Seniors take centre stage in Open Day
The simple idea for residential and community care providers to open their doors and showcase the great work being done in aged care had exceptional results, with providers reporting the inaugural open day was a huge success.
The simple idea for residential and community care providers to open their doors and showcase the great work being done in aged care had exceptional results, with providers reporting the inaugural open day was a huge success.
As Australian Ageing Agenda has reported, Friday’s aged care open day was part of a global initiative that originated in the UK and has now stretched to South Africa and Europe.
Adjunct Professor John Kelly, CEO of Aged & Community Services Australia, which organised the initiative in Australia, said many thousands of people participated in events nationally.
“We know aged care is dear to the hearts of those who work in the sector and those whose families receive services,” Professor Kelly said. “The response from the public to ACSA National Open Day shows that there is a willingness to learn about aged care and to support those who provide services.”
Hundreds of organisations participated and the clients, staff and volunteers enjoyed celebrating the quality of the services and sharing what they love about aged care, he said.
“By opening the doors to these providers, people can see what is available and be better informed if and when they need to make a choice about care for themselves or family members.”
Active ageing on show
Anglican Care held an event at its Jesmond Grove Hostel facility showcasing its new Life in Motion program, which uses the Xbox Kinect gaming technology to improve health and wellbeing. The provider said its program has been piloted at Jesmond Grove over the past three months “with an adventurous group of 11 residents, aged between 82 and 97 joining in.”
“An evaluation of the pilot program showed some functional improvements, notably in balance and upper limb movement. Progression through the activities produced physical and cognitive benefits, particularly around memory and concentration, not to mention affording great social interaction and engagement,” said the provider.
New record set
Elsewhere on Friday, a new world record was set for the largest outdoor exercise class for people aged over 70 years. A total of 52 people turned up for the attempt on the world record in Sydney’s northern beaches –smashing the existing, similar world record.
According to Guinness World Records, the only existing, similar world record for people aged over 70 years is the oldest dance troupe, The Hip Op-eration Crew (New Zealand), consisting of 23 active members aged 67 to 95 years old, with an average age of 79 years and 197 days as of 10 May 2014.
The event was organised by community care provider, Community Care (Northern Beaches) (CCNB) as part of the open day initiative.
Sweet success
Bankstown City Aged Care celebrated aged care’s open day with a “100s and 1000s Day”.
The provider tells AAA: “We awarded prizes for our guessing competition which was to guess the age of all the people we care for at Bankstown City Aged Care. Our total number was 43,895 years! We served over 800 cupcakes to residents, staff, guests and clients in their own homes.”
Cookbook day
The Salvation Army’s Barrington Lodge also used food in its open day activities, by organising a ‘cookbook day’.
‘A good life’
In Adelaide, older Australians sang, danced, laughed and exercised their way through ACH Group’s national open day activities in Rundle Mall.
Despite the blustery weather and rain, ACH Group reported hundreds of older South Australians joined together to celebrate ‘what a good life means to them.’
“We were thrilled with the turnout,” said ACH Group CEO Mike Rungie. “It wasn’t the best weather, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those taking part. It was a huge success.”
The activities included an information booth on ACH services, giveaways including fresh apples, fridge magnets and bottled water, a Photo booth, photo pinup board, performances and competitions.
A highlight of the day was the performance of more than 100 singers from four branches of ACH Group’s Sing for Joy Choir. The ACH Group Life Exercise group also showed onlookers – many a third of their age or more – that exercise is for every age, and for every shape.
Talent on show
Also in South Australia, all 10 Resthaven residential sites showcased ‘Celebration of the Older Person – Diversity of Lifestyle’ which were displays and exhibitions of resident art, craft, painting, gardening, knitting and much more.
At Resthaven Westbourne Park the open day heard from resident Peter Bayard Lock, a writer and author, who discussed his latest book, Let Woman Speak.
The Resthaven Paradise campus featured a combined open day, with Resthaven Paradise residential aged care facility, the University of Adelaide Geriatrics and Research in Aged Care (G-TRAC) Centre and Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services that was opened by eminent palliative care specialist and Senior Australian of the Year 2013, Emeritus Professor Ian Maddocks. There were information displays from Aged Rights Advocacy Service, Campbelltown Council, and other community services. Tours of the residential, community and G-TRAC facilities were available.
Did your facility take part in the aged care open day? If so, tell us about it! Send details and photos to editorial@australianageingagenda.com.au to be included in our special coverage
AnglicareSA homes in the south of Adeliade took part in the aged care open day by holding a stall at the Hallet Cove shopping centre. Members of the community heard about Anglicare’s active living services for older people. Many members visiting the stall had personal questions about aged care services and were able to receive expert advice on the day.
It was lovely to have so many people share their positive strories about aged care services