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South-west elders taken to far off places by new citizens

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An innovative new program is bringing local new citizens together with Lyndoch residents to share cultural experiences, practice their English and expand their social and emotional connection with the local community.

The collaboration between Lyndoch Living and South West TAFE’s English Second Language program has been enthusiastically embraced by both students and residents alike.

“The aim of this program is to promote multi-faceted community engagement, and the fact that these students are predominantly migrants who live in our local community makes it all the more exciting and rewarding for our residents,” Lyndoch CEO Doreen Power said.

“Many of our residents, through generational, circumstantial or socio-economic reasons, have had very limited exposure and experience of international travel. These students are creating a sense of armchair travel by sharing stories and photos of their homelands, cultural activities and even cooking traditional food for the residents to sample.

“On the flip side, the opportunities presented through this program for the students to practice their English are compounded by the local knowledge, history and culture that our residents share through their stories,” she said.

Ms Power said the interactions are helping to break down the barriers created by language, cultural and confidence issues.

“It really is a fantastic thing to witness the sharing of stories, there are tears, hugs and a lot of laughter,” Ms Power said.

The students involved hail from all over the world, including Indonesia, China, Korea, Japan, India, France, Russia, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines and Africa.

 

Testimonial

“We are very grateful for the professionalism and care the staff have shown”

Family of Living@Home clients

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“We would like to acknowledge the fantastic support shown to this lovely couple by the Living@Home team and the flexibility and understanding of their care needs”

Family Member of Living@Home client

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“The lady you sent over yesterday was delightful, and even made Mum a hot lemon drink and put her to bed”

Leanne (daughter of Living@Home client)

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“What a wonderful job Trish and Liz do, we are so happy with the care they provide”

Family Members of Living@Home clients

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“I really appreciate the support from the Lyndoch Living@Home team, it’s a huge help in managing my caring role”

Michelle (Living@Home client)

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“A very big thank you to the wonderful staff who came into our home and cared for my husband.  This respite break made a very difficult situation more tolerable and gave me something to look forward to”

Christine (Living@Home client)

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“Geraldine is the about the best cleaner I’ve ever had!”

Maurice  (Living@Home client)

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“Jan is such a capable, competent and calming carer, I feel so safe in her hands.  I could not ask for anyone better”

Joan (Living@Home client)

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“I’ve always been a busy, practical person and I’m still a busy person – I’m still able to be very involved in the community, especially the Speedway. I’m a busy bloke!”
“I get spoilt rotten here! I really get cared for.”

Stuart (Swinton East)

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“One of the lovely nurses had a great idea and planted out a raised bed with tomatoes and other plants and I enjoy getting out there and doing some work in the garden, collecting the produce.” “The staff are very, very nice. They greet you with a smile and do things very well.“
“I really enjoy the school kids visiting, and I’m amazed at the quality of the kids,
they’re all so nice!”

John (Lake Lodge)

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“I’ve lived here for 5 years and I’m very happy with the nurses and other staff”

Margaret (Lake Lodge)

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“I’ve made friends here that I wouldn’t have been able to meet living by myself at home. It’s like an extension of your family” “The staff are absolutely fantastic here, nothing is ever a problem for them. Right through to the maintenance men, the cleaners and gardeners and staff at the kiosk, they’re all obliging and always greet you with a smile” “At Lyndoch I get comfort, care and conversation, add a bit of fresh air and that’s exactly what you need in life”

Lynette (Swinton East)