Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected
The Narangba News
Celebrating community, capturing stories and keeping connected. Spring
Contents
Message from Facility Manager, Rachael
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Message from Lifestyle Coordinator, Yvonne
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Community Happenings 5 - 7 Message from Clinical Care Coordinator, Manpreet 8 Meet the Team, Tanya 9 Chefs Corner, Sandra 10 Meet the Resident, Keith 11 Quality Corner, Janet 12 Spring Highlights 13 - 15 Noticeboard 16 Games Corner 17 - 18 Games Corner answers 19 - 20
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Rachael
Facility Manager
Dear Residents, Families, and Friends, As we welcome the beautiful season of spring, we are delighted to extend a warm welcome to our new residents and their families. Thank you for trusting us with your care—we are honoured to be part of your journey.
We understand that adjusting to life in residential aged care can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Our team is committed to making this transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. We also love seeing the joy that visits bring, including when beloved pets come along! If you’d like to bring your dog to visit your loved one, please speak with our staff so we can make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Whether by email, feedback form, or a conversation in person, we encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions. Together, we can continue to make our community a wonderful place to live. Participation in activities is a great way to connect and have fun. Recently, we’ve seen small groups gathering to play cards—what a fantastic way to spend time! If there’s something new you’d like to try, please let us know. We’re always open to ideas that bring joy and engagement to our residents. Thank you for being part of our community. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, connection, and new beginnings.
Warm regards, Rachael Smith Facility Manager
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Message from Lifestyle Yvonne Dear Residents, Families, and Friends, What a great year we have had in Lifestyle! As we reflect on the past year, we hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year filled with joy and special moments.
We would also like to extend a very warm welcome to Kinga, who has recently joined our Lifestyle team. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the positive energy and ideas she brings to our home. Looking ahead, our Lifestyle team will be working on introducing more diverse and culturally inclusive days within our home, celebrating the rich backgrounds and experiences of our residents. We will also be working closely with our Physiotherapy team to bring more movement, balance, and wellbeing activities into our programs, supporting our residents to stay active and engaged. In addition, we are collaborating with our Allied Health team and care staff to introduce more home-like programs and meaningful activities for residents to enjoy and participate in together. Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to another year filled with connection, creativity, and enriching lifestyle experiences. Warm regards, The Lifestyle Team
Community Happenings Spring
Music and Entertainment Music proved to be a constant source of joy throughout spring. The Brass Band’s visits brought smiles and demonstrated the undeniable power of music. Friday mornings became special occasions with live music performances that residents enjoyed with friends and family. Darrel’s regular visits filled the space with singing and dancing, with residents actively participating rather than simply watching. Weekly happy hours evolved into cherished traditions. Live music accompanied cold soft drinks, beer, wine and finger foods, creating afternoons where residents could relax and enjoy great company. Some residents joined in with musical instruments, making them feel truly part of the festivities rather than passive observers. Cultural Celebrations The Roaring 1920s Gatsby event stands as one of the season’s highlights. Residents embraced the theme with fantastic dress-ups, while the kitchen delivered incredible food. Nathan the magician captivated everyone with dazzling tricks that held the audience spellbound throughout the performance. The Diwali celebration brought colour, flavour and movement to the facility. Delightful music set the atmosphere, delicious food was shared, and staff members treated everyone to impressive dancing performances. The celebration featured multiple aspects of the festival, creating an immersive cultural experience. Halloween transformed the facility at the end of October. The Halloween disco included trick-or-treating, dressing up, and indulging in refreshing drinks, lollies and chocolates. Residents danced and sang along, cherishing time spent with friends. The Halloween-themed morning tea featured scrumptious cupcakes and spider drink treats. Myrtle won first place for best Halloween nurses station, showcasing the facility-wide embrace of the celebration.
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Community Happenings Spring
Community Connections and Outings The Caboolture Car Club visit sparked wonderful memories as residents revisited the cars that held special meaning for them. From first driving lessons to beloved first cars, the morning immersed everyone in automotive nostalgia. The bus trip to Redcliffe’s Bee Gee Way combined shopping with relaxation. Residents visited shops along the way before enjoying a drink and something to eat, making for a perfect afternoon out. Regular trips to Caboolture library provided simple pleasures. Residents browsed and borrowed books to read at home, maintaining connections to broader community resources. Games and Recreation Bocce remained popular throughout spring, with residents cheering each other on while maintaining healthy competition. The games provided both physical activity and social connection. Watch a game of bocce Card game 500 emerged as a new interest, building bridges of friendship and camaraderie between residents. The game created opportunities for strategy, conversation and connection. Scrabble sessions offered mental stimulation, with residents dedicating afternoons to working through word puzzles. Rob could often be found working hard on her puzzles, beautiful creations that provided a peaceful way to spend the afternoon.
Creative Pursuits Flower arranging sessions brought beauty and calm to the week. The activity made souls and hearts feel wonderful, with residents creating arrangements they could enjoy afterwards. The weekly craft and knitting group showcased resident talent. Dorothy created beautiful handmade blankets, demonstrating exceptional skill. The group looks forward to each new project, sharing techniques and inspiration. Arts and crafts filled various afternoons throughout the season, providing creative outlets for expression and achievement.
Community Happenings Spring
Special Days and Celebrations Father’s Day was celebrated with tasty hamburgers, chilled beer, great conversation and music. The celebration honoured cherished residents with a day filled with joy. R U OK DAY featured a lovely afternoon tea with yellow cupcakes paired with comforting cuppas. The event facilitated meaningful conversations between residents and staff. The commitment to mental health extends beyond the designated day, with regular check-ins ensuring residents and staff receive ongoing support. Ladies’ lunches created opportunities for connection. Sharing meals and meaningful discussions, these gatherings brought residents together in relaxed settings. Spring 2025 reflected the diverse interests at Narangba Aged Care. Some residents pursued creative crafts, others enjoyed competitive games, many participated in cultural celebrations, and all had opportunities to connect with music, food and each other. The season demonstrated what happens when days are filled with choice, culture and genuine celebration.
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Message from Clinical Care Manpreet
It is a pleasure to share updates from our clinical team in this quarterly newsletter. Over the past few months, we have experienced a significant turnover of residents, and our staff have gone above and beyond in providing end-of-life care during residents’ final days with compassion and professionalism.
We have also welcomed new staff members and provided 1:1 training during their buddy shifts. Our CNs are spending extra time with RNs, educating them about our policies and procedures so they can care for our residents effectively. Please be patient with them and assist as they become familiar with residents’ routines and special needs. We have received numerous cards and letters expressing thanks and appreciation, acknowledging the kindness, skill, and sensitivity our staff display when caring for residents. We are fortunate to have a highly skilled team, with many members trained in Palliative Care, and as Pain Champions and Wound Champions, ensuring the highest quality of support is available when it is most needed. Clinical Focus: Falls Prevention and Pain Management This quarter, we are focusing on falls prevention and pain management, particularly for those who may not be able to verbalise their discomfort. Pain is common—yet often overlooked. Since many residents cannot clearly communicate their pain, it is essential for staff to remain vigilant and regularly assess any new or unusual behaviours that may indicate discomfort. Our staff are effectively using the PainChek app to assess residents’ pain. Identifying and addressing pain early can significantly improve a resident’s comfort and quality of life. Staff continue to receive training in recognising symptoms and providing appropriate treatment. Falls: We have reintroduced the autumn leaf symbol to identify residents at high risk of falls and to alert all staff to keep a closer eye on them. A few reminders to help residents stay safe when walking within the facility: • Use your walker if you have one—even for short trips. • Wear supportive footwear or non-slip socks to prevent slips and falls. • Ask staff for help when needed—whether it’s picking something up or reaching for an item. We encourage residents and families to speak with our nursing team if they have any concerns, and we will assist you as soon as possible. Allied Health Services Let us know if you would like to see the visiting optometrist, mobile dentist, or Hearing Australia, and we can organise this for you. If you would like to see the GP, please speak to a nurse and they will place your request in the GP review book. We have organised our next COVID clinic for 17/12/2025. Staff will be seeking consent for residents who are due for their six-monthly injections. We remain committed to supporting you in every way. Let’s work together to stay safe, active, and connected this season. Kind regards, Manpreet Kaur Clinical Care Coordinator
Tanya
Meet the Team
Meet Tanya our House Keeping Supervisor Why I love working at Narangba
I get to make a real difference every day. Keeping the environment clean, safe and welcoming is something I take great pride in and its rewarding to now my work helps residents feel comfortable and cared for. I enjoy leading my team, supporting them and making sure we all work together to maintain a high standard. The staff and residents create a warm, family-like atmosphere and being part of that community makes the job meaningful. Every day bring s something new and I feel proud to contribute to a place where people feel respected, valued and at home. What I like to do in my spare time Outside of work I love camping, swimming and spending quality time with my family. I enjoy being outdoors whenever I can, and of course I love a bit of shopping too. My husband and I enjoy motorbike rides, its our favourite way to explore. Where I would like to travel- If I could travel anywhere, I would choose Italy and Singapore. Italy for its rich history, stunning scenery and delicious food, and Singapore for its vibrant city life, beautiful gardens and amazing cuisine. Both offer unforgettable experiences I’d love to enjoy.
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Sandra
Chef’s Corner
We held another menu tasting session this Spring, thank you to the residents for your valuable feedback. Sandra designs the menu based on nutrition and resident preferences. Here is a popular favourite.
Mince Pies Ingredients 360g (2 cups) dried mixed fruit 200g (1 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar 50g (1/3 cup) slivered almonds, finely chopped 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, quartered, cored, coarsely grated 40g butter, melted 2 tbsp brandy 3 tsp finely grated lemon rind
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp mixed spice Pinch of ground nutmeg 1 egg, lightly whisked White sugar, to dust Pastry 300g (2 cups) plain flour 70g (1/3 cup) caster sugar 160g chilled butter, chopped 1 egg
Method 1.
Make the pastry Rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Add the beaten egg and mix until it forms a dough. Chill for 20 minutes. 2. Prepare the pies Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Roll out the pastry and cut circles to fit a muffin tin. Spoon mincemeat into each case. Cut smaller circles or stars for the tops and place them on. 3. Bake Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden. Cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar.
Meet the Resident
Keith
Keith has been a resident at Narangba for 2 years. Keith is a well-loved resident who regularly takes part in our resident meetings, and our Anzac Services. Keith is a real story teller who often has his fellow residents enjoying his stories about Army life. Can you tell us where you grew up? I was born in Yorkshire, England. I lived with my grandparents in Blackpool from the age of 5. I grew up during the war. Blackpool was a holiday place, so the Germans left it alone until the end. What are some of your fondest childhood memories?
Playing football, boxing, going to the library – I liked Charles Dickens books. There was a haunted house in my town and one day me and my friends decided to be brave enough to go into the haunted house. My friends said they seen a ghost on the stairs and ran out. I stayed inside because I wanted to see the ghost, but I never saw it. What kind of work or hobbies have you enjoyed throughout your life? I wanted to be a Plumber, but I missed out because the son of the owner of the company got it. I worked for a shoe company making shoes but was too clever for it, so they sent me to be the office boy. I joined the Army at 15 years of age. I wanted to go to Korea but sent to Egypt, then Libia. I worked for a company carrying potatoes. I got very big, strong arms and could arm wrestle anyone! Came to Australia in 1958. I enjoyed camping in the bush and fossicking for Sapphires in Tomahawk Creek, QLD. What do you think has been the biggest change in the world during your lifetime? Technology and machines. Once everything was done by the hands of people. Do you have a favourite place you’ve travelled to or lived in? I have travelled to many countries in the world. I love Australia – that’s why I retired here. I really like Karratha in WA, and I liked my time in Singapore and Hong Kong. Is there a skill or talent your known for? A good boxer. I was part of a men’s club – woodwork, bringing old pieces back to life. Are there any clubs or activities you’re interested in joining here? I would love to be part of a wood-working club. What has been your proudest achievement? I got a medal for my army service. I hosted a dinner where Prince Phillip attended. In Iran I was invited to a garden party where I met the Queen Mother.
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Quality Corner
Janet
From the 1st of November 2025, the New Aged Care ACT and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards commenced across all residential and home care services. The Strengthened Quality Standards are a set of requirements which Providers need to meet to ensure that Resident care is safe and of a high quality. The 7 Strengthened Quality Standards are: Standard 1. The Individual Standard 2. The Organisation Standard 3. The Care and Services Standard 4. The Environment Standard 5. Clinical Care Standard 6. Food and Nutrition Standard 7. The Residential Community
The Strengthened Quality Standards have been introduced by the teams within the homes. Education has been completed and is ongoing on the Strengthened Quality Standards and on the new policies and procedures which accompany them. The Resident and Relative meetings are a good opportunity seek further information regarding the Strengthened Standards, and more information may also be found at https://www.agedcarequality. gov.au/
As the weather warms up and we enjoy more time outdoors, it is important to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage. Sunscreen dispensers have been fitted within areas of the home for everyone to access, the teams are also here to help apply sunscreen before outdoor activities. Please also remember to pair sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat , sunglasses , light clothing for extra protection and seek some shade . During the warmer weather please also remember to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids .
Spring Highlights
September 2025
Spring began with the power of music as the Brass Band brought smiles to residents’ faces. Father’s Day celebrations featured tasty hamburgers, chilled beer, great conversation and music. The Roaring 1920s Gatsby event proved truly memorable, with fantastic dress-ups and incredible food. The pièce de résistance was Nathan, a gifted magician, whose dazzling tricks held everyone spellbound. R U OK DAY was celebrated with a lovely afternoon tea featuring scrumptious yellow cupcakes paired with comforting cuppas, facilitating meaningful conversations between residents and staff. Darrel’s visits brought joy through sing-alongs and dancing. Happy hour remained popular, with residents joining in with musical instruments to feel part of the festivities. The week featured milkshakes, scrabble and arts and crafts.
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Spring Highlights October 2025 October brought cultural celebration and memorable outings. The Diwali celebration featured delightful music, delicious food and impressive dancing from staff members. The Caboolture Car Club visit sparked wonderful memories as residents revisited their first driving lessons and beloved first cars. Friday mornings came alive with live music performances enjoyed with friends and family. The bus trip to Redcliffe’s Bee Gee Way combined shopping with a relaxing drink and refreshments. Halloween brought festive fun with a disco featuring trick- or-treating, dressing up and plenty of laughter. Myrtle won first place for best Halloween nurses station decorations. Dorothy showcased her exceptional talent creating beautiful handmade blankets during the weekly craft and knitting group.
Spring Highlights
November 2025
November maintained the rhythm of activities that residents enjoy. Weekly happy hours continued bringing music and connection, while arts and crafts sessions provided creative outlets. Bocce games remained popular for friendly competition and outdoor activity. The library trip offered opportunities to browse and borrow books. Card games and scrabble filled afternoons with mental stimulation and social connection. Milkshakes provided sweet treats throughout the month. The weekly craft and knitting group continued, with residents working on various projects together. Music and entertainment remained central to the month, bringing joy and opportunities for singing and dancing.
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Noticeboard
In Memoriam We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of our late residents. Every cherished member of our community who leaves us, is sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Library Service We have a mobile library service that picks up and delivers library books to residents’ rooms. We also have our fully stocked library.If you would like to use this service, please speak to one of our friendly team. Physiotherapy We have an excellent physiotherapy team on site. If you would like to book in to see one of the lovely physios, please ask a friendly staff member at reception. Don’t forget 1. our monthly Disco! 2. all welcome to the walking group each morning
A very warm welcome to our new residents. This Spring we have had the pleasure of welcoming new faces to our community and what a wonderful addition you’ve all been! From sharing laughs at mealtimes to joining in activities and making new friendships, you’ve already brought fresh energy and joy to our home. We’re so glad you’re here. If you have any questions or need assistance settling in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. Daily Health and fitness Join us each day for a dose of exercise. Exercise class is held every morning, as a large group first and then as a smaller group to build strength and balance
We are here for you If you’d like more information on the aboveservices, please contact the lifestyle team: lifestyle@narangbaagedcare.com.au
Games Corner
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Games Corner
Games Corner Answers
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Games Corner Answers
Stay tuned for Summer
Thank you We would like to issue a heartfelt thank you to relatives and volunteers who support us day in and day out. You make such a difference and we very much appreciate your time and energy. Can you contribute? Contributions to our newsletter are encouaged and appreciated. Articles, photos, reports on community outings, staff news, trivia, poems and stories relating to residents and staff are most welcome. Please hand in your submission to reception.
23 Young Road, Narangba, QLD 4504 07 3053 3700 narangbaagedcare.com.au
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