Whether it’s a quiet, sensory relaxation session, or a more animated game of bingo or trivia, there is always something happening to keep inpatients stimulated at The Mornington Centre.
“I love seeing people reach their potential and have that sense of purpose,” says Leisure and Lifestyle Assistant, Brooke Miller.
The Diversional Therapy team consists of three part-time Leisure and Lifestyle Assistants, coordinated by Occupational Therapist by Narrell Stark. Together they provide activities to all wards in the Centre, with the aim to engage patients in meaningful occupations and provide them with comfort and familiarity in what may be a time of uncertainty.
Art and craft, gardening, pampering, and movement activities are all within the scope of the program, with sessions often being tailored to what the current inpatients are most interested in. This may also include impromptu discussion groups or board games at social tables, or a visit from the ward’s assistive dog.
Brooke joined the Diversional Therapy team in May this year, and while she has 5 years’ experience in Aged Care and facilitates a number of activities, a Bachelor degree in Music Performance (specialising in Voice) has come in very handy in her work at TMC.
Brooke leads popular singalong sessions sitting at the piano in Gunnamatta and Sorrento Wards, or a keyboard in Flinders Ward. She also occasionally plays guitar and is experimenting with various other instruments that have been donated to the Centre.
“It helps them reminisce,” says Brooke. “A lot of them tell stories of being with their families around the piano for joy, because they didn’t have other things to entertain them like we do nowadays such as iPads and Tik Tok… to bring about some of those happy familial feelings – it’s such a natural thing.”
The program has a strong focus on social connections, but also on reminiscence, encouraging patients in storytelling and sharing their experiences.
“It’s amazing what can happen,” Brooke smiles. “People coming out of their rooms and joining in. It’s beautiful.”
“It promotes a lot of movement as well in the body, dancing – even if it’s just tapping your foot or tapping the table,” Booke explains.
Brooke says that the best thing about her job is seeing patients feel validated and celebrated for the people that they are, as well as watching them grow in independence and stepping up to tasks that interest them – such as running trivia.
The program is also supported by community groups, such as choirs and school groups, who also provide musical entertainment.