13 January 2020
Esprit Café is a Regis Aged Care initiative to help people start talking about major moments in their life. This can include moving into aged care, dealing with confronting news, coming to terms with dying and how to cope once a loved one has passed away. Our cafés are warm, inviting spaces open to residents, their families and interested friends and we’re proud to run them in all of our homes.
This free service is all about helping you and the people you care for understand how to adapt and see the joys in life again. A trained social worker initiates conversations and facilitates discussions between all those involved – it can be as general or as specific as you need and you can feel comfortable speaking your mind in a trusted environment. The Esprit Café is a comforting place where friendships can truly be formed. Even if you only want to sit and share a cup of tea or coffee and listen to others, we welcome you – it could be the first step you need.
One of our dedicated social workers commented on our Esprit Café by saying:
“The program has impressed me with positive outcomes for family members and the residents themselves. I feel privileged to be part of this program which has the potential to benefit so many people and I look forward with anticipation to the experience as it moves forward.”
For residents and their families, Esprit Café has allowed for positive reflection about aged care and in turn has reduced the fear of talking about death, dying, grief and loss. This initiative connects residents and their families with a support network of like-minded individuals which is having very positive impacts on everyone engaged.
On average, each session has approximately 4-7 attendees and the responses have been extremely encouraging. One Café patron at Regis Cranbourne said:
“It was lovely to meet such a nice group of superheroes.”
Whilst another attendee from Regis Dandenong commented saying that:
“This group is very helpful. It provides an escape from the stresses of dealing with my mother’s sickness. Discussing daily challenges with others who have been through similar circumstances really helps a lot.”
To find out more about our Esprit Café, talk to your local Regis Facility Manager or call 1300 998 100 or visit regis.com.au.
