There aren't too many jobs in the world where your sole purpose is to bring joy. For Carole Pallier, that's exactly how she views her role as Diversional Therapist at Carinity Brookfield Green.
"My job is to make this part of our residents' lives enjoyable," she said.
Carole is one of Carinity's 25 Diversional Therapists and Activities Officers, who are tasked with putting smiles on the faces of aged care residents.
Maintaining social connections, hobbies and interests plays a key role in our holistic wellbeing. For many Carinity residents, moving into an aged care home provides them the support and opportunity to re-engage with old pastimes and make new friendships.
For Carinity Colthup Manor Residential Manager, Joanne King, the Diversional Therapists and Activities Officers are essential to maintaining quality of life for residents.
"Our Activities Program plays a vital role in supporting the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of our residents. It is not just about keeping residents busy - it's about enhancing their quality of life and maintaining their independence, dignity, sense of purpose and belonging," Joanne said.
"The Activities Program also provides opportunities for family members and staff to attend and engage with our resident community."
Often the health or mobility of new residents may prevent them from socialising or being involved in hobbies or activities before moving into our aged care homes. Having the opportunity to participate and re-engage once they are in care can be enormously helpful for their mood.
"Regular social interaction helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are risk factors for depression and anxiety in older adults," said Joanne.
"Engaging in enjoyable activities or socialising with other residents during dining provides a sense of purpose and belonging. Our Activities Program supports residents to build new friendships and have meaningful interactions that help them feel part of a larger community."
Back at Brookfield Green, the home is buzzing with activity. Carole and Activities Officer, Terry Hook, co-ordinate between five and seven activities or events every week day.
Concerts, music, and arts play a starring role in the calendar. Sports are also a hit, which brings movement, joy, and a little competitive spirit.
"Our residents really enjoy sports mornings. We do four different rapid-fire games which test their co-ordination and reflexes, all done to crazy circus music which creates a hilarious atmosphere - it's all about fun!" Carole said.
The activities are also about supporting the physical and cognitive wellbeing of residents.
"From a physical perspective, engaging in group exercises, or light movement during social events, can help improve mobility, balance, and overall wellbeing. Participating in mentally stimulating group activities also helps maintain memory and thinking skills," Joanne added.
With a background in art, Carole has also started a painting club where she conducts what she calls 'a la carte art'. This involves hand painting gift cards for residents while they sit and chat. She also revs up the bus and takes residents for a fortnightly visit to a local art café.
Of course, not all residents are able or eager to join in the daily activities, but that doesn't stop Carole and her team brightening their days.
"We have people who do not like group activities, so we set time aside to make sure they get one-on-one attention. This could be painting with just one person, a walk in the garden, reading them a book, inviting them to tell their life story or playing board games," Carole said.
For residents living with dementia, activities are tailored to their needs.
"We play music and sing, or take them out to enjoy the fresh air in the garden. We also do hand massages and nails, as the touch and physical connection is important."
Carole has also created putting areas in the garden for keen golfers. Ultimately though, it's the ability to make a positive impact on the life of the resident in front of her that's most meaningful for Carole.
"One of our residents is bedridden, she had not been out of her room for a very long time, by her choice. One day, we managed to encourage her out of her room in a regency chair and took her to a room with a piano, which she used to play.
"You can imagine the tears all round, when this lady asked to be wheeled up to the piano and she played her concert music, which she hadn't done for years.
"This is what makes our job worthwhile."
