Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1491702
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2023 6 CARE IN THE SOCIETY IN-HOUSE fairs, artistic and cultural exhibitions, music and dancing perfor- mances, chess playing, knitting, crafts and painting lessons are amongst the many activities that form part of The Im- perial's varied calendar of events for all its residents. The Imperial considers these many ac- tivities for its residents not only as an opportunity to connect with their peers but as a celebration of old age. "Personally, from my daily work with the residents, I have come to believe that these activities do give renewed sense of purpose to our residents," says Alice Agius, The Imperial's Activity Co- ordinator. Alice has been employed with the company for over fifteen years, having started her career as a care assistant and later advancing to the post of sen- ior carer. Eventually, she was appointed Activity Coordinator, a position that brings her in touch with the lighter side of residents. "It is a known fact that our bodies re- ly on exercise to keep healthy. As we age, the importance of remaining active increases and in our old age, we must also make it a point to keep our brains active. At The Imperial, we have found that the best way to do this is to bring the mundane into our residents' daily way of life, through enjoyable activities that they have come to look forward to," added Ms Agius. All residents are unique, and they all have different interests, hobbies, and requirements. And whilst The Imperial strives to offer opportunities to partici- pate in lively and fun activities through an interesting and diverse entertain- ment programme for the enjoyment of all residents, can join as many events they want and as often as they prefer. "Making sure that older people remain mentally stimulated reduces the chanc- es of cognitive decline which usually would impact their reasoning capabil- ities, their memory, their perception, their attention span as well as their awareness," added Ms Agius. "This is why through the activities we host at The Imperial, we seek to ensure that our residents are regularly engaged which helps them keep the mind fresh. For the aged, mental stimulation pro- vides several benefits, including a sense of accomplishment, better health, and the ability to stay connected with each other as a community as well as with their families and friends whom we encourage to participate with them in these activities." Alice recalls how the pandemic was a particularly challenging yet rewarding chapter in her career at The Imperial. "By nature, I develop a strong emo- tional connection with the residents because I am not only helping them through entertainment, but in being surrounded by so much wisdom, we en- gage daily in long conversations, and we become very close. So, when Covid hap- pened, I chose to spend my lockdown with them. Then I had to stop working for a year, but I had to return. I missed them too much!" Looking ahead, Alice looks forward to more work and entertainment for The Imperial's growing community. "Work can be a bit tough because I am constantly asking myself whether I am doing enough for them, or whether I could be doing things better. But at the end of the day, when I see the smile on their faces and I watch them enjoying our activities, I feel satisfied and com- plete." "Working with the residents here at The Imperial has given me a new lease of life. I love my job very much and even though I find it very challenging, it gives me a deep sense of pleasure especially every time I found myself surrounded by our residents." "In trying to give a renewed sense of purpose to our residents I have found my own personal purpose," concluded Alice. The Imperial: where residents renew their sense of purpose Alice Agius, The Imperial's Activity Coordinator