News

Plays promote kindness in residential care

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 03:55:00

A humorous approach to a challenging situation aptly describes the Hush Foundation’s Health Plays that came to Ouyen and Sea Lake last week.

The plays are inspired by true life stories of aged care residents and their families and carers and were brought to the Mallee free by Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS). About 45 people attended the plays at both towns last Tuesday and Wednesday.
Audiences were entertained and delighted by the cast and production team which included Australian actor and screenwriter Alan Hopgood, Margot Knight, Gay Hopgood, Lee Mason and Marcella Russo.
Alan is known as a fierce advocate of health promotion and the importance of communication and kindness in aged care – messages delivered to communities around Australia through Health Plays supported by the Hush Foundation.

Alan has an impressive career in Australian film and television, as well as writing and acting in Health Plays and serving as an Ambassador for the Gathering of Kindness.
MTHCS Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said the plays were an important part of the health service’s focus on person-centred care.
“The plays are humorous and informative and challenge thoughts around the way services are delivered, and the need to make sure the life stories of residents are central to their care.
“The plays are all based on true life stories and are an effective way for community and staff to gain some insight into what it feels like to be in residential aged care,” she added.
Ms O’Callaghan said the plays gave some insight into the challenges for families and carers who were moving their loved ones into aged care.
Audiences were invited to take part in discussions after the plays and Dr Catherine Crock from the Hush Foundation spoke about the Gathering of Kindness (GOK) initiative.
The Hush Foundation is a national project that promotes dignity in human rights law and health care services by working with health and aged care services.
Ms O’Callaghan said work would be ongoing with MTHCS staff across all programs to promote the Gathering of Kindness principles in all aspects of their work.
“The Gathering of Kindness is an initiative that promotes kindness in recognition of data showing there is a direct correlation between organisational negativity and poor staff morale which affects both staff wellbeing and effectiveness.
“GOK brings together people from inside and outside the health care sector such as actors, medical professionals, musicians and artist to nurture and instil a culture of kindness throughout the healthcare system,” she added.

More information on the Hush Foundation’s work and the Gathering of Kindness is available at https://www.gatheringofkindness.org/

Pictured: L-R – Dr Catherine Crock, from the Hush Foundation, actor Alan Hopgood and MTHCS CEO Lois O’Callaghan.

2. Alan Hopgood with audience member Margaret Williams, from Sea Lake.