By LUKE VOOGT
For Belmont Grange’s Leon Derby, aged care should go “beyond the normal walks and bingo”.
“I think the thing that sets us apart is the lifestyle program that we offer here,” he said.
Leon is the administrative officer at the home, one of three that are run by Homestyle Aged Care in Geelong.
One of the unique programs Belmont Grange offers is an intergenerational playgroup with youngsters from Geelong kindergartens.
“That’s a real hit at the moment,” Leon said.
Earlier this year, the residents co-authored a book with award-winning author Lee Fox and youngsters from Breakwater Kindergarten.
The home is also starting pilot program next month called Music for the Mind which involves designing specific music playlists for each resident.
“The playlists include songs that they’re familiar with from a major life event – like wedding, anniversary and birthday.
“It’s designed to invoke memories of the past.”
The staff will examine the resident’s cultural assessment to make the playlist, as well as consulting with them and their family.
He said ABC’s Catalyst explored the benefits of familiar music for the elderly.
“It’s amazing to see the transformation someone can have just listening to the music they’re familiar with from 50 to 60 years ago,” he said.
For Leon the best part of the job is making residents happy.
“They come here a bit concerned about what their future might hold.
“Then they make some new friends and get involved the activities here – a lot of people make a 180-degree turn around,” he said.
