School students putting ‘care’ into ‘aged care’

The year 12 students from Toowoomba State High School spent two days per week at Lutheran Community Care’s (LCC) Northridge Salem aged care service in Toowoomba as part of their social and community studies class.

The program, designed by their teacher in conjunction with LCC’s Northridge Salem staff, covered topics such as dementia, infection control and workplace health and safety.

Each student was also paired with a resident and set the task of getting to know them.

Before the partnership commenced, Northridge Salem staff visited the school and spoke with the students about what they could expect to encounter during their visits.

Justine Brunner, Northridge Salem diversional therapist, says the 18 students have impressed staff and residents with their caring approach.

“Each resident who agreed to take part was paired with two students and they developed a genuine rapport over the eight week period, which was lovely to witness,’’ Ms Brunner says.

“The students were required to complete an in-depth study of their resident’s life but, they didn’t just focus on the resident, they interacted with all of the residents and put in extra effort to get to know them and make them smile. You could tell the students really wanted to be here.’’

Some students had no prior experience with dementia.

“It was a big learning curve for some of the students but they all managed well and no one gave up,” she says.

Maxine Noone, Northridge Salem’s director of nursing, claims residents “blossomed” during the program.

“They had ownership of their students and were very protective to ensure that their one on one interaction was maintained,” Ms Noone says.

“Under the Eden Alternative (an innovative model which originated in the US and recognises the importance of offering aged care residents a home like environment) children play a very important part in the lives of seniors,” she adds.