Men's Sheds And Singing Groups

There’s often a preconceived fear that moving in to an aged care centre is stifling to one’s social interaction and physical independence. With a reassuring focus on lifestyle and the individual, the reality at BaptistCare Caloola Centre in Wagga Wagga is vastly different, as residents Anne Coia and David Mew experienced.

“I was very sick when I was at home alone, so the care at Caloola Centre has actually improved my lifestyle greatly for me,” Caloola Centre resident of three years, Ms Coia said. “I am now doing my own washing again. I look after the garden, plant vegetables and grow summer crops of tomatoes and cucumbers.”

Mr Mew found himself in a similar situation bound by health and mobility issues two years ago.

“I arrived at Caloola Centre in July, and set myself a target to walk my daughter down the aisle at her wedding on September 19,” he said. “I couldn’t walk very far and was short of breath. All the staff helped me reach that goal. And I walked my daughter down the aisle and gave her to her husband.”

While there’s always a period of adjustment to a change in living circumstances for everyone involved, the piece of mind delivered by BaptistCare’s mandate of ‘Care you can trust’ alleviates much of the concern.

“When I first moved in, my daughter wanted me to be there with her, but I would have been too much for her,” Mr Mew said. “She’s now settled that I am here and am well looked after.”

There are plenty of activities and social outings to keep one active, but no obligation to get involved.

"I enjoy the Men’s Shed,” Mr Mew said. “When I first got here, I started sanding an old mirror frame back to bare timber. I’ve done a couple of cutting boards for my daughter and her husband – sanded then coated them with vegetable oil.”

Both David and Anne appreciate Caloola’s weekly bus-trips, perhaps for a spot of shopping and a McDonald’s ice cream downtown.

“We do cooking, craft, Heartmove classes, and singing with a visiting group,” Ms Coia said. “We also have Ladies’ Group. This week we had facials, so we have good fun.”
Individuals are encouraged to be themselves, and are celebrated for doing so, like David’s head and beard shave for the Leukaemia Foundation on March 19.

“David initiated the project, with visitors and staff donating, and we fully support him in this great cause,” BaptistCare Caloola Centre Residential Manager, Marjory Hale.

Find out more about BaptistCare.