Baptistcare Gracehaven residential care seniors new friendship blooms
Baptistcare Gracehaven residential care seniors, James Baker (98) and Tony George’s (88) new friendship started with a bare garden bed.
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15 September 2021
News
| Aged Care Homes
Baptistcare Gracehaven in Rockingham seniors, James Baker (98) and Tony George’s (88) friendship started with a bare garden bed.
The pair who both call Baptistcare Gracehaven Residential Care home, have traditionally been reticent to get involved with the variety of activities on offer.
But a donation of soil, plants and tools from their local Bunnings and a desire to give a garden space a new lease of life has been the catalyst for a new hobby and a special friendship.
“We didn’t really know each other before we both fell into a love of gardening and have since become good friends,” said Tony.
“It’s been lovely to do a bit of gardening after breakfast and spend some time out here afterwards enjoying a cup of tea together,” he said.
While planting everything from petunias to rhoeos, James and Tony’s lively conversations and laughter can be heard from across the garden.
“Getting to know each other and reminisce about the old times has been one the best things to come from reviving the garden together,” said James.
“We hadn’t really involved ourselves in the activities at Gracehaven, but the team here gave us the opportunity to do things at our own pace. Now we do enjoy day trips and concerts together,” he said.
Baptistcare Gracehaven Lifestyle Coordinator, Kim Jordan, said the men’s families have even noticed that they have opened up more and have come to treasure each day together.
“They even come down to spend time with them in the garden, so it has become a real family affair,” she said.
James and Tony’s shared green thumb experience has seen other residents catch the gardening bug including Pam Reynolds who has started a worm farm and herb garden.
“The herb garden has since been extended to the Gracehaven memory support area and residents absolutely love getting their hands in the soil,” said Kim.
Follow this link for more information about Residential Care or contact us on 1300 275 227.