To kick off the summer season, Arcare Brighton has launched Arcare Aged Care’s new Mobi-Mat program to help get less mobile residents back to the beach.
As a part of the national Lifestyle program, Arcare invested in three Mobi-Mats for their Lifestyle teams across Australia to utilise for beach outings.
The Mobi-Mat is a portable nonslip mat that enables those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walkers to access the beach. When laid across the sand, the mats create an even surface, creating a safe passage for anyone to cross.
“I had many residents request that we visit the beach after lockdown, as they mentioned missing the feeling of sand between their toes,” says Arcare Brighton lifestyle coordinator, Lea Damasco.
“However as many of our residents have mobility issues, it meant that they would have to stay on the paths before the sand.
“With our new Mobi-Mats, these residents are now able to safely get out on the sand and enjoy the beach once again.”
Six team members from the Arcare Brighton community accompanied six residents on their beach outing to Elwood beach last week, where the residents utilised Arcare’s mobility mats for the first time.
Measuring approximately 30 metres down the beach, the residents walked along the beach with the assistance of team members to get close to the water’s edge.
“It was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend trying it,” Arcare Brighton resident, Fiona said. “It was great way for everyone to come together.”
The beach outing was not only a great way for residents get some vitamin D, but that the sensory experience also helped improve stress levels and increased overall happiness for the residents who attended.
“It was a great feeling to be instrumental in bringing out our residents, who have loved the beach and have missed visiting after so long,” Arcare Brighton General Services Manager, Oliver Fajardo said.
“You could see it on their faces how happy these mats made these residents.”
Since Arcare Brighton’s outing, other communities have since been inspired to try the new Mobi-Mats, with Arcare residences in Victoria, NSW and Queensland planning their trips to their local beaches over the summer months.
“It’s very fulfilling to make this outing happen, and I’m proud that Arcare has found a way to enable residents from all backgrounds and mobility levels to enjoy the beach once again. I’m truly proud of the Arcare Brighton team’s efforts to make this outing a success,” Lea said.
This article was first published on Australian Senior News on December 16, 2021.