Christmas activities guaranteed to bring cheer

Our retirement villages and residential care homes have a packed calendar this month, as the countdown to Christmas starts.

Some of the fun activities include mocktail making, Christmas craft, decoration competitions, and Christmas parties.

NVC Group Chairman, Janine Reed, said the coming festive season and public holidays provide an ideal opportunity for catching up.

“Christmas brings a lot of joy for our residents and clients, and our whole community,” she said.

“Our care homes and retirement village staff go the extra mile to create fun, social events in December and this year there is a stand-out list. In addition to activities there are several celebratory lunches.

“Retirement village Christmas lunches or morning teas are being held this week and Christmas parties at Cedar Place, Riverside Gardens and Autumn Lodge homes are being held on Thursday and next week.

“Our residential care homes are open over the Christmas/New Year period, and we encourage family members and friends to visit their loved one living in Autumn Lodge, Riverside Gardens, or Cedar Place in accordance with our visitation policy.”

Christmas parties are being held at:

• Riverside Gardens, Nambucca Heads; and Cedar Place, Kempsey, on Thursday 7 December
• Autumn Lodge, Macksville, on Wednesday 13 December.

Christmas parties for residents are held before Christmas day, to leave 25 December 2023 free for residents to be with their family members and friends.

Aged care homes visitation policy

NVC Group’s aged care homes visitation policy aims to balance our responsibility to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and respiratory viruses while supporting residents’ wellbeing by continuing to welcome visitors.

When visiting Autumn Lodge, Riverside Gardens or Cedar Place, visitors must follow these three steps* and wear a mask:

Step 1) Phone the aged care home and book in for your visit.

Step 2) Do a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at home before visiting. If the test is negative, put a date on the RAT, photograph it, and present it to the home’s reception desk upon arrival. If the test is positive, or if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, stay at home.

If you have not RAT-ed prior to your visit, you will need to have one upon arrival at the home.

Step 3) Enjoy a visit with your loved one in their room or outdoors only, not in common areas of homes.

 *Visitation processes are subject to change with advice received and elevation of potential risks.