Seniors at Mercy Health’s Mercyville Hostel in Craigie teamed up with local children earlier this year to entice summer showers by making rain sticks which, in many ancient cultures, represent the patter of rain when they are shaken.
Aboriginal Australians – along with other ancient cultures, including Peruvian, Mexican, Chilean, African and Aztec – have used rain sticks for thousands of years in an attempt to induce storm activity and rain across their lands.
With the severe fire activity that affected the south of WA over summer this year, residents at not-for-profit, aged-care home, Mercyville Hostel, joined forces with local children to help them make the long hollow tubes, filled with beads, which, when shaken, create the distinct sound of rain.
Mercy Health WA State Manager, Ms Anita Ghose, said the fun, intergenerational activity had been enjoyed immensely by both residents and children.
“Our residents love spending time with children, particularly when they are involved in fun and creative activities like this,” Ms Ghose said.
“Not only does it help them to feel young, it reminds them of the past and enables them to share stories about ‘the good old days’, as well as share their talents and hobbies.
“Intergenerational activities such as this are one way in which we are focused on creating interesting and meaningful activities for our residents, in addition to providing the opportunity for youngsters to also learn and respect seniors in the wider community.”
Mercy Health is a Catholic community not-for-profit provider of care, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and grounded in a 2,000-year history of caring for those in need. In Western Australia, the organisation cares for more than 300 people across six residential homes, with 78 independent living units.