Celebrating lifelong companionship is an important option for many couples who move into residential aged care together.
Love knows no age, and for many couples, it lasts a lifetime – abd while Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, for the residents of many of Hall & Prior’s aged care homes in WA, NSW and ACT, love is something they celebrate every day.
Love doesn’t fade with age- it evolves, deepens, and continues to bring joy. For couples in aged care, maintaining that special connection is essential to their well-being and happiness, so here are our top ten ways to encourage love to spring eternal for couples living together in residential aged care.
- Couples’ Suites and Shared Rooms
Providing dedicated accommodation for couples allows them to stay together while receiving the care they need. Many of Hall & Prior’s aged care homes offer private, double rooms so partners can continue sharing their lives under one roof.
- Personalised Care Plans for Two
Each individual has unique care requirements, but couples should have plans that consider their shared routines, preferences, and emotional needs. Customised care ensures they can still enjoy meals, activities, and daily moments together.
- Celebrating Anniversaries and Special Milestones
Recognising wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and significant relationship moments can reinforce love and shared memories. Our aged care homes take a special pride in organising meaningful celebrations for anniversaries and birthdays, complete with a special meal, a favourite cake, music, decorations and visitors to help raise a glass to the happy couple.
- Romantic Dining Experiences
A candlelit dinner or a cosy afternoon tea can be a beautiful way for couples to reconnect. Please ask the Director of Nursing about the opportunity to create special dining experiences, offering a restaurant-style setting for a private date night.
- Encouraging Shared Hobbies and Activities
Whether it’s gardening, music, or art, keeping couples engaged in their favourite pastimes fosters connection. Our Allied Health and Occupational Therapy teams are happy to arrange activities that cater to shared interests, ensuring couples continue to bond over what they love.
- Regular Outings for Two
A simple trip to a favourite park, café, or beach can spark moments of joy and nostalgia. Allowing couples to go on supervised outings together helps them maintain their sense of adventure and independence, and create new memories which they can share together and with family and friends.
- Daily Moments of Togetherness
From enjoying morning coffee together to sharing bedtime routines, small rituals keep relationships strong. Our staff can support these daily moments by ensuring couples have time and space to be alone when desired.
- Couples’ Wellness and Relaxation Sessions
Massage therapy, yoga, or even yoga or meditation can be enjoyed as a couple. Wellness activities designed for two promote relaxation, emotional connection, and physical comfort.
- Technology to Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Encouraging video calls and digital photo sharing with family helps keep couples connected to their broader support network. Virtual connection can enhance emotional well-being and prevent feelings of isolation.
- Respecting and Supporting Emotional Intimacy
Emotional and physical closeness remain important at any age. Hall & Prior respects and facilitates couples’ need for privacy, companionship, and affection in a dignified manner.
By prioritising love and companionship in aged care, we can ensure that couples continue to share beautiful moments, even in later years.