Arcare Brings Ekka Fun to Brisbane Aged Care Home

Forty Brisbane seniors managed to dodge Ekka crowds after Arcare Parkinson put on an Ekka-themed fun day, complete with an animal farm, craft stalls and carnival displays. 

Arcare Parkinson put on its annual Ekka-themed fun day because many of its residents are not mobile enough to attend the real show. Residents were encouraged to wear their best show outfits.

The carnival-inspired event included lolly and craft stalls, teddy bear displays and an animal farm. There was also fairy floss and toffee apples on offer.

The Arcare lifestyle team have hosted this event for the past couple of years, with 60 residents, families and staff involved in last week’s festivities.

Lifestyle co-ordinator Jodie Seehars said her favourite part was seeing the looks on the resident’s faces and the big smile they all had as it brought back memories of their own pets and memories of growing up on the farm.

Fellow lifestyle co-ordinator Teodoro Bandola said, “It is difficult for the residents to go to the Ekka but we want them to still experience it.

“So, we decided to recreate the Ekka here with farm animals and games.”

Resident Angiolina Grasso, 93, said she enjoyed doing arts and crafts, so she was involved with one of the craft stalls at the event.

“The smell of hay brings back so many good memories of working in the farm with my family (in Mackay and Victoria),” she said. “I used to ride horses and grow my own vegetables too.”

Fellow resident Barbara Wilson (pictured), 82, couldn’t get enough cuddles from the animals at the event. “I think I’m going to fall in love with this baby goat!,” she said.

Shirley Wardle, 88, was also in the same situation falling in love with a big cuddly toy bear.

“I hope my wheelchair can take the weight of this bear,” she laughed. “He is very soft and cuddly! Can I keep him in my room?”

Shirley Lyons, 84, won first place in the cupcake competition. “I wanted to make mine the most colourful cupcake ever so I used all the sprinkles and toppings I could find,” she said.

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