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…

The Adelaide Botanical Gardens says there are over 2,300 plants from 257 species which show the diversity of plants that have helped with healing the body, mind, and soul for thousands of years. Whether you're a home gardener, community gardener, or visitor, a garden can be that wonderful source of exercise, stimulation, and relaxation. With a little planning, garden beds, equipment and tools can be changed to make gardening accessible too. This spring, embark on a gardening adventure with us, as we share valuable tips, tricks, and new skills.   Create new and meaningful social connections by Summer with our small group ‘Get Connected’ programs offering something for everyone - like gardening for your health!   Gardening is widely recognised for its ability to enhance endurance and strength, lower stress levels, and promote relaxation. Simply being in a garden can instil a profound sense of well-being, particularly during the vibrant spring season when nature's beauty is at its peak.  The importance of cultivating vegetable gardens has evolved over time, but what remains constant is the incredible goodness that comes from growing your own produce. Consider, for instance, the diverse health benefits of various vegetables. Peppers have capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory compound that aids in reducing the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and potassium. Spinach has the potential to bolster your immune system, while broccoli shields your body's cells from harm.  Use our new…

Being socially active is essential to your wellbeing and having the best life possible. That’s why the ECH Living Well Program was developed to connect our clients to a range of social activities to meet like-minded people, learn new skills and re-engage with their community. ECH Living Well Consultants work with our clients to link them with an activity that helps improve wellbeing and their physical and mental health. This is how Living Well Consultant Jenny met ECH client Maureen in January this year. Maureen, who receives cleaning and gardening support, nursing and social services, has faced a challenging few years, and after a stay at Modbury Hospital last year was referred to the program. Knowing Maureen worked at ECH for 10 years and loved cooking in the past, Jenny found a baking group nearby at the Wandana Community Centre. While Maureen didn’t initially feel up to taking part, with a little encouragement from Jenny, she has now visited the baking group a few times and has the confidence to continue. Jenny says: “Maureen said to me on the way home one day, how grateful she was that I’d supported her to go along, and she can’t wait to go again to the next group in two weeks, independently, because she now has the confidence to do so.” Diana and ECH client  “I did enjoy it. It’s a different atmosphere when you get there. I’m thankful for Jenny’s help and encouraging me to take part” says Maureen Maureen’s…

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…

Small changes made to ECH client Michael’s house and circumstances have had the biggest, positive impact on his life. A stairlift installed at his back door, grab rails on walls throughout his house, a shower mat to ensure he doesn’t slip, an electric adjustable bed and a recliner chair, are the safety and comfort features that have been added to his Goolwa unit. ECH client Michael  Then there are his two scooters – a standard size for his daily travel needs and a smaller one capable of fitting into a taxi when he wants to go further afield. Both keep him active in the community and enable him to attend appointments on his own. Lastly, there’s the three days a week of domestic assistance, such as hanging out laundry or vacuuming floors, he receives from ECH. All combined ensure that Michael feels safe, secure and able to continue living independently. “The modifications are very necessary, and I’m absolutely delighted to be able to be independent. I had this fear of being housebound, but I can get out and about,” Michael says. ECH Occupational Therapist Chelsea And it’s all thanks to his ECH Occupational Therapist Chelsea, who has been the driving force especially in securing the modifications to his unit. Chelsea first started working with Michael five years ago, and while her visits have been intermittent – only when he needs new equipment – she has seen the joy added to Michael’s life. “Every time there is…

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…