The power of friendship - Meet Rosalie and Pamela.

Rosalie and Pamela have become great companions since Pamela began working at Pascoe Vale Gardens Retirement Village providing home care last year.

Human connection is important for our overall wellbeing. Benefits include enhanced mood, higher self-esteem, and a more robust immune system. Strong, healthy relationships also protect against social isolation, depression, and anxiety, and may even increase longevity.

Pictured above: Pamela and Rosalie enjoy their cooking sessions together

Maintaining strong, healthy relationships has never been more critical than during the COVID-19 pandemic - and our team have risen to the challenge with passion and creativity.

A highlight for Rosalie is the weekly cooking afternoon. Rosalie enjoys sharing her favourite recipes and wealth of knowledge while Pamela enjoys sharing her traditional Brazilian cuisine.

In the photo above, Rosalie chose to invite her neighbours Nola and Stella, for an afternoon get-together to sample their delicious baking.

Cooking together is a great way to build connections with others, to share knowledge, and share your life story. The result of this is a boost in confidence, self-esteem, and the sense of achieving something meaningful – a delicious treat or meal to share.

As well as enjoying cooking with Rosalie, Pamela has been helping Nola to relax with gentle massage and encouraging Stella to enjoy the great outdoors for a leisurely stroll.

Whether it's a leisurely stroll with other walking enthusiasts, a cultural celebration, planting flowers in the garden, or cooking - being with people who share your interests feels good.

We are proud of our team, and the difference they make in the lives of seniors. This is just one example of the great work our home care team are doing at Pascoe Vale Gardens Retirement Village and how important it is to provide activities that help empower and maintain independence, social engagement, and wellbeing.