Banfields’ sign of the times

Looking out for their residents, ensuring they are safe and happy, is what the Banfields Aged Care Lifestyle Team is all about.

Unsurprisingly, that involves programs, activities and assessments for all the residents. But that care extends well beyond the building walls, and soon there will be visible proof of that on display.

This month, new signage will be erected on Thompson Avenue near the facility, urging motorists to slow down, to allow residents to safely cross the road.

Team Leader Robyn Montague said she contacted Bass Coast Shire Council with the idea, alarmed after seeing a resident trying to negotiate the traffic.

“I was leaving work and watched as one of our residents tried to cross the road in her buggy,” Robyn said.

“We want our residents to have as much independence as possible so I decided to call the council to see if we could get some signs erected.”

Robyn was thrilled when the council quickly responded and agreed to order the signs, which should be erected shortly.

She said slowing the traffic at the front of the facility will have numerous benefits.

“We have residents who like to walk, and others who are on mobility scooters and they like to cross the road.

“We also have some residents who still drive their own cars, so slowing the traffic down will help them when they’re driving out, especially if they are trying to turn right.”

Robyn is passionate about providing a safe, stimulating and loving environment for all Banfields’ residents and said allowing them to retain their independence is vital.

“Anyone coming into an aged care facility is scared of losing their independence and not being able to make their own choices,” she said.

“We have resident-centred care, and we don’t want them to feel like they have come into a restricted environment.

“We want them to feel like this is their home and to ensure we give them every opportunity to maintain their independence.”

The Lifestyle Team provide a range of activities, which are all focused on the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.

“Every resident that comes to Banfields is assessed and we then develop an individualised care plan.

“There isn’t one activity that isn’t designed to help with something. They all have a goal or a reason, for example stimulating the mind, helping with balance or dexterity.

“We adjust every activity to suit each resident’s ability.”

Keeping active and socialising are important.

“We find a lot of people have been isolated at home, because their friends have passed away, their children are working, or don’t live close by.

“But here, there are staff coming and going, the residents come out for meals, so there is much more interaction and engagement.

“The Lifestyle Team will do anything to make sure the residents feel at home and loved.”