Shopping up a Storm at RSL Care Tantula Rise

Residents of RSL Care Tantula Rise have been on a shopping spree this week at a Pop-Up Op-Shop created in their very own home selling donated pre-loved clothing, jewellery, books and much more. 

The residential aged care site on the Sunshine Coast has created a wonderful program of activities designed to increase community connections, break down stigma of dementia, involve families in care and offer activities not typically seen in aged care.

The Op-Shop is the latest activity in the program allowing residents the freedom to experience shopping in a safe and friendly environment while also giving them the opportunity to purcahse new clothing and other items.

Run by the team of Diversional Therapists, Maggie Swinnerton, Julie Howard and Sally Jamieson they bring the residents together for a unique shopping experience.

“The residents really enjoy the experience of shopping here and finding new things. They especially love the fact they can pick up new clothing for winter,” Maggie said.

“All of the items are donated by residents, family members and staff. The money we raise goes back to creating more activities for the residents. Soon we are going to take some of the residents out to a real Op-Shop in the community.”

The residents are still welcome even if they do not wish to purchase items.

“For some of the residents it is not just about the act of picking up a few items for themselves, it is a senosry experience. They are able to see, touch, read and wear different things, the Op-Shop stimulates conversation for the residents,” Julie said.

“Sometimes they find something that makes their day, one resident an ex-Airforce pilot found a book about airports. He sat in the garden for hours reading that, he was so pleased.”

The program of community based events at Tantula Rise incorporates different activities including a Mum’s and Bub’s Morning where children come to play in the Special Care Unit with the residents. The main aim of the program is to encourage social interaction and community connections. 

Find out more about RSL Care.