Fun, friendship, laughter and plenty of new experiences 

Life in residential aged care can continue to include familiar pleasures, social connections, new experiences and opportunities shaped around residents’ own interests. 

A trip to the cinema without leaving home 

Christine reflects on why she’s always keen to join the weekly movie time event. ‘One of the many pleasures at Dudley Foord House is our cinema, showing great movies with ice-cream at the start and during, as well as yummy popcorn and soft drinks. We, the residents, love these days.’ 

Urvi, Lifestyle Coordinator at Dudley Foord House, isn’t sure whether residents’ enthusiasm for their weekly movie time comes from the full cinema experience, with recliner chairs and dimmed lighting, or the movie selection, which includes contemporary hits as well as old favourites. But she’s certain that the freshly popped popcorn and choc-tops made onsite are definite hits with residents.  

‘It’s all the different elements that come together to make this a special “outing” for residents,’ explains Urvi. 

At Roden Cutler Lodge, residents help choose the movies shown on the big screen at their movie time sessions. They’ve been enjoying classics like The Road to Singapore starring Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour and Bing Crosby, and Driving Miss Daisy, the award-winning film directed by Australian Bruce Beresford.  

Jo, Lifestyle Coordinator at the home, says, ‘Residents love sitting back and enjoying a film they’ve maybe seen before, but know they will enjoy again. They also love the little luxury of being served some movie-time treats and refreshments.’ 

Taking inspiration from the community and the wider world 

Like many other communities, happy hour in a residential aged care home is a social gathering where residents can spend time with their neighbours while relaxing over a glass of wine or beer, or a non-alcoholic drink, with some delicious nibbles to share. 

The very social residents at Dudley Foord House love a good playlist to create the atmosphere, but they don’t want anything getting in the way of a good chit chat.  

At Carlingford House, a recent months-long series of happy hours had residents getting their ‘Tour de Carlingford’ passports stamped on arrival. Each week, they ‘visited’ a different European country at the Tour de Carlingford Happy Hour. They began in France before travelling through Greece, Spain, Italy and Germany, and ending in England.  

The team brought each destination to life in different ways, including through the finger food offered. The Greek-themed event was particularly popular, featuring olives, dolmades and baklava. 

Wendy, Lifestyle Coordinator at Carlingford House, recognises that getting to know residents and their interests can help make these events even more special. After learning that a few happy hour regulars had a lifelong interest in art, she introduced ‘Paint & Sip Happy Hour’, bringing residents together for a drink and a chat while painting on canvas.  

Wendy shares, ‘I was particularly proud of this activation because it was inspired by three of our residents, but it suited all interest levels and all abilities. We have one lovely resident who has poor vision. She came along to ‘Paint & Sip’ and produced a fabulous artwork. I love it when we create something that everyone can have a go at.’ 

Whether it’s a themed happy hour like ‘Guess the Song with Canapes’ or a movie afternoon complete with cinema-style treats, these shared experiences can create moments to look forward to and opportunities for friendships to grow.