18 March 2025

Jackie Exell knows her grandmother, Hazel, is unlikely to remember details of her grand 100th birthday party.

Hazel is unlikely to recall the names of all the relatives, who travelled across Victoria and interstate, to celebrate her milestone birthday.

But Jackie, who achieved her Diploma of Dementia Care following her grandmother’s diagnosis, knows that memory comes in different forms.

“They might not remember who you are, but they won’t forget how you make them feel,” Jackie said of people living with dementia.

“Grandma knows something exciting’s happening and she’ll love the celebration, even if she doesn’t remember it.”

Jackie’s career, as Grampians Health’s Meaningful Life Manager, is shaped around sparking joy and building purpose among care community residents. “My transition into this role has definitely been inspired by grandma, Hazel,” she said.

“I think I brought that perspective to the role, of how challenging it can be to move a loved one into a care community and to experience something like dementia.”

Through her studies, Jackie developed ideas on how to build meaning into Hazel’s life.

“I created a family tree on her wardrobe, with all of our names and faces and, if you point at someone, she will often start talking and remembering things,” Jackie said.

“She was a very good tennis player, so we often play balloon tennis; her reflexes are pretty incredible.

“It’s about doing things that are purposeful to her and adapted to her current ability.”

It’s the same approach Jackie applies to all residents in the care communities she oversees, spread across the five Grampians Health campuses.

“Hazel is front of mind in the way I lead my team,” she said.

“We’re always striving to provide person-centred care and to create opportunities for meaningful engagement.”

It’s taken several weeks for Hazel to believe she’s achieved centenarian status, strengthened by Jackie’s staggered distribution of honorary cards.

“I’ve had letters arriving from everywhere; one from the King, a few from Government house, another from Parliament,” Jackie said.

“I’m giving them to her, one per day, to build that momentum and excitement.”

During her birthday week, a fleet of vintage cars were showcased for residents at Kurrajong Lodge; Hazel went for a joy ride in a car that was made in the same year she was born, 1925.

It was a busy weekend for Jackie, who also celebrated her maternal grandfather’s 95th party – Colin Thomas happens to share a birthday with Hazel.

“Not many people, at my age, have any grandparents let alone two,” Jackie said.

“I’m incredibly lucky.”