Students help create ‘magic’ in Aged Care
An unlikely alliance between a group of Toowoomba high school students and local aged care residents is providing benefits to both age groups. The initiative between Concordia Lutheran College and Lutheran Services Salem Aged Care started a student learning program a year ago has bridged the generation gap and led to genuine connections between all involved.
Every fortnight, students from Years 7 to 12 volunteer their time to visit the residents at Salem take park in various activities.
Salem Aged Care Creative Program Facilitator Valda Brunner said the bond that has been created between the residents and their young visitors has flourished over the past year.
“The friendship through different age groups is marvelous. The residents are always happy when the Concordia students are here and always have a go at the activities they can do together,” Valda said.
“It’s simple, these students make our residents happier. The chatter and silliness that happens is magic and creates a more vibrant environment.”
Students and residents engage in a variety of activities ranging from arts and crafts, singing and storytelling and have made cards, paper flowers and even milkshakes.
Year 7 Concordia student Ben Rann said the residents are like his own family.
“When we walk in, they all smile and laugh. They are very happy to see us and it reminds me of my own family in Stanthorpe,” Ben said.
Ninety-two-year-old Elaine Story also looks forward to the visits.
“I love when they visit. It’s always a good time when they do,’’ Elaine said.
These sentiments are echoed by other residents like Iris Hoger, who at 90, teamed up with Year 11 student Cooper Regan to win a card game on their first meeting.
“I look forward to them coming. It’s great company, and Cooper and I are great friends now,” Iris said.
Cooper for his part was unsure of what to expect, but quickly found the experience rewarding.
“I had no idea what to expect at first; I just thought it would be cool to take part,” he said.
“I turned up on the first day and I have really enjoyed it ever since. Iris is such a cheerful person, and we always have something to talk about.
“When you go in and make them feel relaxed, that’s when they open up. Iris cares about me. I gave her my phone number, but she doesn’t have a phone. She’s just held on to it anyway.”
Concordia Pastor Reverend Thomas Bohmert said the program is also an educational experience and its success means it will become a long-term project for the College.
“They are learning to look beyond themselves and learn about other people. They learn empathy and about the residents’ history and background,” Pastor Bohmert said.
“The project is set up to be long-term and built around key service-learning concepts including arriving as a guest, listening to others, and being there for the long term.
“There is immense value in the mutual learning. Both age groups are providing something – For the older people this gives them a connection to the wider world as some don’t have very many visitors so that outside face is very welcome.
“For the students hearing the older residents talk about their experiences and their stories is invaluable for them to gain insight into the world.
Concordia Year 12 student Stacey Condon said the visits were also helping her build confidence in herself.
“It’s really, great for communication skills because I’m a very quiet person. All of my grandparents have passed away and this has made a real difference to me,” Stacey said.
