Our Point Cook residents have recently enjoyed taking part in an innovative new Lifestyle Program that incorporates gardening, singing, cooking and regular outings.
Facilitated by staff and volunteers, the program aims to provide residents with opportunities to participate in everyday activities that once upon a time they may have regularly undertaken.
Hands on cooking classes have seen residents make their own pasta, using a pasta machine supplied by one of our Italian families, then prepare a meal to share. All agreed there is nothing quite like eating fresh pasta, and what a joy it is to make from scratch! Staff and residents have also baked their own sausage rolls, biscuits and cupcakes, some of which were served at our recent Cup Day festivities.
Our residents have also helped to create a sensory garden filled with plants intended to stimulate the senses. Lemon geraniums, rosemary, lamb’s ears and mint are a few of the plants that were carefully selected for the garden. Preparing the garden beds, planting, mulching and watering are some of the ways our elders have been involved in this special project. In the coming months residents will benefit from caring for and nurturing of the garden to maturity.
We are fortunate to welcome two new volunteers, Wendy and Margaret, who have been passionate about establishing a choir for elders in a residential care environment. The new choir are meeting once a month to join in song and are in the process of developing a songbook compilation of those pieces that resonate best with our residents. Wendy has also generously donated a piano for our Point Cook residents to play at their leisure. The choir hope to work towards a performance for their families, friends and staff to enjoy.
Point Cook residents are also revelling in a number of regular outings each month. Our menfolk travel via taxi to The Brook Hotel, where they enjoy a relaxed chat with family and friends in a social environment. Meanwhile, the women travel to a local shopping centre for a spot of retail therapy, a coffee and to celebrate friendship. Twice a month our elders have a great time at Morning Melodies, held at a local Sports Club, where they are served a delicious morning tea followed by some entertainment and a two-course lunch. Family members are encouraged to come along and participate in a rousing sing-along with their elderly loved ones.
If you would like to find out more about our Lifestyle Program, or arrange a tour at Point Cook or another of our Homestyle residences, please contact us here.
