How to improve an Aged Care Residents Wellbeing.
This month we are looking at our next trend – wellness . What this actually means is often difficult to pinpoint, as it changes from person to person, day to day. More than just happiness, wellness can include; general health, mental health, physical activity, progression to goals, sense of purpose, income and stability, housing, social health, self-esteem, the list goes on.
This quote from The Mental Health Foundation sums it up nicely:
“We must see the whole person and all the factors that may affect their wellbeing. Only by doing so can we fully support individuals to lead independent, fulfilling lives in their communities.”
It highlights that one of the most important aspects to someone’s wellbeing is their support network. For residents this includes the community, the staff, friends and family.
Family Comes in all shapes and sizes and no one family is the same. We all think ours is normal but as a famous quote by Les Dawson says “Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts”. Having a strong social network increases our sense of belonging, overall wellness and helps fulfil our basic social needs. We need people to turn to for advice and encouragement whenever we face difficult times. Different people bring out different aspects of our personalities and fulfil different roles in our lives.
This month an interesting website came into our radar. Connect40
Based on the talk in 2017 from Minister Ken Wyatt at the National Press Club. "I have heard that up to 40 per cent of people in residential aged care have no visitors 365 days of the year."
With that percentage in mind, connect the 40 was born to improve that number and to combat the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation in our nursing homes. Through forging connection via gifting.
Browse by resident wish list, like this one from Jim. Who is a self-proclaimed chocaholic, an avid drawer and says that a jewellery making activity would be worth its weight in gold.
Otherwise you can browse via gift, with prices starting at $19 for something like this game of snakes and ladders, to mid-range items, like Book Vouchers and Hampers. To big ticket items such as, a pottery kit with paints for $150, a visit from an Opera Singer for $200 and a helicopter ride for $225! Or even the Rolls Royce for rollators – a superlight Carbon Fibre for $700.
Add a personal message, pay and send. A resident who doesn’t receive visitors, then receives your gift. – A thoughtful gesture that can make a world of difference to someone who is feeling alone.
It is only in Melbourne at the moment, but we believe it should be Australia wide!
Get involved: Connect40 is looking for products/experiences suppliers and nursing homes with residents in need.