Aged Care STEM program earns national recognition

Bolton Clarke Montclaire aged care home has taken home the top prize at the Future of Ageing Awards 2024 in the Health and Wellbeing category for their innovative STEM program.

Montclaire Lifestyle Co-ordinator Julie accepted the award, which recognises excellence and innovation in aged care. Julie also earned recognition at the recent Aged and Community Care Providers Association Awards for her work on the program.

The STEM program takes inspiration from the year 12 school curriculum providing residents with the opportunity to keep learning in areas related to science, technology, mathematics and engineering.

Julie says residents have thoroughly enjoyed the program so far learning about anything from 3D printing to interacting with an AI robot.

“We all love to learn and be engaged and we can learn from each other and keep learning as we get older,” she said.

“STEM is about making science and technology more engaging and fun. This program started because my daughter went to see 3D printing with her school, and I thought why can’t we?

“When I spoke to the residents they asked, ‘What is 3D printing?’ I realised it might be easier to see it in action so we went to the local Brighton Library, and so the program developed.”

For resident Tom, his career as a pilot encouraged continuous study to keep his skills current and he still enjoys the challenge of learning new things.

“I didn’t think I would be doing this in aged care, and I find it really interesting,” Tom said.

“I was a pilot on commercial flights and because you had to have discipline and always learn and re-learn things, I’m used to the importance of constantly learning.

“I like being occupied with the activities and I think it’s really important.”

Bolton Clarke’s Callisto Place Retirement Village was also a finalist in the Property and Design category.