For Barbara Smith, referred to as a ‘guardian angel’ by staff, the new style of living at Benetas St Georges aged care in Altona Meadows has allowed her to develop a much closer relationship with her fellow residents and given her more freedom.

The refurbishment has transformed the Peter Volk Wing of St Georges into two apartments with 15 bedrooms in each including their own kitchen, dining and café style eating areas providing an intimate, home like environment, with personalised carers dedicated to each apartment according to Amanda Pratt Residential Manager of St George’s. “It is what all aged care providers are aspiring to do and Benetas is actually leading the way and doing it” she said.

 

Barbara is delighted that her new home now helps her form closer bonds with other residents  and gives her more independence plus she gets to utilise the kitchen and dining facilities just as she would if she was still living in her own home.

 “I like that I can prepare meals in the kitchen any time I want…  Sometimes I even make raisin toast and a cup of tea late in the night,” she said.

 

After helping to raise her three brothers and sister Barbara naturally steps into the role of nurturer to her friends at St George’s which gives her a fulflling purpose and renders her invaluable to staff.

Having moved to St George in 2017 after her husband passed away Barbara spends her time entertaining her friends with activities such as the craft circle she leads twice a week - in the lead up to Christmas she helped residents make decorations and christmas cards for their loved ones.

 

Stage two of the St George’s refurbishment has been recently completed with new residents moving in and to further enhance the feeling of home, stage two includes a brand new theatre room for residents.