Connection with community

Sea Views Manor is all about keeping residents connected with their community, says the home’s Glenn Chidzey.
“They have led long and full lives but they still thirst for things to do,” the diversional therapist says.
Glenn says one of the best parts of his job is Sea Views’ intergenerational programs, where secondary, primary and kinder students visit residents.
“They share stories, they play games and do activities,” Glenn says. “The residents respond very well to children.”
A few local secondary VET students come in one day a week to see the residents, as do six students completing a Rotary leadership program.
“One student still visits a resident here that he worked with over a 10-week period, long after the program finished,“ Glenn says. “It’s a great way for kids to come in and gain something from the older generation.”
But it’s not just bringing the community to Sea Views – it’s getting the residents out in it too.
The home runs group outings to cafes or concerts, like a recent variety performance especially for seniors at St Ignatius College.
The residents visit special events, like the Spirit of Anzac Exhibition when it was in Geelong this year.
“I love seeing the responses when we have these events,” Glenn says. “You feel like you are giving to these people.”
The residents are regular contributors to Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and cancer research.
A group of ladies recently started a knitting Red Cross Trauma Teddies which help comfort children during shock.
“It’s all about maintaining their independence – doing things that they would do at home – and their need to be needed,” Glenn says.
“They have very much become the owners of these events.”