Fulfilling lives in Bassendean

Fulfilling lives in Bassendean

Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer

This year is Amana Living’s 60th anniversary and we’ve been delving into the archives to uncover key milestones and moments of our organisation. A common thread has been our quick response to community need through developing and providing new services so older people can enjoy a fulfilling life.

In particular, Amana Living has been at the forefront of supporting people living with dementia in Western Australia since the 1980s. Our original training institute, The Sir James McCusker Training Project, developed some of the first dementia care training, and for more than 10 years the McCusker Nurse Service has been guiding carers through dementia diagnoses.

We’re continuously expanding our services so older people and their families can access the support they need. A growing area of demand is day respite and last month we took over a day club from the Town of Bassendean to provide people with a social outlet, while offering carers a chance to recharge.

Amana Living currently runs six day clubs – five in the Perth metropolitan area and one in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Like all our day clubs, Club Bassendean caters for people of all backgrounds and abilities, providing an opportunity to meet new friends while doing the things they love. Activities are designed to reflect the interests of the clients and can include the likes of gardening, board games, quizzes, and craft, or simply relaxing in our homely environment.

Older people are supported by highly skilled professionals who are trained and experienced in engaging people in fun and meaningful activities. Families tell us their loved ones enjoy the focused attention and they come home happy and fulfilled.

Our day clubs also give carers time for themselves. People are often juggling their caring role with other responsibilities and this balancing act can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Day respite at a club, like Club Bassendean, can make a huge difference to the mental and physical health of both the carer and the senior attending the day club.

The benefits of day clubs are best summed up by the families themselves. Mike, whose wife Marilyn attends one of our day clubs, told us: ‘Marilyn always has people who can take care of her and spend time with her at the day club. Plus, all the club members are in the same boat, and they enjoy spending time together. It’s just me at home and, while I’m happy with her company, it’s not as stimulating for Marilyn.’

The time Marilyn spends at Amana Living’s day club also gives Mike time to catch-up on life’s admin. ‘It gives me a chance to get on with things so I can devote more of my time and attention to Marilyn when she’s home,’ he said.

Mini Olympics at Club Bassendean