Aged care home residents fly to Portugal without leaving home

Staff at Resthaven Mount Gambier have had the COVID-safe idea of offering residents a unique travel experience, without the need to purchase a plane ticket.

‘Armchair travel takes residents to faraway places without leaving the site. It provides a sensory experience as well as an opportunity to learn about exotic lands and past and present events of a different culture’, says Resthaven Mount Gambier Manager, Belle Kerr.

‘In July, residents of Resthaven Mount Gambier were excited to explore the beautiful landscapes and history of Portugal.’

‘Each armchair travel flight begins with a fact sheet based on the destination, followed by an introduction to the chosen country.’

‘Residents were presented with their very own passport, boarding pass, and allocated seat numbers. They were then greeted by the “Resthaven airway flight attendants” for the full inflight experience, including airway safety guidelines.’

‘For afternoon tea, residents enjoyed a warm custard tart, being one of Portugal’s famous desserts.’

‘Residents are served popular drinks and appetizers relating to the special destination. They then enjoy watching and listening to cultural music and dance, as well as travelling above and within the country, outlining the destination highlights and tourist attractions.’

‘Residents are immersed in the sights and the sounds using our large projector system.’

‘Each flight finishes with a quiz based on the information they learned whilst on their journey.’

‘Residents have previously armchair travelled to South Africa, with great success, and they are very excited for our upcoming destination, Ireland!’

‘Residents thoroughly enjoy the ‘travel’ experience that we offer, having given many positive reviews to staff.’

‘We look forward to our next “flight”!’

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.