Juniper Annesley residents go for gold in Aged Care Games

Six spritely residents from Juniper Annesley Residential Aged Care Home have proved that age is no barrier after they won a series of team events at Senior Recreation Council of WA Inc’s Live Lighter Aged Care Games held on September 4.

Calling themselves the ‘Annesley All Stars’, residents competed against 11 other teams of residents from other aged care providers in a range of fun games which included seated hockey, pass ball, bean bag toss and skittles.

In the lead up to the games – which were held at Bouncer Sports in Joondalup –  Juniper Annesley Occupational Therapist Sophie Goddard said residents worked with Curtin University exercise physiologist Greg Lim, who is based at Juniper Annesley, and a group of exercise physiology students who are undertaking their student placement at the home.

 

“The students practiced all the games in our gym with the residents each week,” Sophie said.

“The event gave our residents something to look forward to and work towards, and provide a sense of purpose which motivated them more to practice and exercise.

“It was a great event that connected our residents with the community including lots of other residents from other aged care homes.”

Each resident was presented with a special medal at the end of the event.

“Our amazing team won every one of their games and came fifth overall out of 12 teams,” Sophie said.

“All the residents came home wearing medals and with huge smiles! They were so happy to talk about their medals when they got back to the home.”

“It was a really positive experience for all involved and we look forward to competing again next year.”

Sophie added that the residents were on cloud nine for days after the event.

“The residents all came back feeling proud and with a sense of accomplishment,” she said.

“It also created more excitement within the home in the lead up to it as it was something different and people were encouraging of our residents who represented Annesley and Juniper.

“It was a really positive experience for all involved and we look forward to competing again next year.”

Providing residents with a sense of fulfillment, meaning and purpose in life is a big part of Juniper’s philosophy for person-centred care, which is pivotal in helping our residents lead a life well lived.

A big thank you to the Juniper Annesley therapy team and Curtin University staff and students for supporting our residents to take part in this fun event!