Wild West Wednesday was always popular for the residents of Lifeview Argyle Court, but when they used the day to film their own version of the ‘Git Up Challenge’, the video they created extended the joy to thousands more viewers online.
With COVID-19 making aged care homes the focus of deep concern at the moment, the video of staff and residents whooping it up is hugely gratifying.
The organiser of the video, social support coordinator, Marc Zywaczewski, told HelloCare watching the viewer numbers rise past 2,000 was much better than watching the other numbers receiving attention at the moment, a reference to Victoria’s rising COVID-19 tally.
“I didn’t expect it to go as crazy as it has,” he said.
Making the video was hugely enjoyable for both staff and residents, Mr Zywaczewski said.
“It’s always our ambition to engage, laugh and have fun,” he said, and creating this video was no exception. Staff and residents were “in hysterics” during filming, he said, chuckling at the recollection.
COVID-19 has been a difficult time, Mr Zywaczewski admitted. “But we Australians can still get on with it and have a laugh.”
Mr Zywaczewski brings to the video his own theatrical flair. An actor in his former life, Mr Zywaczewski says he has found his calling in aged care.
He told HelloCare he was living in Los Angeles, and between auditions found himself watching videos about dementia and aged care.
“I found another calling,” he said. He returned home to Australia and retrained, and hasn’t looked back. He has been working in aged care now for five years.
He loves bringing fun into the residents’ lives. “I love it,” he said. “I can’t think of a way I’d rather spend my time.”
“I’m so happy so many people have seen the video. It shows that we can still be happy.” Despite it all, he says, “the focus should still be on gratitude for what we have.”
