Expanding lifestyle support for hospital patient
Funds raised through the Bendigo Health Foundation are helping bring more connection, activity and joy to patients during their hospital stay.
A lifestyle coordinator role, initially established on Ward 6C, has now been expanded to two additional wards at the Bendigo Hospital thanks to donations from our community. This program gives patients the opportunity to take part in activities, spend time with others or simply enjoy a change of environment.
Lifestyle Coordinator Ben Sam sees firsthand the difference these moments can make.
“Many patients really enjoy having something to look forward to during the day. Even simple activities or just having a chat can make a big difference to how engaged and settled they feel,” Ben said.
The change across the wards is noticeable.
“Normally you walk onto a ward and patients are very quiet and not really engaging. Now you walk up here and you see smiles on their faces.”
Activities provided include singing, music, quizzes, chair yoga, balloon and soft-ball activities and group social sessions. The program provides patients with opportunities to connect, stay active and break up the routine of a hospital stay.
For patients spending an extended period in hospital, these moments of social connection and activity make a meaningful difference.
Already, feedback on the expanded program is overwhelmingly positive, with patients and their families noting that without this role, many patients may have no access to structured social engagement or activity during the day.
Donations to the Bendigo Health Foundation help create moments like these for patients.