The centre has recently initiated a program called Best Week which is a way of introducing tailored and meaningful activity into the lives of residents in the Whiddon care home.

Resident Bill is a keen angler and has been fishing all his life.

As a lifetime member of the Laurieton local fishing club, he’s fished the waters for many years.

For Bill’s Best Week staff packed up the bus with fishing gear, food for a BBQ and headed down to one of Bill’s fishing spots, Dunbogan. 

When asked if Bill was looking forward to the trip he said ‘too right I am’.

Bill said it would be special to catch up with old mates, throw a line in and have a barbie.

It didn’t matter to Bill that he didn’t catch a fish that day as he said it was great just to be there to enjoy what he loves. 

Whiddon Group relationship based care program manager Vicki Coumbe said for Best Week to work effectively staff are required to get to know the residents really well through communication with them and their families. 

"We find out about what kind of activities they enjoyed when they were younger as well as their achievements and what they are passionate about today,"she said. 

Vicki said there is an emphasis on inclusion for those who might have illness, mobility issues or a disability. 

"No one is left out," she said. 

"Everyone has the opportunity to go out and do a special activity which is catered to their individual needs." 

Vicki said the program enables residents to achieve their personal goals, relive old hobbies or tick off items that may be on their wish list.