Residents at St Vincent’s Care Services Kangaroo Point are keeping very busy with a unique Creative Arts and Community Programme.
Run by Diversional Therapists, this specially designed Programme caters for people with varying cognitive and physical abilities, including those with dementia.
Clinical Governance Manager, Julie Matthews, says the Programme is about enhancing the wellbeing of each and every resident, regardless of impairment.
“At St Vincent’s Care Services, we place a strong importance on building relationships with our residents. We really get to know them and their interests, so that we can offer them activities and events that stimulate them and enrich their lifestyle,” she said.
“Our residents enjoy having a sense of purpose that connects them to their community and to each other.”
One of the most impressive groups in the Programme is the Marycrest Melody Choir, comprising residents who share a love of music. Established three years ago, the Choir regularly performs at Kangaroo Point and several other aged care facilities around Brisbane.
“Listening to this Choir shows just how talented our residents are. One resident accompanies them on the piano, despite her failing eyesight,” said Julie.
The Programme also builds partnerships with local schools. Residents and students come together to paint artworks – a process that is enjoyed by the young as much as the elderly. The paintings are displayed at the schools’ annual art shows.
There is a strong emphasis on charitable work in this leisure and lifestyle calendar.
The Knitting Circle is a popular group that meets weekly to make colourful knitted squares.
Volunteers at the local Uniting Church sew these squares together to make blankets for those in need.
Other residents create greeting cards that are sold at local fetes and stalls throughout the year. Money raised goes to the Miram Raju Foundation that supports Queensland families who have a child with a disability.
And if you think elderly people stop wanting to learn new things, then you’re very mistaken. One resident who attends Spanish Class at the facility is 101 years old!
For more information on St Vincent’s Care Services call 1800 778 767 or email svcs.info@svha.org.au.
