Rollout of New Sensory Trolleys Help Bring Back Memories for Residents

Each of Masonic Care Queensland’s seven residential aged care homes has been presented with a new sensory trolley made possible by a generous donation from Hand Heart Pocket, the charity of Freemasons Queensland.

Designed to equip staff and relatives with the tools to engage residents and reignite memories, the trolleys are stocked with an assortment of sensory items like plush animals, a gadget board and fiddle apron, an aromatherapy diffuser, souvenir picture books, foam jigsaw puzzles, relaxation DVDs and much more.

A TV and multi-sensory projector have also been mounted to each trolley so residents can view old family photos and movies to reconnect with their past.

Masonic Care Queensland CEO, Gary Mark said creating a multi-sensory experience to re-awaken memories would enhance resident lives and add to the existing vibrant lifestyle program at each of the organisation’s residential aged care facilities.

“We are grateful to Hand Heart Pocket for their generous donation and for allowing us to bring this unique technology to our residents. It is over and above what we would normally have been able to provide,” Gary said.

“The impact it will have on those who are experiencing memory loss or a decline in cognitive abilities will be especially profound. The addition of an electric motorised drive means those who are immobile won’t miss out because staff will be able to move the trolley from room to room or to any part of the facility with ease,” he said.

Click here to find out more about Masonic Care Queensland's aged care services.

Photo: Musgrave Aged Care resident Cliff Cooney tries out some of the sensory items with Lifestyle Coordinator Kay McKay.