Having worked at the Joondalup home for the past 18 years as a therapy assistant, Zac is a familiar face at the Joondalup home and said stepping into the role was a no brainer.
“It was a natural progression for me,” he said. “Working closely with the residents here, I consider them like my own family. I often tell people that it’s like having 105 grandmothers and grandfathers.”
As the home’s Lifestyle, Therapy and Spirituality Coordinator, Zac creates a monthly lifestyle program comprising activities and specialised therapy for residents. Activities are driven by MercyCare’s ‘person-centred care’ philosophy and focuses on the residents’ individual needs, interests and hobbies.
He also manages a team of six therapy assistants who support him to deliver the regular activities and outings both in and outside of the Home.
Putting together the program involves having regular conversations and group meetings with residents to discuss what they would like to do as part of their weekly activities.
“Since stepping into the role six months ago, I’ve now introduced a monthly meeting with residents where they tell me what they’d like to do as part of their activities and outings,” Zac said.
There are already an array of regular lifestyle and therapy activities at the home, from group gardening sessions and bingo, to pampering at the on-site beauty salon and hairdresser.
Bus outings are another a favourite among residents, with three trips planned a week which include a scenic ride, a shopping trip and lunch at a local pub or restaurant.
“It’s the little things that we often take for granted that mean the most for our residents,” he said.
“We want to give them the opportunity to experience the kinds of things they loved before they came to MercyCare.”
With support from his dedicated, close-knit team, Zac has embraced the opportunity to grow and develop his passions for lifestyle therapy.
“I’ve really grown as a person, and as a leader, since stepping into this role,” Zac said.
“It’s elevated what I was already doing here at Joondalup, and it’s given me the opportunity to have more involvement in the activities we have planned for our residents through our lifestyle and therapy program.”
