There was a wonderful sense of energy at Leigh Place recently as residents, families, friends, employees, volunteers and members of our wider community came together for our fete.
There was plenty to enjoy and, importantly, plenty of opportunity to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.
But perhaps the greatest success of the day was something that cannot really be measured.
It brought people together.
For people living in residential aged care, connection with family, friends and the wider community remains enormously important. Moving into aged care should never mean withdrawing from community life or losing the relationships and experiences that give life meaning.
Our fete provided the opportunity for the wider community to come to Leigh Place, spend time with our residents and share in a place that is first and foremost their home.
It was also a reminder that the Leigh Place community extends well beyond our walls.
Families and friends are a significant part of life here. So are our employees and volunteers, whose contribution extends well beyond the roles they perform each day. And our connections with the local community help ensure residents remain part of the community they have contributed to throughout their lives.
There is something particularly special about seeing different generations and different parts of our community simply enjoying time together.
Events such as the fete may look like they are about stalls, food, entertainment and activities. All of those things certainly make for a great day. But underneath them sits something much more important: belonging.
Aged care is, of course, about providing high-quality care and services. But living well involves much more than care alone. It involves relationships, choice, laughter, participation and continuing to feel connected to the world around us.
Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped organise the fete, volunteered their time, contributed, visited or simply joined in the fun.
Most importantly, thank you to our residents for welcoming everyone into their home.
The success of the day was a lovely reminder that Leigh Place is not simply located within a community. Leigh Place is a community.