Harmony Day at Polaris House was more than just a celebration — it was a powerful reflection of connection, community and the values at the heart of our Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) Service Model.
With the support of Shizuka, a private Occupational Therapist in Perth who mentors Japanese OTs, and our Supported Independent Living Coordinator, Chenae, we welcomed a special Japanese delegation for a day filled with cultural exchange, learning and laughter.
For those unfamiliar with Polaris House, it’s a warm and supportive home for people living with Younger Onset Dementia, designed to foster independence and meaningful engagement. This made it the perfect setting to host our Japanese visitors, who connected effortlessly with members of Polaris House through activities like table tennis and Uno — proving that language is no barrier to joy and shared experiences.
Highlights included a Japanese-style hairdresser, learning about the tradition of wearing a Kimono for special occasions and enjoying a BBQ lunch with delicious desserts.
Shizuka shared just how deeply the visit resonated:
“The kids had a great time. It was their first experience playing table tennis and table games with real Aussies while learning English and about Australian culture. They were amazed by Frank’s life story, which reflected the person-centred and enabling approach I explained before the visit. They truly felt part of a compassionate community.”
Shizuku continued:
“Yuki, 12 years old, was so inspired by what he saw that he now wants to become an OT in Australia. Seeing firsthand how OTs work with each person’s strengths gave him great joy and respect for the profession.”
The event beautifully reflected the YOD Service Model:
- Reablement approach – meaningful activities that embrace individual strengths.
- Community participation – fostering connections and encouraging social engagement.
- Household model – welcoming visitors into our home and sharing a meal.
- Skilled care – ensuring everyone could take part in their own way, with support from the amazing Polaris Team.
A big thank you to Shizuka, Chenae and the entire Polaris Team for making Harmony Day such a memorable experience for our Japanese visitors and members of Polaris House.
