ECH Inc.

During Active Ageing Week, The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, visited our Henley Beach Wellness Centre and Crichton Court Village on October 2.   He met with our clients, and team (including ECH Chair, Rosina Hislop, Deputy Chair, Cameron Bryson, Chair Technology & Innovation Committee, Loewn Steel, and CE Claire Scapinello). This visit was part of his regular commitment to meeting people who work and reside within the constituency of Hindmarsh.   He enjoyed meeting clients who attend fitness classes, as well as speaking with people who are being supported by our allied health team, to get back on their feet following a medical incident.   Residents of Crichton Court, our co-located assisted living retirement village, greeted him and showed him their village, and he also spent time with clients who attend our day programs (designed for people who may be experiencing dementia or memory loss).   It was a great opportunity for our ECH leadership team to discuss ideas about working together supporting older people to age well, live independently and to get MORE out of life.   #ECH #GetMOREoutofLife #ActiveAgeingWeek

Creating meaningful connections through ECH and COTA SA's 3rd year in partnership   ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello says, "the ongoing partnership demonstrates our joint vision and value alignment for respecting and supporting the rights of older Australians to positively age and seek out new opportunities for growth, and to get MORE out of life."   With the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) theme for 2024 being "Meaningful Connections (at any age)", on Tuesday 1 October 2024, ECH will again be a sponsor of the COTA SA Seminar event being held at the Adelaide Festival Centre.   COTA's flagship event heralds the beginning of South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well.   Together with COTA, our aim is to amplify older voices and connect with a growing cohort of diverse older South Australians.   Acknowledging that positive relationships and social connections are essential pillars of living well at every age, speakers and guests at this event will reflect on the importance of the intergenerational relationships in their lives and consider how we can do more both individually and as a society to strengthen social connection across generations, for everyone’s benefit. We look forward to being in the room, celebrating the day with you.

Carers SA Annual Expo (National Carers Week Expo 2024) is dedicated to unpaid Carers: It has all the answers to questions and showcases an array of support services available under the one roof by Government agencies, community organisations and a large range of service providers, such as ECH, to help people in their caring role. Our Dementia Care Manager, Wendy will be managing our booth and we encourage you to come and say hello if you are attending. Date:   Tuesday 1 October 2024, 10am Venue: Reynella East College Image: A seated female representing a carer.

#MyLifeChoices DAL Expo (Disability Ageing and Lifestyle Expo), is the Disability, Ageing, and Lifestyles Expo in Adelaide. It is an iconic South Australian event dedicated to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals of all abilities and ages. Denise from our OnBoarding Team and Lara (from Marketing) will be managing the stand on behalf of ECH, and we encourage you to come and say hello if you are attending. Date:   Fri 11 Oct and Sat 12 Oct, 2024, 10am Venue: Adelaide Showgrounds Image: Two ladies chatting in a park on a bench.

If you'd like to watch our 'social' news, you could follow us on Instagram. We share a 'walking word of the week' from our resident David, our SANFL Best on Ground (BOG) weekly winner when in season, as well as fitness, wellness, gardening and nursing tips (!), along with yummy recipes via video, client interviews and 'out and about'. Search for us. Come follow. PS we have been more active on the socials as our clients prefer choice, with many opting out of the print form magazine. It's simply a sign of the times!

Dementia is a brain condition. It’s not a normal part of ageing.   During Dementia Action Week (16-22 September), and on behalf of Dementia Australia, we too encourage everyone to take the first step to learn more about dementia and how we can all help shape our communities for the better.   Dementia Australia has previously recognised ECH for its ongoing efforts to develop and use dementia-friendly approaches to its services, physical environments and staff training.   Around two-thirds of people living with dementia live in the community. People living with dementia are often told they ‘don’t look like they have dementia’ because they don’t present, speak or act in a way the community expects. They can still participate in many activities, have hobbies and engage with community groups.   ECH is committed to understanding and meeting the specific needs of people living with dementia or memory loss, as well as supporting their carers and families.   For example, how people living with dementia will communicate may change over time and even from day to day.   We are encouraged to listen to people living with dementia with respect and an open mind. Body language can show that you are engaged and present.   Receiving a Dementia diagnosis can be confronting and overwhelming for both the individual involved and their families. Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is much more common after the age of 65.   Do you have questions? AskECH: https://lnkd.in/dpDkB59N

At ECH, we understand that as people age, opportunities for social interaction often decrease, leading to loneliness and isolation - factors that negatively impact physical and mental health. Creating a sense of belonging and purpose for today's older person is different to 60 years ago and will be different again in another 60 from now. ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello, says "Loneliness and social isolation are two of the greatest risks we face as we grow older. We support our residents and clients by offering diverse events and activities that encourage social connections, such as peer-led walking groups, walking footy, art classes, and social outings. Our exercise programs also blend physical activity with social engagement, promoting overall well-being." "Together, we are enabling our residents and clients to be happier, healthier, independent, and to get more out of life. Through our community and sponsorship programs, ECH connects people, to reduce the risk of social isolation. At ECH, we inspire our clients and employees to prioritise their well-being, as we believe it is vital to living a fulfilling life" she said. Internally, we stopped for a moment to check-in on each other. Claire said to employees, "On this day, Thursday 12 September 2024, we encourage you to reflect on your own wellbeing, as much as your colleagues, as a conversation could change a life. It’s not just about September – everyday counts! Let’s create a positive culture that gets people communicating, connecting and improving the overall health and wellbeing of others." Images are of our Walking Footy team, who recently shared a morning tea for RUOK? Day , as well as our ECH teams morning teas. Many meaningful conversations were had!

The ECH & SANFL Walking Footy group acknowledged RU OK? Day early this year with chocolate and a chat around the importance of checking in with each other, not just today, but every day. Walking Footy highlights the importance of meaningful connections, with the people which these connections happen not only on the field but off the field with players checking in on each other even after the game is well and truly over. You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. It’s amazing how sport can bring people together and has endless benefits both physically, psychologically, and socially. Walking Footy ticks all the boxes! @sanfl_official #volunteering #askech

What do you do when you are the first to turn 100 in your retirement village? You celebrate! Rex said, ‘I can highly recommend staying around long enough to have a 100th birthday party’. Rex has had a very fortunate life – born in Stirling, then growing up in Underdale on a 12 acre market garden on the banks of the River Torrens, Rex became an active member of the tomato industry, representing growers on the Fruit Growers and Market Gardeners Association; then becoming Chairman. He also served on the Committee for Safe Freight, a company established to provide road freight interstate for produce. He retired from it all at 60 and has never looked back. https://lnkd.in/gBBtWnFj