A STAFF Christmas initiative dubbed Adopt a Door brought an abundance of joy to the lives of 143 residents at two Toowoomba aged care services this month.   

It was all smiles for Salem Lutheran Rest Home and Northridge Salem’s residents as the result of each employee volunteering their own time to decorate a bedroom door themed around Christmas outside of working hours.

Northridge Salem Director of Nursing Maxine Noone said there was something much deeper on show than tinsel, reindeers and Santa Claus figurines because the activity boosted employee morale and built relationships.

“Staff ran with the annual affair with a vengeance,” she said.

“All employees supplied their own decorations and not one resident was left out.

“Families and residents commented on how festive the services looked and how effectively we have embraced the spirit of Christmas.” 

Northridge Salem’s Enrolled Nurse Sue Pascoe said the enthusiasm has been great and the residents got involved and made it personal for them.

“We all shared it together and kept the decorations attuned to individual’s visual likings,” she said.

Northridge Salem resident Beth Hall, 83, said Salem has brought back the spirit of Christmas for her.

“I couldn’t believe it and asked the lady ‘why me?’” she said.

“The door looked beautiful and was all done up like a present.

“We’ve also sung carols, had Santa visit and enjoyed a Christmas barbecue.”

Salem resident Vi Bowtell, 86, was thrilled to have her door decorated.

“It looks very nice; there’s a big Santa Claus face and tinsel rolls all around the door,” she said.

“There are some beautiful ones that have been done.

“I also like the carols sung throughout the corridors and we also had a beautiful concert here.”

In addition to the Adopt a Door initiative Salem Northridge fundraised to enable each resident to receive a gift on Christmas day matching their individual interests such as gardening, puzzles and cushions.