Mahurangimatters 18 September 2013 | 19

years

At SummerSet, CAre StArtS At homeAt Summerset we offer a comprehensive range

of care services, from a little help with everyday

living right through to rest home and hospital

level care. As your needs change we support

you, while helping you to get the best from life.

With our Village Centre now open, we are able to

offer a choice of care options, including beautiful

one bedroom care apartments.

To find out more please call our Nurse Manager,

Kim Kerby on 09 425 1203. You can find our

village at 31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth.

Open DaySunday 21 September, 11am – 3pm

goldenFEATURE

Clocking up over a century of life hasn’t stopped Warkworth Hospital resident Grace Shaw from breaking out of her daily routine.She watched cows being milked by machines for the first time in her life at 100, and visited the snow at Mt Ruapehu for the first time at 103. On August 9, she turned 104.The mother of four, grandmother of 15, great-grandmother of 25, and great-great grandmother to one, still enjoys meals of roast beef, and liver and bacon, and the only medication she takes is one Aspirin a day. She lived with her daughter Marjorie, 76, and her husband Paddy at Algies Bay from 2009 but lost the use of her legs and moved to Warkworth Hospital six months ago. “I never thought I’d reach 104,” she says chirpily.Mrs Shaw, nee Dassler, was born in the King Country town of Otorohanga in 1909.Her parents Susan and Oscar were farmers and the family grew up in the small settlement of Te-Rau-a-Moa on Pirongia Mountain.When Grace turned 15, her family moved to a farm near Otorohanga. She attended the local high school, which had the country’s only horse-drawn school bus, and milked 10 cows by hand every morning and night.At the age of 17 she became the first teacher at Piripiri Aided School. The pay was 5 pounds a month – the equivalent of around $10. The school

Grace Shaw with her daughter Marjorie who lives at Algies Bay.

Centenarian open to new experiences

was surrounded by thick ti-tree bushes and had an opening roll of five pupils. There was no paper, pencils, chalk, blackboard, chairs, tables or toilet.Grace married local farmer and sportsman Walter Shaw at the local cream factory in 1931, the year of the Napier earthquake. “My mother and I were in Te Awamutu having a cup of tea and all of a sudden

the lights started swinging,” she says. “We got a hell of a fright.”The couple spent three years managing a farm. The boss often brought his wife, daughter, grandchildren and even his bank manager down from Auckland to stay. They never brought any food and there was no electricity so Grace had to cook for everyone using a wooden stove. She describes the work as “back breaking”.They eventually built their own home, just before Grace had her second child, Leslie.The land required plenty of stumping and burning and fertiliser had to be sown by hand. There were times when she milked cows alone, cared for four children, and catered for shearers as Walter was too busy to help. She did all her own sewing, knitting and gardening.She was an active member of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers throughout her life and was made a life member.After 47 years at Kinohaku, Grace and Walter retired to Te Awamutu where they celebrated their golden and diamond wedding anniversaries. Walter passed away in 1992. Grace developed a love of crosswords and was nicknamed the “Crossword Queen” by the Te Awamutu Courier when she turned 100. She has one letter of congratulations from the Queen and three from John Key. The Queen only sends a letter every five years so Grace will be entitled to another on her birthday next year.

| Mahurangimatters 18 September 201320

SeniorNet Warkworth3 Matakana Road, Warkworth

For more information contact our course coordinator 422 3728 or visit

www.seniornetwarkworth.org.nz

Demystifying Technologyis our speciality

We offer 2 hour workshops and short courses for IPads, Notepads, Smart

phones, and other hand held devices.

“There must be an APP for that.”

SeniorNet also offers a series of 4 classes in Genealogy, with an experienced tutor, who guides students through

the key elements while learning to use Ancestry database.

Come and join us and learn, 487 locals can’t be wrong.

No paper, required and a hands free experience fora clean and tidy tush.

The Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat,

Here is the latest in electronic bidet toilet seats, ideal for all the family, essential forthose that need assistance with toileting. Presenting a far more hygenic bathroom experience. You will not want to return to the old ways after enjoying using your new electronic bidet toilet seat.

Water cleans better than paper!Ever tried to clean your face with a dry paper towel?

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Especially recommended for those that need a personal carer or have limited movement. A must for those that su�er from hemorrhoids and other rectal problems.

Nothing better than a warm seat,warm butt wash and blow dry

Two models available from $550.00

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Dr Mark Donaldson of Eye Doctors and team perform the first cataract operation in the Rodney Surgical Centre, July 2010.

callwww.eyedoctors.co.nz (09) 520 9689web

Cataract specialist in Warkworth

Dr Mark Donaldson FRANZCO

Dr Donaldson has safely performed hundreds of small incision cataract operations at the Rodney Surgical centre since it opened in 2010.

No referral necessary.

Phone Eye Doctors on 09 520 9689 to make an appointment at the Warkworth Medical Centre.

“I highly recommend Dr Donaldson for the excellent results and attention my wife and I received during our cataract surgery.”

Mr M, Warkworth

yearsgoldenMore resthome infoAge Concern has welcomed a move by the Government to make more information on resthomes available online.From November, the Ministry of Health will trial a new system giving people access to full resthome audit reports, as well as the audit summaries already available on its website.The development follows an investigation at Malvina Major Retirement Village Hospital in Wellington that found the facility was failing its residents.The audit was triggered by Susan Christian, who lodged a complaint about the village’s owner, Ryman Healthcare, after discovering her mother covered in her own faeces on three occasions.The new system means people will be able to see if a resthome has any current problems and what is being done to fix them. Historical audit summaries going back to 2009 will also be published so people can see what progress has been made and if there are any ongoing issues.Age Concern president Evelyn Weir says it’s a positive move. “When you are choosing a rest home for your mother or father or other older

relative, you can never have too much information. And, if a resthome does have any shortcomings, you want to know about them and what’s being done about them.”Mrs Weir says some people will want full audit reports, whereas others will be satisfied with the summaries.“But to have the option will be great for some. All the information will be in front of us and available to look through.”Mrs Weir says if people are considering a resthome, it is always a good idea to visit more than one and meet some of the staff and residents.“It’s like buying a home. You want to have a good look through and get a real feel for the place and its elements — what’s important for you.”While audit reports can always be obtained through the Official Information Act, having them online will make them more accessible, she says.

Evelyn Weir

Feeling your age?Aches and pains?Losing mobility?

Losing confidence?Phone Boost

Chiropractic to book your full health and

wellness exam for $42.

307 Mahurangi East, Snells Beach | 09 967 7824

Mahurangimatters 18 September 2013 | 21

AT WARKWORTH

Orthopaedic Surgery

• Arthroscopy• Removal of metalwareOphthalmology• Cataract surgeryGynaecology • Incontinence surgery

General Surgery• Hernia repairs• Varicose veins • Haemorrhoidectomies• Lipoma removal• Breast biopsies• Carpal Tunnel

and much, much more ...

Plastic Surgery

• Skin cancer surgery• Melanoma surgery• Cosmetic surgery• Hand surgeryEndoscopy • Colonoscopies• Gastrosopies

Let our patients speak for themselves...“My grateful thanks so very much to all at Northlink Health Trust and

Rodney Surgical Centre. The hospital staff are kind, caring and efficient. Anyone using this lovely facility right on our doorstep

will be more than satisfied.” Mary Sharp

Phone +64 9 425 1190 or 0800 425 007 • Fax +64 9 425 011577 Morrison Drive, Warkworth • www.rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz

Why go to Auckland?Northlink Health Charitable Funding

www.rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz

years yearsgoldenAmberlea now offering additional hospital careA new hospital wing and administration block is now open at Algies Bay resthome Amberlea.Work has been going on for the past year to extend the range of care and increase the number of beds.Manager Cindy McGoram says the decision to add capacity was made because of growing demand and the fact that people had to move on to other facilities once they required hospital care. Now a registered nurse will be on hand 24 hours a day and patients will be able to be turned and hoisted into their beds.The facility has been owned by Christian Healthcare Trust since 2010 and was started by Brian and Wendy Simmons in 1994 with 24 beds. Upgrades in 1998 saw that number increase to 36 and in 2004 to 50. The current extension will see an extra 20 “swing” beds added, taking the total to 70. Swing beds describe beds that can be used for rest home or hospital use.An underground carpark, commercial kitchen and administration block, including treatment room, manager’s office and staffroom, is also part of the upgrade. The project is expected to be

finished by Christmas.Resident Barbara Brown moved to Amberlea from Papamoa when her husband died two years ago. Her daughter lives at Leigh. She has a room in the new wing and says she is particularly pleased with her ensuite that includes a shower, as it is almost two times bigger than the space she had before. The lounge at the end of her hallway has picturesque views of farmland and Kawau Bay.Mrs McGoram says residents are mostly locals who have lived in the area for a long time, or parents of younger couples who have moved to Mahurangi and want their family to be close to them.

Manager Cindy McGoram with a resident of the new wing, Barbara Brown.

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| Mahurangimatters 18 September 201322

Warkworth Wellsford Hospice is grateful for donations of furniture, whiteware and other quality household goods *

Hospice House 51 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth, 425 9535PICK-UPS AVAILABLE Phone John 021 217 8014

* please note that we cannot accept older model TVs and computer monitors due to the cost of disposal

DOWNSIZING?PUT YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE TO WORK FOR HOSPICE

Your donated items

help us raise more than 50% of the annual $1m cost of providing palliative care services

in our community

Age Concern Rodney / Health Link North invite you to Your Health / Your Safety EXPO

EXHIBITIONS, TALKS & DEMONSTRATIONS, HEALTHY LIFESTYLES & HOME SAFETY.

Friday 4th October 2013 - 10am – 2-30pmOrewa Community Hall

Catherine on 09 426 0916 or email age_concern_rodney@xtra.co.nz

CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE OLDER PERSON

yearsgoldenAge Concern is worried more adult children will bully their parents into lending them money for house deposits, following new mortgage-lending rules announced by the Reserve Bank.The new rules mean that from October 1, most home buyers will be required to pay a deposit of at least 20 percent of the home’s value.Age Concern advisor Louise Collins says there is already an expectation that parents will provide financial help for their children.“There is nothing wrong with parents helping out their kids, if they can afford to lose the money, potentially,” she says. “Things don’t always work out and parents must realise they may not get their money back or even lose their own house if things go really bad.”Mrs Collins says older people should have the confidence to say “no”.She says adult children pressuring, threatening or bullying parents to lend them money was a form of psychological elder abuse, which is the most common form of elder abuse.In about 80 percent of cases, the abusers were related to the older person. In about half the cases they

‘Just say no’ to loans

were adult children.Mrs Collins says as a result it has become commonplace for older people not to report it, as they felt too embarrassed about being manipulated and taken advantage of by members of their own family.“This is one of the reasons it stays hidden. Many older people feel ashamed their own flesh and blood is treating them badly, so they won’t talk about it.”However, it is not necessary to put up with it, she says. “You can ring Age Concern for help. We know that family are very precious to older people, so we try to get a win-win result when are difficulties with family relationships.”

Louise Collins

Call Bay Audiologyto book your

FREE hearing check

Bay Audiology Warkworth

27- 35 Queen Street 09 551 2810

www.bayaudiology.co.nz

HEAR THE THINGS YOU LOVE HEARING

• Ear Hygiene• Discharging Ears• Dermatitis• No referral necessary

Resthome clinics by appointment

Removal of wax by micro-suction

Mahurangimatters 18 September 2013 | 23

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm | Sat 9am-7pm | Sun 10am-2pm

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Franklin’s Pharmacy 48 Queen St, Warkworth | 425 8014

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For all appointments phone 09 422 6871

Milford Eye ClinicWarkworth Branch

Affiliated Southern Cross Healthcare provider

• Dr Michael Fisk • Dr Brian Sloan • Dr Jo Koppens• Dr David Squirrell • Dr Rasha Altaie

• Milford Eye Clinic, 181 Shakespeare Road, Milford • Coastcare, Red Beach Shopping Centre, Red Beach• Warkworth, Unit 3, Warkworth Health Centre, Cnr Alnwick & Percy Streets, Warkworth

Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye problem that affects 1 in 7 people

aged 50 years and over, and yet still many people have never heard of it. If one compares the eye

to an old-style camera, the macula is the “film” at the back of the eye, and is responsible for sharp central vision. AMD develops when the macula starts to fail, so the symptoms of AMD include

difficulty reading, recognising faces etc.

There are 2 types of AMD. “Dry” AMD is the commonest and it develops as the macula is

slowly damaged by a build-up of waste products underneath it. Many people with early “Dry” AMD

will be unaware they have a problem, but as these products continue to build up those affected become increasingly aware of difficulties seeing fine details, particularly in poor light. In time the symptoms become progressively more noticeable,

but this process can take many years.

“Wet” AMD develops when the eye tries, unsuccessfully, to repair a macula which has already been damaged by “Dry” AMD. This process involves the growth of blood vessels

underneath the macula which then leak and bleed; hence the term “Wet”. What initiates this “Wet”

process is unknown but it manifests as the sudden appearance of a dark and distorted patch in a

person’s central vision which rapidly gets worse.

AMD is not inevitable. A balanced healthy diet with leafy green vegetables and oily fish is helpful. New and very effective treatments are available for wet

AMD, but these work best early in the disease, so any older person experiencing difficulties with reading, particularly distorted vision, should seek

prompt help.

Serving the eye needs of North Shore and Rodney for over 30 years

Purpose-built eye consulting rooms in Warkworth. Surgery available at Rodney Surgical Centre or

Shore Surgery, Milford, as appropriate. For your convenience consultations available at

Milford, Red Beach and Warkworth.

years yearsgoldenOnce a month, around a dozen people aged 65 and over gather to discuss the news of the day. They are members of the University of the Third Age’s current affairs group. Convenor Val Strachan says topics range from gay marriage to the Auckland casino deal. Even if people have different reactions, the group acts in good humour and nobody gets upset.“It’s chance to hear another person’s point of view you might not have thought about, which is valid. We all agree most problems could be dealt with by common sense. I say to the group ‘if you feel strongly write to your MP, Minister or newspaper’.”An upcoming discussion will focus on a story that explains how rugby injuries cost ACC and the taxpayer $64m every year. It will be compared to a story about a woman who was denied an ACC payment because of a bladder injury that occurred during childbirth 37 years earlier.“It’s ridiculous, and rugby players should be wearing helmets,” Val says. Whether Mahurangi should leave Auckland is another hot topic. “We’re divided,” Val says. “Nobody likes being part of Auckland. One member

Keeping up with the news

doubts NAG would be able to afford all the road maintenance for example – they say the rates base isn’t broad enough unless Orewa is included. The only advantage I can think of is access to all libraries.”Some topics are out of bounds including religion, party politics, and crime and punishment. “There doesn’t seem to be a solution for crime. Some say ‘lock them up and throw away the key’, others are for rehabilitation. It boils down to money, as so many things do.”Val bemoans the number of negative news stories, particularly on television.“Bad is emphasised all the time. It creates a negative atmosphere. Children pick up on things and they need something optimistic. I’d like to see more good news.”

Val Strachan