A modern approach to ageing at Star of the Sea

There is something uplifting about the sight and smell of fresh flowers.

Lots of lovely arranged flowers are dotted around Star of the Sea Residential Aged Care, in Torquay, and often they are the work of its residents.

Floral arranging is just one of the activities that residents enjoy taking part in that uses an innovative approach to supporting people as they age.

Star of the Sea is a 96-bed aged care residence, in Torquay, which uses the Montessori principles for dementia and ageing. This approach empowers individuals to remain as independent as possible and enjoy meaningful activities around their unique talents and abilities.

With one in 10 Australians aged over 65 living with dementia, aged care residences play an essential role in supporting older people to enjoy a good quality of life.

All Star of the Sea staff, from direct care, reception and kitchen staff, receive Montessori training to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal – to support each resident to live the fullest life possible.

Lifestyle coordinator Louise Rundell said her team learns about the interests and abilities of each resident to provide meaningful activities for them.

“Montessori is so interesting and following these principles engages the residents and makes them feel useful and worthwhile and it just helps them feel like they’re part of a community here. They can help each other, get to know each other and do things together,” she said.

The lifestyle team has introduced activities in consultation with residents that include gardening, art, craft, memory games and cooking.

They continue to expand the activities to reflect the interests of residents.

With more than 50 years’ experience and 12 aged care residences across Victoria, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, which owns Star of the Sea, is a trusted provider of aged care services. If you have any questions about Star of the Sea or would like to take a tour of this state-of-art residence, phone Pip Walker on 0418 317 901.