Esprit de Vie: Denise Drysdale invites you to join her at Esprit de Vie’s upcoming Champagne Afternoon for over 60s. Come and learn something new over free bubbles, nibbles and fun games. You’ll have the opportunity to clink champagne glasses with Denise. And, learn about the exciting new Later Living experience that everyone is talking about.
When Esprit de Vie suggested a party to celebrate work commencing at Esprit de Vie Mermaid Waters, Denise was quick to reply. “Of course, I’ll be there, I’ll never say no to a party or some bubbles.”
Esprit de Vie fan: Denise Drysdale
As a long-time friend of Esprit de Vie, Denise says she’s been fortunate to gain a personal insight into what Esprit de Vie has planned for their Later Living community coming to Mermaid Waters.
“I love their vision,” Denise says. “Residents are going to be well looked after with 5-star hotel-like facilities. This including concierge services to ensure everyone can enjoy later living beyond their expectations. What really excites me is their commitment to creating a community. It encourages friendship, laughter and fun. They are already doing that via their Esprit de Vie Wellness Club. It is open to anyone over 60. It’s designed to create opportunities to form friendships with like-minded souls, passionate about their health and wellbeing. I’ve attended a few of their social events and walked away on a high every time.”
“It’s great to see an organisation that is not only focused on where you live but how you live. The Esprit de Vie team believes it’s time to improve the ‘retirement living’ marketplace. They do this by putting the holistic wellness of residents and members at the centre of their communities and clubs. I, for one, think that’s a great thing and can’t wait to watch the journey unfold.”
You can join Denise Drysdale at Esprit de Vie’s event on 26 October from 4-6pm. It is at Southport Golf Course, Gold Coast. If you’d like to learn more and RSVP, please call on 1300 4218 00.
There are a lot of assumptions made about aged care and what entering an aged care community will look like. This often leads to many having questions or adopting a wary attitude.
Odyssey is fairly young, having been open just over a year, and there is still a lot of misconception around what Odyssey is, how it’s different from other aged care alternatives, and what the lifestyle within the community looks like.
To some, aged care can mean no longer being able to schedule their own life, missing out on family events, or feeling separated from the wider community. This is precisely why Odyssey was founded – to differ from the traditional aged care model and provide care in a nurturing and supportive community.
Created on the premise of being the best alternative to traditional aged care, Odyssey offers a lifestyle-orientated community. Couples stay together, pets are welcome, grandkids have sleepovers and most importantly, the comfort, dignity, and independence of residents is the first priority.
Odyssey Bright Futures
Odyssey is all about creating a bright future for elderly Australians, led by a consumer-centric ethos that ensures residents are listened to and heard. As Odyssey continues to inspire the industry, it’s time to address the positive aspects of ageing. Let’s myth-bust some common assumptions about what a lifestyle care community offers and how it benefits seniors, the community and the wider industry.
Myth 1: Deferred Managed Fees (DMF) are a rip-off At Odyssey, we believe the years you spend with us should be enjoyed. Our DMF option is designed with you in mind. You can defer some of the cost until you leave, so you have access to more funds now, to enjoy your retirement.
Myth 2: My partner needs care, but as I don’t, we’ll be separated Couples stay together at Odyssey. Our range of first-class care and services are fully customisable and provided to residents in their own apartment. This is according to their individual needs.
These can be adapted for each person and adjusted over time as those needs change. This is similar for people fearing they will be separated from their partner who has dementia. In most cases, couples can live together in their own apartment at Odyssey, regardless of their individual and unique care needs. And as it’s provided at cost, you’ll only ever pay for what you need.
Myth 3: I’ll need to move again if my care needs change Not true! In most cases, a move to Odyssey is the only move you’ll need to make. With our range of care options, you can increase or decrease care if and when required. As previously mentioned, it’s provided at cost, so you’ll only ever pay for what you need.
Myth 4: I’ll have to leave my pets behind We not only accommodate for small and medium pets at Odyssey, we encourage residents to bring them along! At Odyssey, your comfort and quality of life is our first priority. It’s your home, so your pets are welcome as you please. What’s more, our staff can help you give your pets a walk or bath if needed.
Myth 5: A one-bedroom apartment will be too small for me Odyssey’s apartments are spacious and far exceed the industry standards, offering between 75-90sqm. Not only is your bedroom separate from your living space, but you’ll enjoy a full-size kitchen, internal laundry, balcony, and lots of storage. And you can make your home your own, maintaining your individuality by furnishing it to your taste.
Myth 6: You have to be a millionaire to live at Odyssey False! Odyssey is upmarket, but we have financial options that will most likely allow you to live with us. In general, if you own your own home on the Gold Coast, we believe you will be able to afford the move to our community.
Myth 7: I must have an ACAT assessment to move to Odyssey Not at all! We are not a government-funded residential aged care facility, so we don’t require you to undergo an ACAT assessment. We are a retirement lifestyle community with our own 24/7 care staff.
Myth 8: I will lose my home care team At Odyssey. You can bring your care team with you, regardless of who that is, or not. It is completely up to you. It’s just a simple address change for your care team!
Putting People First
The Odyssey model has set an excellent precedent in the industry by demonstrating the power of putting people first. Transitioning into aged care, should be an exciting time where seniors meet like-minded people. They can continue their independence, receive on-site care if needed and interact with family, friends and the wider community. ■
If you would like to experience the alternative to traditional aged care, arrange a time to visit and book a tour via 07 5551 6720. Odyssey is a three-tower luxury aged care community, located at the high-profile site on the corner of Christine Avenue and The Crestway at Robina. It has set a new benchmark for the sector with an extensive offering of five-star accommodation, care services and amenities for residents.
Varicose veins: Healthy veins are responsible for the circulation of blood throughout the body. When they dysfunction, this can lead to the development of varicose and spider veins. This can be a problem in particular for people over 50.
Vein dysfunction occurs when the walls of the vein become weaker and retain more blood than normal. This causes enlargement along the segment of the vein. As a result of this, the valves of the vein begin to dysfunction, creating a backflow of blood that generates visibly distorted veins.
According to Vein Doctors Group, you can treat such veins. Dr Christopher Lekich has established high-resolution ultrasound imaging to discover the source of the vein dysfunction.
“There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of abnormal veins. Genetic disposition is one of the primary influences in the development of abnormal veins. And there are also a range of lifestyle factors that can contribute to this condition including obesity, long periods of standing or sitting, immobility, aging, and leg injuries.”
Varicose Veins at Miami Day Hospital and Specialist Centre
Approximately 30% of the population are affected by varicose veins, with a larger proportion of females and those over 50 years of age afflicted with this condition. The hormonal changes that women experience during pregnancy and in relation to the birth control pill can contribute to the development of abnormal veins.
According to Vein Doctors Group, doctors can tailor a treatment plan specific to the patient’s needs that can provide long-term relief from venous dysfunction. Depending on your individual needs, your treatment may consist of the following minimally invasive procedures:
-Micro sclerotherapy for the treatment of minor spider veins
-Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) for deeper veins
-Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treatment for larger veins that would traditionally require surgical vein stripping.
The treatments offer a range of benefits over traditional vein treatments. They have found that patients experience a lower recurrence rate, swift recovery times, and minimal discomfort when compared to traditional surgical procedures such as vein stripping.
Esprit de Vie Wellness Club is causing a stir. They have become very popular with the Gold Coast’s Silvers. The club runs weekly sessions at the Italian Club (8 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters) with social team games and activities.
The Esprit de Vie Wellness Club also hosts regular social events like YOT Club Broadwater cruises, wine tours, brunches and so much more where friendships can be built.
Says Janice Walker, a Wellness Club Member, “It’s the best thing I’ve done since moving to the Gold Coast! I’ve made some lovely friends! I know I’m not alone in saying that!”
Wendy Geer, another Wellness Club regular, adds, “It’s the best place on the Gold Coast to meet some friends and have some wonderful events.”
Esprit de Vie Wellness Club Activities
Esprit de Vie love to use the old Elvis line “A little less conversation, a little more action” to describe what happens in their Wellness Clubs. Sessions are busy, interactive, full of laughter and fun – but all with a purpose.
Backed by the latest science, each session also keeps a subtle focus on memory, attention, cognitive function, physical and social health to ensure each and every participant’s maximum benefit.
One of Australia’s Favourite TV personalities, Denise Drysdale, pops down regularly to participate. Denise even ran a fun Go-Go dancing session recently to complement something she first did in 1966 when she opened Australia’s first Go-Go dancing school. ■
Interested? It is open to everyone, and it is $20 per session with a light meal and beverage included. Call 1300 4218 00 to book your complimentary first session.
Being well by being social is a fantastic way to look at life. But, you can also stay on top of your health by being proactive medically too. Have you ever considered having regular full-body MRI scans? This type of full body scan, done annually, can make all the difference in a diagnosis. Click here for more information.
Independence: 81-year-old Burleigh resident and Feros Care client, Pamela Cook, was raised to believe that women are determined, self-resilient, and capable. That’s why she found it so difficult to admit she needed help when her degenerative spine began to prevent her from bending or reaching.
“We were raised to think ‘yes we can do that, yes we can do anything’ so it’s a bit hard when you’ve got to admit you can’t do it,” Pamela says. “The good thing is there’s plenty of help out there and once you accept it, it’s given with such love.”
How To Accept Help When It’s Offered
Pamela accessed help via her government-funded Home Care Package and worked with Feros Care Wellbeing Manager Rachael Stiles to determine what she wanted, what she needed and what she dreamed of.
Pamela now enjoys working with her care workers as a team to get tasks done and finds the goal setting to be very motivating.
“It’s hard to give up your independence completely, so I do the bits I can and get help with the rest,” Pamela says. “I can put my bedsheets in the washing machine and take them from the line but my care workers, Christine and Brenda, hang everything out and make the bed for me. It’s nice to still be able to contribute.”
How The Feros Care Team Has Helped
“I help people live the life they want, at home, on their own terms.” That’s how Wellbeing Manager Rachael Stiles describes her role. Rachael takes a holistic approach to wellbeing and a pragmatic view of home care, looking at the key areas of a person’s life – all the way from the physical and emotional to the social, environmental, and more.
“I offer guidance and make recommendations but ultimately I help people set and achieve purposeful goals to support a ‘true’ quality of life,” says Rachael. “It’s a partnership we are entering into with each client. We are partnering with them to support them to live the life they want and dream of – not just to do their chores for them. Having a goal can really help to ignite something in people.”
Help is just a few clicks away
Independence Maintained – Every Step Of The Way
Rachael says that the practical side is easy – if a client says they’re having trouble cleaning their house, it’s straightforward to arrange domestic services. But it’s also so much more than just putting services in place.
“The bigger challenge is helping clients determine their goals but once they are understood, that’s where we see the big changes. We work collaboratively with clients, connect to their purpose, reignite their passions, and understand what’s important for them to regain or maintain independence, that’s when their quality of life really improves. It takes a team to help people achieve clients’ goals but when they do, it is life-changing and absolutely worth every bit of effort.” ■
