Following the positive customer reaction to its ‘YouChoose’ home care service, BaptistCare is trialling the philosophy in its nursing homes.
Residents at BaptistCare Niola Centre chose Elvis and have put on their blue suede shoes to visit the town’s annual Elvis festival at Parkes, 350km from Sydney in New South Wales.
“We know one of our residents, Marie, loves to get up and dance when Elvis comes on, so when she asked to go, we thought it was a great opportunity to explore the possibilities of our new YouChoose program,” said Andrea Austin, the Centre’s Care Supervisor.
Age no barrier
The pilot program is designed to make it easier for residents to keep following their interests.
“One of the residents asked about visiting the local pub, another questioned going out shopping. This offering allows more freedom as we schedule and organise carers to take them where they need to go,” Andrea adds.
Residents and staff headed out to watch the street parade – picnic lunch and chairs in tow – and mingle with fellow rock-and-rollers. Those back home didn’t miss out on the action either with a visit from their favourite Elvis performer.
BaptistCare now plans to roll out YouChoose to all of its facilities this year.
