ANZAC Memorial Walls Take Pride of Place in THC …...Our ANZAC Spirit The thousands of etched names cloaking the Pool of Reflection at the Australian War Memorial form an outstanding

ANZAC Memorial Walls Take Pride of Place in THC Homes

The 100 Club: Celebrating

Our Residents Who Hit

the Century! Food Week Celebrated in Our Homes

Welcome to the 18th edition of Thompson Health Care NewsThe past couple of years have been engaging and rewarding for both residents and staff.

2018 marks the Centenary of the Armistice, observing one hundred years since the tragic battles of World War I came to an end. Thompson Health Care has been a longtime advocate for the commemoration of the sacrifices countless Australians gave for our freedom. Sacrifices from servicemen, servicewomen and their loved ones that continued past the Great War through all the peace keeping missions, wars, border protection and global operations that have followed.

Many of our residents have treasured memories of these times, including photographs of loved ones in uniform. In residential aged care, reminiscing and reflection play an essential part of care. In this issue we look at how Thompson Health Care and the Thompson family have contributed to this process through Anzac Spirit memorials in all homes, and a commissioned work at the Australian War Memorial. We’ve included some stories from our residents as a tribute to their resilience and sacrifice. In keeping with the theme of centuries, we also meet some residents who have recently celebrated 100 years and beyond.

Thompson Health Care has always believed in the importance of food as a means of nourishment for both body and mind, a form of holistic medicine. We discover how our dedicated chefs and staff manage this philosophy through outstanding food services, as well as the inaugural food week celebrated in each of our homes this year.

As always, we hear all the news and see photos from our annual staff graduation events, celebrating the hard study, work and enthusiasm our remarkable staff put into making a difference to the daily lives of residents.

We have updates on our current building works planned for Dural and Oran Park, and a preview of the soon to be opened Macleay Valley Village in Northern NSW. This first-class build will cater to independent retirees over 55 looking for outstanding quality in their home, as well as the reassurance from the superior service unique to Thompson Health Care. A luxury Country Club will form the centre of the Village, providing a lifestyle of distinction for future residents.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our magazine. As we make time to regularly reflect on the past and the sacrifices made to give us the Australia of today, the Thompson family look forward to a future providing quality aged care and retirement living. We strive to continue strengthening Thompson Health Care’s passion and dedication to excellence.

Warm wishes

Douglas Thompson AM Proprietor

ContentsOur Anzac spirit 2

Food Week 9

Centenarians in Our Homes 17

Graduation Ceremonies 22

Discover Our New Homes 28

Macleay Valley Village 30

Useful Contacts 33

Elevation of the sensesEwen Coates (2015), Bronze

This sculpture commemorates the vital role and contribution of Explosive Detection Dogs and their handlers in war. The tunnel through the base of the sculpture alludes to the rigorous training undertaken by the dogs, while the rocky outcrops atop the columns represent the foreign landscapes to which the dogs and their handlers are deployed. The elevation of the dog on the central column, where it crouches eye-to-eye with its handler, highlights the deep bonds that are forged between the two, as well as the mutual dependence on which their work is based.

ON OUR COVER

(from left to right): The Hon Brendan Nelson AO BMBS FRACP (Hon) FAMA FRSN Director of the Australian War Memorial, Daniel Keighran, VC 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Afghanistan, Douglas Thompson AM Proprietor Thompson Health Care.

Daniel Keighran, VC was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, in recognition for the most conspicuous acts of gallantry and extreme devotion to duty in action in circumstances of great peril at Derapet, Afghanistan on 24th of August 2010.

Daniel is one of only 100 Australians to be awarded the Victoria Cross medal.

Acquired under commission through the vision and generosity of Doug Thompson… “for the love of them all.”

The Explosion Detection Dogs who attended the unveiling of the Elevation of the Senses Sculpture with their handlers

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Our ANZAC SpiritNo group of Australians has given more to our country than the two million past and present servicemen and women of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force. Through their dedicated service and the sacrifices made by their families, they have given us the Australia of today.

Paying respect and reflection is an important part of life for our residents. This can be as simple as contemplation over the many precious keepsakes and mementos residents keep in their rooms – memories of lives well lived, photographs of loved ones in uniform, medals well deserved. Over the past year, our residents have received

memorials in each home to help them with this process. Memorial Walls are used on a daily basis and provide a place of quiet thought or commemoration on important days throughout the year. We sincerely thank the many Thompson Health Care residents who have lived through or served in war and peacetime.

2 | Thompson Health Care News

Our ANZAC Spirit

The thousands of etched names cloaking the Pool of Reflection at the Australian War Memorial form an outstanding commemoration to courage, bravery and service.

In the gardens outside sits the bronze sculpture Elevation of the Senses by artist Ewen Coates. Commissioned by Douglas Thompson, it depicts the vital role played by Australian soldiers and their Explosive Detection Dogs in Afghanistan.

Thompson Health Care recognises the importance of those in aged care to reflect on the past, and the necessity for residents to pay respect whenever they desire. To meet this need, Douglas Thompson once again commissioned Ewen Coates to reproduce a smaller bronze sculpture for Thompson Health Care homes. The work depicts the equality in service of man and dog and engraved on each sculpture are the names of Australian Explosive Detection Dogs killed in action.

For Douglas Thompson, himself a former national serviceman, it’s pretty straightforward, “these residents are of the generation that made Australia, gave us what we have, and made us who we are. This is our small way of showing respect not only for them but those who underwrite and continue to protect our freedoms.”

In addition to the new bronze sculpture memorials, all homes now proudly display an Anzac Spirit Wall with a series of photographs of Australian Service personnel and animals. Sourced from the collection at the Australian War Memorial, they span from Gallipoli to Afghanistan. First World War nurses, young men of bomber command, infantry in Vietnam and sailors; all reminders of what they and their uniforms represent – a life of value in the service of Australia. Among the images is one of the soldier from the bronze sculpture, Combat Engineer Sapper Darren Smith and EDD Herbie, along with Sapper Jacob “Snowy” Moreland (both men were 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, Afghanistan) relaxing prior to the patrol that killed all three.

Our Anzac SpiritMemorial Wall in each Thompson Health Care home

These walls provide a place for residents to interact at significant events during the year. Or simply have a cup of tea while reminiscing through the poignant images. The walls are also a great place for residents to take visiting children and grandchildren to teach them of the times they lived through and must never be forgotten.

Avalon House

Elevation of the senses

Pool of Reflection

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Resident Margrett Salter of Bowral House presented bags of beautifully hand-knitted poppies to Australian War Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson AO.

The poppies formed part of a Remembrance Day installation at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Each of the featured 62,000 hand-knitted poppies created by volunteers, represented an Australian life lost in World War I.

Mrs Salter said she was proud to contribute to the installation. “As I knitted each poppy, I thought ‘I wonder who this soldier is’, it really touches you,” she said. “I’m not just knitting a poppy, I’m knitting a poppy for a soldier. It’s given me a purpose in life.”

Dr Nelson said the installation was designed to have a lasting impact on visitors to the Australian War Memorial. “If you say to someone Australia had 62,000 young Australians killed in the First World War, people will think that’s a lot,” he said.

“If you actually present that (number), in this case with poppies the emblem and a symbol of commemoration, and they can physically see a poppy for each Australian that was killed, it has an impact very difficult to describe. It hits you and it’s very emotional.”

Poppies knitted with love

Brendan Nelson, Margarett Salter and Collette Beaufils

Poppies on display at Australian War Memorial

Residents of Bowral House

visiting the poppies on display


Our ANZAC Spirit

Stories of Service from our ResidentsGloria HealeyGloria served in the Volunteer Air Observation Corp during World War II. She had training to be part of a secret service which involved covertly catching a bus from a Sydney train station to a secret underground location. At work one of her most important duties was plotting the location of aircraft. Gloria now lives in Avalon House.

Fred WestphalFred Westphal enlisted in the Australian Army at the age of 20. He served in Egypt and Syria before returning to Australia. He then sailed for New Guinea to fight the Japanese. He recalls that the jungle was treacherous, soldiers starved, and malaria was rampant. He remembers collapsing due to starvation and exhaustion. The Christmas of 1942 was particularly harrowing with Fred’s platoon given orders to eliminate any remaining Japanese presence. Mateship was important to the soldiers who became family to each other. His war service had a tremendous impact on his life. Fred now lives at Terrey Hills Nursing Home.

Bob CrookBob was an apprentice carpenter during World War II and by chance avoided conscription. When the war finished his boss passed away leaving Bob unemployed. He was then conscripted to serve as a Reserve. He served two years as a Seaman in the Royal Australian Navy followed by three years in the Royal British Navy as a Gunner. Bob is pictured sitting in front of the Anzac memorial photos in Avalon House.

Dan chatting with Wahroonga House residents

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John FairbanksJohn was a young 17 year old Polish man when World War II was declared. Hitler invaded Poland and John was drafted as a German soldier to fight in Greece. In 1943 he was sent to Holland where he joined the resistance, assisting the Jewish community. He was arrested while giving out food stamps and imprisoned for six months while awaiting execution. One day, with rockets firing overhead, the prison compound was unguarded for a short time. John along with fellow prisoners made a daring escape and talked their way back to Poland. Three weeks after his lucky escape, D-Day was declared. John now lives in Mona Vale House.

Joan HarrisonJoan was living in North Wales during WW2. She was nursing in the Orthopaedics Hospital before volunteering to become a transport driver for the RAAF.

At the age of 17, Joan pleaded to join the RAAF as a volunteer. They accepted her and recruited Joan as a Transport Driver. She drove air force servicemen to the airstrip to the awaiting planes, usually a Messerschmitt BF 109. Then would wait and watch for the plane to land to pick the soldiers up and return to the base. “It was very harrowing as we could only drive in the black out with a small slit covering the windscreen” remembers Joan. She did around 3-4 shifts a day for a number of years.

Betty FosterLegatee Betty is seated with her daughter Cynthia in front of the Bowral House Anzac Memorial Wall, proudly holding a photo of her two sons. Betty’s husband Harold served with the Sixth Division Cavalry Commando Regiment. In World War II he battled against Germans and Italians in the African desert, and the Vichy French in the mountains of Syria. Later he fought against the Japanese in the jungles of New Guinea. Betty’s two sons followed in their father’s footsteps and both are highly decorated servicemen.

Jeff served with the Sixth Battalion in South Vietnam during 1966-67. Her second son Ken has a long and distinguished career in the Australian Army, including service in Malaysia, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea. He currently holds the position of National President Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia and Director & Deputy Chair of Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2011 for services to the Veterans’ community.

Owen RolfeOwen Rolfe commenced military training in 1954. He served in the Royal Australian Engineers at Holsworthy for more than five years where he forged lasting friendships. Owen was part of the transport unit at the base. He decided against the offer of becoming a Corporal as this would have meant more time on non-driving duties. In 2002 he received a Commemorative Medal and also wears his uncle’s medals when commemorating. Now living at Bowral House, he has written a book about his life titled A Lucky Life.

Avalon House


Our ANZAC Spirit

Eric PriddyBackground of my experience; I was an Engineer on Liberator B24 and commenced operations flying in 1943 until 1945 on Coastal Command in Iceland on 120 Squadron and then 224 Squadron in Cornwall UK until 1945. Then Transport Command, till late 1947. I was lucky to have flown in all models including the Mark1, which had only a rear Bomb Bay and the front sector was fitted with 2 x 20mm cannons. It was fitted with Leigh Lights so when coming near target at night it would light up like daylight and you could see where the target was.

Whilst posted in Iceland we lived with the Lava Dust, wild winds and rats the size of cats, which would nibble on your ears while you were trying to sleep in the big tin sheds on rocky ground.

In late January we were told we were being transferred to 224 Squadron on watch in Cornwall UK, this was a build up of units for D-day. There were 3 squadron units over a 100 aircraft in total. Two days prior to June 6th we started a mass saturation of anti shipping aircraft on the western end of the English Channel and the night of the invasion there was a continuous stream of B24s. The distance was approximately 85 miles each way.

The plan was to have a 10 mile wide block zone for any vessel which was equivalent to 850 square miles to protect any anti-shipping operations. Each aircraft had its own course and timing, so that we did not collide or overtake the aircraft in front. We were flying at 1200 feet and the weather was atrocious with gale force winds and low cloud. It was amazing that not one soldier or plane was hurt. At the end of D-day invasion all planes were intact or at least a little worse for wear.

Alan WoodAlan has held a lifelong passion for aviation, both as an engineer and pilot. He started in 1930, at 15 years of age, as a Hangar Boy for Adastra Airways. It was not far from Sir Kingsford Smith’s hangar. Nine years later he joined the RAAF as a maintenance engineer and served until after World War II. After the War he worked for Butler Air Transport and then Victa Aviation (of lawnmower fame). At Victa he helped develop the Victa Airtourer and the RAAF’s basic trainer, the CT4. The CT4 is still being used today by Tamworth RAAF to train pilots.

Alan then started his business servicing light aircraft in Sydney’s West for the next 49 years. During this time he rebuilt two aircraft, which he took to the air for over 40 years with his wife and co-pilot Merl. They flew to every corner of Australia – from Carnarvon in Western Australia to Lord Howe Island, Tasmania and even the Torres Strait. Alan now lives at Mona Vale House and is a remarkable and respected Australian aviation elder known by some as a modern day “Smithy”.

St Mary’s RSL Sub-Branch officers – President Ron Blakley and Secretary Tony Fryer laying a wreath on ANZAC Day.

Boronia House Courtyard

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John Mazza John did not take part in any active service but remembers the stories his Grandfather and Father told him over the years, they were both in the Italian Army. John enjoys a cappuccino at Boronia House in front of the Memorial Wall most mornings.

William (Bill) Ebzery Bill was born in Auburn, Sydney. He became a sailor in the Australian Navy in WWII from age 17 and served for 3 years. Bill served mainly in the Northern parts of Australia near Darwin to protect Australia from the Japanese. When Bill initially saw the ANZAC wall, it was very overwhelming for him, but also stated that we should feel very proud to have a wall like this in Boronia House. It is an important part of our history.

Roland (Roy) Hickman Born in England, Roy joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was called up during WWII. He came to Australia in 1942 with the 54 squadron Spitfires as a 1 Wing RAF for the defence of Darwin. He served in Darwin from

1942-1945 as a spitfire mechanic, continually working to put the spitfires back into the air. Roy joined the 548 and 549 RAF spitfire squadrons once in Australia. The spitfires were disbanded in 1945 in Melbourne and Roy took discharge at this time. Roy was given the opportunity to stay in Australia once the 54 squadron returned to England, which he accepted. He moved on to South Australia and whilst on leave he met his wife, Eva.

Bette DolmanBette Dolman enlisted in the Australian Military Forces in 1942 and was called up in 1943. She served with the Medical Women’s Army at Concord Hospital. Bette was allocated to pathology and worked in stenography. Bette now lives at Terrey Hills Nursing Home.

Abbey House residents


Food Week Thompson Health Care celebrates their inaugural Food Week across all homes with great success.

Food Glorious FoodFood Week brought to focus the importance of food in every resident’s life. It was shared through a week of fun and educational activities involving residents, families, friends and staff.

Some of us may spend just a short amount of time thinking about food during our busy daily life – what to cook, where to buy ingredients or where to go out for dinner. For a resident in aged care that thinking time is vastly greater. Food is at the forefront of most residents’ minds. In fact, some statistics claim the average person in aged care will spend up to 70% of their day thinking about food, eating or socialising around food or food related activities.

ACTIVITIES DURING FOOD WEEK• Cooking workshops/demonstrations

• “Ready Steady Cook” New menu taste testing

• Nutritional information talks & education

• Multicultural themed luncheons

• Fun food quizzes & word games

• Food themed movies, art and craft sessions

• “Foodie” outings to farms & restaurants

• Tours of the kitchen

• Reminiscing about favourite foods

• Visits from local providores & suppliers

• Men’s special lunches with our Chefs

• “Long Table” formal lunches & BBQsResidents taste testing the new menu at Wahroonga House

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Turramurra residents enjoy lunch with the chef during Food Week

Boronia Residents enjoy crumbed

lamb cutlets at a Formal Lunch

Mona Vale residents created their own herb garden

Terrey Hills resident, Marie takes a tour of the kitchen with Head Chef Pascal during food week

Residents tend to the herb garden at Avalon House

Tarragal House celebrated a different food culture every day during Food Week!

Food themed Crazy Hat Day

Chef Myree enjoys a donut!

Food Week celebrations


Food Week

Food for lifeIn our homes we strive to encourage each resident to enjoy their food experiences.

Each home has a qualified chef and a team of catering staff dedicated to delivering daily menus using fresh, seasonal foods. Even our cosiest home, Seabeach Gardens, now has a fully self-contained commercial kitchen and qualified chef.

Our dedicated staff are educated to meet the expectations of residents. As each new resident moves into our homes they have a meeting with the home’s chef to ensure their individual food cultures, favourite

Residents reminisce about childhood favourites

foods, dietary needs and eating rituals will be met. This might mean including their favourite roast on the regular menu or ensuring they get breakfast eggs cooked their desired way.

Breakfast to order at Bowral House

Delicious and nutritious You are What You Eat

As we age our nutritional needs change and good food becomes part of holistic care and considered a form of daily medicine. All our menus are approved by a qualified dietician, with some residents needing special menus for medical conditions. Full cream, full fat, high protein, nutritious and calorie rich food is generally the order of the day, ensuring as many nutrients as

possible are packed into every mouthful. Quality nutrition improves wound healing and helps to preserve bone and muscle mass, which all assists with maintaining a health lifestyle from the inside out.

Head Chef Tom at Mona Vale is cooking up a tasty soup

Silver Service Lunch at Boronia House

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Breakfast ServiceBreakfast time has been particularly enhanced by bain marie service. Our dining rooms are a-buzz in the mornings as many residents join each other (often in their dressing gowns) for a relaxed buffet breakfast offering freshly cooked porridge, eggs and bacon, fruit and yoghurt with juice, tea or

coffee. One of the most popular items on our buffet breakfast menu is something very simple, “A hot piece of toast!” Residents who choose to have breakfast in bed don’t miss out either, with all the same delicious options available to them, prepared and served as requested.

Bowral House Breakfast made to order

Staff revealed the secret to a perfect dumpling to Avalon House residents.

You can’t beat home grown vegies at Macleay Valley House

Turramurra Residents “Out to Lunch” during Food Week

Formal lunch at Boronia

Food Week

Restaurant style A la carteChoice of menu is important to all residents. At each meal we offer choices of hot dishes, salads and sandwiches as well as soup in the evenings. Many residents choose to have their main meal at lunchtime with a lighter dinner. All our chefs welcome feedback and requests via meal surveys and resident meetings, or some residents like to sit down for a chat directly with the chef.

Wahroonga House “Service with a smile”

Bain Marie ServiceIn the majority of Thompson Health Care homes we serve our residents directly from a Bain Marie in the dining room, rather than plating up food in the kitchen. This allows residents to choose what they want to eat on the spot, rather than ordering ahead

of time as in many other aged care homes. The Bain Maries also help ensure our resident’s meals are as hot as possible by keeping plates and freshly cooked food hot, right up to service.

Staff at Abbey House serving lunch

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The dining experience At Thompson Health Care, we also pride ourselves on providing beautiful surrounds to enhance dining experiences.

This includes interior-designed dining rooms with original artworks and large windows, and nuances such as pale wall colour, air temperature, perfect lighting and music are all considered. Group tables promote daily socialising and the opportunity to share food with friends and neighbours. Residents are also welcome to dine in their rooms at any time, or they might just want to have a quiet afternoon tea with a friend by the window in their own space. Many of our homes also have private dining rooms where residents can welcome groups of family and friends to dine.

Our beautiful courtyards and outdoor gardens also provide a great alternative to eat outdoors, our residents regularly enjoy a BBQ lunch with that wonderful smell of onions sizzling.

Residents enjoy lunch or a afternoon tea outdoors on a sunny day


Food Week

Plenty of Vitamin DEating isn’t just restricted to three main meals, with each home offering coffee and tea service, many from their onsite cafes. Weather permitting, residents are encouraged to sit outdoors in the fresh air and enjoy a cuppa and a freshly baked treat from the kitchen. For a change of scenery, specially designed courtyards, terraces and gardens offer serene and social spots to enjoy and give residents plenty of natural light for vitamin D. This is essential for bone and muscle health as aging people are recommended to get 1-2 hours of sunshine per week.*

*As per the Best Practice Food and Nutrition Manual for Aged Care Homes Ed.2.1

Exercises on the terrace at Tarragal

PresentationIt’s often said that you eat first with your eyes and then with your mouth. Our staff recognise the importance of food presentation, using a variety of plating and serving methods. Happy Hours often see a selection of finger foods, and barbecues and special events are a time for sharing platters of

food. Different coloured plates or placemats are often used to provide variety for the eyes, whilst residents sometimes like to walk while eating, so easy to manage finger foods provide a great alternative.

Head Chef Cora always takes

pride in her presentation at Milford House.

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Mind FoodMacleay Valley Houses’ award winning dementia care wing offers a dedicated kitchen for their residents. The dementia residents are assisted by staff to whip-up their favourite recipes of the past which helps to strengthen memory through activity as well as the sight, smell and taste of the food. Cooking provides these residents with the ability to make small daily decisions and staff have witnessed increased social participation and a slowing in the progression of skills loss from the disease.

HydrationRegular daily fluids are a key element in good health, especially as the older generation is at higher risk of dehydration. Hydration is not only essential in warmer months, but also important during winter when heating and illness are in force.

Water is the preferable form of hydration as it quickly carries nutrients to the body, regulates body temperature and removes waste. Many residents prefer other forms of hydration, so most of our homes offer a variety of fluids such as soup, jelly, custard, tea and fruit juices. A popular choice of drink is a delicious homemade smoothie or milkshake made with fresh fruit, full cream milk and additional protein supplements if required.

Seabeach residents enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie

Nothing beats a glass of good old fashioned water at Avalon House!


Celebrating Centenarians

The secrets to celebrating 100 birthdays are long debated and disputed. Of course we know staying active in both body and mind is a powerful contribution to good health, but some even say a decent tipple a day increases longevity. Over the past year Thompson Health Care homes have helped several vibrant residents celebrate their centenaries, including some who’ve blown out candles for 101 and 104!

Noreen Meek Noreen Meek celebrated her 102nd birthday on 15 October 2018 along with the staff and residents of Tarragal House. Her daughter says she has always been “a grand lady who always dressed for dinner and was always coordinated, earrings to toes.”

Born in England, Noreen spent many years living in India and overseas before settling in Australia.

She takes strength from her faith and believes hard work and love of family are the keys to her longevity.

Beryl Morrissey Congratulations to Beryl, one of our most senior residents who celebrated her 104th birthday with daughters Pam and Sue in the photo.

Beryl was born in Cowra and had 4 older brothers. She and

her husband Jim were married for over 50 years and she has a passion for tennis.

Her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren are regular visitors at Abbey House, keeping her young at heart!

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Portraits to celebrateOne hundred portraits of 100 year olds were painted by teenagers and displayed in Sydney this year to mark the International Day of the Older Person.

The centenarians, all from Sydney, sat for local artists aged between 14 and 19 as part of the Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers. The result was an exhibition in Rosebery called 100: A Celebration of Sydney’s Oldest Residents, curated by Rose Conners. This initiative was created by Embraced, socially driven arts projects and was sponsored by Estia Health, the NSW Government, The Australian Human Rights Commission and Driven. One of our Milford House residents, Joyce Tucker, was lucky enough to be matched with teenager Christine Sun who lives locally in the Eastern Suburbs. Joyce celebrated her 102nd birthday this year.

Joyce was born in Waverley in 1916 and spent most of her life in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. She attended the local primary school and then worked for her father’s employer as a receptionist. At the age of 21 she married her husband, Bat (Bartholomew) and had four children.

In her later years, Joyce worked hard to raise money for cancer charities. She loves reading and is proud of the lovely life she lived with her husband and the good relationship she has with all her children.

Note to readers: Mrs Joyce Tucker passed away peacefully on the 18th of November, 2018.

Joyce (Randwick) 25.04.1916

by Christina Sun, Oil on canvas

----

This painting is a moment of listening.

In great age, there is often a fear of the unknown, of quiet and isolation. Each day can become centred on the routines of self; waking, eating, reading, sleeping. But for some, age represents the stage of intrinsic curiosity and love for humour.

At 102 years old, Joyce Tucker is the first centenarian that I have had the opportunity to meet. Learning her life’s story through conversations and photobooks, my visits with Joyce left me with a poignant, underpinning feeling of tranquillity that I had seldom felt before.

Perhaps it was the quietness of residents going about their day, or the slow yet peaceful crawl of time when displaced from the hustling Sydney city. But in our shared meetings, I realised the true essence of age and purpose.

Though time claims its definitive effects as in he lines upon one’s skin, it is undeniably the inquisitiveness, curiosity and understanding, which shines through and characterises a person most vividly. This painting is a manifestation of the patience of a mother, a grandmother, a friend; Joyce Tucker.

Joyce admires her portrait hanging in the “Embraced” exhibition



Valmai Pearce Valmai was born on September 24, 1918. She describes her secret to a long life:

“Despite being quite ill as a small child, and not starting school until I was 8 years old, I lived on the waterfront and through the years enjoyed boating, fishing and swimming as well as playing competition tennis. To keep my mind active I played Bridge regularly and became very involved with the Australian Society of Geneologists as a volunteer to assist others with their family histories. Being so immersed in compiling my family history, I travelled widely every year all over the world and published several volumes of my Family history. So my secret to a long life is to keep the mind and the body healthy.”

Domatilla TarantoDomatilla celebrated her 100th birthday on New Year’s Day 2018. Her grandson John Uliana says she lived on Sydney’s North shore for the past 82 years having opened their first fruit shop in Dee Why and from there the family has been actively involved in the community with stores in Avalon and Balgowlah. Tilla has 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

She lived a simple life and her loves were cooking and fine needlework. Her cooking is so good that her recipe for meatballs is used at the Local Gibraltar Hotel owned by John.

Domatilla lives at Bowral House but has also lived in Manly with her daughter and has many family members living in the Southern Highlands. John is presently organising a trip to Italy as Tilla wants to visit her family.

DorothyDorothy was born in Rose Bay, just as her mother was, on July 22 in 1918. She spent a few years living and running a business with her husband in Narrabri in North Western NSW.

Dorothy relocated to Sydney’s north shore in the mid 1950’s with her family, where she continued to support her husband in business and also commenced her own business. She said playing golf and living on her own after her husband died was the secret to living to 100. ”You always have to be active and travel a lot too” she says. Dorothy now lives in Avalon House.

Phyllis JenkinPhyllis was born in 1918 in Ipswich and was one of 6 children raised by her single mother. The family moved to Prestons in Victoria where she went to school.

As a young lady she worked in Parkers Shoe Factory with a number of her sisters. She married and moved into the retailing business with her husband. Together they had a son and daughter.

Following her husband’s death, Phyllis learnt to drive a car and spent much of her retirement as an avid bowler. Her other passions included dressmaking and knitting. Much to her delight,

Her secret to a long life is “to keep busy doing things you love”.

Phyllis’ daughter moved to the Central Coast 6 years ago and regularly visits her at Tarragal House with a her grey poodle.

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Odessa de Looze Odessa, a former resident of Mosman, celebrated her 101st birthday on 22 July this year. She feels very fortunate for her good health throughout the years. She went to SCEGGS Redlands for school. She married Beresford David William de Looze, and is mother to Christine, Lindsay and Miranda. Odessa worked in David Jones for brands such as Grace Bros and used to send out their brochures nationwide.

“I’d hate to be 100 and an awful problem on my family, and I really think

staying fit by going for long walks every day has helped keep me healthy,” she says. “I actually had a cousin who lived to be 106, she never lost her marbles and I hope I never do either.”

Ms de Looze was very thankful to be healthy her whole life and said she could not be happier living at Avalon House Nursing Home.

“All I can say is that if you’re healthy and not a drag on your family, it’s great living to 100,” she says.

Dulcie CooganDulcie Coogan recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She was born in Sydney and had a happy childhood living near the water, picking fruit and climbing trees. She attended Fort Street Girls’ High. She spent one year in Business College before joining the Australian Army.

She lived for some time in China, the South Pacific region and Belgium before returning to Sydney where she worked at the Australian Institute of Political Science. She says she has always been “very active and loved travelling.” She attributes her age to a diet of good, natural food and limited sugar. “The secret to longevity is not being married,” she says. Over her life she has “played well, lived well, loved well and I took the good with the bad,” she says. She lives at Tarragal House.

Photograph courtesy of Adam Yip

Penny Tonkin Penny was born in England on March 6, 1918. She spent quite a few years living in Singapore with her husband John ‘Eddie” and their children John and Paul.

In the late 1950s to 1960’s, Penny moved to Australia to join her children who were sent to boarding school in Perth, as she missed living without them abroad. The family of four eventually returned to England and soon relocated to Sydney, renting a house in Mosman. She now lives at Avalon House. Penny worked as a short hand typist for a company called Bessa Block.

She says choosing to do enjoyable tasks and work worth doing was the key to living the fullest life.

“You should really make a career out of something you love or enjoy doing, so you don’t have to work a day in your life,” she said. Her husband’s hobby was writing songs in his spare time.

She attributes her longevity to never smoking and having a decent whisky a day. “You’ve got to keep a decent sort of living and have everything in moderation, it’s quite simple, really,” she says.




Mollie Shannon Mollie was born in Sydney and grew up in Randwick with one sister (deceased) and a brother Reginald who lives in Melbourne. She celebrated her 100th birthday in May this year. Like many of her generation, Mollie finished school to her Intermediate Certificate, but the Great Depression got in her way of going to University to study English. After school Mollie worked as a typist at 2GB radio.

During the War she sang for the troops. During this time she met a wonderful young man, Colin, who was killed in Syria. The last time she saw him was waving to him as he sailed on the Queen Elizabeth 2 to go off to War.

She did a lot more singing as a soloist with the Sydney Philharmonic Choir, she sang at the Sydney Conservatorium and the Town Hall.

Mollie sang with conductors like Joseph Post and Eugene Goossens, and did some live performances on the radio, some for the ABC.

After the War she met David, a bomber pilot, they married and lived in Bellevue Hill and Roseville. David was a jackeroo before the War, and after the War he worked for Qantas retiring in the 1970s. They then bought a farm in Oldbury Road, Moss Vale where they lived for 10 years until David’s illness brought them back into Bowral where Mollie has lived ever since. David died in 1983. Mollie now lives in Bowral House.

Mollie and David had two daughters, Virginia who lives in England and Kim who’s an artist in Bowral. Mollie has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her hobbies included playing golf, music and reading.

Mollie CummingsMollie was born on April 16, 1918 in Beulah Victoria during the last year of World War I. During the Great Depression in the 1930s she had to leave boarding school in Toorak and go to work. During World War II she joined the Royal Australian Air Force, and her brother John joined the Australian Army. “My best memory is thinking of when my brother came back from the Middle East, he was wounded but alive and I have always been grateful he was okay.”

She lived and worked in London during the 1970s and developed a love of travel. She retired in the mid-1980s. Mollie also worked as a recruiter for the Royal Australian Air Force and volunteered with Meals on Wheels for a decade. She’s been an avid supporter of the Australian film industry, opera, theatre and ballet throughout her life. “I had one daughter, Susan,” she says. “She went to school at SCEGGS Darlinghurst and it was terribly handy living in Double Bay at the time.” They enjoyed going on family ski trips together.

She says the genetics of having long-living parents was her secret to living to 100 years of age, along with just enjoying and making the most of life.

“I always used to be frightened by the fact I would become immobile, but I never did,” she says. Celebrating this birthday at Avalon House, Mollie says said she did not feel any different turning 100 years. “I drank and smoked every day of my life and really only gave smoking up when it affected my lungs 25 years ago.”


Issue 18 | 21

Graduation Ceremonies

At the Sydney event our guest speaker was Mr Greg Jones, Principal of Mona Vale Public School and Board Member Macquarie University Hospital and Chair of Macquarie University Discipline Committee. At the Southern Highlands graduation, Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Director of the Australian War Memorial was our guest speaker. At Macleay Valley House, Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Liz Campbell spoke and presented awards to our staff.

Celebrated across Thompson Health Care for our staff.


Graduations

Issue 18 | 23


Graduations

Macleay Valley House

Issue 18 | 25

Staff Long Service Awards

Sydney presentations by Mr Greg Jones and Mr Doug Thompson. Southern Highland presentations by Dr Brendan Nelson with Mr Doug Thompson.

We were very proud to acknowledge some of our invaluable staff who celebrated 20 and 25 years of service with Thompson Health Care at our graduation ceremonies this year.


Graduations

Issue 18 | 27

Discover our new homes

DuralDural is a semi-rural suburb in the Hills District of north-west Sydney. This exciting new home is due to start construction in the coming months. Reflecting the local community, it will be a welcoming country style home with approximately 140 beds built over two levels with a chapel, coffee shop, dining and lounge areas as well as relaxing outdoor spaces. The home is close to the local shopping precinct.

Thompson Health Care continues its expansion into Sydney’s West as well as the North West and Central Coast. In an effort to bring our dedicated excellence in aged care to more residents, we are proud to announce the future opening of three new aged care homes in Dural, Oran Park and Woy Woy.

Building Status and Timeframe: DA approved, building to commence in near future and completion approximately 18 months to 2 years.


Woy WoyLocated on the beautiful central coast, our new Woy Woy residence will become home to 160 lucky Thompson Health Care residents and a sister home for Tarragal House at Erina. This home will sit next to a native bushland reserve. It will offer 160 beds built over 3 floors, and include a coffee shop, lounge, dining and entertainment spaces, along with tranquil outdoor spaces.

Building Status and Timeframe: Pending DA approval, completion within approximately 2 to 3 years.

Oran ParkOran Park is one of the fastest growing areas of south-west Sydney, within the Macarthur Region. Thompson Health Care plans to build an exciting flagship home here. A comprehensive master plan for the area has been developed over the past few years, and our home will be right in the heart of the Oran Park community, close to shopping and transport. Built over 3 levels, and with over 200 beds it will be our first Super Home. The home will include Thompson Health Care’s signature ensuite rooms and of course there’ll be a coffee shop, oversized landscaped courtyards, lounge and dining rooms, all overlooking the district’s recreation areas.

Building Status and Timeframe: DA to be lodged with council and pending approval this Super Home will be completed within 2 to 3 years.

Issue 18 | 29

Our new special care wing provides a stylish home for residents living with dementia.

Macleay Valley House now offers two separate wings, accommodating residents living with various stages of dementia. Both wings offer specialist care in a calm and safe environment run by highly skilled staff who have a passion for dementia specific care.

Our latest wing is based on the “Household Model of Care”, providing a unique home like setting, with familiar fittings and furnishings from years gone by. Features include a 50’s inspired kitchen, lounge room and general store with cafe area. Residents are engaged in meaningful daily activities, encouraging independence along with a family-like atmosphere.

Macleay Valley House Special Care Wing

Breakfast to order in the special care unit at Macleay Valley House


Useful ContactsMy Aged Care

Phone: 1800 200 422

www.myagedcare.gov.au

Australian Aged Care Quality AgencySydney Office Level 9, 111 Phillip Street

PO Box 674 Parramatta NSW 2124

Phone: (02) 9633 2099

www.aacqa.gov.au

Department of Veterans’ AffairsPhone (General Enquires): 133 254

Phone (Regional Callers): 1800 555 254

www.dva.gov.au

Department of Human Services (Centrelink)Phone: 132 300

www.humanservices.gov.au

Aged Care Complaints CommissionerPhone: 1800 550 552

www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au

Dementia AustraliaPhone: (02) 9805 0100

Phone (Regional Callers): 1800 100 500

www.dementia.org.au

National Dementia HelplinePhone: 1800 100 500

www.fightdementia.org.au

Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association NSW INCPhone: 1800 451 488

www.cpsa.org.au

Seniors Rights ServicePhone: 1800 424 079

www.seniorsrightsservice.org.au

Diabetes AustraliaPhone: 1300 136 588

www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

beyondbluePhone: 1300 224 636

www.beyondblue.org.au


Issue 18 | 33

Abbey House300 Range Road, Mittagong NSW 2575(Locked Bag 1)Phone: (02) 4871 1085Email: [email protected]

Bowral House87-89 Kangaloon Road, Bowral NSW 2576Phone: (02) 4862 8900Email: [email protected]

Seabeach Gardens26 Darley Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103Phone: (02) 9997 6383Email: [email protected]

Terrey Hills Nursing Home42 Booralie Road, Terrey Hills NSW 2084 (PO Box 265)Phone: (02) 9450 1719Email: [email protected]

Macleay Valley House80-114 Macleay Street, Frederickton NSW 2440Phone: (02) 6561 0900Email: [email protected]

Avalon House14 John Street, Avalon NSW 2107Phone: (02) 9973 0900Email: [email protected]

Milford House2-4 Milford Street, Randwick NSW 2031Phone: (02) 9398 3659Email: [email protected]

Tarragal House107 Karalta Road, Erina NSW 2250Phone: (02) 4365 5066Email: [email protected]

Turramurra House34 Curagul Road, North Turramurra NSW 2074Phone: (02) 9144 2444Email: [email protected]

Wahroonga House

31 Pacific Highway Wahroonga NSW 2076Phone: (02) 9847 2400Email: [email protected]

Mona Vale House33 Bassett Street, East Mona Vale NSW 2103Phone: (02) 9910 7900Email: [email protected]

Boronia House183 Boronia Road, St Marys (North) NSW 2760Phone: (02) 9833 5600Email: [email protected]

Directory

Phone: (02) 8467 9333 Fax: (02) 8467 9334

PO Box 658, Gordon NSW 2072 Email: [email protected]

Head Office Suite 20, Level 4, 924 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072

General enquiries about Thompson Health Care

Documents

ANZAC Memorial Walls Take Pride of Place in THC …...Our ANZAC Spirit The thousands of etched names cloaking the Pool of Reflection at the Australian War Memorial form an outstanding