January 2026: Celebrating Community Connection at Coorparoo Aged Care

January 2026: Celebrating Community Connection at Coorparoo Aged Care

January has been a month of creativity, celebration, and connection here at Coorparoo Aged Care, with our community coming together for meaningful activities, special occasions, and the simple joy of spending time with one another.

Australia Day Art in Traditional Style

As Australia Day approached, our residents embraced their creative side by designing artwork in a traditional Indigenous style. The process began with everyone tracing around their hands and carefully painting them, before adding vibrant dots and patterns around each handprint. The concentration and care taken by each participant was wonderful to witness, and we’re eagerly awaiting the finished creative works. These pieces will serve as a beautiful reminder of our community’s appreciation for Australia’s rich cultural heritage and the artistic talents within our Coorparoo Aged Care family.

Birthday Celebrations Bringing Joy

January brought several special birthday celebrations that filled our community with warmth and happiness. We gathered to wish Eugenie a wonderful birthday, surrounded by love from all her friends here at Coorparoo Aged Care. The day was made even more special by the genuine affection and well-wishes shared amongst our community.

Marjorie also celebrated her birthday this month, enjoying a lovely morning outing with her daughter before returning to share the joy with her friends. These multigenerational connections remind us how important family time remains, regardless of age.

Di’s birthday celebration was particularly heartwarming. She spent a delightful morning with her friends at The Village and told us she felt very spoilt by all the attention and kindness shown to her. These moments of genuine friendship and care exemplify the strong bonds that make Coorparoo Aged Care such a special place to call home.

Boogiecamp Zumba Returns

The new year kicked off with infectious energy when a large group of residents welcomed back Olga for Boogiecamp Zumba. The enthusiasm was palpable as our community gathered together, ready to move, laugh, and enjoy themselves. There’s something about starting the year with music and movement that sets a positive tone, and our residents certainly embraced it wholeheartedly.

Stitch & Chat Accomplishments

Our Stitch & Chat sessions continue to be a hub of creativity and conversation. June proudly completed her merino wool crochet blanket, lovingly crafted for her new grandbaby. The care and skill evident in every stitch reflects the love that goes into handmade gifts. Jenny is making excellent progress on her knee rug and is nearing completion—we can’t wait to see the finished piece.

These crafting sessions offer more than just the satisfaction of completing a project; they provide an opportunity for our residents to connect, share techniques, and enjoy each other’s company while creating something meaningful.

Family Connections That Matter

Wanda experienced a particularly lovely moment when her daughter visited this month. The happiness on Wanda’s face was unmistakable, and she was delighted to have their photo taken together. These family visits are treasured occasions that we always encourage and celebrate, knowing how much they mean to both our residents and their loved ones.

January 2026 has reminded us that community life at Coorparoo Aged Care is built on these daily moments of connection—whether through creative expression, celebrating milestones, staying active together, or simply enjoying time with the people we care about. We’re looking forward to what February brings.

Celebrating our Nurses this International Nurses Day

Every year on 12 May, we take a moment to recognise and celebrate the wonderful work our caring and compassionate nurses on International Nurses Day.

Coorparoo Aged Care’s AN-ACC Coordinator, Cherry Patel, joined the Coorparoo team in December 2019, and shares with us what inspired her to enter nursing and what she loves most about working at the home.

Cherry decided to pursue a career in nursing after coming to Australia from India in 2009. In India she practiced as a Doctor of Homeopathy for several years working also in a Multi Specialist Hospital.

Moving to Australia Cherry decided to do her Bachelor of Nursing at QUT graduating in 2012. Cherry then gained experience, working as a nurse in several Queensland health-based hospitals as well as a Clinical Nurse position in other aged care facilities. Cherry was also the school nurse at the Brisbane Grammer School filling in as a Casual when needed.

Cherry was hired by Coorparoo Aged Care as a Clinical Nurse and ACFI Coordinator in December 2019. Since the changes in funding, she now works closely with the manager as the AN-ACC Coordinator.

Cherry is a valued member of our clinical team working with nurses and care staff to ensure that resident care is delivered in a safe and efficient manner.

Cherry states that she enjoys being able to make a difference in the lives of older people. She is a dedicated professional and will not compromise on the care of the residents. Her co-workers find her an excellent role model and she has a happy cheerful disposition.

When asked what challenging part of the role as a nurse is, Cherry says that ensuring all residents and families are being supported while working within the Aged Care Standards.

Aged Care Employee Day 2022

With our wonderful Personal Care Assistant, Yash.

What made you want to pursue a career in the aged care sector?

I am from India and was very close to both my grandparents and have always wanted to pursue a career in aged care. I am passionate about providing high quality care to ensure that older Australians who move into care are well looked after in a home-like situation. I am also currently studying to be a Registered Nurse with seven months to go.

What do you like most about your role and working at Coorparoo Aged Care?

I love working with older people, hearing their experiences and talking to them to make their days better. I love to see the residents smiling and having fun. I enjoy going home at night knowing I have made a difference in the life of one, or more, of our residents.

What’s the most challenging thing about working in aged care?

Working in an aged care home can be a demanding environment to work in, and often you will be on your feet most of the day. Some residents can have a lot of challenges; however a smile will often go a long way to making someone feel better and I am happy to help where I can.

What is a special memory you have from working at Coorparoo Aged Care?

I have many special memories here at Coorparoo because there are so many special people who I share my workdays with. These are residents of the home and many of the staff.

When I first started at Coorparoo, I had lovely, helpful, and supportive team members who encouraged me and increased my confidence. I feel very privileged to have shared the last days of several residents and to be able to provide them with the very best care I could give. There are many special people here who have given me many special memories.

World Chocolate Day!

Residents and staff have celebrated World Chocolate Day!

It’s safe to say that everyone was happy to join in the delicious festivities. Yummy!