ECH has been a proud sponsor of the State Theatre Company South Australia since January 2022, and we are thrilled to once again partner with the Company in 2024. ECH has always been committed to enriching the lives of our clients and residents, and this collaboration with State Theatre Company South Australia exemplifies our dedication to providing diverse, engaging and immersive experiences. ECH Chief Executive Claire Scapinello says the sponsorship opens up opportunities for people to socialise and remain connected to their local community. “Over the past two years, our clients and residents have been fortunate to be given behind the scenes theatre experiences, work with actors and opportunities to go along and see performances, and attend exclusive events,” Ms Scapinello says.   “The performing arts has the ability to inspire and unite, so together, we aim to create memorable moments and artistic opportunities that foster creativity and cultural appreciation for the ECH community.” Watch our event pages, or sign up for marketing emails, to ensure you hear about our client offers from the State Theatre Company South Australia. Links ECH Events State Theatre Company South Australia…

Since February 2022, ECH has worked on an innovative partnership with smart clothing brand Goldilocks and The University of Adelaide to develop a range of smart garments that would support older people to remain living independently in their own home. The three leading experts joined forces to secure funding through the South Australian Innovation Challenge which aimed to create new solutions that propel the health, aged care and disability sectors. ECH Head of Customer Experience Carolyn Dawkins said the Goldilocks Smart Clothing Research Project presented the opportunity to collaborate with experts in technology, aiming to benefit older clientele. “Collaborating with Goldilocks and The University of Adelaide has been an invaluable experience,” Ms Dawkins said. “Working to adapt this type of technology to the aged care sector has been remarkable. This project has shown ECH’s commitment to empowering older people to remain living independently at home.” This, along with other ground-breaking projects, will be discussed at the Aged Care Innovation Exchange on November 13 at Stone & Chalk Startup Hub at Lot Fourteen, where like-minded professionals, thought leaders, and pioneers as we delve into the forefront of advancements (and challenges) in aged care. Links: Goldilocks University of Adelaide Aged Care Innovation Exchange Humanitix Event Poster…

For the past two years, ECH has worked on an innovative partnership with Lateral Vision and the University of South Australia, to develop virtual environments using 360-video conferencing technology. It’s been an exciting and insightful collaboration to enable people who cannot participate in social or community experiences in person to experience these events in a full interactive mode. ECH Head of Customer Experience Carolyn Dawkins said the experience saw many lessons learned and relationships built. “This partnership has allowed us to build on the current knowledge and adapt the technology to meet the needs of older people,” Ms Dawkins said. “It has been a pleasure to have worked closely with Lateral Vision and the University of South Australia as we reflect on the achievements and challenges we’ve experienced together.” This, along with other ground-breaking projects, will be discussed at the Aged Care Innovation Exchange on November 13 at Stone & Chalk Startup Hub at Lot Fourteen, where like-minded professionals, thought leaders, and pioneers as we delve into the forefront of advancements (and challenges) in aged care. Links: Event Registration Lateral Vision Website University of South Australia Aged Care Innovation Exchange Humanitix Event Poster…

ECH Occupational Therapist Chelsea Hastings is inspired every day by her mission to enable older people in the community to live safely and independently in their own homes. Mrs Hastings, who has been working for the South Australian retirement living and home care service provider for eight years, says as an OT she works with individuals on activities for daily living – everything from personal care to functional mobility and transfers to leisure activities – and while so many clients face challenges, being able to help maintain their independence is the most rewarding part. “I love working with clients and helping them live a good quality life and remain living in their own home. There is so much value and meaning in the work we do every day, and the clients are extremely grateful. I always feel a sense of pride in helping people,” she says. “I enjoy working for ECH. While it’s a big organisation they always show their appreciation for all staff. They celebrate their staff and it’s really nice to receive a thank you, and I feel ECH do that really well. “I strongly encourage anyone who is thinking about working in allied health to give it a go. It’s varied and there is huge demand all the time. If people are passionate about healthcare and helping others, then allied health is a very rewarding career path.” ECH knows how important it is to celebrate its own allied health community every day and put into practise this…

If Patrick Stewart can #MakeItSo, we believe you can too. However, writing a memoir isn’t for the feint hearted. It requires bravery, unflinching honesty, and the ability to turn your life lessons into universal truths. And, if you’re writing to document your life for future generations, how do present your life in a fresh, insightful, and authentic way? We believe you can with a few fresh adventures and laughs granted within this 8 week program.   Everyone has a book in them it has been said, however Sir Martin Amis, novelist, noted in his memoir Experience (2000), in fact what everyone seems to have in them “is not a novel but a memoir … We are all writing it or at any rate talking it: the memoir, the apologia, the CV, the cri de coeur.”     Memoirs are generally written to make sense of your life or to narrate a piece of family history. Writing in small sketches, tiny vignettes of a few sentences is so much easier than considering a whole book. When you think of your life, you could also examine it from the point of view of where you were on important days in history or of the accomplishments of which you have been the most proud. And don’t worry, the thought of writing a life retrospective can daunt even the most experienced writer, so it is small wonder that it…

Whether you’re a dab hand with a paint brush or you prefer knitting needles, there is always something new to try when we start talking “art and craft”.    If we put our historian hats on and go way back, craft was derived from the meaning “to make skilfully” and landed before the 12th-century to denote a form of work, involving the creation of physical objects, by the use of hands and brain, while art relates to the Latin word “ars” meaning, art, skill, or craft and came from around the  13th-century. Art is the expression of ideas and emotions through a physical medium, like painting, sculpture, film, dance, writing, photography, or theatre and uses elements such as line, shape, colour, value, texture, form, and space – to make meaning out of life and express a personal vision is an innate impulse.  “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”—Pablo Picasso    Arguably though, the oldest recognised technique of all time is pottery. It originated before the Neolithic period (10000 BC); with items such as ceramic vessels discovered in a cave in the Jiangxi province of China.  Crafting includes a variety of forms, from sculpture and metalwork to knitting and printing. These crafts can all be divided into five basic types based on their form and purpose: textile, decorative, paper, functional, and fashion crafts.  These days we may think of craft in…

Are you ready to make this spring unforgettable? Get ready learn new skills and create meaningful social connections over 8 weeks, with our exclusive Spring adventure!   Whether you love art, singing, craft, writing, trivia, gardening or just keen to learn a new skill, our small group Get Connected programs offer something for everyone.  Best of all, it’s not just a series of events – it’s a journey to rediscover the joy in every moment and celebrate the beauty of active ageing. We believe that life gets even more vibrant as we age, and this Spring, we’re bringing you a line-up of unforgettable activities that will make you feel more alive than ever!  All resources are supplied for the activities, so all you need to do is book yourself in..… Workshops are facilitated by experienced ECH staff. Each program is designed to be attended over the 8 weeks: from 16 October to 15 December. Subsidised government funding is available for anyone 65 years and over – ask us how!  For more information or to book, check our Spring to Summer Adventure program page: ech.asn.au/spring-summer-adventure…

ADELAIDE AUTHOR PIP WILLIAMS IN CONVERSATION WITH TV LEGEND JANE DOYLE ECH clients and staff gathered at Dymocks Rundle Mall on Monday 11 September for a special Book Club event hosted by retired Australian television presenter Jane Doyle, featuring acclaimed Adelaide author Pip Williams. Held in conjunction with the State Theatre Company of South Australia, the audience was privileged to hear Williams speak about her compelling novel The Dictionary of Lost Words, which is being adapted to stage by the Company, and will run from 22 September to 14 October. Set during the height of the women's suffrage movement and with the Great War looming, this novel reveals a lost narrative, hidden between the lines of a history written by men. Inspired by actual events, Williams delves into the archives of the Oxford English Dictionary to tell this highly original story. Pip Williams with Jane Doyle Merrin, Pip and Rosina A chat with Jane Pip’s talk The Dictionary of Lost Words Buying the book!…

ARE YOU READY? Heatwaves can be a difficult time, especially when the heat never seems to end. If we look back, Australia’s Indigenous peoples developed a deep connection with ‘Country’ – the land, sea, sky, rivers, sites, seasons, plants, and animals that surrounded them; Australia demanded it. With South Australian summers getting hotter with an increase in record hot days, we encourage you to: BE SUPPORTIVE Firstly, if you ever need additional support from ECH, please ask. During the summer season you could also form a friendship or support network you can rely on and check in on each other, friends, or family as part of your daily routine. Red Cross South Australia has Telecross Redi Service (1800 188 071) and helps people cope during extreme weather events. BE AWARE You may consider that your mobility may not be what it once was and while your house can be the best defence against heat, you could head to places that have cooling systems, such as a shopping centre, the cinema, a community centre or a friend or family’s house. Mild heat-related issues can be dealt with at home and with friends, however heatstroke is considered an emergency and you should contact your GP, hospital or ambulance service immediately. If you are unable to access your usual GP call Healthdirect 24 hours a day seven days a week (1800 022 222) to speak to a health professional. BE READY If you need to evacuate on extreme days, it’s good to be…

Wherever Ngaire goes, her cuddly and fashionable cavoodle Bella goes too. And the four-legged bundle of fur has brought loads of joy and melted hearts since she first started accompanying Ngaire to work 18 months ago, becoming a regular – and welcome – sight ever since. Ngaire is the ECH Rental Property Officer managing our rental unit portfolio and she says when she is out at inspections and client interviews, Bella tags along in her latest outfit – anything from puffer jackets, overalls and t-shirts.   ECH Rental Property Officer Ngaire “People love to see the different outfits she wears everyday – it’s a topic of conversation,” Ngaire laughs. “Bella likes to be around people, but it needs to be on her terms, but with clients, she senses they need a cuddle and that people need a bit of love – they get so much from her. “Even if someone in the office is having a challenging day, they make a beeline for Bella, give her a cuddle and a bit of a play and they feel calmer. Bella brings people together.” Ngaire, who has been with ECH for 31 years, says she is grateful her workplace has been welcoming of her seven-year-old “baby”. “I appreciate the fact that I can bring her to work, it means the world to me. She’s a good little dog who brings joy and those around just love her,” Ngaire says. If you would like to learn more about ECH Independent Retirement…

Who loves surrounding themselves with flowers? It’s a joy when we receive flowers as a gift, however it can be even more rewarding when we have flowers in our own home or garden. Those delicate blooms have the power to uplift us and those around us. The act of gifting flowers and plants goes beyond being a mere physical gesture; it holds the potential to offer emotional support and strengthen connections. Colourful blooms evoke positive emotions and lift our spirits and infuse joy and happiness into our living spaces*. ECH Social and Therapeutic Horticulturist, Dean presents three compelling reasons why the presence of flowers brings about a sense of wellbeing. By incorporating flowers and plants into our lives, we can easily enhance our overall state of happiness and contentment. 1. Dopamine is triggered by an unexpected reward, such as a rare bloom, a gift of flowers. 2. Oxytocin creates a feeling of trust and group solidarity i.e. feeling friendship when receiving a lovely bunch of flowers. 3. Serotonin can stimulate a sense of pride in the vision before us of our own efforts by growing flowers. The act of caring and receiving gifts can create a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are cherished and not forgotten. Nature’s beauty can be calming and tending to plants encourages a simple daily routine in your life. Easy flowers to grow in pots • Petunias • Pansies • Marigolds Easy flowers to grown in the garden…

As our winter turns to spring, the desire to embrace the outdoors grows, but so do our pollen allergies! There are ways to stay active and exercise without exposing yourself to pollen. ECH Exercise Physiologist Bridget highlights some of her simple indoor exercises that allow you to make the most of the season while avoiding pollen discomfort. So, shed those winter coats and get moving inside for a pollen-free spring experience. The following exercises are all designed for you to do in your own home and will help you stay fit and healthy. Remember, incorporating movement into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming! If you start your day with a simple routine well before daily plans get in the way, you are sure to get more out of life from the healthy benefits. Prepare your environment  Before you dive into exercises, start by making sure your indoor environment is suitable. It’s a good idea to clear some space in where you can comfortably move around. A big stretch  Kickstart your mornings with a gentle stretching routine. Stretching helps improve flexibility, releases muscle tension, and enhances blood circulation. Move with simple exercises Sit to stand from a dining chair or seated recliner Side stepping at kitchen bench High knee marching at kitchen bench Shoulder rolls MEET BRIDGET ECH Exercise Physiologist, Bridget graduated from Flinders University in 2019 with a specialisation in Sports Science. She enjoys seeing her clients reach their goals…