A Special Christmas Celebration at Jan’s Lakeside Home
Jan’s beautiful home, nestled on 20 acres beside the serene banks of Lake Eppalock, provides a nature-based environment perfect for relaxation, connection, and wellbeing. For Dot, a participant in the GreenConnect Dementia Respite project, it’s one of her special places, where she feels a deep connection to country.
A Peaceful and Fulfilling Experience
Marg, Dot’s carer, shared how meaningful these moments are: “It is fulfilling to see Dot feeling relaxed and enjoying not only the environment but the company of her ‘friends.’ Today was extra special; we celebrated an early Christmas lovingly created by Jan, our host and special Care Friend.”
A Grateful Host and a Joyful Gathering
Jan, the gracious host, expressed her joy in preparing the festive meal for the group: “I had a lovely morning preparing our Christmas lunch for our last get-together of the year. Eppalock has been wonderful for our group, providing an opportunity to relax, enjoy, and share a meal together, and enjoy fellowship. I am so grateful to be able to provide this peaceful environment that gives me and the group the opportunity to come together, catch up with other carers and their loved ones. So much enjoyable fellowship.”
New Friendships and Shared Journeys
Kerry and Ron, who recently joined the GreenConnect project, shared their gratitude for the connections they’ve made: “My husband has only just recently been diagnosed with dementia. We read about the GreenConnect dementia project on their website and reached out. The connection has been very beneficial for both myself and my husband. We have made new friends with people who know and understand about our journey. We love the company, the easy ability to communicate with lovely friends, and Jan makes us so welcome into her home and lunch is always beautifully presented. We love these luncheons at Jan’s and look forward to this monthly outing.”
A Heartwarming Christmas Feast
The Christmas lunch at Jan’s home was especially festive, marking the final gathering of the year. As guests stepped into Jan’s living room, they were welcomed by Christmas carols. The table was adorned with a creative festive centrepiece, bon bons, shortbread, Christmas cake, and chocolates. Jan had prepared a special spread, including prawns, ham, roast pork, and a variety of salads and chutneys. Lois, a regular participant who has been attending these lunches for some time, shared her excitement: “Today’s lunch at Jan’s was very special, it was our last lunch for the year, and our Christmas celebration… We love our lunches at Jan’s. It’s a beautiful, quiet location where we can catch up with other carers and their loved ones in a safe environment.”
Looking Ahead: The Jin Lab Garden Project
After lunch, the group enjoyed a tour of the gardens, where GreenConnect participants and volunteers from the Heathcote Dementia Alliance team have been working. The food cage has now been constructed, and the Jin Lab garden project is set to recommence on the second Monday in January, offering more opportunities for participants to engage in hands-on, nature-based activities.
GreenConnect: Building Community and Connection
GreenConnect is committed to providing meaningful experiences for individuals living with dementia and other challenges. Through activities like the monthly lunches and the Jin Lab garden project, participants enjoy a sense of community, relaxation, and fellowship, all in a safe, supportive environment.
Get Involved with GreenConnect
GreenConnect is always looking for new business partners, accommodation providers, and care organisations to join the network. If you’re interested in supporting the project and helping provide vital services to individuals with dementia, reach out today to learn more about how you can contribute.
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