Alex Ford
SUGGESTIONS that changes to diversional therapy program at Wilson Lodge have upset residents have been dismissed by Central Gippsland Health.
CGH says the changes being made to the therapy will improve residents’ “integration” in the community.
The Gippsland Times was told the previous program was suddenly scrapped, with existing materials such as board games and craft items, “thrown in the bin”.
CGH aged care services director Paul Head said the new program would be “over and above what is required”, including new lounge areas and a cinema, expected to be ready within six weeks.
The kitchen is being rebuilt and dining areas refurbished.
“We believe we’re breaking new ground in the field,” he said.
“It is no longer acceptable to just have our residents sitting in chairs, doing craft and playing bingo.
“The change in diversional therapy models has evolved with the aged care standards toward an individualised patient-centred model for leisure and lifestyle.”
The residents are taken out to lunch, go to the heated pool, and to fishing trips to the Gippsland Lakes.
Mr Head said there was recently a clean-out of equipment that had not been used for some time, saying it was replaced with fresh new supplies.
“Residents can still take craft programs, read books and enjoy cooking if that is their choice,” he said.
“But we want our residents to continue to enjoy community life and remain as active as possible.”
The Gippsland Times was told many of the art and craft supplies and board games which had been discarded were donated by the community, family of the residents, and staff.
But Mr Head said consultation had taken place with residents, families and staff around the new plans.
“We surveyed all staff, family and residents 18 months ago and as part of a major continual improvement activity,” he said.
“There was a theme in the responses that highlighted that we needed to improve our diversional therapy program to incorporate getting residents out of the facility.
“We believe the changes made to the diversional therapy program have addressed this issue.”
