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Maggie Beer’s Big Mission: July 23

With a visit from the Minister for Aged Care it’s time for Maggie to step back and let the staff & residents settle into a new way of living.

In the final episode of Maggie Beer’s Big Mission the pressure is on and cracks are showing as the team push to make the improvements, in time for the Minister for Aged Care’s visit.

Maggie and her team are halfway through the experiment and there is still so much to do. The pressure is on and the cracks are showing as they push to get everything ready in time for the Minister for Aged Care’s visit. The staff, having completed their training in Elizabeth and Julies’ improved model of care, put their new knowledge and skills into action. Maggie, Elizabeth and Julie run a “porridge tasting” for the care staff, to demonstrate what true personal choice looks, feels and tastes like. Residents are encouraged to get involved with the outdoor transformation, helping to paint the giant mural on the balcony wall.

Renovations are completed and the home’s environment has a new lease on life. The once derelict courtyard is now buzzing with life, a place for residents, families, and staff to enjoy and the balcony is now inviting, full of new plants – and features the vibrant mural. The dining rooms are light and bright, no longer clinical. Tables are set with tablecloths, napkins, and little vases of flowers. The buffet opens – staff and residents take it all in their stride – enjoying the new offerings and the opportunity for choice. Residents happily self serve their own breakfast and care staff are encouraging and supportive – happy to see residents engaged.

Making the transition to aged care can be confronting – we see Berry prepar- ing to move out of his villa and into the home to be with his wife Barbara. Giving residents purpose and meaning is key to aiding that transition. The introduction of daily job roles sees residents helping set the dining rooms – filling sugar bowls, setting tables, even ironing napkins. Residents enjoy the new activities and the chance to be useful, to have purpose. The kitchen however is still in crisis as they make the move to using fresh produce and cooking from scratch. It’s clear the staff do not have the skills to manage the changes and Maggie must continue teaching the basics – she’s back in the kitchen to give more baking lessons.

8:30pm Tuesday on ABC.

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