Connecting families at Opal Narrandera

With every challenge comes opportunity and the pandemic this year has given Opal Narrandera an opportunity to extend the way residents connect with their families and community. The restricted access has meant visitors, volunteers, and contractors are unable to attend aged care homes, but, that doesn’t mean everything has to stop. With the support of Opal's Home Office, staff have been able to introduce calls to family and friends, for residents, through the Zoom Meeting App. Opal residents have embraced this technology and are getting great enjoyment from being able to see and talk with their loved ones.  

Opal have also introduced church services by using the same app. Rev Michael Perrot and Fr Bradley Rafter have been giving spiritual support through this technology, and residents are absolutely loving it. The joy seen on their faces when they connect with their loved ones, through this technology, is a privilege to experience. 

Team members have jumped in with supporting residents through the ‘Meaningful Mates’ program, ensuring each resident has quality time with a team member that they can call their mate. Mates share experiences and life stories, they reminisce and partake in activities together.  It can be a very special time.

This time has also allowed the Opal team to become more creative with different activities, to bring joy into the daily life of residents. There has been ‘throw the ball at the Manager’; games, slapstick with two team members targeted for whipped cream throwing (Pie in the Face); making Easter decorations, an Easter egg hunt, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.  Many have participated in online Safari Trips, live Zoo shows on YouTube, and other sites according to each individual resident's interests. Residents enjoyed a concert on Friday with team members, and decorations for Mother’s Day celebrations. Birthdays for residents are celebrated with family and friends via Zoom.

Opal's aged care homes are the same as yours, no one is going out unless it is essential and only essential people are allowed in. Like your home, Opal residents are still well-fed, warm, comfortable, happy, and connecting with loved ones through the wonderful world of technology!

Find out more about Opal Aged Care.