Supporting the wellbeing of older people in our community
THE Good Shepherd Home offers an active lifestyle in a welcoming community, with a daily program of social and recreational events, visiting entertainment, and regular outings.
“Our staff understand the vital role family and carers play in residents’ lives and the importance of maintaining close relationships,” said CEO Brian Matthews.
“We seek out every opportunity to support residents’ social and emotional wellbeing.
“We aim to maintain vital connections to family and friends as well as foster new ones through creative leisure activities.”
The Good Shepherd Home encourages its residents to take part in regular outings in Townsville and the wider surrounds.
In fact, residents recently voted golf buggy rides through the Palmetum as their favourite activity.
Volunteers take residents on scenic buggy and trishaw rides around the gardens and river surrounding the home.
Its spacious landscaped grounds are adjacent to the picturesque Ross River and Palmetum, a botanical garden featuring 300 species of palms.
TGSH’S onsite facilities and activities also includes shopping trips, craft, entertainment, a bus service, church services, coffee shop, library, music and a hair salon service.
“Whatever their passion or skill set, our active volunteer community is proud to support the wellbeing of our residents,” Mr Matthews said.
“Our ‘vollies’ are integrated into our daily activities, taking on roles that improve residents’ access to companionship, exercise and the great outdoors.”
Colin Mann arrived at the home in October 2021, about a year after his wife became a resident.
Colin said he would recommend the home, praising the Leisure and Lifestyle staff for being very interactive.
“In my time at TGSH, I have been encouraged to participate in activities,” he said.
“I also have been given the opportunity to be part of a new innovative exercise program to help improve mobility and muscle strength.”
Graham (Gus) Govan arrived at the TGSH in May 2021 and became a permanent resident one month later.
“I arrived under extreme circumstances, and I was told by the specialist that my life expectancy wasn’t long,” Gus said.
“At the time my son, Glenn, had been diagnosed with cancer and has since passed away.
“My oldest son and myself had a meeting and decided that our family situation was taking a toll on my wife and it was agreed that I accept a permanent placement at TGSH.”
Gus said he found staff across all areas of the home “exceptional”.
“While I have been at TGSH I have been encouraged to participate in many activities, including going to the races which was a highlight,” he said.
“Over the last year I have had a few visits to the specialist. On my last visit the specialist said, ‘ What have you been doing?’ and I replied, ‘What do you mean?’. The specialist then said, ‘I have never seen you look so well’. This is all thanks to TGSH and their exceptional care.”
Joyce (Joy) Newman recently accepted a permanent place at the home.
Her family were reluctant at first but are now amazed as to how active Joy has become since being part of the TGSH community.
She recently went on a trip to Magnetic Island with a group of the home’s residents.
“We have a photo with Joy, her husband and friends which was taken in 1949, 73 years ago,” Mr Matthews said.
“The smile on Joy’s face is the same now, as it was back then.”