Cass Martin and Grace Pablo with residents Jeanette Lucas and Dot Walkerden.
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Mother’s Day was not only celebrated at Irvin House in Cobram on the actual day but also several times during the week preceding Sunday, May 11, to the delight of the residents of the aged care facility.
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Most particularly the ladies!
First up was a wine ’n’ sip day, where residents enjoyed a variety of popular wines supplied by the Soroptomists, which they heartily enjoyed together with tasty cabana, dips and crackers.
Next day was high tea.
The large table was filled with platters of delicious goodies, including muffins, sliced carrot cake, party pies, baby quiches, chicken pieces and so much more.
A backdrop of soothing and delightful music set the ambience for a pleasant afternoon, which included a day spa.
Residents enjoy freshly cooked meals and treats at morning and afternoon tea, straight from the hands of the hardworking kitchen team.
All ladies had the opportunity to be pampered with hand and shoulder massages, together with a manicure complete with nail polish in a colour of their choice!
Dennis and Elsie Caughey.
There was pink, red, orange, even blue; whatever madam liked, she could have!
Diversional therapists Tania Clark and Cass Martin, together with physiotherapist Grace Pablo, ensure that all residents are given opportunities to enhance their lives through a variety of daily activities.
These include electronic bingo, cooking experiences, art and craft, book library, bus trips to Strathmerton Post Office café, a monthly barbecue and regular bus trips to Tocumwal Golf Club for a delicious lunch.
More recently, the group has been warmly welcomed at the Riverside Hotel or Bottom Pub for lunch.
Beverley Mason.
There are exercise classes with Grace, who devises a program to suit the individual; church is held monthly for all denominations and each Friday evening is Happy Hour.
The aged care residents in their late 70s, 80s and 90s may have retired years ago.
But they have certainly not retired from life!
Their bodies may be wearing out a little but not the spirit within.
They enjoy a good laugh and chance to discuss the issues of the day, including the recent federal election and the appointment of Pope Leo XIV, the first American cardinal to be appointed to the role.
Lottie Rasmussen.
In their roles, Tania and Cass provide activities of interest to the residents and are constantly looking for something different for the group of 30 residents.
“I have been in the role for the past six to seven years and just love the residents. They are like family to me!” said Tania, who continually puts big smiles on residents’ faces with her fun approach to life.
“We try to organise activities that provide the right mental stimulation and social interaction together with physical activity for those who are able, which is important for people in aged care.”
Irvin House is currently filled to capacity with 30 residents.
Marjorie Phail and Roma Sanderson.
Having an opportunity to go on a regular basis to visit residents, I find there is always a buzz around the facility, which comes primarily from Tania and Cass and the way they interact with residents.
They care about them and make them the focus of their day, determined to make each day better than the previous one.
