Beth-a-lympics - Bethanie Beachside

Providing residents with a wide variety of stimulating recreational activities and lifestyle opportunities is imperative in supporting and maintaining residents’ quality of life. Residential aged care facilities need to continuously reinvent the activities and lifestyle programs on offer to provide meaningful activities that engage and meet the needs and interests of residents. A successful activities program also encourages residents to form and maintain connections creating a sense of community and belonging improving overall health and wellbeing.

Bethanie have been providing aged care services for 60 years across 24 locations in Perth and Regional Western Australia, ranging from residential aged care facilities, retirement villages, home care services, social centres and affordable housing. On Thursday the 4th of August 2016 in the spirit of the Rio Olympic Games the Beth-a-Lympics were held at Bethanie Beachside in Yanchep. Over 40 residents across four of the Bethanie aged care facilities including Beachside, Kinsley, Geneff and Illawong all participated in a day of activities including hockey, pass ball, skittles and beanbag toss.

The staff at Bethanie thought of every detail to recreate the Olympic Games for their residents, the day started with a torch relay to carry the flame into the opening ceremony signifying the start of the games. The facility was transformed with the bright colours of the Olympic rings, residents wore their team outfits and sporting equipment was displayed throughout the facility. The day ended with the announcement of the winners and a closing ceremony with residents from the winning team receiving medals and certificates which they got to show off to their friends and family.

Bethanie Beachside Site Manager, Louisa Chadwick said, “It was a really fun day with everyone getting involved, whether it be through physical participation or supporting from the sidelines. When we played the Australian National Anthem, all of the residents and staff came together as they proudly sung each word to Advance Australia Fair.”

“The competitive nature of the residents certainly came out, making for a close scoreboard throughout the day!”

“All had a great day and the Beachside facility was filled with cheering and laughter from both residents and staff.”

Sina Mesiti, Research & Report Co-ordinator