Carnival @ St Joseph’s Home: Bringing Choice and Social Connection

SGSAC volunteer team

On the 22^nd August 2026, in partnership with St Joseph’s Home (STJH), the SUSS Gerontology Students and Alumni Committee (SGSAC) organised a carnival that promoted meaningful engagement and social connection between volunteers, caregivers and residents of the home.  A total of 14 volunteers facilitated six game booths, engaging around 30 nursing home residents and their caregivers were engaged over the course of a Saturday morning.

Volunteers hosting the carnival booths

Residents playing a mix of physical and cognitive games

A key feature of the carnival was its person-centred approach, offering an inclusive, choice-based activity for STJH residents. The mix of cognitive and physical games allowed residents of different abilities to participate meaningfully. For example, volunteers adapted activities by bringing a resident closer to the target during Tin Can Bowling if they were unable to throw a bean bag over a longer distance.

The team at the prize redemption booth

A wide variety of prizes was made available for residents to choose from, ranging from drinks and snacks, to personal care items such as medicated ointments and clothing accessorie. Each resident was also entitled to a large ‘mystery’ prize, which included useful items such as pillows, mugs and even portable radios.

Volunteers and caregivers engaging and encouraging the residents

The event also sought to ensure that residents could participate regardless of their individual support arrangements. Volunteers assisted with portering residents who did not have next-of-kin support, working alongside the STJH care team to facilitate their participation throughout the carnival.

We thank the management team at St Joseph’s Home, particularly its Community Partnerships & Communications team, for partnering with us for this meaningful initiative. We also extend our appreciation to our alumni and volunteers for contributing their time and energy to the event.

While the games may have been simple, the interactions they created were meaningful. More than a morning of activities, the carnival provided an opportunity to put into practice an important principle of aging well: dignified participation that fosters social connection, inclusion and a sense of belonging.