Terence Moyana

Small Things Can Make A Huge Difference

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Seachange Arundel resident Leigh Bartelt is selflessly providing comfort to those in need, hand-making cannula sleeves, and sensory mats for people living with dementia. Leigh experienced dementia first-hand with her late husband, Fred Bartelt, who passed away last year. While caring for him, she realised those living with dementia should have access to cannula sleeves and sensory mats. “My husband spent the last five years of his life in aged care, so I truly know the complexity of this illness,” said Leigh. “The sleeves protect arms while the mats act as a stimulation activity for fidgety hands. The mats really help reduce stress for those prone to restlessness and agitation.”

 

 

Leigh is not only dedicated to helping people; she also helps Australian wildlife by sewing pouches, wraps, and mittens for injured animals. “It’s crazy to think 12 months ago I did very little sewing, knitting or crocheting,” she said. “It’s funny how one small request through the Animal Rescue Craft Guild back in November last year has created so many activities and opportunities for me. “I now sew pouches for animals and got into this last year after the fires, starting with koala mittens, bat wraps, and all other small mammals.”

 

 

When COVID-19 hit, Leigh’s sewing attention turned to making medical scrubs, caps, and masks to help essential workers. Leigh explained there is a network of Australian women dedicated to sewing, knitting, and often self-resourcing to help hospitals have the necessary garments for patients and workers. “I am just one of many very wonderful women who spend all their spare dollars at Spotlight and even Bunnings to add more colours or exciting tassels to our sewing pieces. It’s incredible what gets added to these sensory mats now. Children’s toy boxes are often raided, too,” laughed Leigh.

 

Leigh’s notable enthusiasm is a testament to her selflessness and demonstrates that small things can make a huge difference.

 

Tennis at Seachange – all for the LOVE of the game!

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Playing tennis is a serious business for Carolyn Morrow and the rest of her tennis group. “We’re all more into tennis than a hit and a giggle,” she said. “We’re really committed to playing but, yes, we do still have time for social chit chat.” Carolyn’s husband Terry, a former tennis coach, taught her to play when she was ‘nearly 50ʼ and 25 years on, she still enjoys it just as much as when she first started in 1994.

 

The couple moved into Seachange Arundel in 2015 where they continued to serve up those match points, joining the community tennis club for regular games. Sadly, however, Terry fell into ill health. “He wanted to make sure I was somewhere nice, safe and secure, like Seachange Arundel, but that also had plenty of activities in which to take part,” Carolyn said. “This a really safe community environment – and it was really handy to the Gold Coast Hospital too for all his medical needs. “But he had a blood problem and passed away about a year and a half ago at the age 80.”

 

 

The now 75-year-old, however, continues the tradition of playing tennis about three times a week and to ensure she can keep playing also goes to the Seachange Arundel gym to do some light weight training. “I have to ensure I keep myself up and running so I go to the gym to keep my arms working properly. I do want to keep it up so need to keep well,” she said. “We all keep ourselves pretty healthy without knocking ourselves around too much. The tennis courts are made from artificial grass, so we don’t have to play on a hard surface risking injury. “We keep fit while having a nice social get together too – although we are on the court a fair bit. We’re all really committed to playing.”

 

Tennis group co-ordinator Rod Alford said the group had been running for 10 years and had about 40 members ranging in age from 55 to 85. When Carolyn isn’t on the tennis court, she can be found partaking in Seachange Arundel’s line dancing get-togethers twice a week or riding to the club house on her bicycle. “I also do tap dancing in Southport and would love to find someone to kayak with on a more regular basis – I still have my favourite light weight double and a single kayak,” she said.

 

Good “Thymes” at Seachange

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There is no better feeling and appreciation than eating freshly grown cherry tomatoes plucked straight from the vegetable garden you have tendered to for many weeks. At Seachange Lifestyle Resorts, residents are encouraged to use their ‘green thumbs’ in the beautifully-established communal vegetable gardens, especially as it’s a therapeutic way to foster well-being and a sustainable lifestyle.

 

The vegetable garden at Seachange Emerald Lakes was the biggest selling point for resident Les Harry, who has lived there for three years. “Many people downsize from big properties, but they still want the enjoyment of a garden,” said Les. “It’s a great way to meet people because not only are you gardening, but you’re also chatting with each other and forming friendships.”

 

 

Aside from the tasty benefits, research highlights that gardening can help one practice acceptance and mindfulness. Gardening is also a fantastic way to reduce stress, improve strength and save money, proving highly beneficial for many Seachange residents. “Every Tuesday between 8am and 9am we have a group of about 16 people who come together to pitch in and maintain the garden. Everyone is looking out for each other, which is what community is all about. “Although, sometimes, it can be a race to get the best produce before anyone else,” said Les, jokingly.

 

With a little creativity, you can cook a myriad of delicious recipes straight from the garden. “We have residents making kale chips and even using carrot leaves; people really like trying new things,” said Les. There are many health benefits associated with having a veggie garden. However, the most significant benefit for Les Harry is the sense of community and enjoying the company of others that the garden brings.

 

 

Unwinding with Art at Emerald Lakes

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Creating pieces of art is renowned for having a profoundly positive impact on people across the world. In fact, research shows that participating in art classes often provides an ‘escape’ or ‘haven’, allowing minds to relax and unwind. Sharyn Ninness and Joyce Anderson, homeowners at Seachange Emerald Lakes, find art extremely therapeutic, almost taking them into a meditative state. “You let go of the stress because you are in the moment,” said Sharyn, who has been painting for the past three years.

 

“I truly love spending time here in the Art room. I connect with others but also connect with myself and find myself totally focused on my work. It is a wonderful feeling to just forget about what is going on in the world and paint.” Sharyn started out painting stick figures and is now completing gorgeous landscapes, all with the help of local artist Joy Gray. Joy, who has more than 20 years of experience, volunteers every Tuesday to help residents like Sharyn and Joyce who are eager to finesse their skills. “I really enjoy coming along and showing everyone new techniques,” said Joy. “Next week we are doing pouring painting where we will use a liquid paint with a filler that’s like glue and then pour it into cups and onto canvas to create pieces.”

 

 

Extending yourself and achieving goals is part of art’s attraction for Joyce. “I have been painting for a couple of decades now and every time I touch my easel and pick up a brush to paint canvas, I am learning, trying something different,” she said. “What’s great about having Joy here with us is that she is always encouraging us to try new things. Last week, for example, we learned how to paint with sponges.

 

“Art is all about creating something from nothing. Starting with a blank canvas and ending up with an old car or a stunning landscape. It makes you glow inside.” Art is an activity that is truly inclusive and ideal for any ability level. Sharyn, Joyce and Joy all agreed that it is nice to paint with other people. “You are feeding off other’s for inspiration, it creates a nice energy,” said Joyce. “Art doesn’t require an extensive skill set. It’s more important to come here, enjoy it and tap into a relaxing state of mind. We had ladies that painted by numbers on a canvas, and they turned out absolutely beautiful. We are hoping that more residents will come and join us.”

 

 

A Place for You and Your Pet at Seachange

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Our beloved furry friends undoubtedly enhance the quality of life and contribute to emotional and mental wellbeing, especially during periods of isolation or destabilisation.

Research shows pets significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression by providing companionship and boosting vitality.

Seachange Emerald Lakes Community Manager, Leisa Porter and her husband Rodger, Facilities Manager at the resort, adore their dog Ziggy, who has become a valued team member and mascot.

 

“We call Ziggy our site supervisor as a joke because he rides on the buggy – he’s everywhere. When Rodger’s working out in the park and the gardens, Ziggy’s not only company for him, but also for the residents who walk by to stop and pat him,” said Leisa.

“He’s a constant companion, if you’re in bed sick, he’s in bed with you and won’t leave your side. Pets are very intuitive. It’s amazing – their ability to pick up on when something’s not right.”

Seachange Lifestyle Resorts are focused on fostering community relationships between individuals, while also providing a space for residents’ pets to thrive and live their best lives.

 

“For older people, pets are the perfect company. Each night Ziggy takes turns sitting beside Rodger and myself on the couch. He’s our little soul mate.

“We are very mindful of following the rules for pets, we don’t ever let him off the lead, and he knows not to hop off the buggy when he’s with Rodger.”

 

 

Entering into a new season of life can pose a myriad of challenges, making it essential to stay healthy and maintain a connection with the world around us.

“Pets also really help with exercise; we’ve got one lady here who walks her dog twice a day. If not for her dog, she probably wouldn’t go out as much. It also creates a talking point given quite a few people are walking their dogs in the late afternoon, and it creates social chatter.”

Leisa explained that she and Rodger had previously lived in a different community where pets were not allowed.

“That wasn’t fun at all. It’s so much nicer here at Seachange. We have a few people living here with cats, and during COVID restrictions, we had separate driveway dinner parties. One man set a place at the table for his cat, which shows how important our pets are.”

 

Our pets serve as constant companions who are non-judgemental. They are great at letting us know we are needed and also provide a sense of security.

“Ziggy will run down the hallway to meet us, and it grounds you, reminds you that life is pretty amazing. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’ve had; they are always happy to see you because it’s unconditional love,” said Leisa.

 

Seachange Puts Your Future First

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Future proofing homes and ensuring they can be adapted to suit the differing needs of residents has always been a key focus for the creators of Seachange Lifestyle Resorts. Pradella Property Ventures’ Mia Pradella said all Seachange homes were designed and constructed using liveable housing design principles. “We understand that the needs of over 50s change over time so have been focused on ensuring our homes are designed without the need for customisation and remodelling,” said Ms Pradella. “For example, some of our design features include ease of access, hob less showers, step free pathways and bathrooms fitted with grab rails. These core features have future proofed our residents’ homes.”

 

Seachange Riverside Coomera resident Carol Todd has a lift installed in her house. “We were fortunate enough to be able to purchase a house here at Seachange that has been adapted toward the needs of my husband and myself,” said Mrs Todd. “It was a deciding factor in making the decision to move to Seachange and we couldn’t be happier.”

 

 

The homes at Seachange Lifestyle Resorts are created in a way to help provide peace of mind for whatever the future may hold, and allow residents to live independently and safely.