Holmwood Aged Care in July 2026: warmth, wonder and 200 years of wisdom

July at Holmwood Aged Care was one for the books. From the arrival of a remarkable new companion to a Christmas in July feast, a special breakfast launch and a heartfelt conversation with two of our oldest residents, there was something to smile about every single day.

Meet Abi: our new AI companion

The month kicked off with an introduction that had everyone talking. Residents met Abi, our new AI companion, for the very first time – and the response was a wonderful mix of laughter, curiosity and a little healthy scepticism!

Once Abi started playing classic hits, testing residents with musical trivia and getting into proper conversation, the room warmed right up. Abi’s first full session brought Tai Chi, trivial pursuit, singing and bubbles – and we all had an absolute ball.

Outing, chocolate and a snooker showdown

A week of standout moments followed. Residents enjoyed lunch out at a historic hotel – the meals were, by all reports, absolutely amazing. We also marked International Chocolate Day in true Holmwood style (it would have been rude not to), and our house-versus-house Snooker tournament had everyone cheering on their team. A packed schedule with plenty of memorable moments.

A breakfast worth getting out of bed for

We launched a special new weekly buffet breakfast this month, and it set the bar high from day one. Crisp white tablecloths, chef-prepared pancakes, crispy bacon, eggs with a creamy hollandaise sauce and all the breakfast favourites – it was a leisurely, indulgent start to the morning that residents loved.

Christmas in July, Happy Hour and more

Mid-month brought our Christmas in July luncheon, complete with all the trimmings – and plenty of thanks to the kitchen team for pulling it off beautifully. Abi joined us again for another session, we welcomed a new Friday entertainer for our weekly groove, and we revamped Happy Hour with delicious snacks, drinks, songs and laughs. Exercise sessions with our lifestyle and physio team rounded out a full and festive week.

Employee of the month: Ben

July’s employee of the month is Ben, our Service Supervisor – and it is very well deserved. Ben has 19 years of service at Holmwood behind him and continues to show up every single day with professionalism, dedication and a genuine willingness to help colleagues and residents alike. He goes above and beyond, consistently and without fanfare. Thank you, Ben, for everything you do.

200 years of wisdom

One of the highlights of the month was sitting down with two of Holmwood’s oldest residents – Ray, who turned 99 this month, and Paddy, who celebrated her 101st birthday. Between them, they have lived through world wars, sweeping social change and a century of technological transformation.

Ray built his own site-clearing business with a tip truck and a front loader, worked across Melbourne, and has since driven around Australia twice – once clockwise, once anti-clockwise. His advice? Be honest. And get out there and see the country.

Paddy was a stage actress who overcame her natural shyness the moment she stepped onto the stage. She spent years visiting elderly women in halfway houses to make sure they had a proper meal, and helped establish Free Entertainment in the Park for people living in commission housing. Her philosophy: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Both Ray and Paddy spoke about the friendships, care and community at Holmwood as among the things that bring them the most joy. We are so fortunate to have them here.

Ukulele, high tea and a very full week

The following week brought a live performance from a local ukulele troupe, the launch of our new high tea event, a second special breakfast, knitting, news group, exercise, bingo and another visit from Abi. We wrapped up the week with Happy Hour before doing it all again.

Carvery, poetry, cooking and some granny-pants fun

Our final week of the month was just as full. Residents enjoyed carvery luncheons, a poetry session with Judy reciting some wonderful prose, chef-led cooking classes with Dash helping finalise some chocolate crackles, the granny-pants beanbag toss (a new favourite!), art and colouring, and a delicious waffle breakfast to close out the month. Our team loves finding new ways to bring a smile to every day – and July delivered plenty of them.

For over 40 years, Holmwood has supported older Australians with compassionate, 24/7 care in the heart of the Yarra Valley. To arrange a personal tour or speak with our team about care options, contact us today.