Donwood Community Aged Care Services Inc

23/12/2025

23/12/2025

Donwood at a Glance - the 2025 Christmas Edition #63. http://eepurl.com/jvniao to view in your browser

18/12/2025

https://pixies.et/Vb2fTxeO

Over three festive days, Donwood was filled with joy, connection, and Christmas spirit as more than 1,000 people came together to celebrate the season.

Residents, families, volunteers, staff, and members of the wider community enjoyed special Christmas luncheons, vibrant Christmas markets, and the magic of beautiful Christmas lights illuminating the grounds each evening.

The celebrations created a welcoming space where people could slow down, reconnect, and share meaningful moments together.

“At Donwood, Christmas is about togetherness,” the Donwood CEO – Natasha Wilkinson said. “When we look around, we don’t just see residents we see people who bring heart, warmth, and life to our community.

We see families who surround us with love and support, volunteers who give their time so generously, and dedicated staff who show compassion and commitment every single day.”

The events were filled with music, laughter, shared stories, and quiet moments of connection, experiences that many described as the true essence of Christmas.

Natasha stated “These moments sitting side by side, sharing a meal, listening to music become the memories we hold onto. They are what make Donwood feel like a true family,”.

At the heart of the celebrations were Donwood’s residents, whose presence and stories continue to shape the community.

“Our residents give meaning to everything we do. Their strength, wisdom, and life experiences enrich our days in ways words can’t fully capture.”

The Christmas gatherings served as a reminder of the importance of pausing to appreciate one another and recognising the beauty in simple, shared moments.

Enjoy these.photos captured beautifully,

byalexphotography.squarespace.com

Photo collection by byalex photography

17/12/2025

Once again, we are proud to support
The Freedom Initiative in Ringwood East through our much-loved Giving Tree.

Our wonderful Donwood community — staff, residents, and families — generously purchased gifts and placed them beneath the tree, all with the aim of bringing joy to children in need.

These gifts will be distributed to children in the coming week, helping to spread kindness, hope, and Christmas cheer.
Thank you to everyone who contributed so thoughtfully.

17/12/2025

Painting with Balloons

Painting with balloons is a wonderful, inclusive activity for older adults, especially in aged care and community settings. It’s gentle, joyful and very adaptable

Why balloon painting works well for the elderly
Low impact & joint-friendly – no tight grip needed like with brushes

Improves hand–eye coordination and gentle arm movement

Sensory stimulation – colour, texture, movement

Encourages creativity without pressure (there’s no “right way”)

Supports social connection – lots of laughter and shared moments

Accessible for people with dementia or limited mobility

16/12/2025

Chair Exercises for the Elderly

Gentle Movement with Powerful Benefits
Chair exercises are a safe, accessible way for older adults to stay active while seated or supported. They are ideal for people with limited mobility, balance concerns, or those recovering from illness or injury.

Key Benefits
1. Improves Mobility & Flexibility
Gentle movements help keep joints supple, reduce stiffness, and support everyday activities like standing, reaching, and walking.

2. Builds Strength
Simple exercises for the legs, arms, and core help maintain muscle strength, supporting independence and reducing the risk of falls.

3. Enhances Balance & Stability
Even while seated, exercises that engage the core and legs can improve balance and confidence with movement.

4. Boosts Circulation
Regular movement encourages blood flow, helping to reduce swelling in the legs and improve overall cardiovascular health.

5. Supports Mental Wellbeing
Exercise releases endorphins, which can lift mood, reduce anxiety, and support cognitive function. Group sessions also encourage social connection.

6. Increases Confidence & Independence
Maintaining strength and mobility helps older adults feel more capable in daily life.

Plus, we have fun!

16/12/2025

Our final Church Christmas Service for 2025.
Thank you to Robbie, Marion, Ken, Tim, Susie and Katherine for your on going services throughout the year.
Our heartfelt thanks to our special guest today, Chris and our wonderful International volunteers for singing "Silent Night" in German.

07/12/2025

Our Christmas festivities started today with our
Donwood Carols.
Our residents, families and our extended community were treated to Maroondah Brass band along with U3A Croydon singers working together to give us an afternoon of Christmas songs and carols.

28/11/2025

Edition 62 - Donwood at a Glance, see what we did in November.

23/11/2025