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Lutheran Services Orana Aged Care residents have been regaining their independence thanks to a new 3D printer.
The aged care home in Kingaroy, Queensland has been using a 3D printer to create practical, low-cost assistive aids, such as adaptive pen holders, paintbrush grips, water bottle holders and bingo tools.
Creative programs and volunteer coordinator Sarah Harvey identified the potential of a 3D printer, said Orana service manager Kelly Roberts.
“Sarah came to me with the idea to buy a 3D printer, and when she explained what it could do for our residents, I knew it was worth backing,” Ms Roberts said.
“We’re able to produce mobility grip aids for a fraction of what it costs to purchase similar devices through traditional medical avenues.”
The printer uses the plant-based, renewable bioplastic Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament and can produce items for as little as 30 cents each, making it a sustainable and affordable option for aged care, Ms Roberts said.
“It’s wonderful to see how these simple but personalised solutions are supporting our residents’ independence and participation in activities they enjoy,” she said.
For resident Kay Bochmann, the printer has meant she can play bingo again, resulting in a “fantastic” change in her quality of life, she said.
“I also love the wheelchair-specific device that holds my phone and water bottle – it is a game changer. I am even drinking more water,” Ms Bochmann said.
The possibilities are vast, said Ms Roberts, who is looking forward to exploring the technology’s potential to keep delivering meaningful outcomes for residents.
“I strongly believe this is an initiative that other aged care communities could adopt. It has delivered significant benefits for residents, while also generating strong interest among staff in developing skills with 3D printing programs,” she said.
The initiative is also reflective of the culture of innovation at Orana Aged Care, and the encouragement given to staff to share their ideas on how to respond to residents’ changing needs, Ms Roberts said.
“Our staff know the residents incredibly well and are always thinking of new ways to support them,” she said.
It creates another area of interest for residents as well as an additional opportunity for connection between staff and residents, Ms Roberts said.
“Residents are now regularly stopping to watch the printer in action, [and] even those who don’t usually participate in our creative lifestyle activities are coming out of their rooms to see what’s being made,” she said. “They’re coming to us with requests, and that has opened up a whole new avenue for collaboration.”
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