DJ Jill gets everyone groovin’ at Lakes Entrance

Music connects people across generations and our very own ‘golden oldie’ resident DJ is teaching our Care Community a thing or two about great tunes.

Bringing comfort and communicating powerful messages that remind us of our shared experiences, music stimulates memory and enjoyment, especially in older people.

At Lakes Entrance Care Community in Victoria’s East Gippsland, Radio Aroha is the channel of choice for our residents, families, and team members. Every Monday and Thursday at 10am, resident Jill curates a playlist of favourites, designed to boost everyone’s day.

It’s all about love

“Aroha is a te reo Māori word that essentially means love,” explains general manager, Annelize. “It’s a word that has significant meaning for us. We’re passionate about life at our Care Community, and Radio Aroha captures that spirit.”

The power of music runs in Jill’s blood. After moving to Melbourne as a teenager, Jill took drama and music classes, before getting involved in organising concerts and performances. Jill’s strong community ties through music in Lakes Entrance over 30 years have helped her build new connections at our Care Community.

“My love for music has been with me for as long as I remember,” she says. “Growing up with no power, family evenings were spent singing together around the piano. I was hooked. Musicals and plays at school? You bet I was involved!”

Toe-tapping into the transformative power of music

Annelize and our team were keen to help Jill keep her passion alive. So, when Jill proposed the idea of a Care Community ‘channel’ where residents nominate their favourite tracks to be played, our team worked with Jill to make it happen. It’s become a highly anticipated event on our Care Community calendar, where residents gather to sing, dance and reminisce.

For resident Erle, Radio Aroha recalls evenings spent singing duets with his wife Roberta – an environment that encouraged the couple’s youngest daughter to build a successful career as an opera singer.

“I just love music,” says Erle. “It doesn’t matter what it is.”

Resident James, who taught himself to play piano and often played for family and friends, loves classical music, while the tunes take resident Trevor back to his days growing up on a farm, singing into his microphone.

Residents with limited mobility or those who have difficulty connecting with others have found Radio Aroha especially beneficial.

“Our residents love it, and it’s been a profoundly meaningful experience for Jill,” says Annelize.

“One of our residents, who preferred to stay in her bedroom, is now present every time we run Radio Aroha, moving her feet and clapping her hands. It’s beautiful to see.”

“When we listen to music, we share something good,” says Jill.

“Something as simple as a song you haven’t heard for a while can change your day. When I see people who otherwise struggle to communicate smile and tap their feet, I get excited. I feel so good sharing something that improves their lives.”