A rock ‘n’ rolling good time at Brightwater Home

Brightwater Home residents Herbie Makene and Mary Farrell test the retro photo booth at the Enliven home’s 1950’s party.


Elvis Presley has left a lasting impact on Enliven’s Brightwater Home residents after a successful music gala six months in the making.

Residents swapped rocking seats for rock ‘n’ roll beats, after months of decoration making and choosing the perfect outfit.

The 1950’s gala was hosted by Enliven’s Brightwater Home and Village in Palmerston North with residents attending from  Reevedon Home and Village, and Levin Home for War Veterans.

Enliven diversional therapist  Michelle Martin says the effort was worth it to see the smiles on residents’ faces, which have continued long after the June 19 event.  

“It was such a fantastic night, I would do it all again this week if I could.” 

Rock ‘n’ roller and Levin Home for War Veterans resident Hardy Voss agrees.

“It was really good. I’d be quite keen to go again. The music was good and the lounge was packed.  I had a wee dance and really enjoyed it. It was quite a nice evening.”

Brightwater Home resident Joscelyn Stagg says the room was filled with balloons, records and dressed up guests, no matter their age or abilities. 

“We had disco lights flashing and it was so good to see the older people dressed up and enjoying the music.”

Movement is important in the home, says Joscelyn, who takes part in a regular exercise class catered to wheelchair users like herself. 

“I was bobbing along with the dancers and everyone was singing along to their favourite tunes,” she says. “No one was left out on the night.”

The gala decorations, made by Joscelyn and her fellow residents, included a giant milkshake, jukebox, cassette sound system, and a retro car photo booth. The decorations were so popular they’re still on display at the home.

Enliven’s Brightwater Home and Village is located on Brightwater Terrace, Palmerston North and offers independent retirement living, hospital, dementia and palliative care, as well as short-term health recovery and respite care. To learn more visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 06 356 4190.


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