Sew, have you met Jackie Carr?
While her job title is Lifestyle and Wellbeing coordinator at Kilpatrick Court Residential Aged Care, Jackie Carr is so much more.
To the residents at the Toronto address she is the life of the party, king of the kids, head clown.
She’s the one bringing the good vibes – every day.
And while she’d be reluctant to accept the compliment, Jackie admits she does enjoy wearing the badge of ‘chief party organiser’.
“I’m big on themes around here and I love dressing up,” she says.
“I just want to have fun. I want to hang out with the ressies [residents] and make them happy.
“If I can do that every day then I’m happy.”
Jackie’s role includes arranging rosters and workloads for staff, organising events and activities, writing newsletters and facilitating communications with families.
It’s a job she’s held for the past two years, although her time at Kilpatrick Court started nine years ago when she started as a cleaner.
From there she moved to Team Leader of Hospitality before transitioning into her current Lifestyle and Wellbeing role.
“I guess you could say I always used to annoy the residents. I wanted to play with them, to hang out with them. I used to dress up and do all the fun things to make sure they were having a good time, and so, when the role came up, I thought – I’m taking it.”
In a sense it’s a role Jackie Carr was destined to fulfil.
After sewing costumes and decorating floats for Mardi Gras many years earlier, as well as designing sets and stages for a touring show, Jackie now showcases her talents during every dress up day at Kilpatrick Court.
“About 15 years ago my brother needed help with costumes for Rock Eisteddfod – that is how it started,” she explains.
“I’ve always been a sewer, but I can’t read a pattern.
“Now I sew costumes every chance I get. The residents are used to it now.”
Regular Kilpatrick Court volunteer Sue Bosshard says Jackie goes “above and beyond” every day to make sure the residents are actively engaged.
“She’s compassionate, kind, and friendly, and the residents love and appreciate her.
“Nothing is too much trouble for her. She’s the perfect person for the role.”
For Jackie, keeping residents active, healthy and engaged has become a passion.
“I love to make them happy. I do all this, so it gets them out of their rooms, it helps fight depression, it gets them involved with other residents. It’s 90 minutes in the morning and 90 minutes in the afternoon.
“If getting dressed up and having a bit of fun is all it takes, it’s worth it.”
Melbourne Cup, St Patrick’s Day, Halloween, Christmas – no date is out of bounds.
“I’m here to make them smile, bring light to them, whether it’s just walking the corridors and saying ‘hi’ or stopping to have a chat to them, it keeps them young, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Check out Anglican Care’s Facebook page to view some of the fun activities at Kilpatrick Court, as well as the other residential aged care sites.
