Review: The Art of Always Learning

In these extraordinary times we are learning to slow down and enjoy the pure movement of life itself. Like in this artwork by Costa Rican-American Artist Geordanna Cordero with the vibrant, expressive colours and fluid paintwork, reminding us to always think big and bright, whilst constantly exploring new and different avenues in work and life.

Click on to see how this had the DF team looking ahead with excitement with our new services soon to be unveiled!

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InspirationAmy Bosnar
World Alzheimers Report 2020 featuring Killara Respite Cottages!

The World Alzheimer Report 2020 has just been released. Titled Design, Dignity, Dementia: dementia-related design and the built environment, the report includes design progress to date, best practice, pioneers and innovators, design principles, regional and cultural contexts, and case studies across two volumes.
We had the pleasure of visiting and evaluating Killara in Northam which was a GBA Architects project that featured in Volume 2 of this report. Of the 84 case studies presented, 14 came from Australia so congratulations to Gary Batt and his team at GBA Architects on this achievement!

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KnowledgeAmy Bosnar
Mooving and Grooving

In this time of separation, we find ourselves seeking new and interesting ways to come together and connect (whilst still social distancing of course). Enter Moove and Groove a fantastic lifestyle program designed for both in home and residential aged care. Click to read more about Moove and Groove benefits and what the lifestyle kits contain!

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DesignAmy Bosnar
Collaboration is the key to Success

We are thrilled to announce our very own CEO, Debbie de Fiddes alongside the team at Evoke Collective are newly appointed associates of the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) through Stirling University, United Kingdom!

An international centre of knowledge and expertise, the DSDC aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia for as long as possible, allowing them to be independent and live life to the full. Collaborating with like-minded clinical specialists, designers and architects, the DSDC are pivotal in assisting organisations to achieve excellence in the integration of care and services for people with dementia.

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NewsAmy Bosnar
Residents Collaborate and reCREATE 

Residents at Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Edgware, England could very well be the next Madonna or Johnny Cash as they get creative after being in lockdown for more than 120 days! Seniors at the assisted living facility decided to recreate some of the most iconic album covers, transforming themselves into Madonna, Adele and Brice Springsteen in some amusing parodies. What a fun and interactive way to keep busy and get everyone involved! Click to see this amazing collaboration in detail.

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InspirationAmy Bosnar
Let's talk about Healthcare Fabrics

There are so many stunning fabrics to choose from when making selections for furniture in health care settings but when we know that pathogens can survive for prolonged periods on textiles and can be transferred to and from the skin1, what controls can we put in place to minimise infection?
We discuss health care fabrics and checked with some popular fabric houses to see what they had to say. Click to read their answers!

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Amy Bosnar
Future of Fabrics - Collaboration is Vital

"Our times require us to rethink not only what to create but also how we create"
We are constantly looking to the future and how we can better use technology to help ourselves and educate others to create spaces now where we would want to live when we are older.
We found this amazing collaboration between PUMA and Living Colour. This collection focuses on not only sustainability (through dyeing with bacteria) but also collaboration. - Which is something we believe in strongly!

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Amy Bosnar
Biomorphic Patterns Vs Aged Care Designers

Whenever new samples come in, there is always an exciting process of applying our specialised expertise to what can be used in our projects. Our Occupational Therapist is on hand, and our interior designers can see an appropriate (or inappropriate…) sample a mile away! This gives us the opportunity to look at the evidence and discuss as a team, what we love, how we can work with it, and what just has to be a fun swatch for a flat-lay! - Simply put, not all patterns and colours are equal when it comes suitability for older people’s living environments.

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Amy Bosnar
August was the best! Perth Aged Care Designers and Dementia Specialists on things to Celebrate

Amongst all the chaos is the world, this incredible team is thriving!
Image: Doctor Sam Neylon! Congratulations on finishing your PhD! Our Clinical Director has truly levelled up!
Don't feel like you have something to celebrate? Don't worry, finding something to be grateful for, is part of all good mindfulness practices. Staying present and positive is important for your overall health especially as we age.
So join in the love and raise a glass with us as we list our achievements from this month.

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Amy Bosnar
Where do Aged Care Designers get Inspiration?

We are back in the office! Things are the same, but different! Elbow bumps are common, as is hand sanitiser.
After taking a small break to refocus and reflect, we know the health and well-being of our entire de Fiddes family, colleagues and friends is central to us. Always seeking to improve and enhance quality of life is one of our core values.

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Amy Bosnar
The Importance of Dance for motor control in older adults

The joys of dance are known to many – exercise, freedom of movement and creative expression to name a few. It is an activity that may allow older people to improve physical and well being outcomes1 which is important when you consider people over 60 commonly experience a decline in physical activity2.

Click here to read more and to watch an inspiring 77 year old dancer’s zest for life!

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Amy Bosnar
Dealing with worry to find Wellbeing!

Whilst 'wellbeing' is generally considered the experience of health, happiness and sense of purpose1, it is important to realise that it also encompasses you as a whole to combine your physical, mental, social and emotional states2.
Clinical psychologists Dr Matthew Whalley and Dr Hardeep Kaur have created a free resource on helping maintain wellbeing in these uncertain times.

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Morrison Government Stimulus Package 

Morrison government is offering a $150 tax write off before June 30th. Now is the time to upgrade your space. As specialists in aged care and dementia design, de Fiddes is uniquely placed to audit, fit out and clinically review our most vulnerable aged care homes. 
We are running meetings via skype and it's all business as usual here!

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Staying Connected to our Veterans

This ANZAC day RSL WA is encouraging the dawn service to continue in a slightly different way - at the end of your driveway, balcony or gate, whilst listening to ABC local Radio.
We especially love these colour-in wreaths to be hung in the windows, print out for an activity to do with the kids or a mindful exercise for yourself.

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Groundhog Day - Keep Productive & Positive

What is the day again? Things are starting to take a turn for the hilarious with the de Fiddes quaranteam. After weeks working from home, it's time to put some measures in places to keep our routines fresh.
From cooking a new recipe each night, jigsaw puzzles and morning meditation, we have rounded up ways to keep sane and positive during this strange time!

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