Culturally connected care: Creating meaningful moments for residents at risk of isolation

In aged care, safety and compliance matter deeply. But so do culture, identity and connection.

At Hope Aged Care in the heart of Brunswick, these elements recently came together in a powerful way through a partnership between BESTMED and Connect the 40%. Thanks to BESTMED’s sponsorship, residents enjoyed personalised gifts and a live performance celebrating Italian and Greek music, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of many who call the home their community.

For Louise Temminghoff, Residential Services Manager at Hope Aged Care, the day was about more than entertainment.

“We have a lovely sense of community here at Brunswick, with some Italian and Greek residents, and we love having that cultural feel here and sense of community,” she said.

The event, made possible through BESTMED’s support of Connect the 40%, created a special opportunity to reach residents who may not typically engage in group activities.

“We are partnering with Connect the 40 today thanks to BESTMED, which is really exciting because it gives us an opportunity to connect with those residents that maybe do not come out to activities and join the rest of the home,” Temminghoff said. “We are bringing them some gifts today which gives them the opportunity to feel connected and experience some joy.”

For one resident, the music struck a particularly personal chord. A staff member shared how she sometimes joins the monthly Greek service and lights up during Greek dance. On this occasion, familiar melodies once again drew her out, reinforcing how culturally meaningful experiences can gently bridge isolation and encourage participation.

The reality across Australia is sobering. It is estimated that up to 40% of residents in aged care receive no visitors at all. That is why Connect the 40% exists.

“It’s Australia’s only platform where people like you can give gifts to residents and bring a smile to their face,” said Janine Yeates from Connect the 40%. “Giving a personalised gift to a resident in aged care is more than just a material gesture, it can really make a difference to their life.”

Through the platform, members of the public can browse individual resident profiles and purchase requested gifts directly. Each gift reinforces identity and individuality, reminding seniors they are seen, valued and remembered.

BESTMED’s involvement reflects a broader philosophy about care.

“At BESTMED, we specialise in medication management software solutions designed to improve medication safety in aged care homes, ensuring that residents receive the right medication at the right time,” said Phil Offer, BESTMED Chief Executive Officer

But the impact goes beyond clinical accuracy.

“These operational efficiencies also help provide opportunities for staff to spend more time with residents, engage in real conversations, and build relationships and meaningful connections,” Phil said. “We are proud to collaborate with Connect the 40% to ultimately enhance resident wellbeing and connection.”

As Australia’s leading medication management network, BESTMED supports more than 120,000 Australians and connects aged care providers with clinicians and pharmacies through real time, cloud based records. By reducing manual processes, minimising human error and streamlining compliance and reporting, BESTMED helps facilities strengthen governance while freeing up valuable staff time.

That time matters.

When medication rounds are safer and more efficient, carers can focus less on paperwork and more on people. More conversation. More cultural celebration. More meaningful moments.

The Hope Aged Care event is just one example. Through BESTMED’s donations, Connect the 40% is delivering gifts and culturally tailored experiences to residents across multiple aged care homes, ensuring that operational excellence translates into emotional impact.

In aged care, culturally appropriate care is not simply about food preferences or language support. It is about recognising the whole person. Their history. Their heritage. Their music. Their memories.

By combining innovative medication management with heartfelt community connection, BESTMED and Connect the 40% are demonstrating that safer systems and stronger relationships go hand in hand.

Because when technology reduces risk and restores time, something powerful happens. Staff can focus on what they do best. Confidently caring for vulnerable Australians, while ensuring that no one is forgotten.

Through BESTMED’s donations, Connect the 40% is delivering gifts and culturally meaningful experiences to residents across multiple aged care homes, turning operational efficiency into genuine human connection.

To learn more or to give a gift to a resident in aged care, visit www.connectthe40.com.au

If you are an aged care provider, pharmacy or clinician looking to strengthen medication safety, improve compliance and free up valuable staff time for meaningful resident engagement, visit www.bestmed.au to discover how BESTMED’s end to end medication management network can support your team and enhance consumer outcomes every day.