Whilst the little things make the residents' day, it’s the big Magic Moments that make their year.
Magic Moments highlight a very special part of the Lifeview difference in social support. Creating treasured moments is what we are about and it’s with such delight we get to make some magic for every resident.
Forming a part of Lifeview’s Horizon Happenings program, Magic Moments are carefully planned for. This could be a unique dining experience of lobster we know they’d enjoy, a sunny day trip to the beach or a chance to cheer on their favourite footy team at the 'G. These moments are organised to include families and give residents a special occasion to look forward to and cherish.
We aim to give each resident at least one Magic Moment a year. Some residents are lucky enough to also be involved in a group moment.
As a child, Heather recalls climbing the trees at Emerald, not far from where she now resides at Lifeview Emerald Glades.
Social Support Coordinator Marc heard about this and decided, ‘wouldn’t it be great to recreate that experience’ as best he could.
He put the call out for support, and Barrie from Melbourne Travel Towers responded by donating a cherry picker for the day to lift Heather and her family high into the air, alongside the trees.
A big community attendance rolled up and the day was one that will never be forgotten.
Residents Anne and Nancye enjoyed a VIP evening out, eating at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow before taking in a comedy show with their favourite comedian, Tommy Little.
Tommy used to visit Lifeview regularly for a segment when he was on The Project, on Channel 10.
He got to know Anne and Nancye and he loved catching up with them.
They enjoyed seeing him again, too!
Many years ago, back in the 1930s, Violet would visit the zoo and back in those days kids would ride the elephants.
As we were looking at the elephants on a special trip to the zoo, the zookeeper came and spoke to us.
When they found out more about Violet, we were able to get a special up-close-and-personal experience, which Violet absolutely treasured.
“I will never ever forget this day – it has been so special,” she said.
Mike would always fish with his mates when he lived in New Zealand.
He had been missing fishing since moving into aged care, so we took him down to Casey Fields Lake for a day of fishing, beer, and some fish and chips for lunch.
Mike was very thankful and said he had a great time.
Resident Gillian, 83, wanted to “get a tattoo to do something rebellious!” So we listened and acted!
We booked Gillian into a local tattoo artist, drove her to the appointment, and helped her through the whole process.
Gillian chose a hedgehog design, which she is immensely proud of.
“I’ve always loved hedgehogs,” she says.
Channel 9 News were contacted and came to cover the story for the 6pm News. https://youtu.be/CzSydGwoFLI
“One of my grandsons has got a tattoo, so I will go and see him and show him that grandma is just as good,” she said.
Jan and Johanna are big lovers of musicals so for their Magic Moment they were thrilled to enjoy a live musical show together.
The show was called The World of Musicals at the Frankston Art Centre.
Robert Colbert was escorted to the Richmond hotel to see his cousin play in a Van Halen Tribute band.
He had a great night out and even got to meet Warwick Capper.
Nola has a kind heart and is a huge fan of dogs. So for her Magic Moment Nola has adopted the Dingoes at the Moonlight Sanctuary!
Nola was over the moon to read about these beautiful and vulnerable species and was so pleased she is able to support them.
Joan Heraud often reminisced about watching birds drink and play in the bird bath outside her window and the joy it brought her.
So, our wonderful gardeners bought and placed a lovely terracotta bird bath right outside her bedroom window, high enough so it is the perfect viewing position for Joan to sit in the comfort of her room and watch the birds enjoy their new source of water.
Willow Wood resident Elsie expressed to her carer Lou, how much she would love to go to NZ to visit her daughter after Lou had been telling her that she was travelling there for a holiday.
Lou spoke to senior staff about this and said she would be more than happy to escort Elsie to Auckland if her family were happy for her to go.
Elsie’s son thought it was great idea and set about arranging her flights.
You can imagine Elsie's excitement when she was advised she too was heading off to New Zealand.
Two residents, Harold and Ken, at The Willows were treated to a great surprise when Peter and Geoff from the “National 3 Wheelers Association” arrived with their trikes offering to take them for a motorbike ride.
Harold and Ken jumped at the chance to take this opportunity and they had an absolute ball with Harold saying, “it was the best day of my life”.
Ken has not stopped smiling since the ride.
