Services

Polish Retirement Home

Australian Polish Benevolent Association Inc.

3 Percival Street, Bayswater, Victoria, Australia 3153

Tel.: (03) 9720 3575 Fax: (03) 9720 9105 E-mail: apba@apba.org.au

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G e n e r a l S e r v i c e s

In General, we have continued to improve the high level of personal care, which is directed towards the individual needs and well being of each of our Residents.

Dr. Eric Choo provides regular medical services to the Residents on-site once a week and is “on call” every day and night if required. Any specified medical service can be arranged through the visiting practitioner ,if required. Personal and family contact with the visiting medical practitioner is encouraged.

Other key services are available by arrangement on site at the hostel such as pharmacy, optometry, physiotherapy, podiatry , hearing services, domiciliary dental services, beautician services and relaxation massages.

Royal District Nursing Services is arranged if required.

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Special nature of the hostel

Our Hostel like any other ethno-specific Hostel in comparison to mainstream aged care facilities is the “Polish” nature and atmosphere created by a Service provided by Polish people for Polish people. The cultural and linguistic needs of our Residents are not just “additional” criteria within the way our services are delivered. It is as we term it - the care of cultural principle of our organization.

Cuisine: Food plays a cultural role within an elderly person’s life. For that reason our Hostel emphasizes that the food prepared and served to our Residents meets the “Polish palate”. Dietician has been contracted to advice on nutrition and diabetic menu.

As previously Residents are always invited to have a main input into the daily menus through meetings with kitchen Staff to make sure that a full menu of traditional cuisine is served in accordance to Residents preferences. Fresh products from local / organic farms were introduces throughout the year.

Pastoral Services: Religion, Faith is an important element in the lives of elderly Poles. The Fathers of Society of Christ Order provide religious services for Roman Catholic Residents; the Holy Mass is conducted every Saturday and other Catholic Church celebrations. Appropriate chaplains provide other Religious ceremonies. Families and individuals from local Polish Community are encouraged to participate in these services.

Special Events: Like every year special events become a tradition i.e. celebration of Christmas Eve and Easter in Polish tradition in the company of the visiting clergy, Residents families ,Staff members and the Committee of Management . Traditional food is served and gifts are presented to the Residents at those special events. Fund raising events have become also a tradition like Annual Fete in Oct / Nov each year.

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Activities

Five days a week - “activities” sessions are being conducted. During these sessions the Residents enjoy light physical exercises, sitting dances, reading of books/novels, current affairs - Polish and Australian newspapers, discussions, dancing and singing, playing games like cards & bingo, walking in the gardens, bowling , English Language lessons , aromatherapy , cooking sessions , etc. New activity “Mindfulness” provided by polish speaking psychologist, Mrs. Hanna Gorski helps to decrease anxiety, improves social connections and assists with breathing techniques. 'Music Club' is also very popular among Residents, it is providing relaxation and musical stimulation and a lots of fun. Residents continue with pleasure to take part in MOBILITY PROGRAM and Falls Prevention Program . They enjoy daily walks through walking paths around the Hostel. Those programs greatly improved Residents health and are promoting independence. Every Wednesday Residents participate with a group called “ Prayer and Sing along Group”. During this session Residents pray, sing religious, scouts & patriotic songs,. This session usually attends 95% of Residents. Staff Members ensure that every Resident has been provided with emotional support on daily bases to promote their wellbeing in our facility – during ‘One to one’ sessions. Through the introduction of Pet Therapy - Residents have been enjoying a company of two beautiful cats -Maciuś and Sisi- which has provide them with ‘home like atmosphere’, and now a new friend , a dog called Bentley. During the year (seasonal) excursions are organized to shopping centres & restaurants. Approaching Christmas time, the Residents make decorations for the Christmas tree. At Easter time traditional painting of eggs is taking place. Finished products are usually displayed in our dining room and lounge for all visitors to admire. All the services are very beneficial for the Residents – for their mental and physical health. Gazebo and walking paths around the Hostel provides excellent outdoor activity. Our Activity Programs are very well planned – and individually implemented.

Home | About Us | Services | Admissions and FEES

E-mail: apba@apba.org.au

Australian Polish Benevolent Association Inc Reg.No. A0012947E ABN: 25 010570

3 Percival Street, Bayswater, Vic 3153 Ph: (03) 9720 3575 Fax: (03) 9720 9105