Finding joy in many new ways

FINDING JOY WITHIN COVID-19

With all the change to visitations and social distancing practices we have had to put in place to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, you may think it’s been a joyless few weeks for the residents and staff at Mary Potter Nursing Home and Loreto Home of Compassion.

While the change has come with many challenges, it has also come with its fair share of positives and we are finding many unexpected moments of joy to appreciate.

Like many others, The Forrest Centre has adapted and embraced technology and made every effort to ensure our beloved residents feel every bit as much love and care as they did before, if not more (because who couldn’t do with a bit of extra support in tough times).

Because residents are not in lockdown, they are continuing in their own social networks in our residences. They are enjoying a new-look program of activities and some added attention and support from our devoted pastoral care team. We’re still having Easter celebrations and Anzac ceremonies, and we’re making plenty of time for connecting with loved ones.

Our residents are face-timing and video-calling. They are sending messages of love and support to their families via photos and email. Our staff are making extra calls to keep families updated. We’re on social media and streaming, and the good old-fashioned phone is still a trusted choice.

The outpouring of love in such strange times has been amazing to watch. Not to mention the thrill that our residents get from mastering new technology – and yes, the transition to the new techy order has also made for entertainment in itself at times!

There’s a remarkable number of happy faces for such a bleak time, and our staff are loving playing a part in keeping the joy alive.

You may have seen our post on Facebook last week, or perhaps you read a story in the Daily Advertiser about two of beloved Mary Potter Nursing Home residents streaming their grandson’s wedding so they could be part of the happy day…

Peter and Margaret Cluff were delighted to see their grandson Ryley say I do with his lovely bride Avalon. While nothing can compare to the person-to-person experience, there were a few upsides to the web-stream approach – they got front row seats right from the comfort of their favourite chair!

The wedding really was a heart-warming moment at Mary Potter and certainly had quite the emotional impact on our staff as well – we were moved to smiles, laughter, heart-clutches and even a few tears.

As people privileged to work in aged care, even when times are tough, we know these are the moments that make it all worthwhile.