Chestnut Manor Care Home Travels Down Under for Australia Day

Australia Day, observed on January 26th, is a momentous occasion to commemorate the rich history, diverse cultures, and shared values that define the nation.

Chestnut Manor Care Home residents created themed decorations and enjoyed traditional Aussie food, and were pleasantly surprised to see Wilson the white wallaby, jumping around the home.  Wilson enjoyed exploring, and like so many animals he had real intuition as he calmly sat on residents’ laps for therapeutic cuddles.

“We believe in creating an inclusive and vibrant environment for our residents, and Australia Day provided the perfect opportunity to cater to diverse needs and preferences, ensuring that everyone could participate and enjoy the celebrations. From patriotic sing-alongs to storytelling sessions about Australian history, the event aimed to engage residents in meaningful ways that spark conversation. The presence of this adorable marsupial provided comfort, companionship, and a sense of wonder to our residents” says Rosie Monger, Manager at Chestnut Manor Care Home.

Residents were also able to hold and stroke Didi, the Bearded Dragon, pet to one of our Senior Nurses.

A family member said “Thank you, thank you, our Mum had a gorgeous afternoon with the wallaby! We all agree that we struck gold in finding Chestnut Manor. We feel incredibly lucky that Mum is in your care and are immensely grateful to you and to each and every one of your staff.”

Australia Day at Chestnut Manor is a testament to the commitment of the whole team in fostering a positive and enriching living environment for their residents. By embracing the spirit of unity, joy, and reflection, this national day was celebrated with dignity and respect that our elders deserve.