FEATURE - Bupa Aged Care Car Show
Words & Photos: David Giammetta, Bupa Aged Care
We all know that time spent driving, working on and restoring a classic car, or even wandering around a car show can be great therapy and bring some sunshine into your day. But what about when you’re too old to get behind the wheel, under the car or out to an event?
Retirement home residents may no longer be allowed to drive and it may be too inconvenient to get out to car shows, so one enterprising car club decided to bring the car show to the retirement home.
Just for Bill
On Father’s Day last year, the Sydney-based Old Motoring Club brought a small group of their cars to Bupa Aged Care in Bankstown, ostensibly to honour resident and club founder, Bill Prigg, but also to rekindle memories and bring some happiness to other residents.
“Bill was unable to come to us so we went to Bupa Bankstown for a surprise visit,” Old Motoring Club Secretary, Tracy Cutrupi, explained.
“Bill and his wife Mavis were the founders of the Old Motoring Club and so when Bill retired as secretary in 2013, I filled the position with Bill close by my side. Bill and Mavis would always receive a hand delivered copy of the monthly club journal and believe it or not, I still do it now.
“Bill isn’t just an ex-member, he is a member of our family who created a legacy and culture within the club,” Cutrupi added.
The 95-year-old Bupa Bankstown resident previously owned a well-maintained XL Falcon sedan during his time with the Old Motoring Club, and while that car has long since changed hands, there were other highlights to be found amongst the classics the club had on display, including a very tidy LJ Torana sedan.
Cutrupi brought along her own ’62 Chevy Bel Air, which has a long family history.
“The Bel Air belonged to my father - he bought it brand new and I’ve owned it ever since he passed away,” Cutrupi said.
“The Chevy was our family car then. Now, I use it to take my family to our Sunday club events and to special gatherings such as the Father’s Day Show at Bupa Bankstown for our mate Bill.”
Doing Good
While it was a good day out for the club members, the display was of greater benefit to residents, especially those suffering with dementia, as Bupa Bankstown Recreational Activities Officer, Ruth O'Toole, explained.
"The sheer joy that cars from their era bring to the home is astounding - they start talking about their first dates and their first car and all the things they did in them. This was a priceless experience for all the residents at our home,” O’Toole said.
This point was reaffirmed by Bupa’s Head of Dementia Services, Margaret Ryan, who said the day was all about bringing like-minded people together irrespective of what they drive.
“A classic car show is a social way to relieve stress and engage in meaningful and joyful conversations with our residents,” Ryan said.
“For people living with dementia, keeping active and socially engaged is wonderful for their self-esteem and general wellbeing.
“For older people, their risk of dementia may even be reduced when they are connecting and reconnecting with what they love and enjoy.
“Classic cars are a form of nostalgic therapy for our residents. In what other way can someone choose an era where they’d like to return? They simply choose the year of car, pick a model, pick a colour, tune in to their favourite AM radio station and they’re instantly transported back to a time and place of their choice. It is a ‘virtual reality’ for those who were born before the term virtual reality even existed,” Ryan added.
Cars for the Aged
According to statistics compiled by healthdirect.gov.au, there are more than 400,000 people in Australia who have dementia. Of those, 50 per cent are residents in aged care facilities, which is why Ryan said it is so important to have events such as the Old Motoring Club display at the facility.
“Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure [for dementia], so we choose to focus on maximising the quality of life and meaningful moments for people with dementia and their families. This is why we take pride in our Person First Approach to tailored care within our homes.”
If you’re in a car club and would like to do good for the aged in your community on Father’s Day this year, like the Old Motoring Club did last year, contact a retirement home in your area. This is a great initiative and it’d be even greater if it was rolled out at other aged care facilities around Australia. As the Bupa Bankstown show demonstrated, even a small display can have a big impact.
