BEAUTIFUL and bright new murals have been installed at an aged care facility in Ararat.
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The murals adorn walls within each of the three avenues – or wings – of 70 Lowe Street.
The murals are not only eye-catching and colourful, but they have many other benefits, too.
“This includes helping to orientate residents around the building,” resident support co-ordinator Bernadette Cincotta said.
“For example (there are) bird pictures in Bird Avenue – so that if a resident’s room is in Bird Avenue they now have an easier way to find their way back to their room.
“The murals also brighten up the walls of the building – just like artwork in a home.
“They provide topics for discussion between residents, staff and their visitors, and they provide images that help residents reminisce.”
The installation of the murals was undertaken by local sign writer Andrew Calvert.
The project is also in line with the Montessori Model of Care currently being implemented by 70 Lowe Street.
Montessori is an innovative approach to aged care, which enhances quality of life.
The goal of Montessori is to create persons who are as independent as possible.
It also aims to ensure that people are able to make choices and who are treated with respect and dignity.
The program allows this to occur by providing people with meaningful activities and roles such as setting tables, napkin folding, gardening, arranging flowers, looking after pets such as chooks and other activities such as reading, craft and woodwork.
Outcomes of Montessori include reduction in behaviours often associated with dementia, improved sleep patterns, reduction in amount of medication, and an environment which supports a person’s memory.
70 Lowe Street is one of East Grampians Health Service’s aged care facilities.