Laughter and camaraderie
Walk through Sale Community and you’ll discover warm, welcoming spaces full of conversation, friendship and good humour. Sale is home to 27 residents and a range of staff including registered and enrolled nurses, caregivers, activities, maintenance, physio and household staff and the hairdressing salon and volunteers. The Community is a great example of the Eden Alternative in action. The Eden approach focuses on companionship, spontaneity and variety, and meaningful activity, which provides opportunities for residents to give something back rather than just receiving care. Sale Household team member, Trish Mataitini, has noticed a positive change in residents since HBH started the Eden journey. “At Sale, we encourage residents to do a range of normal everyday tasks like helping to set tables, serve morning and afternoon tea, cut up fruit and butter bread. They seem much happier, and feel they have a purpose and meaning.” This is a feeling echoed by the residents. To Mrs Brookes, “Helping is like a kind of therapy. It makes me feel more useful to be able to contribute to something meaningful.” Residents enjoy taking part in activities, spending time in the Sale Community Centre and looking after Mandy, the resident cat. Sale has a mini courtyard and garden where the seedling pots and vegetable garden are thriving. The general consensus is that Sale is a very friendly place to be, enjoyed by everyone there. In the words of one caregiver, Riza Misa, it’s her “second home.”
