Colorful Fashion Events Bring Joy to Aged-Care Residents

Sporting a hot pink blazer and pineapple sunglasses, Judy Ellison believes that color is essential in fashion. The 89-year-old fashion enthusiast, who used to organize fashion events in Dubbo, continues to embrace vibrant hues even while living in aged care. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying and working with colors.

The fashion initiative, Our Timeless Threads, has brought a new sense of excitement to residents at Ballina's RSL Lifecare Florence Price Gardens facility. Founded by nurse Maia Willow, the project combines vintage and pre-loved fashion with aged care experience. Willow organizes fashion events, provides a pop-up store with clothing options, accessories like hats and feather boas, and conducts workshops on creating fashionable meal-time protectors.

Residents express that looking good makes them feel good, highlighting the positive impact of the fashion events. Willow's inspiration for the initiative came from her experience working at an aged-care facility in Alice Springs, where she witnessed the transformative power of clothing on residents. She believes that older individuals deserve to be celebrated for their wisdom and style.

The fashion events not only offer retail therapy but also create a joyful and engaging atmosphere for residents. Participants enjoy browsing through clothing racks, trying on accessories, and joining in parades and photo shoots. The events bring a sense of fun and community spirit to aged-care facilities, lifting the residents' spirits and providing a memorable experience.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.