Sunflowers, LEGO and painted rocks: seniors get creative for dementia awareness
Residents from more than 30 BlueCare retirement communities across Queensland are taking part in a competition designed to raise awareness of dementia in the lead up to BlueCare Giving Day.
What began as a challenge to grow the best sunflower has evolved as residents and teams have put their own spin on the competition and made it their own. When weather made growing challenging, some thought outside the square and created artwork, LEGO flowers and painted rocks, and organised intergenerational activities.
From Growing sunflowers to thinking outside the square
The Great Sunflower Grow Off is part of BlueCare’s annual Giving Day, 24 September, which raises funds to support people with dementia and their families. Donations can be made here and will be matched on Giving Day by partners.
The retirement communities taking part are home to more than 3,000 residents, with the campaign providing a fun and accessible way to engage together on an important issue.
Starting conversations about dementia before it starts
BlueCare Retirement Living Executive General Manager Natalie Smith said the Great Sunflower Grow Off offered an innovative approach to dementia awareness.
“The idea is simple – why wait until someone has dementia to start that conversation?” Mrs Smith said.
“Having a discussion before people are affected by dementia and recognising the role retirement communities play in building social connection and understanding, is important for a condition that remains widely misunderstood."
“Retirement living communities are the perfect setting to play a big role in this. Staying socially connected and engaged is important for healthy ageing and can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. It’s another reason why creating opportunities for people to connect, participate and have conversations about dementia is so important.”
One resident’s sunflowers make a big impression
At BlueCare Argyle Gardens in Bundaberg, 92-year-old resident Stan Jones has found an interest in growing different varieties of sunflowers, including dwarf, red and giant varieties.
“I’ve enjoyed growing different varieties - one of mine even grew almost to the roof gutter!” Mr Jones said.
"The one I produced for the Grow Off has 14 flowers on a single stalk, which I suspect may have been the result of two varieties accidentally mixing. It looks like a mutant sunflower.
“It’s been fun, but it’s also started some important conversations about dementia. More people need to know about it and how it affects people. It’s a complex disease and there needs to be more conversations about it.”
Coming together for a cause that matters
Statewide Grow Off winners will be announced on Giving Day, recognising the creativity and participation of residents.
Now in its second year running, BlueCare Giving Day is proving that building support does not need to be difficult. It can be achieved as people come together doing something they love.