The changing demographics in residential aged care at MercyCare in Wembley have prompted staff to establish a new men’s group in which male residents get together to battle the solitude which can accompany old age.
The traditionally female-dominated home has recently seen a gradual increase of male residents, urging MercyCare’s Pastoral Care team Damian Gorian and Mark Shaw to create the group and ensure that everyone in the residential aged care was interacting with other residents.
“What concerned us was that many of the male residents tended to avoid taking part in group activities, which we felt increased the risk of them becoming withdrawn.
“Men typically keep things close to their chest, so it’s important for them to have a chance to share their thoughts and experiences, have a chat, make some new friends and reflect on their past, within a safe and social environment.
“Our activities are varied, we’ve had some trivia quizzes, stories and games, with one resident even sharing stories he’s written with others in the group; and there’s a lot of reminiscing about the past,” Mark said.
Since the group was introduced, its members have been meeting regularly and on their own accord – a positive shift in the social atmosphere at MercyCare that has pleased the Pastoral Care team.
MercyCare’s Residential Aged Care Services are housed at the Catherine McAuley site in the historic grounds of Wembley, Perth. The site includes the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel that is open to staff, patients and their families.
The site features four residential wings with a total of 113 beds. Some of the on-site facilities include a Chapel, Church, Café, Facility transport, and a Hairdressing salon.
All aged care services are tailored to individual needs and provide a type of service that is consistent with MercyCare’s mission of compassion, care and respect for each person in their care.
For more information about MercyCare Residential Aged Care contact (08) 9442 3408 or visit www.mercycare.com.au.