Murals brighten lives in Ararat

Bright and colourful new murals now feature prominently in each of the three avenues – or wings – of East Grampians Health Service’s 70 Lowe Street aged-care centre.

Centre resident support coordinator Bernadette Cincotta said the murals were eye-catching but also had other benefits.

“This includes helping to orientate residents around the building, for example, 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,” she said.

“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.”

Ararat district signwriter Andrew Calvert installed the murals, in line with the Montessori Model of Care implemented at 70 Lowe Street.

The Montessori methodology is an approach to aged care designed to enhance quality of life.

The Montessori goal is to help people be as independent as possible, be able to make choices and who are treated with respect and dignity, by providing meaningful activities and roles such as setting tables, napkin folding, gardening, arranging flowers, looking after pets such as chooks and other activities including reading, craft and woodwork.

Outcomes of Montessori include reduction in behaviours often associated with dementia, improved sleep patterns, reduction in the amount of medication, and an environment that supports a person’s memory.