Community
21 March, 2025
Residents call for music retention
FOR many residents in residential aged care homes, music can be a wonderful outlet for relaxation, social interaction and pure enjoyment.
But for the almost 200 residents of Lyndoch Living in Warrnambool (which is now owned by the ‘Respect’ group), music sessions have, sadly, been reduced to the point of almost non-existence.
And according to resident Victor Caulfield, many residents have been left disappointed.
“It’s very sad really; music gives us all so much joy and to have that pretty much taken away is disappointing,” he said.
“I believe our local musician has been coming here (to Lyndoch) regularly for about 20 years, possibly more, and he is well loved and respected by not only the residents but also the staff.
“He knows most of us by name and is well versed to offer music therapy. He doesn’t just sing to us, he also takes the time to have a chat and shows a genuine interest in us and our lives and that’s so important as you get older.”
Respect’s managing director and chief executive officer, Jason Binder, acknowledged the changes currently taking place at Lyndoch but is confident decisions are being made for the long-term viability of the facility.
“Understandably, our role in making changes can initially cause some concern when a home first joins Respect,” he said.
“However, in the long term, we are confident Lyndoch will thrive – in both the quality of care provided and the essential resources available to reinvest back into the home.”
He added that Respect has grown as a regional not-for-profit organisation by welcoming Lyndoch into its “family.”
“Typically these organisations join us when facing financial challenges, and it becomes our role to help them turn around,” he said.
“Lyndoch, currently experiencing losses of about $40,000 per month, is no different.
“While it isn’t sustainable long term, it’s also not a concern as we’ve successfully rectified similar situations many times, always ensuring our homes continue to provide good care.”
Mr Binder said that as part of that process at Lyndoch, it was initially decided to discontinue music therapy because it was not funded.
However, after feedback from residents and families it was decided to continue the service in a reduced capacity, ensuring it still provided some benefit to residents.
“We are still in negotiations to increase these hours further, however it’s not an inexpensive service and it must be sustainable without diverting funding from the areas of care that our funding is intended for.”
He added that many of Respect’s other locations help bridge gaps in unfunded services through “vibrant volunteer programs” and that he looked forward to introducing similar initiatives at Lyndoch.
“Our sole purpose is our mission; caring for older people. Once the necessary changes are in place, we look forward to the community hearing a lot of positive news about Lyndoch.”
