Craft the order of the day for community-minded seniors

07 Nov 2019

By The Record

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Health cares for more than 300 people across six residential aged care homes in WA, with an additional 78 retirement living units. Photo: Supplied.

Staff members at Mercy Place Mandurah are the first to admit their residents are dab hands at being creative, particularly when it comes to contributing to their community.

Craft-orientated seniors meet regularly to make individual, handmade items – but in recent weeks have turned their attention to a very specific project – producing handcrafted paper poppies prior to Remembrance Day on 11 November.

Kathryn Murphy, Mercy Place Mandurah Acting Service Manager, said the group consisted of “a wonderful caring and sharing group who offer each other support, advice and encouragement”.

“Our residents have been making the most wonderful poppies to commemorate the heroism and sacrifices made in war by those who have served their country.

“The ladies are a truly dedicated group who have a real commitment to helping others, making a difference and also contributing to our local community,” she expressed.

“For the seniors who make up our craft group, their weekly catch ups are about more than just craft. Their get-togethers are also a social outlet for the women who enjoy meeting for a chat and a cup of tea.

“Mercy Health fully supports these type of activities as we are focused on enriching the lives of those who chose to live with us, and supporting older people to participate in enjoyable pursuits that have given them pleasure throughout their lives.”

Residents at Mercy Place Mandurah will commemorate Remembrance Day next Monday by holding a small service within the home, and observing the traditional minute’s silence at 11am on 11 November.