Revisiting value
Doing the cancan, singing folk songs, dancing to Elvis, and performing theatrical scenes … all in a morning’s work for Elder Clown Bonnie.
When 90-year-old Maggie finished the cancan with Bonnie they were given great applause from the other members of the group.
She was one of 12-older people from RSL LifeCare Narrabeen taking part in an Elder Clown trial, measuring the benefits of play and music and dance presented to dementia residents by a professional clown.
Following her cancan, the smile on Maggie’s face spoke volumes.
It was held at the War Vets’ Therapy Lifestyle Centre, in the room adjacent to where the television documentary Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds was filmed.
I remember once hugging a gentleman who broke down in tears, he told me that it had been ‘so long’ since anyone had hugged him. Some of these older people might go for days without anyone even touching them.
– Elder Clown Bonnie
Bonnie has been an Elder Clown for nearly three years and said the organisation was all about building rapport, making connections and having fun.
“So that people feel valued, heard and respected,” she said. “It’s about seeing them see their value again, recognising they are important.”
On another occasion during this variety show, the oldies became a veritable seated flash mob, singing an old Irish folk song, a cappella.
Bonnie, a former Clown Doctor, believed that music could produce some of the same outcomes as touch.
“I remember once hugging a gentleman who broke down in tears,” she said. “He told me that it had been ‘so long’ since anyone had hugged him. Some of these older people might go for days without anyone even touching them.”
Also during the War Vets session, Bonnie reached into her trolley and produced a hand-held pump to which she attached an empty balloon. She then pumped air inside and made a balloon koala which hugged a balloon tree.
Later on however, she politely declined an invitation to produce a balloon octopus!
She said she wore the clown nose and the same dress to every session. “The connections made are remarkable,” she said. “The red nose is a licence to play.
“Elder Clowns provide empowerment, value and reminiscence. Just because you’re at the end of your life doesn’t mean these things aren’t important anymore.”
She believed Western society no longer attributed value in the lives of its eldest citizens. “At best we refer to a ‘cute granny’ as opposed to ‘a greatly respected grandmother’,” she said.
Therapy Lifestyle Centre manager Heidi Roland Kenn said the sessions were also very important respite for carers. “The program allows for the partner or relatives to know their loved one is in a stimulating environment,” she said.
“They are not just being parked in a room in front of a TV.”
Mrs Roland Kenn said the program was being overviewed by an occupational therapist.
“There is an assessment scale for alertness and engagement,” she said. “It was measured the week before Bonnie started, and will be repeated when the trial has finished.”
Story By Rod Bennett
Blog Posts
05 Feb 2024
NSW veteran employment prospects enhanced as RSL LifeCare partners with RSL Queensland
To further enhance the employment prospects of veterans and their partners, RSL LifeCare Veteran Services has today announced its...
23 Jan 2024
RSL LifeCare receives $5.445 million in funding to deliver a new Veteran Wellbeing Hub in Queanbeyan
RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW, will receive a $5.445 million grant from the Federal Government to develop...
11 Dec 2023
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2023
We are pleased to announce the 2023 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available to view via flipbook or...
27 Nov 2023
Positive impact of Intergenerational Relationships
The power of intergenerational relationships has been demonstrated on ABC’s Old People’s Home for Teenagers, featuring residents from RSL...
23 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare secures $1.7 million funding to establish Central Coast Veteran and Family Hub and $243,000 for a centre at Bardia Barracks
RSL LifeCare has received $1.7 million in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veteran Wellbeing Grants One-Off Program to establish...
22 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare awarded $520,341 in government funding to enhance Veteran wellbeing services in Riverina
RSL LifeCare has secured $520,341 in funding from the Albanese Government’s Veterans Wellbeing Grants One-Off program that will be...
14 Nov 2023
RSL LifeCare hosts the inaugural Poppy Ball aboard HMAS Adelaide (III)
The inaugural Poppy Ball was held in Sydney on Saturday 11 November 2023 aboard the HMAS Adelaide (III). The...
26 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare announces plans for new Veteran Wellbeing Centre in Dee Why
RSL LifeCare is set to extend its crucial service delivery for local veterans and their families with the opening...
20 Sep 2023
RSL LifeCare Nowra Community Unveils Visionary Expansion, Elevating Retirement Living to New Heights
RSL LifeCare has today announced Stage 2 release of its Dumaresq Retirement Village at RSL LifeCare Nowra Community. The...
22 Aug 2023
Federal Government grant awarded to RSL LifeCare
RSL LifeCare has been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Australian Government to support the development of a business...
16 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare a finalist in Best Graduate Development Program – Australian HR Awards 2023
August 2023 – RSL LifeCare’s Graduate Registered Nurse Program has been announced as a finalist in the Australian HR...
14 Aug 2023
RSL LifeCare successfully moves to the second stage in becoming the provider for a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in both the Tweed-North Coast region and Queanbeyan.
RSL LifeCare has welcomed the opportunity by the Federal Government to submit a business case to deliver a Veterans’...
08 Mar 2023
Message from our CEO celebrating International Women’s Day
Good morning everyone, Today, on International Women’s Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by the...
09 Jun 2022
Vale Walter Williams OAM
RSL LifeCare staff and residents alike have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long – time...
12 May 2022
Giving our nurses a voice to lead
Today, on International Nurses Day (IND) we shine a light on our nursing staff and their vital work. Our nurses...
08 Apr 2022
RSL LifeCare Veteran Services – one team supporting veterans and their families
The delivery of Veteran Services has been core to RSL LifeCare since its beginnings over 100 years ago. Now,...
20 Mar 2022
How the RSL Veterans’ Employment Program helps veterans find work
Transitioning to a different career is not always easy for veterans returning to civilian life. The RSL Veterans’ Employment...
24 Nov 2021
RSL LifeCare Annual Report 2021
I am pleased to advise that the 2021 RSL LifeCare Annual Report is now available. This annual report is...
06 Oct 2021
Rapid Antigen Test kits now available to Aged Care providers.
The Department of Health is offering Rapid Antigen Test kits to aged care providers across NSW in high-risk Local...
05 Aug 2021
Aged Care Employee Day is a day to thank everyone at RSL LifeCare.
7th August is Aged Care Employee Day. This is a day for us to thank every person who works...
12 Jul 2021
World War 2 code breaker Marion Painter features in Sky News documentary
ANZAC Village, Narrabeen resident Marion Painter has featured in Sky News documentary, The Alliance, about her time as a...
29 Jun 2021
Aged care workers should be vaccinated on site.
AGED care provider, RSL LifeCare, have applauded the Australian Government for their decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for staff...
23 Mar 2016
Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter releases endorphins, giving us the ‘feel good factor’ Acts as aerobic exercise and is like ‘internal jogging’ Unleashes...
17 May 2016
A healthy diet for a healthy heart
Valentine’s Day saw people thinking of love and things of the heart and we thought it would be a...
11 Oct 2016
Pets and Positive Ageing
Animals play an important role in our lives. As Community Staff, we are blessed to see the bonds that...
More from the blog
Latest News
Peter Fletcher’s Journey through WWII and Beyond
Peter Fletcher was born on March 18, 1924, in Brisbane, Queensland. At the age of 18, in 1942, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force...
Read moreCathy’s Tale of Work, Family, and Volunteering
"I was born on 19 December 1927. I'm 96 now. Originally from Tamworth, NSW. I began my career as a secretary, starting in Tamworth, then...
Read moreRSL LifeCare receives grant to develop a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Tweed-North Coast Region.
RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW and sub-Branches, will today receive a $5.445 million grant from the Federal Government to develop a Veterans’ and...
Read moreRSL LifeCare receives multi-million dollar grant to develop a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in the Hunter Region’
RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW and sub-Branches, will today receive a $5.445 million grant from the Federal Government to develop a Veterans’ and...
Read moreRSL LifeCare receives $5.445 million in funding to provide holistic support for veterans from Hawkesbury to South Western Sydney
RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW and sub-Branches, will today receive a $5.445 million grant from the Federal Government to develop a Veterans’ and...
Read moreThe Incredible Journey of John Currie: A Life Anchored in Service
"I was born in Western Australia as an only child to a family with proud Scottish heritage. Growing up, my roots lay in the Methodist church,...
Read moreEmbracing Life’s Symphony: Grace Lane’s Remarkable Journey
"Life at RSL LifeCare has been a surprising adventure for me. When I first arrived, my plan was simple - to do absolutely nothing. Little...
Read morePeter Boughton: A Life of Service and Treasured Memories
Peter Boughton was born on February 18, 1951, at the Sydney Women's Hospital. His early years were filled with beautiful memories, especially his close bond...
Read moreRSL LifeCare receives $5.445 million in funding to deliver a new Veteran Wellbeing Hub in Queanbeyan
RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW, will receive a $5.445 million grant from the Federal Government to develop a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in...
Read moreJacquie’s 16 Years of Heartfelt Volunteering at RSL LifeCare
"I'm Jacquie, short for Jacquelyn Finley. I'm 76 years old, and I've been a volunteer at RSL LifeCare John Goodlet Manor for nearly 16 years now. You...
Read moreMargaret’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Cherished Community Life
"I was born in the lively neighbourhood of Willoughby and soon moved to Balgowlah Heights at the age of five. Growing up in a bustling...
Read moreJoan’s Creative Pursuits: Knitting, Puzzles, and Cherished Moments at RSL LifeCare
Many residents at RSL LifeCare love to participate in a variety of hobbies that keep their minds and hearts engaged. One such resident is Joan Herringe from RSL LifeCare Connie Fall. One...
Read more