Mini-games at Ridgway House
On Friday 6 August, Resthaven clients and staff celebrated the 2020-21 Tokyo Olympics by holding their very first mini-games at Resthaven’s Ridgway House.
The idea came when staff began sourcing decorations to use during the Olympic Games, as they do for all current events.
‘I am always on top of the decorations, and about a month before the games started, I began looking online for printable board games and thought, “we could make this a thing”’, says Home Support Worker, Bec Marshall.
‘Everyone loved the idea, and it amplified the anticipation of an already exciting event!’
Coordinator, Lisa Edwards, says, ‘In the lead up to the mini-games, we learned more about the clients’ younger years, which has been truly special to hear.’
‘One client, who I have known for years, shared his history with gymnastics and water polo. Another shared his past experiences with rowing.’
Clients started the day with morning tea and a special warm-up exercise. The mini-games then began with clients separating into two COVID-friendly groups, participating in shooting, and javelin toss.
‘We substituted a lot of the equipment with lighter, safer alternatives. For the javelin toss, we used pool noodles! It stirred up quite a laugh.’
‘After shooting and javelin, staff got ready for the wheelchair relay, and clients joined in on the fun!’
‘Clients then relaxed with an Australian themed lunch, enjoying snags, sandwiches and party pies. We finished off with a koala themed dessert, which was a big hit!’
‘We were then straight into the second half of the mini-games, participating in ten-pin bowling while enjoying the sunshine. We then received a special visit from CEO, Darren Birbeck, who came just in time to join in on the staff balloon race!’
‘Clients had great fun with the bean bag toss and the egg and spoon relay, before winding down with afternoon tea and an informational session on the history of the Olympic Games.’
‘The responses received from both clients and staff throughout the day has been truly heart-warming – we just can’t believe we haven’t done this sooner!’
Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.
Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.
Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.