Our extensive trials and statewide tours have demonstrated that this is the case for older people and their carers who experience Forever Young, promoting dignity, autonomy, reciprocity, lack of stigma and social integration.

Currently, Forever Young includes three programs which can be delivered independently or together within residential and community aged care:

One-on-one puppet visits

Two Terrapin puppeteers visit aged care residents in their room, choosing a suitable puppet according to briefing information from staff. This is particularly meaningful for clients with progressed dementia or who are isolated, bringing play, reminiscence and meaningful connection to their day. One-on-one visits can be booked as a half- or full-day engagement, with the Terrapin team visiting up to 16 residents per day.

‘It was interesting that people living with dementia, in some cases advanced, felt so comfortable and engaged so quickly. In some cases, people were able to talk and socialise more easily than with other residents or staff. The simplicity and humour of the one on one performances provided a space outside normal interactions, and these residents responded with enthusiasm that is rare for some of those individuals.’

– Aged care staff member, 2024

Storied: Intergenerational workshops

In this program, elders come together with primary-aged students over a six-week period to share stories, build relationships and work towards a community performance. The children use shadow puppetry - including bespoke puppets, practical effects and their own bodies - retell the elders’ stories supported by expert Terrapin artists.

We’ve delivered this with founding Forever Young Industry Partner Uniting AgeWell, bringing together residents at its Lillian Martin community with year 5 students at nearby Warrane Primary School. Storied is a flexible program which can be adapted to a range of environments - get in touch to see how it might work for your community.

Staff training workshop

We know that targeted puppetry interventions can help entertain, distract and calm people living in aged care. This one-day workshop is designed to equip lifestyle and care staff with basic puppetry skills to help incorporate it into their daily practice. It focuses on pet and doll therapy and object theatre, using items that will already be part of the team’s work. Delivered by experienced Terrapin puppeteers, the workshop draws on drama therapy skills in a practical, easily applicable way.