Tropical Party, Mocktails & Dancing – Is This Really Aged Care?

From the joyous laughter abuzz, clinking of cocktail glasses, and cheeky dancing, we could very well be on a cruise ship breezing through the South Pacific at cocktail hour.  For Freedom Aged Care Rochedale residents, it’s another of their hugely anticipated monthly ‘International Days’ – and this time, the community’s dining room is full for Island Day.

Home Care Community Manager Helen Liveri wanted her community to have a regular celebration to help make residents from different backgrounds feel welcome and encourage interaction, and what better way to do this than to host a themed dinner where everyone could get together to sample different cuisine and mingle with neighbours.

The idea has evolved into a monthly event where the entire community ‘travels around the world’ and so far the Rochedale Freedom family have been whisked away to Italy, China, and India, experiencing new cultures, entertainment and special guests performances.  The big days are highly anticipated by the residents, who can provide input with their own recipes and advice on the planning.

The events are also a hit with Helen’s team of carers, who all enjoy organising and hosting the events, and even performing for the residents. For Island Day, team members wore colourful traditional Islander dress and performed dances including the Hawaiian Hula, encouraging the residents to get on their feet and have a little shimmy and shake with them. 

Community cook Alex Taimani played an integral part in the planning for Island Day, organising the themed decorations and buffet spread including traditional island dishes coconut mussels in their shells, chop suey, fish mornay and tropical fruit platters. Team member Sala Matafeo’s family were the special guests for the day, performing the New Zealand Haka. The residents themselves speak about the dedication their carers have to making sure the days run smoothly;

 “Absolutely fantastic and I hope there will be a repeat. We were privileged to experience the different staff member’s cultures, it was wonderful.”

• Anne Mack (Freedom resident)

“It was well conducted and a joy to have been included in the celebration.”

• Bruce Waters  (Freedom resident)

 “I thought all the staff did a wonderful job, there was so much entertainment it was most enjoyable.”

• Val Shields (Freedom resident)

 “That was excellent, one of the best days we’ve had here, they keep getting better and better.”

• Bob Burns (Freedom resident) 

Freedom Aged Care's approach to health and wellbeing is much more than just clinical care.  In addition to providing 24/7 care, Freedom teams are dedicated to promoting continuity of lifestyle, including encouraging social connectedness, and it’s what makes Freedom much more than a care institution or nursing home.  Freedom Aged Care's unique home care communities are vibrant, full of life, with a sense of fun and freedom – what’s life without freedom?  

Freedom Aged Care Rochedale residents are keen for their next trip abroad. Did someone say piñatas?

Find out more about Freedom Aged Care.