At Catholic Healthcare we are shining a ‘light’ on our people and the exceptional work they are all doing across our services. We share how team members are innovating, engaging and helping to make Catholic Healthcare a great place to work.
This week, meet John Moran, Diversional Therapist at St Catherine’s Residential Aged Care in Bathurst.
John’s role involves contributing to a ‘lifestyle of fun and experience’ for the residents. He certainly achieves this in his work, taking advantage of his skills and experience as a talented musician, artist and performer.
John has shown much skill and innovation, particularly in his classes where he produces mural art works with the residents.
“I get a great sense of achievement in seeing a resident paint using my fast-tracking advice in our art classes,” says John.
Fast-tracking is a technique teaching the fundamentals of drawing, including light and shade and perspective.
“When I draw out an image on the wall, the image is eight metres long. I then allocate areas to the residents involved in the art project,” continues John.
“It is gratifying to see the application of what they have learned being applied to the larger work.”
There are a number of additional activities on offer for residents to engage in at St Catherine’s including music sessions, movie clubs, knitting, crocheting, chair exercises, reading and creative groups.
John takes particular pleasure in being able to communicate and connect with each resident during his classes.
“By focusing on the individual and getting to know each resident, I can tap into what makes them tick and what are their joys in life.”
Outside of keeping everyone entertained and busy at work, John performs spoken words to music at a local pub in an open mic forum (COVID permitting) and has performed at a Bathurst art gallery. John has many interests and talents including having recorded several music albums over the years and has exhibited in numerous Sydney art galleries including a work hung in the Sulman Prize, at the NSW Art Gallery.
For more information on St Catherine’s visit the St Catherine's Page on our website.
September 29, 2021
Healthcare, CHL
Meet Kath Readford OAM, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Lourdes Hospital & Community Health Service, Dubbo. For the past 28 years Kath has supported the Orana region, providing dementia counselling, advice, support and advocacy services. Kath has been pivotal in the work achieved in Dubbo, also setting up the Home Club 20 years ago specifically for people living with dementia.
September 7, 2021
Residential Aged Care, CHL, Forbes Orange Bathurst
Meet Renier du Pleiss, Area Chef Manager at St Catherine's, Bathurst. Renier du Plessis is a firm believer in Catholic Healthcare’s Mission of ‘living life to the full.'
