Technology bringing joy to older seniors

Robotic companion pets are a becoming a common sight in aged care communities, including Carinity Hilltop in Kelvin Grove.

These life-like therapeutic robots simulate the sounds and movements of real animals and respond to touch, providing two-way interaction. Residents can even feel the vibration of a cat purring and the ‘heartbeat’ of the dog.

They may be electronic devices, but companion pets bring much joy and have physical and psychological benefits for older seniors, including those living with dementia.

Carinity Hilltop Residential Manager, Ramandeep Gill, says companion pets enhance the wellbeing of aged care residents and prompts increased social interaction.

“Just like the use of real-life creatures for animal-assisted therapy at Carinity aged care sites, the robotic companion pets offer a comforting presence for our residents,” Ramandeep explains.

“Interacting with companion animals can help to improve residents’ health and wellbeing and social interaction, providing opportunities for residents to share stories about the pets they had in their younger years.

“Some residents living with dementia who may be unresponsive to other therapies may brighten up, pat and talk to the companion pet.

“The reactions from these residents have been incredibly positive. The smiles on their faces are priceless.” website: http://www.westernecho.com.au

For more information about Carinity Aged Care visit www. carinity.org.au or phone 3550 3737.

Picabeen Youth Team are currently seeking Students with a lived experience of Defence life in years 10-12 to be part of a Peer Mentoring program. This initial phase of the program will begin in week 5 of term 1. In term 2 they will welcome years 5-8 to participate and be mentored. For more information, please call Picabeen Community Centre on 3354 2555 or refer to our website https://picabeen.org.au/ . The program will run out of our Community Centre at 22 Hoben Street Mitchelton.

As we start to transition into Autumn, The Changeroom would like to thank all our Community who have donated such wonderful warmer clothing to the Op shop . We will be transitioning our stock to suit the cooler weather soon, so drop in and check out the pre-loved clothing and accessories that are in store. Come as see us at 8 Dallas parade Keperra Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.

Ivory Curl

3300 6304 www.ppnn.org.au

When driving through Brisbane suburbs in late summer and autumn it is impossible to miss the magnificent displays of ivory curl (Buckinghamia celsissima) trees along streets and in gardens. Long, pendant spikes up to 27cm long of cream, spidery flowers are produced on the ends of branches. Individual flowers, densely clustered along the axis, are sweet smelling and full of nectar which attracts birds, bees, butterflies and other insects which in turn attract insect-eating birds. The ovary of each flower develops into a fruit which, when mature, slits open along one side to release up to six small brown seeds. Both the flowers and the fruit are similar to those of the Grevillea, to which this tree is related. Even when not in flower, this is an attractive plant. The young leaves, which have a bronze tinge and are deeply lobed, mature into an elliptical shape about 20 cm long that is dark green above and lighter below. It has an attractive, dense, umbrella shape that requires little pruning unless height restriction is required.

The ivory curl is indigenous to rainforests of north-eastern Queensland. In its natural habitat, the tree can grow to 30 m in order to emerge through the canopy to reach the light needed for flowering. In cultivation, however, the height seems to be determined by climate, reaching about 8 m in warmer regions but decreasing with drop in temperature so that in Melbourne it is more like a shrub.

Although ivory curl tolerates a wide range of soils, it grows best in areas with good drainage that have been supplemented with high levels of compost. It benefits from maintaining moisture levels until established, after which it is dry tolerant. Ivory curl will grow in full sun or partial shade but the flowering is limited by high levels of shade. Plants usually flower after 3 years. This species is, however, frost tender when young. Ivory curl makes a stunning feature plant, can be mass planted as a screen or wind break or as a backdrop to mixed shrub garden beds. It has been used successfully in erosion control and is playground friendly.