Activities encourage participation and engagement
This month we profile the HBH team responsible for facilitating residents’ activities.
HBH Registered Occupational Therapist Carol Turner leads a team of seven, who facilitate a range of activities for our Hospital and Rest Home residents. Baking, arts and crafts, afternoon teas, bingo, Book Club, quizzes, one-on-one reminiscence, sensory stimulation and sing-a-longs are some of the most popular activities. The residents have opportunities to spend time out of HBH as well with bus trips, attendance at Stroke Club, shopping excursions and beach visits. Barbecues are a highlight in the warmer months. The team also plans activities around calendar events such as ANZAC Day commemorations, a mid-winter Dinner, Mother’s Day and Queen’s Birthday celebrations.
Carol says the Activities Team and Activities Programme has been through a change in emphasis since embarking on the Eden journey. “We’re now decreasing the emphasis on a ‘pre-programmed’ activity approach to life and more activities are being geared towards supporting the Edenising process.” As a result there are new things happening. These include a raised vegetable garden in the Rest Home assisted by community group ‘Gardens 4 Health’ and a Bunnings Activities Organiser who is working with HBH staff and residents on her community project in the hospital. The plan is for her to facilitate the evolving garden projects and to work with HBH to support staff and residents.
