For some seniors in the community, mobility loss and declining health can bring on feelings of loneliness or boredom.
But at Masterton’s Kandahar Home, staff are determined to ensure all Wairarapa elders have opportunities to embrace fun and companionship.
The day programme based at Kandahar Home has been specifically developed to help elders get out of the house and socialise with like-minded people while their family carer, if they have one, gets a chance to take a break.
Manager Peter Newman says the programme can help elders, especially those living alone, keep their minds and bodies active while continuing to live in their own home.
“Our aim is to ensure elders in the Wairarapa community have opportunities to enjoy friendship and meaningful activity, regardless of their age and health status,” says Peter.
“We can tailor our activities to ensure all attendees are able to take part in a way which suits them,” says Peter.
“The recreation team here put a lot of effort into making sure attendees enjoy a lot of variety in their day, so there’s no chance of getting bored. Attendees might be doing arts and crafts one minute, then tai chi, bowls or quizzes the next!”
Recreation officer Di McCuish says the Enliven day programme has received positive feedback from attendees, and family carers also appreciate the chance to take a much-needed chance while their elders are having fun.
“Carers often tell us that they really appreciate the extra time to recharge, knowing that while they’re away their elders are making friends here and having fun.
“We recognise that carer burnout is a real issue in the community, so we’re really pleased to be able to make a difference in their lives too.”
The day programme at Enliven’s Kandahar Home in Masterton, runs from Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm. Sister site, specialist dementia home Kandahar Court, also offers a day programme for elders with dementia, which runs from Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4pm. To learn more about either programme visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call on 06 370 0447 (Kandahar Home) or 06 370 0449 (Kandahar Court).
