In 2021, Banksia Villages successfully applied for a capital grant in the 2020 ACAR funding round. An amount of $2M was awarded to Banksia for the purpose of making improvements in the living environment of Banksia Lodge in support of a shift to a ‘small house model of care’.
Since being awarded the grant, Banksia management have been working with appointed consultants Constructive Dialogue. Management and Board have now approved a proposal that will see a transition in Banksia Lodge’s physical environment and care model to a small house model. The ACAR funding will be used to implement the first stage in a master plan. The first stage will include the establishment of two small houses in the eastern end of the building, a central hub and café area and extension to the Lodge sensory garden and path network.
To view the Masterplan, click here.
To view the Stage 1 proposed works, click here.
To view an artist’s impression of the cafe, click here.
To view an artist’s impression of a household kitchen and living area, click here.
A New Model of Care for Banksia Lodge
The small house model of care is consistent with the recommendations of the Royal Commission and recent academic studies of care models in Australian residential aged care. This model of care will result in improved health and well-being outcomes, including fewer hospitalisations and improved quality of life, for both current and future Banksia Lodge residents.
A smaller household model of care has the following key elements:
• Autonomous households with 10-15 residents
• Independent access to each household and to outdoor areas from within the household
• Consistent allocation of staff to a specific household
• Domestic style living area, kitchen, dining area and laundry within each household
• Meals served and/or prepared from domestic kitchen
• Able residents can participate in household activities such as meal preparation, laundry and cleaning
• Staff can sit with residents to enjoy a meal in a family like environment
• The independence of residents is promoted and enabled
The Benefits of the Household Model of Care:
• Consistency with staff working in the same household so they can really get to know the residents, their care needs, who they are and what they like to do. This allows staff to engage in more meaningful conversations and activities tailored to the resident and also improves resident and staff safety.
• Facilitates genuine person-centred care.
• Routines such as medications, showering and personal care, waking and sleeping times, mealtimes etc. are all more flexible and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the household residents.
• Staff have more autonomy over the running of the household, for example tailoring activities and outings to suit the household residents.
• The household model of care is in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission and other recent studies that show these models result in fewer hospitalisations and a better quality of life for residential aged care residents.
• Promote resident independence – smaller scale facilitates safe mobility for many residents, staff have more time to assist residents and allow them to do what they are able to for themselves whilst helping and supporting them.
• Residents that are able can participate in household decision making such as groceries, activities, outings.
• Increased staff safety and job satisfaction.
Banksia’s Mission and Values
Board and management believe this change in model and the planned works required to deliver this are consistent with Banksia’s mission and values. These changes will truly deliver person-centred care, quality and services and allow staff to build a stronger understanding of residents, needs, wants and desires. This will facilitate resident independence and choice and deliver quality, dignity and respect for residents in Banksia’s care.
Banksia Board and Management are truly excited to be embarking upon a journey to transform the way that care is delivered in Banksia Lodge,. A series of resident, family and staff consultations are being undertaken and all stakeholders are invited to forward questions and suggestions.
Want to provide feedback? email ACARprojectmanger@banksiavillage.com.au