Aboriginal mural for village residents

A number of Aboriginal art students from Brisbane Water Secondary College have almost completed a large mural at Peninsula Village that represents the local environment.

Students were responsible for the composition, colour and symbolism within the design.

Students are also teaching residents how to use computers while residents are helping the students learn how to play lawn bowls.

The students and residents also meet every Thursday afternoon to work on mosaic projects together.

"Here at Peninsula Village we have always strived to do things a little better, a little differently," said Peninsula Village employee Ms Nicola Burton.

"Most people, when asked, do not choose to move into an aged care facility or a nursing home when they get older.

"However people often have no choice when faced with health issues.

"So we started to think, why do people feel like that?

"Three years ago Peninsula Village decided to change that feeling for people who already live here in our village and for our friends in the community.

"We embarked on a culture changing adventure to alter the lives of the wonderful residents who live with us and to also change the perception of age care generally.

"What if you could choose what time you got up; showered and had your meals each day?

"Would you feel differently about moving into an age care facility?

"What if you lived in a place that looked like a home not an institution?

"What if you got to be involved in the larger community, continuing to interact with your family and friends when you choose, where your grandchildren are welcome to come play?

"Peninsula Village has been working on our Model of Care Programme as part of our strategic direction for the past three years.

"The Village has employed Susie O'Donnell, a registered nurse who is also an art therapist to design the visual changes to our Village, making the Village more homelike.

"This position plays an integral role in the quality of life for our residents.

"Our art projects have secured first prize in the Positive Living Aged Care Awards for the past two years, by focusing on strategies to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those participants.

"At Peninsula, nearly every day you will see something fun happening around the place.

"Wednesdays is our Play-Up Day.

"Play Up is where trained performers incorporate residents in the humour program.

"Also, when at our Village, don't forget to look out for Hannah our new Labrador puppy, as well as Fudge who didn't quite make it to a guide dog, but is more than happy enjoying many pats as companion dog to our residents.

"We also run a day therapy program for those with a diagnosis of dementia.

"This program is designed to provide socialisation and stimulation in a small group environment," said Ms Burton.

Email, 4 Dec 2012

Paula Newman, Peninsula Village

Media Release, 30 Nov 2012

Nicola Burton, Peninsula Village