Griffiths Point Lodge resident Betty Pescud, front, at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards with Bass Coast Health’s Donna Dalton, Hope Thomas, Janette Elliott, Natasha Stapleton and Christine Henderson. By Brad Lester
When residents of Griffiths Point Lodge were asked to name their bucket list, their dreams included going for a swim, visiting a horse racing track and riding in a racing car.
Then the dedicated staff of the San Remo residential care home set about turning dreams into reality.
David Graham, a high care resident with significant mobility needs, wanted to visit a thoroughbred horse racing track. Staff acquired a made-to-order wheelchair that enabled him access to transport in Griffith Point Lodge’s accessible bus.
Betty Pescud was treated to a ride in a race car around the Phillip Island Grand Prix track.
When residents of Griffiths Point Lodge were asked to name their bucket list, their dreams included going for a swim, visiting a horse racing track and riding in a racing car.
Then the dedicated staff of the San Remo residential care home set about turning dreams into reality.
David Graham, a high care resident with significant mobility needs, wanted to visit a thoroughbred horse racing track. Staff acquired a made-to-order wheelchair that enabled him access to transport in Griffith Point Lodge’s accessible bus.
Betty Pescud was treated to a ride in a race car around the Phillip Island Grand Prix track.
Staff accompanied another resident to a local swimming pool so they could enjoy swimming once again.
Ruth Andrews celebrates a belated 21st birthday. Ruth Andrews had a 21st birthday party after missing out many years ago and 104-year-old Bonnie Castle, who never got to visit Paris, had a Paris-themed birthday party.
The Bucket List initiative was introduced by the Lifestyle team – Donna Dalton and Natasha Stapleton – to give residents the chance to experience something they have always wanted, or to re-experience something that made them happy in their younger lives.
Natasha said it arose from brainstorming by staff to create an initiative similar to the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Australia.
“We wanted something individualised and that helped residents feel a sense of purpose, not just like aged care residents,” she said.
The bucket list initiative earned Bass Coast Health a nomination in the 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. While they didn’t take out the big gong, Natasha said they were proud to be one of three finalists.
She credited the residents, “the most incredible bunch of outrageously fun and positive people, who inspire us and work with us to make each day the best it can be. We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful job!”
BCH CEO Jan Child said aged care residents could experience depression and anxiety. “The stress of having to adjust to unfamiliar environments, coping with health issues and facing end-of-life can all contribute to poor health.
“The Bucket List initiative celebrates each resident as a unique individual with diverse backgrounds, hopes, dreams and perspectives, and this goes a long way to achieving a sense of purpose, accomplishment and fulfilment.”
Ms Child said the impact was noticeable. “Residents have enjoyed better connection with others and improved self-esteem, confidence and mood.”
Griffiths Point Lodge is now welcoming applications for new residents who wish to be cared for by passionate staff in a newly renovated home overlooking the sea. Enquiries are welcome to Rebecca Grant at [email protected]
The Bucket List initiative was introduced by the Lifestyle team – Donna Dalton and Natasha Stapleton – to give residents the chance to experience something they have always wanted, or to re-experience something that made them happy in their younger lives.
Natasha said it arose from brainstorming by staff to create an initiative similar to the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Australia.
“We wanted something individualised and that helped residents feel a sense of purpose, not just like aged care residents,” she said.
The bucket list initiative earned Bass Coast Health a nomination in the 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. While they didn’t take out the big gong, Natasha said they were proud to be one of three finalists.
She credited the residents, “the most incredible bunch of outrageously fun and positive people, who inspire us and work with us to make each day the best it can be. We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful job!”
BCH CEO Jan Child said aged care residents could experience depression and anxiety. “The stress of having to adjust to unfamiliar environments, coping with health issues and facing end-of-life can all contribute to poor health.
“The Bucket List initiative celebrates each resident as a unique individual with diverse backgrounds, hopes, dreams and perspectives, and this goes a long way to achieving a sense of purpose, accomplishment and fulfilment.”
Ms Child said the impact was noticeable. “Residents have enjoyed better connection with others and improved self-esteem, confidence and mood.”
Griffiths Point Lodge is now welcoming applications for new residents who wish to be cared for by passionate staff in a newly renovated home overlooking the sea. Enquiries are welcome to Rebecca Grant at [email protected]