Residents of Harden Grange Aged Care Community can regularly be spotted out and about in Harden and the neighbouring area in their new bus.

The newly acquired custom-wrapped six-seater bus carries a strong message – “We’re out doing the things we love.”

Lucy Rowe, Residential Services Manager at Harden Grange says having suitable transport is allowing residents to participate in a wide range of activities and cultural events and is key to keeping them connected with their community. “We want to make sure residents can continue to explore the area, visit the places they love and enjoy activities they may have enjoyed prior to joining us. It’s all about helping them maintain their connection to their community and sense of independence,” she says.

 

 

Since taking ownership of the bus a Month ago, the residents have racked up over 2,000 kilometres on trips to the kite festival and a classical music concert in Harden to further afield like tea in Wombat or Young. The bus has helped them with everyday activities too, like shopping or banking.

The residents are extremely proud of their bus and love getting involved in making suggestions for outings and choosing their adventures. “It means so much to them,” says Lucy. “One enthusiastic resident has even gone to the trouble of using a squeegee to wash the windscreen and windows before each trip to ensure they get the best views.”

 

 

Getting out and about is so beneficial for physical and mental health, and the residents enjoy sharing stories about their adventures afterwards.

“The new bus has opened up opportunities to get out and about and feel a part of the community,” says resident, Allan. “We’re asking where we’d like to go, and love seeing where we are heading next. I feel so happy getting out and seeing more of the countryside.

Harden Grange is proudly part of Apollo Care, a national alliance of not-for-profit aged care communities. This new bus is part of a multifaceted program of enhancements by Apollo Care that also includes extensive country-style refurbishments, best practice governance, an award-winning culture and performance program, and a cutting-edge cloud-based IT system that includes hand-held mobile devices for every care worker.