Women’s Ministry based in Brisbane, and is supported by the Brisbane City Council.

www.mydailynews.com.au/story/2011/09/28/bevy-of-teddies/

According to research published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, seniors living in neighbourhoods where they interact more often with their neighbours and count on them for help have much better odds when it comes to surviving strokes.

One of the main objectives for Tall Trees has always been to promote better health and wellbeing for all of our residents through creating a friendly neighbourhood environment and encouraging interaction with each other.

Tall Trees offers aged care in five different neighbourhoods between Brisbane and Tweed Heads and we understand that a positive social setting is very important to the health of seniors.

Seniors in our neighbourhoods are not only supported by our staff and carers, but also by the network of friends they develop when living in a Tall Trees neighbourhood.

Tall Trees aged care encourage a wide range of social activities on a weekly basis, because we know the effect that stress has on happiness and health.

www.seniorsnewspaper.com.au/?p=1326

This year, the Heart Foundation is investing $13.63 million towards cardiovascular research. 

Cardiovascular disease affects two out of three families and Tall Trees hopes that a large proportion of cardiovascular-related deaths are prevented in the future as a result of this investment.

Tall Trees are leaders in aged care in Brisbane and on the southern end of the Gold Coast, and have carers who aid residents who undergo symptoms of cardiovascular disease and other associated diseases.

Our nursing staff and carers understand how many families are directly affected by heart-related diseases and recognise how important funding into the research really will be when it may lead to preventing more people from suffering.

Tall Trees wants the best for not just their age care residents, but also the families who love and care about them too.

The funding will be going towards research into the causes, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and related disorders in order to fight the disease head on.

http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Pages/default.aspx

Researchers at the University of South Australia and Flinders University say older Australians are increasingly falling victim to financial abuse from their adult children.

Providing aged care to Brisbane and the southern end of the Gold Coast, Tall Trees are concerned about the issue for seniors.

Financial abuse and family conflicts over money can cause a great deal of distress to older people, which is the last thing Tall Trees would like to see in the aged care community.

Financial abuse is the most common type of abuse against older people, and often accompanied by emotional exploitation.

At Tall Trees we do not just offer nursing care but also ensure that all our staff are friendly and approachable so residents can feel safe in speaking up about any issues they may have in their lives.

By ensuring residents feel comfortable expressing their concerns with our staff, we are able to help them if they are experiencing any form of abuse or emotional distress.

http://www.agedcareguide.com.au/news.asp?newsid=6288