Quality of life at OCAV reflected in the yearly figures

Behind every number, there is a story. And in OCAV’s case, it is a story of older people who thrive in whichever village community they are living.

A standout in the yearly figures are the number of women and men aged 90 and over, each contributing actively to village life and putting pay to the stereotype of older people.

In Braeside Park, there are four 90 plus year olds in the community of 47; Leith Park has 12 residents who are 90 plus, and Rushall Park is home to 18 people who are over 90. In Liscombe House, there is one centenarian.

Kerry Feistl, Director of Nursing, said: “One of the reasons I am often told by residents for their longevity is because there is plenty to do whether it is in Liscombe House or in the villages, and they feel safe and secure. That makes us all proud.”

Of OCAV’s 477 residents, 100 are men and the average age of all residents is 81. Of the organisation’s 170 staff, 137 staff are women – a reflection of the workforce in aged care and retirement living.

Despite lockdown resulting in not as many volunteers as previous years, OCAV enjoys a strong volunteering culture with 194 volunteers contributing 3,592 hours over the year.

OCAV received strong philanthropic support for projects and programs aimed at strengthening our residents and staff wellbeing. One of the highlights was the arrival of a pop-up retro café for Liscombe House funded by Collier Charitable Fund. Another was the provision of a personalised health kit for every Liscombe House resident thanks to funding from the City of Banyule and Tobin Brothers.

Looking ahead, OCAV will be starting work on the redevelopment of the Men’s Shed at Leith Park through funding from the Ian Rollo Currie Estate, Perpetual Trustees Impact Fund.

“All these generous grants make a huge impact on lives, contributing to the sense of a living community,” Kerry said.