With doors to aged care homes kept firmly closed since June to try and prevent a COVID-19 outbreak among society’s most vulnerable people, there has been widespread concern for the health and mental welfare of residents.
Cloud-based video conferencing services Microsoft Teams and Zoom have helped keep families in touch with loved ones inside the homes and aged care provider Whiddon has taken it a step further.
Whiddon partnered with creative engagement specialists, Maurie Voisey-Barlin and Rob Feldman, to use the technology to deliver mentally fun sessions to aged care residents.
Maurie’s weekly sessions have become much-loved for Whiddon’s aged care residents at Largs, Belmont and Redhead in the NSW Hunter for a number of years. Rob’s sessions started during COVID-19 lockdown at Whiddon Easton Park in Glenfield, 36km southwest of Sydney’s CBD.
“These sessions bring great joy, laughter and connection for residents through creative engagement and play, especially for residents living with dementia who may feel particularly isolated at this time,” said Whiddon’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Karn Nelson.
“Last year, when we were placed under COVID-19 restrictions, Maurie delivered sessions through the window, which became known as window therapy. This was a great success and being able to continue this in such a creative way was welcomed by all.”
Maurie’s Zooming Mates needs a collaborative approach for the sessions to be successful. Maurie and residents share photos, enjoy a virtual walk and visual jokes together or spend time talking about special memories.
“While we were unsure at first how residents may respond to the sessions, we are very pleased to see how interactive and spontaneous they have been. It really is fantastic to see residents laugh along and have such a great time and that this can continue, despite the restrictions,” Karn said.
A great initiative.
