The Cairns Aged Care Centre Launches the 'Muller Project'

“Cooking activities offer significant benefits for all individuals and it is beneficial for those experiencing signs of Dementia,” says Aileen, the Centre Manager of The Cairns Aged Care Centre’s (“The Cairns”) and of the new cooking program for residents residing in the Centre’s Memory Support Unit.  

The Centre’s Memory Support Unit is a specialised section of the Centre that caters residents impacted by Dementia and Alzheimer's. In 2024, the Centre launched the ‘Muller Project’, which aims to find new avenues to promote resident care and engagement, particularly through Lifestyle activities.  

As part of the Muller Project planning, a brainstorming session was initiated to imagine new activities that this specialised cohort may wish to engage in. Some of the programs developed as part of the Project include music, art classes, and exercise classes. However, it is the cooking classes that have been the most popular.  

“We had residents that normally wouldn’t come out of their rooms or who had challenging behaviours related to Dementia, who now come out and enjoy the cooking classes,” Alieen explains. “Engaging in cooking not only stimulates the senses but also provides cognitive and emotional benefits. The process of preparing food helps to engage memory, fine motor skills, and focus, which can be particularly beneficial for those with cognitive decline. The aroma of spices and ingredients fills the air, which can evoke positive memories and emotions.” 

Alieen also notes that the Project has made special consideration for the cohort’s behaviour management. “We recognise that managing a specialised cohort of residents requires balancing their needs carefully,” she says. “To maintain a calm and harmonious environment, we carefully match residents with similar needs. This thoughtful approach supports the wellbeing of our residents and helps to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for everyone in the unit.” 

Care Service Employee and Lifestyle Assistant, John, notes that it is the sense of nostalgia, and the memories associated with cooking that seem to engage residents. “I like to think it brings them back to their younger years – reminding them of cooking for their family or with a grandparent,” he says. Not only has this activity provided connection for residents, but it has also united the staff members working on the Muller Project. “I feel this activity has brought the staff closer and management will often join in and help,” says John. 

Similarly, Care Service Employee, Betty, also reflects on the positive memories that cooking can conjure up for residents. “It’s wonderful watching them crack an egg, measure out ingredients or whisk up ingredients,” Betty states. “Their sense of accomplishment or being part of a community cooking together; the nostalgic memories that this activity evokes and the smells that then leads to further conversations - this is what inspires me.”  

For Betty, it’s also about the sense of community that the Muller Project encourages. “Being present in the moment and just being with our residents; the smiles from residents, families, and staff as they enjoy eating what they’ve made,” she says. “When the Unit is filled with the delicious aroma of whatever we are cooking, we will often get comments from colleagues coming in and saying they could smell the delicious aroma from the front foyer and reception.”