Resident’s hobbies still being fostered in aged care

With a passion for photography he has had from a young age and a love of native flora and fauna and Australian landscapes, 87 year old John Wilson will be adventuring around his local area to find the perfect snapshots to feature in his 12 month calendar.

<p>87 year old John Wilson from BaptistCare Mirriambeena will be creating a 12 month calendar of coastal scenes, local flora and fauna close ups, and bushland settings. [Source: Supplied]</p> — 87 year old John Wilson from BaptistCare Mirriambeena will be creating a 12 month calendar of coastal scenes, local flora and fauna close ups, and bushland settings. [Source: Supplied]

Western Australia (WA) aged care facility, Baptistcare Mirrambeena, is encouraging Mr Wilson to create the photography calendar for everyone at his aged care home as a special creative outlet.

“I have always been interested in photography, since my school days, which was a little while ago,” laughs Mr Wilson.

“I’m especially interested in landscapes and nature, so the idea of working on a calendar that would allow me to indulge my love of that type of photography is exciting.”

Mr Wilson has been living at the Margaret River based nursing home for two years, moving to the facility from Perth to be closer to his son.

Even though Mr Wilson has enjoyed the atmosphere at Baptistcare Mirrambeena, he slowly started to become quiet and withdrawn.

After a conversation with one of the facility’s Therapy Partners, the therapist encouraged him to resume his photography interest and to work on a project that will keep him engaged and active.

The therapist suggested Mr Wilson to bring his Canon camera out of hiding to create a custom calendar for Baptistcare Mirrambeena which will showcase the beauty of the Margaret River region.

Mr Wilson and his Therapy Partner will be going out on a number of photography expeditions to capture the Margaret River charm through his camera to be displayed in his calendar.

The calendar will be a 12 month collection of coastal scenes, local flora and fauna close ups, and bushland settings, and all favourite photos of Mr Wilson.

Lifestyle Coordinator at Baptistcare Mirrambeena, Anni Kampi, says it is wonderful to see Mr Wilson’s enthusiasm for this calendar project, which will be shared with other residents at the facility and their families.

Ms Kampi says, “We have 50 residents here at Mirrambeena and each one has their own stories and passions.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to get to know each resident including their likes and dislikes, talents and hobbies, and then create programs that help them to continue to live rich and meaningful lives.”