Give residents what they know and love

Offering meaningful entertainment and stimulation can help aged care residents feel at home and maintain their wellbeing.

Recent surveys highlight the importance of providing premium television content for aged care residents – both as a source of quality entertainment, and as a way of helping improve quality of life.

People aged 80-plus watch an average of 37 hours of television a week, according to viewing data from the National Subscription Panel. Clearly, television still plays a large part in the lives of Australian seniors.

For many older Australians, television remains their primary platform of entertainment. It offers an important connection to the outside world – and keeps them informed and engaged.  

The same data showed that for the 80-plus group, 73 per cent of viewing during off-peak hours – 2am-5am – was via subscription television.

Rather than rely on free-to-air channels, older Australians are turning to subscription-based services such as Foxtel – services that offer a wider variety of content and channels around-the-clock.

“Many residents had Foxtel prior to moving to an aged care facility,” said Tom Enright, national manager – health & corporate. “Having Foxtel available to them now ensures they have continued access to a familiar entertainment platform they have enjoyed for so long, helping to make them feel at home.”

Premium television can also have a positive impact on the emotional and psychological side residents’ lives. According to a survey of aged care homes conducted by Australian Research Online – among those residents who watch Foxtel – 84 per cent said not having access to it would have an impact on their daily lives.

Indeed, it can help alleviate isolation, boredom and depression – common conditions that often accompany old age and institutionalised living. 

Rather than an indulgence, providing aged care residents with access to premium television – such as Foxtel – should be viewed as a vital element that helps maintain quality of life and wellbeing.

With around-the-clock programming – including plenty of TV shows, movies, live sport, documentaries, and more – Foxtel offers something to suit everybody’s taste.

“Our Foxtel package covers all genres and caters to every taste. From old classics such as Hogan’s Heroes, Call the Midwife and The Shawshank Redemption to current sporting events, the huge amount of channels offer residents opportunities to enjoy, reminisce and converse with other residents,” said Mr Enright.

Whatever the program or genre, residents will be able to tap into the On Demand Foxtel library containing more than 20,000 hours of movies and entertainment – meaning they will never be short of something to watch.  

“Television is among the things that all residents know and love,” said Mr Enright. “Ensuring they have access to quality programming 24 hours a day, like Foxtel, means residents can tap into familiar and enjoyable content whenever they want.”

Help keep your residents engaged and informed with premium entertainment from Foxtel. Call 1300 659 466 or visit Foxtel.com.au/biqh