Activities
Continuing on pension Thursdays in 2010
Next Bowelscan month will be March 2011.
SENIORS REFRESH SPACE
RDCOTA, in partnership with Blue Care, will provide a refreshment service for Seniors in the Art Space of the Capalaba library on Age-Pension Thursdays. For further information click here to download a flyer.
The Circle of Men
WHAT WE DO
We hold weekly meetings to foster friendships, support and create an atmosphere in which men are able to get in touch with their own feelings, issues and wants by interaction with others in the group. It is a place where they can let their secrets out and share their fragilities and fears: for some, it is just about socialising and taking away some of their loneliness.
MISSION STATEMENT
To create an environment that rightfully provides
health and wellbeing for elderly men in our community.
To meet their physical, mental, spiritual needs
with compassion and dignity.
WHY WE DO IT?
While you are reading this a man somewhere is about to throw a rope around the beam in his shed, another is attaching a hose pipe from the exhaust to the window of his car, and yet another is about to turn his wheel into the path of an oncoming semi trailer.
In 1997 in QLD alone 36 in 100,000 men aged 75 years and older committed suicide. The rate of suicide is 4 times higher for men than for women especially since our elder generation are living longer. Whatever the reason it is too many. The surviving spouse who sees many friends pass on, and whose children may live interstate or overseas, or seldom visit, is left alone early in retirement and in most need of company. They are in danger of psychological depression. They no longer have work to keep their mind and body active, may be losing their sight, hearing, mobility, or have some other ailment and have no one close to know or care. They may feel un-needed, unwanted and useless.
At the Circle of Men we realise the world we live in today is in no small part due to the hard work and sacrifices of the elders in our community. By taking the time to continue to see that their quality of life remains at the highest standard, we are in our own way saying thank you to those who went before us and paved the way for our own current way of life.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
It is our aim to grow this model throughout Aged Care facilities in the Redland District and beyond to develop a compassionate culture in Aged Care where the elder males of our community are treated with dignity and respect by all.
WANTED 100 GOOD MEN
The Circle of Men can only continue to grow through the dedicated work of volunteers. We extend an invitation to you to join our journey devoting a little time to these proud men whose efforts and sacrifices forged the world we see today. In a time of crisis there is nothing like a thousand years of life experience to benefit from and help us gain the confidence to cope with life’s hurdles.
Contact Us:
For further information please contact RDCOTA on (07) 3488 0680
or you can email us
Tournament of the Minds - (TOM)
An RDCOTA project held monthly involving the residents and Diversional Therapists from Redland City Aged Care Facilities
Introduced during International Year of the Older Person in 1999, the programme has grown from two participating facilities to presently ten within the Redland District. “Tournament of the Minds” is a recognised Aged Care programme and due to the increased interest and its success with the facilities, the event has now been divided into two zones for 2008. These are referred to as zones one and two.
For approximately two hours a month residents from Aged Care come together to enjoy a morning tea and a trivia quiz. A great deal of socialising and interaction with each other, RDCOTA volunteers and their carers is an important aspect of the morning and is enjoyed by all involved.
The event involves theme days from time to time, to increase variety, and added stimulation to their morning. Combined zone events may also take place such as a picnic in the park with lunch, or a Christmas get-together including entertainment at a local venue.
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE REASON THIS PROGRAMME EXISTS! WHY?
RDCOTA attributes much of the success of the TOM to the willing band of volunteers who give generously of their time each month. The programme is coordinated by a team leader who overseas the planning, administration and promotion of the TOM in the local community.
The leader works with the Diversional Therapists to assist with the transportation of residents between facilities, booking entertainment and outdoor venues etc. To build on the success of the event, RDCOTA is always in need of an extra hand or two to help residents in and out of transport and buildings, and lending a helping hand where needed.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU CAN SPARE JUST TWO HOURS
If you would like to make a difference to the lives of some of our elderly citizens and can spare two hours a month; then we need you.
Many volunteers have said – “you will gain more than you will give”
To be involved with a wonderful team of volunteers and to find out more, contact RDCOTA’s office and register your interest 3488.0680
or go to Contact Us
