March 2011
Marjorie Sutcliffe, 95, enjoys
the young playgroup visitors to Percy Baxter Lodge.
Fun the name of the game at Percy Baxter Lodge
The residents of the aged care facility
join the kids’ games, teach them nursery rhymes and talk to their mums.
The weekly ‘playgroup’ is a
Barwon Health/Playgroup Victoria project.
It is the result of a pilot, in
partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute and funded by the
Department of Health’s Aged Care branch under the Count us in! social inclusion
for older people living at public sector aged care services initiative.
Known as an Intergenerational Playgroup,
the project was designed to bring together people of all ages in a safe, caring
and fun environment.
Playgroup Victoria runs sessions
for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and their parents or caregivers.
Around 50,000 children from
40,000 families go to playgroup in all corners of Victoria at community venues such
as maternal and child health centres, kindergartens, halls, community centres,
primary schools and aged care facilities.
Percy Baxter Lodge is a
residential facility based at the McKellar Centre.
McKellar Centre lifestyle
officer Janette Purcell said she had seen remarkable changes in residents and
the children since the program started.
‘Residents who would normally
prefer to be on their own are getting out and about, getting really involved in
playgroup.
‘The program is play time for
the residents, mums, dads, staff and kids.
‘Everyone gets involved and
everyone has fun.
‘No matter what age you are, you
can still laugh and play as well as the next person!
‘Playgroup has made Percy Baxter
Lodge feel more homely and it’s certainly creating conversation all over the
McKellar Centre.
‘By doing this, we’re connecting
residents with the community and connecting the community with residents.
‘A lot of bonding takes place
and children are learning about compassion and having a lot of fun on the way,’
said Ms Purcell.
Marjorie Sutcliffe, 95, has
found playgroup to be something that is providing a new interest in past
experiences.
It has given Mrs Sutcliffe, who
has always loved children, an opportunity to reminisce about being a mother,
grandmother and great-grandmother.
‘Even my great-grandchildren are
grown up, they’re in their twenties!
‘So it’s lovely to spend time
with the smaller children and to spend time with their parents as well.
‘Whether we’re reading stories
or singing songs, we’re always having fun.
‘There are always plenty of
things to do and it is nice to have a change and do things with young people,’
Mrs Sutcliffe said.
• For more information about playgroup at Percy Baxter Lodge contact Ms Purcell on 5279 2894.
