MOVIE nights, popcorn, Wii and carpet bowls are not what you'd normally expect from a nursing home but the residents at Bilyara Hostel are loving it; and getting pretty good at Mario Kart while they're at it.
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Dedicated staff, Vanessa Warren and Heidi Marsh, share the role of Activity Officer, introducing a range of activities from Book Club to the 'Bilyara Movie Experience.'
With many residents suffering from vision or hearing impairment, Mrs Warren said it was important to design a range of activities suitable for the majority of the residents.
"When Heidi and I were trying to think of activities we asked ourselves, what would we miss most when we're older?" she said.
"For me, I love to read so to lose that would be terrible."
Wind in the Willows, Treasure Island, Little Women and Charlotte's Web are some of the classics, along with a twice weekly reading of the Guardian read out loud to residents by Mrs Warren and Mrs Marsh. While each book does take some time to complete, Mrs Warren said it's a very rewarding process.
But the fun doesn't finish when the book ends. From there it's on to the 'Bilyara Movie Theatre.'
"A lot of the residents really missed the cinemas so we made our own," Mrs Warren said.
"The movie is always associated with the book we're reading so when the book's nearly finished, we photocopy the cover and make it into 'Screening Soon at the Bilyara Cinema' posters.
"We make tickets for the residents to keep and they have popcorn and drinks; it's a wonderful sensory experience."
The Cowra Ballet group are amongst those who regularly volunteer at Bilyara, bringing dance and music for the residents to enjoy.
"We have lots of volunteers who really enhance the experience," Mrs Warren said.
"We're always looking for more but we do the best we can with the time and resources we have."
Three times a week Bilyara transforms into a mini gym as residents flex their muscles with
light hand weights. The Wii has also become a firm favourite and although it took some getting used to, residents are now enjoying the challenge and developing strong hand-eye coordination.
Keeping minds active is just as important, with a white board outlining categories such as 'Favourite Memories.'
"Cooking my first roast chook and burning it so we went to my mother-in-law's for dinner"- one of the special memories shared.
Visits by local hairdressers, manicurists and monthly bus trips are amongst those cherished by Bilyara residents.
"They really love getting out and going to Maccas for a 30 cent ice cream," Mrs Warren laughed.
