TWO Cabanda Care residents were involved in a Life Reflections project with the Rotary Club of Ipswich City.

“This is a new venture for the Rotary Club of Ipswich City and for the Pilot Project, the Club partnered with Cabanda Care, in what we hope will be the first of many more to come," said Club member, Jan Gladsden, who is managing the Life Reflections project.

“We’re so grateful for this opportunity to work with Cabanda Care, and in particular, our very first residents, Doris Jeffrey and Reg Grieve.

“Working with Doris and Reg has been an absolute delight and privilege.”

My Life Reflections gives aged care residents a platform from which to celebrate their life.

“We meet over a few sessions and record their reflections and highlights, then write the content to capture the essence of their journey, along with special photos,” Jan explained.

“We fine-tune this together, then design and present their album as a treasured memento, which can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“It’s like their own mini-Australia story. It’s about their thoughts, feelings, family and memories”.

On Monday, Doris and Reg were presented with their My Life Reflections by Jan during a special morning tea at Cabanda.

Jan told the gathering that the project was close to her heart.

“My mum spent her final months in aged care, at Seabrae Manor.

“My mum used to say this twilight stage is more about looking back than forward, and reminiscing.

“That’s where Life Reflections fits in”.

Jan added that the partnership project between the Club and Cabanda Care was an ideal fit.

“By partnering with Cabanda Care, Rosewood, we have the opportunity to support their vision 'to promote and enhance ageing with dignity, respect and quality of life’.

“In turn, this benefits the local community, and supports Rotary’s ethos of 'service above self'.

“Both Doris and Reg have incredible stories, and I was honoured to be a part of their journey.”