Bass Coast Health (BCH) was excited to be a finalist in the 2023 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards for helping to make the dreams of aged care residents come true.
BCH was named in the Excellence in Aged Care category because of a new initiative, ‘The Bucket List’, at its residential care facility at San Remo, Griffiths Point Lodge. This initiative gives residents the chance to participate in a special experience they have dreamed of or wish to achieve - an item from their bucket list - resulting in the residents feeling happier and fulfilled.
Every bucket list experience is personalised with input from residents and their families. So far experiences have included a 21st birthday party for resident Ruth Andrews who never had one and a Paris-themed birthday party for 104-year-old Bonnie Castle who had wanted to go to Paris but didn’t get the chance.
Resident Betty Pescud was treated to a ride in a race car around the Phillip Island Grand Prix track. David Graham, a high care resident with significant mobility needs, wanted to visit a thoroughbred horse racing track. He is now able to after staff acquired a made-to-order wheelchair that allowed him access to transport in our accessible bus.
A resident, who has since passed away, who loved swimming hadn’t swum for years. They were accompanied by a staff member to a local swimming pool and were able to enjoy swimming once again.
The Bucket List initiative was introduced by the Lifestyle team at Griffiths Point Lodge - Donna Dalton and Natasha Stapleton – who felt “very proud” after attending the awards ceremony in Melbourne recently.
“What a night! It was such an honour to be in the company of so many incredible advocates of excellence in aged care. We didn’t win but being one of only three finalists in all of Victoria is an achievement in itself,” they said.
“This recognition of our Bucket List initiative is so great because it highlights the importance of supporting older people to maintain their sense of identity and purpose. And it is a great reminder that ageing does not define us!
“We really hope this award will show the importance of lifestyle programs in improving the health of our very deserving older people through initiatives like our Bucket List.
“We are feeling very proud to be BCH employees. We are fortunate to be led by a genuinely compassionate and dedicated team who have allowed us the autonomy to drive this initiative. The support we have received to facilitate these events has made all the difference and resulted in these wonderful outcomes.
“A huge thanks to our Griffiths Point Lodge family who go above and beyond, not only for our residents but also for each other.
“But mostly to the heroes of this initiative, our residents at Griffiths Point Lodge: the most incredible bunch of outrageously fun and positive people, who inspire us and work with us to make each day the best it can be. We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful job!”
Natasha said the idea for the Bucket List arose from brainstorming by staff to create an initiative similar to the wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Australia.
“We wanted something individualised and that helped residents feel a sense of purpose, not just like aged care residents,” she said.
Betty went to the awards ceremony in Melbourne and said she felt “very privileged to be a resident of GPL”.
“The whole night was a list of firsts for me, from my Nurse Unit Manager Janette Elliott looking after me to the three Indigenous dancers and the MC’s jokes, being part of a large group and participating in the camaraderie around the table. Thank you all so much for the experience,” she said.
BCH CEO Jan Child said being recognised as a finalist in the awards was an amazing feat.
“This achievement recognises the dedicated and enthusiastic staff at Griffiths Point Lodge who genuinely care about our residents,” she said.
“Our residents are at the centre of all that our staff do. Helping our residents tick off the items on their bucket lists is a way of saying thanks to them for all that they have done for their community throughout their life-times.
“We know that residents can experience depression and anxiety in aged care settings, and the stress of having to adjust to unfamiliar environments, coping with health issues and facing end-of-life can all contribute to poor health.
“The Bucket List initiative celebrates each resident as a unique individual with diverse backgrounds, hopes, dreams and perspectives, and this goes a long way to achieving a sense of purpose, accomplishment and fulfilment.
“We’ve been impressed by the results too. Residents have enjoyed better connection with others and improved self-esteem, confidence and mood.”
The awards are a celebration of excellence in public healthcare and acknowledge the achievements of Victoria’s healthcare workers, volunteers and public health services. The awards were announced at the 17th Victorian Public Healthcare Awards Gala Night in Melbourne on Thursday 16 November.
Griffiths Point Lodge is now welcoming applications for new residents who wish to be cared for by passionate staff in a newly renovated home overlooking the sea. Enquiries are welcome to Rebecca Grant via email: rebecca.grant@basscoasthealth.org.au