Men’s Club Recreation Program 

Staff observed that while female residents may make friends easily within Bupa Bellarine, male residents did not readily form friendships with each other, and they were not as involved in the recreation program as female residents. Male residents were more likely to feel bored, unfulfilled and lonely.

Identifying individual’s needs

A men’s club was introduced to address this issue. The recreational therapist explained the concept to the men and they became involved in deciding what to do. The therapist learned that individual men require different types of reassurances e.g. access to toilet, warmth, safety, not having to walk too far, costs, before they agreed to give activities a go.

Meetings with the residents are held to identify and plan an activity and then the therapist speaks to each resident individually to ascertain and address any individual concerns regarding activities. Resident choice to participate or forgo an activity is always respected. Activities are conducted in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Researched feedback

In the 2007 formal evaluation, the men reported outcomes such as

-         “Involves me in the community, met a lot of new people, makes me feel useful.”
-         “I have learned interesting facts about various organizations, met new people and felt part of the community
-         “It is nice to be part of a group that you can have a say in and feel important.”
-         “assists to reduce boredom, something to look forward to”
-         “I look forward to going out- it is a happy group. It gives me something to talk about on return home. It is good to belong to a group.”
-         “I have made friends through shared interests/spending time together.”
-         “relaxing, sharing common interests, working towards a common goal while having fun.”

More Men’s Club planning

Planning for the Men’s Club has improved. Previous activities for the men’s club were planned largely on a month by month basis which made coordination of volunteers to assist and involvement of families more difficult.  Through completing a formal evaluation of the 2007 program, the 2008 program plan was developed.

By having the program planned in advance

• each resident has their own copy of the plan and this enables them to plan other appointments around the club and also gives them something to which they can look forward.
• volunteers who assist with the program are aware in advance of the timing of the activities with which they assist.
• families who like to participate in the men’s club to support the resident now can make their personal arrangements with adequate notice.