A bird's eye view

Maryville Aged Care Hostel in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria, has established the country?s first bird watchers? club in an aged care facility, in conjunction with the Bird Observers Club of Australia.

The benefits to residents have been remarkable. The home now wants to share its bird watching success story with other homes. This will be presented at a Better Practice in aged care seminar in Perth on 10 and 11 November.

The Better Practice event is organised by The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd, and aims to highlight the positive aspects of aged care facilities in Australia. The sharing of information and knowledge will help homes provide a high quality standard of care to older Australians. The event also aims to tackle some emerging issues in the aged care industry.

Dean Gemmil and Joan Redlich from Maryville Hostel at Boronia in Victoria, will outline the progress and unexpected benefits of the bird watchers’ club, from planting local indigenous plants to attract the birdlife, to raising funds for outdoor furniture and educational resources.

Benefits have included greater mobility and self-esteem leading to a reduction in falls, skin tears and behavioural issues, as well as a greater involvement between residents and the local community.

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The Better Practice in aged care event will be held at Perth’s Duxton Hotel on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th November.

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Liz Blieschke, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, (02) 8831 1033, 0438 446 466
Lisa Smith, Corporate Affairs Officer, (02) 8831 1016

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