Residents at Carinity Brownesholme in Highfields are celebrating the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in a truly unique way. The aged care community has been transformed into a vibrant floral display, thanks to the creativity and enthusiasm of its senior residents. Over the past few months, these residents have participated in weekly workshops to create an impressive array of paper flowers, contributing to a colorful and festive environment.
A Flourishing Transformation
The transformation of Carinity Brownesholme has been nothing short of spectacular. The centerpiece of the floral display is situated in the building’s foyer, where a stairway has been meticulously decorated to resemble a cascading waterfall. This installation features charming platypus figures and delicate water lilies, adding a whimsical touch to the space.
Jeannie Healy, the Diversional Therapist at Carinity Brownesholme, expressed her excitement about the project. “The residents have been so invested in getting the decorations up and the whole place has a buzz about it,” Healy said. “It has been lovely spending time setting it all up with them. Now we are seeing the residents’ own areas getting decorated as they say they are inspired – which was secretly our goal.”
Eco-Friendly Creativity
The floral decorations are not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. Residents have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by repurposing discarded materials for their creations. Clean food placemats and colorful product wrappers were given new life as part of the carnival decorations. Additionally, family members of the residents contributed to the project by knitting and crocheting flowers, further enhancing the festive atmosphere at Carinity Brownesholme.
Tanya Sheldrick, the Residential Manager, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “We are encouraging our residents to be bright and bold and color our world,” Sheldrick said. “As well as the colorful flowers, our residents are being engaged by enjoying the specially curated secret garden and other spring displays around the site.”
The Secret Garden and Beyond
One of the highlights of the Carinity Brownesholme spring carnival is the “secret garden” display. This enchanting space has captivated residents, who find joy in discovering new elements each time they visit. The garden’s evolving nature adds an element of surprise and delight, further enriching the carnival experience for the residents.
In addition to the main displays, residents and their families are actively involved in decorating their personal living spaces. Carinity Brownesholme has encouraged residents to adorn their doors, windows, and balconies with flowers. To add a competitive spirit to the festivities, awards will be given for the best-dressed areas, recognizing the creativity and effort of participants.
A Community Effort
The success of the floral transformation at Carinity Brownesholme is a testament to the collaborative effort of the residents, staff, and their families. By working together, they have created a vibrant and engaging environment that celebrates the spirit of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The project has not only beautified the community but also fostered a sense of accomplishment and joy among the participants.
As Carinity Brownesholme continues to revel in the carnival spirit, the residents’ creative endeavors serve as a reminder of the positive impact that community involvement and artistic expression can have on the well-being of seniors. Through this floral celebration, Carinity Brownesholme has demonstrated that age is no barrier to creativity and that the simple act of decorating can bring about a sense of pride and happiness.
