After months of being locked down, the 232 residents of HammondCare Waratah are queuing up for outings to reconnect with the Newcastle community.

While many of them, including the likes of Ann Morley and Warren Stevenson, have already been able to be reacquainted with locations, such as the beautiful Swansea foreshore of Lake Macquarie, there is one small problem.

The organisation’s bus only boasts nine seats, meaning more than a weekly trip is almost impossible.

So, the residents and staff of Waratah have a simple Christmas wish this year – a new, bigger vehicle for more opportunities to engage in their community.

The HammondCare Foundation’s Christmas Appeal 2021 is raising funds to make that dream become a reality.

Their quest: to purchase a 12-seater Mercedes Benz Sprinter minivan with two wheelchair lifts.

Waratah activities officer Kerry Simpson, the driver on the Swansea trip, said regular bus excursions were about much more than just sightseeing outings or a break from routine for residents, many of whom live with dementia.

“A bus enables those we care for to go to places and engage in and be part of society,” she explained.

“These types of engagement opportunities create a sense of purpose and give residents something to look forward to with adventure beyond their cottage environment.”

Favourite locations residents like to visit include Catherine Hill Bay, Georgetown, Nobbys Beach, Morpeth, Raymond Terrace, Tea Garden and Salamander Bay.

On other occasions, the bus takes them on outings to local churches for lunch, a cup of tea and a concert.

There are instances when it’s McDonald’s Drive-Thru for an ice cream or other times an assisted trip to the shops.

The buses are also helpful to transport residents to medical appointments.

HammondCare’s executive director for research and dementia design Associate Professor Colm Cunningham said the trips were essential to relationship-based care.

“Having our own bus means residents can move at their own pace and not be rushed and our care staff can control environments,” he stated.

“Being able to connect with the wider world keeps their mental health on a higher level and contributing to mobility and wellness.”

He said an important benefit of outings for people living with dementia was that they could bring back important positive memories, a part of reminiscence therapy.

HammondCare Waratah volunteer Lisa Boychuck often accompanies residents on their bus outings.

“They absolutely adore these trips,” she said.

“It is the focus of their week and gives them something to keep talking about.”

Now, the HammondCare Foundation has a target of $115,000 for the new bus.

If you would like to get on board to support this Christmas project, go to www.Hammond.com.au/donate or phone direct on 1300 426 666.

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