Taking 20 frail and elderly people away on a four day excursion may not sound like the most practical way to look after their needs. However Karen Bacher, Maroondah’s Kerrabee Club Activities Officer said that it involves careful planning, and staff put in many voluntary hours.
“These trips provide a great deal of mental and physical stimulation for people who do not have many opportunities to change their routine,” she said. “Importantly, it gives some respite to home based carers who have few opportunities for a change of routine.”
The Maroondah Adult Day Activities and Support Services – Kerrabee Club, caters for about 70 people. It takes groups out on smaller trips on a regular basis, but a highlight of the year for many is the four day holiday to give respite for carers and a holiday to club members.
Their most recent expedition took them to the north east Victorian town of Bright nestled in the foothills of Mount Buffalo. Twenty clients, three staff members and two volunteers made the trip. It included a variety of activities to suit individual capacities and interests.
“While some travelled up to Mount Buffalo others enjoyed themselves in the town,” Karen said. “On Saturday night our ‘party revellers’ went to the nearby town of Myrtleford.”
Selection for the trips is based on a number of criteria
“We target people who live at home with carers in order to provide respite and we consider people who have not been able to have a holiday,” Karen said. “Some we cannot take because of high needs and low staff/older person ratios.”
For further information contact Deanna Cooper, Team Leader, telephone (03) 9725 6466.
