Adopting Kindness

A Brookhaven resident's 'Adopt-an-Aged-Care-Resident' initiative is powerful proof of the importance and impact of community kindness.

It was during a visit to her mother in an aged care facility that Brookhaven resident, Michelle Hunter, was confronted with the loneliness and isolation some seniors endure. Determined to make a difference, she embarked on a mission to brighten their lives. Her brainchild, the 'Adopt-an-Aged-Care-Resident' initiative, isn't just bringing joy to lonely aged care residents, it's uniting and inspiring her local community too.

“It was heartbreaking to learn that there are many senior citizens in aged care that have no one to visit them or have no friends or family to rely on,” says Michelle.

There can be multiple reasons for this isolation. Some don't have any family or are estranged. Some are separated from their loved ones by distance. Michelle says it's especially lonely around the holidays or special milestones like birthdays.

“There are no cards and gifts. No visits. They see those around them receive visitors and hear celebrations happening, but no one comes for them,” she says.

Propelled into action, Michelle founded her 'Adopt-an-Aged-Care- Resident' program, reaching out to a range of aged care homes in her region to identify seniors who lacked visitors and meaningful connections. Recognising the potential of the idea, a Lifestyle Manager at a nearby facility gave Michelle the green light. Twelve initial residents were identified, 8 men and 4 women, and permission granted to 'adopt' them into the initiative.

With Father's Day approaching, Michelle decided to reach out to the Brookhaven Residents Group to see if anyone in her local community would be interested in participating in a gift drive. A budget of $30 per senior was set.

“If there was no interest, I was quite prepared to do it by myself,” says Michelle. “But then I got swamped by replies. Around 35 people put their hands up to help!”

With a little bit of information about each senior—for example, 97-year- old Colin is an avid reader, 84-year- old Ted loves sports, and 100-year- old Ron enjoys classical music—the Brookhaven community gathered gifts and cards to be delivered to the aged care facility on Father's Day.

Gifts ranged from colourful socks, cosy pyjamas, and slippers to word games, chocolates, books, and body products. Michelle even went the extra mile by sourcing beautifully crafted custom cookies from the local Sugar Hill Cookie Company in Bahrs Scrub. The response from the seniors was delight and gratitude.

Since this initial foray, word of the Adopt-an-Aged-Care program is out, with another aged care facility contacting Michelle. The number of seniors participating in the initiative has grown to 17. The Christmas gift drive is expected to be even bigger.

A ripple of caring and goodwill

Michelle's 'Adopt-an-Aged-Care-Resident' has already started to create a ripple effect of kindness and goodwill within the Brookhaven community. Another resident has launched a similar program with her workmates.

Michelle hopes that others will be similarly inspired to start their own initiatives or get involved where help is needed.

That hope has led her to develop valuable educational tools and resources, including suitable products for seniors, knowledge about the typical size and layout of aged care resident rooms, and understanding the do's and don'ts allowed by aged care facilities. She intends to make these resources available to those who wish to start their own 'Adopt-an-Aged-Care- Resident' initiatives, easing their path toward making a positive difference in the lives of lonely seniors.

“My personal philosophy is that if you are in a position to do something good for another person, you should do it,” says Michelle.

Michelle Hunter's 'Adopt-an- Aged-Care-Resident' initiative is an inspiring testament to the power of kindness, demonstrating how a simple act of reaching out can bring joy and connection to seniors grappling with loneliness. As it continues to grow and inspire others, it serves as a reminder that a caring community can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.