RESIDENTS from Mercy Place Shepparton recently got up close with the cast from the local production of Wicked.
Five residents attended the musical, accompanied by Mercy Place Shepparton service manager, Angela Marchant. The residents sat in the front row of the theatre and had their photo taken with the cast after the show.
Wicked was the first musical 89-year-old Ida Landini has ever seen. Ms Landini was born in Italy and speaks limited English.
“Despite the language barrier, Ida has been telling staff and residents how she would now like to go to more musicals,” Ms Marchant said.
“The theatre group gave us a couple of [Wicked] programs and we purchased a couple as well so every resident could have a memento from the day.
“One of our staff members is going to read Ida’s program to her in Italian so she can get a better feel for the storyline.”
Attending community activities and being a part of the local community is widely encouraged at Mercy Place Shepparton.
The home’s lifestyle team regularly organises community outings with the aim of catering for the diverse interests of residents.
“It is vital for our residents’ wellbeing that they still have a life outside of the aged care home,” Ms Marchant said.
“The next big outing for our residents will be the Opera in Covent Garden in November, which everyone is very much looking forward to.”
To see what is on offer at Mercy Place Shepparton, visit 351-359 Archer Street, Shepparton or phone 5832 0900.
