Competition Opens the Door for Creativity and Connection

Respect’s Woodhaven aged care home in Lockhart, New South Wales, is currently undergoing significant upgrades as part of an exciting redevelopment set to be unveiled later this year. And while the works progress, our team members thought it was an opportune time to add some extra colour to the home’s halls, courtesy of a competition pairing residents and staff for some creativity, connection, and friendly competition! 

The task appeared simple: each resident was paired with a staff member to decorate the door of their room—and to do so, they were able to draw on whatever theme took their fancy. However, what made this art competition even more special and unique was the fact that many residents decided to use the opportunity to draw on and creatively present past experiences from their lives.

Add to the mix that eagerness of residents’ families to also get involved and support their loved ones’ efforts, and before long, the competition had swept up the local community too!

Family members and friends brought in personal items, family keepsakes, and special decorations to add to residents’ door art—and the home was abuzz with excitement when members of the Lockhart Shire Council happily took on the role of competition judges. 

A big congratulations to every resident who took part and brought such colour and fun to Woodhaven! Special mentions go to residents Cyril and Rose for their amazing creations, and congratulations to resident Nola Webster, who took out the top gong! As for the prize, she not only received some lovely flowers donated by the community but also a special coffee catch-up with her staff member partner. 

Across Respect’s 27 homes, social care teams curate a wide range of regular events and activities to inspire participation, promote inclusion, and give residents an opportunity to stay connected with each other, as well as the community, in a fun and positive way. To keep across everything taking place at our homes—and more—check out our Facebook page.