General News
24 March, 2025
Centenarian Hazel inspires meaningful care across Grampians Health
Jackie Exell knows her grandmother, Hazel, is unlikely to remember details of her grand 100th birthday party.
The centenarian is unlikely to recall the names of all the relatives who travelled across Victoria and interstate to celebrate her milestone birthday.
Ms Exell, who achieved her Diploma of Dementia Care following her grandmother’s diagnosis, knows that memory comes in different forms.
“They might not remember who you are, but they won’t forget how you make them feel,” she said of people living with dementia," she said.
“Grandma knows something exciting’s happening, and she’ll love the celebration, even if she doesn’t remember it.”
Ms Exell’s career as Grampians Health’s Meaningful Life Manager is shaped around sparking joy and building purpose among care community residents.
“My transition into this role has definitely been inspired by grandma, Hazel,” she said.
“I think I brought that perspective to the role of how challenging it can be to move a loved one into a care community and to experience something like dementia.”
Through her studies, Ms Exell developed ideas on how to build meaning into her grandmother's life.
“I created a family tree on her wardrobe, with all of our names and faces, and if you point at someone, she will often start talking and remembering things,” she said.
“She was a very good tennis player, so we often play balloon tennis; her reflexes are pretty incredible.
“It’s about doing things that are purposeful to her and adapted to her current ability.”
It’s the same approach Ms Exell applies to all residents in her care, spread across the five Grampians Health campuses.
“Hazel is front of mind in the way I lead my team,” she said.
“We’re always striving to provide person-centred care and to create opportunities for meaningful engagement.”
Hazel’s taken several weeks to believe she’s achieved centenarian status, strengthened by her granddaughter's staggered distribution of honorary cards.
“I’ve had letters arriving from everywhere; one from the King, a few from Government house, another from Parliament,” Ms Exell said.
“I’m giving them to her, one per day, to build that momentum and excitement.”
During her birthday week, a fleet of vintage cars were showcased for residents at Kurrajong Lodge.
Hazel went for a joy ride in a car made in the same year she was born, 1925.
It was a busy weekend for Ms Exell, who also celebrated her maternal grandfather’s 95th party – Colin Thomas happens to share a birthday with Hazel.
“Not many people, at my age, have any grandparents, let alone two,” she said.
“I’m incredibly lucky.”
