Upgraded Arbor Village care centre in Bedfordview enjoyed by locals
Denise Stanton said it was important that the centre felt like home because it helped make the difficult transition a little easier.
The Methodist Homes Arbor Village in Bedfordview is well known for its vast, beautifully landscaped gardens, the picturesque duck pond, and the compassionate management and staff.
“The usual buzz intertwines with a feeling of tranquillity, and we are extremely proud when we hear residents and visitors comment on our homely atmosphere and friendly, caring staff,” said the Arbor Village manager, Denise Stanton.
“While our double-storey care centre reflected this ambience, there is always room for improvement. It’s not easy seeing previously independent ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ requiring special care.”
Stanton said it was important for the centre to feel like home to help make this difficult transition a little easier.
“With this in mind, we wanted to create an even more homely, warm atmosphere so our residents in mid and frail care can truly feel at home.”
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The facility’s new floor and bright colour scheme provide a fresh look.
Glass doors, which replaced wooden ones, bathe the care centre in natural light, and they rearranged the furniture to create intimate nooks where families could sit together.
There are also several outside areas, including a patio, where families can spend time together, especially on sunny days.
“Not forgetting our cosy little coffee shop,” added Stanton.
Completing the homely environment, they adorned two walls on the care centre staircase with ‘family photos’ of care workers and residents.
“We are especially proud of our exquisite new mural you see as you enter our care centre,” said Stanton.
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“Created by a member of the Bedfordview community, the mural depicts a tranquil garden scene and incorporates daffodils, sunflowers and lavender, the flowers our three care centre sections are named after.
“We now often find visitors admiring our mural from the comfort of the two wing-back chairs we placed there,” added Stanton.
She said they asked for input from the team when creating these spaces because they spent so much time with the residents.
“This inclusive approach also aligns with the Eden Alternative philosophy (focuses on the care of the human spirit and the care of the human body) we follow.
“Our special team at the centre is fully trained in palliative and dementia care, including how to lift, move and bathe frail care residents safely, the correct use of the Nordic relaxation chair, and more.
“The knowledge our newly promoted nursing manager, Siya Gumbi, has of our residents is astounding.
“He can immediately answer any question from a family member about their loved one, giving reassurance that they are in the very best of care.”
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Stanton thanked the staff for being flexible and ensuring all residents received the same high level of care during the two-month renovation.
“I am very proud of my team. They truly set us apart from other facilities. They did not skip a beat, never lost their smiles or compassion.”
