WHEN a fourth lockdown was announced for Victoria, it was tough for everyone to hear.
But staff and residents at one aged care facility is determined not to let COVID-19 get in the way of their happiness. So they sent it a very clear message, set to the tune to classic 90s tune Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.
With lyrics like "I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never going to keep me down", it's clear the residents at Lifeview Emerald Glades are not going to let the virus win.
The village's social support coordinator Marc Zywaczewski said he came up with the video idea as a way to keep spirits high among staff and residents.
"With the pressure lockdown puts on staff, I thought it was appropriate to lift the morale of staff and residents," Marc told The Senior.
He said that the video has received great feedback, with families commenting on social media.
"It's beautiful to see so many family members commenting and it shows them that we're fine and we're still here."
The video shows residents and staff dancing, singing and taking part in their normal day-to-day social activities - and having lots of fun doing it!
"What you saw in the video is the day-to-day activities that are on regardless of lockdown," Marc said.
He has also found other ways to keep the residents entertained, including organising an Elvis impersonator to serenade residents from outside the window due to lockdown restrictions - though due to snowy conditions in Victoria, this had to be postponed.
"The joke was Elvis has left the building because he's not allowed in."
Marc said residents were also actively exploring the outside world by bringing it into the facility, thanks to an Amazing Race style competition being run between Emerald Glades and three other Lifeview facilities which sees residents be immersed in other cultures through activities and food.
"We were just in Dubai on a layover and from there we leave for Kenya were we will be doing a few drumming challenges."
But other than the extra social activities, Marc and the team have been determined to make life as normal as possible for the residents.
He said many volunteers had completed their infection control training, which meant bingo, the gardening club and even the therapy dog programs were still up and running. The staff, referred to as housemates by the residents to ensure a more homely feel, were even helping those of faith attend church services online.