Non-stop action at Warramunda

Even though COVID-19 has dampened some events, Warramunda aged care home is still a hive of activity, with plenty of daily activities catering to residents’ every possible need.

Warramunda chief executive Sandi Websdale said having a range of activities catering to spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing was “absolutely important” to every resident.

“Having these activities is part of having something to look forward to and having activities fulfil them is incredibly important to them,” she said.

“It just adds another depth and dimension to their life.”

A day for a resident at Warramunda might start off with a chair exercise session, before enjoying some social activities or taking part in a regular afternoon bus tour in the surrounding region.

“Our residents love it, they love to get out in the countryside and visit places where they may have lived or worked,” Ms Websdale said.

Regular craft, social groups, games and gentle sports take place on a daily basis with all residents welcome.

“Something we’ve missed terribly is our school groups coming,” Ms Websdale said, adding that kinder and primary school groups visited the home frequently, with both age groups enjoying the visits immensely.

“We’ve just celebrated football week, all of our residents were dressed up in scarves and jumpers and we had games and sports,” she said.

And with the spring racing carnival upon us and Christmas on the horizon, there’s no end in sight to all the special celebrations and events on the calendar.

“Now we’re into the spring racing carnival, we’ll have lots of interest in the Melbourne Cup so that means fashions on the field and hats, food reflective of the season, that sort of thing,” Ms Websdale said.

“We try to reflect what everyone else is doing in the community.”

Unfortunately, COVID restrictions have forced many of Warramunda’s

Seniors Festival celebrations online or into other formats, but everyone is making the best of it.

“We’re doing a lot more virtual activities, a lot more Facetime,” Ms Websdale said.

“Our social media pages have been more popular than ever before; families are relying on their socials more and more to see what our residents are up to.”

This year, Warramunda will be having high tea, a reflection activity, a special bus trip and a garden tour to mark the occasion.

Most importantly, Ms Websdale thinks celebrating and recognising seniors for who they are and what they have achieved iscrucial.

“We love to celebrate seniors and recognise their accomplishments and skills that they have … you get to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of that person and understand they’re special,” she said.

“It’s so important to get into the heart or the core of personhood with a celebration like this.”

For details about Warramunda or to contact the home, visit www.warramunda.com.au or call 5852 2611.