Aged care provider Ibis Care has connected with Georges River Council as part of a broader push to deepen community engagement and expand programs that support older residents.
This follows a recent visit by Georges River Councillor Natalie Mort to the organisation’s Mortdale home, where she spent time with staff, residents and Chief Executive Officer James Carter.
During the visit, Councillor Mort – who sits on the Council’s sports advisory committee – toured the facility, including communal areas and outdoor spaces where residents participate in gardening and other activities. She said the environment and level of resident engagement stood out.
“I’m very passionate about the ageing population keeping their mobility and their strength,” said the Councillor.
“I’m really impressed with the facility. It’s nice and fresh and open. Residents have access to a balcony area with a view, and I noticed people gardening, doing arts and crafts, with artwork displayed throughout – there’s a lot happening here.”
Cr Mort added that resident wellbeing was evident throughout the visit.
“You can see it in the residents, you can feel it – they’re all happy to be here and they’re all engaged.”
Speaking from the Mortdale facility alongside Councillor Mort, Mr Carter said the organisation was focused on creating an environment where residents maintain independence and connection to daily activities.
“When residents feel at home and move about freely it has a positive impact.”
“The resident I was talking to earlier was tending to the gardens and treated them as his own. We provide them the tools and they go and do their thing. It’s incredibly empowering.”
“You could see his strength and his engagement. That level of participation is what we want to support.”
Mr Carter said building stronger links with Council initiatives would help extend those outcomes beyond the facility.
“We’d like to get our lifestyle teams more involved in Council programs,” he said.
“Anywhere we can take residents to community events hosted by Council is an opportunity for engagement.”
Cr Mort highlighted Georges River Council’s commitment to the local aging community, with the organisation conducting a range of activities during Seniors Week, including events at the Mortdale Community Centre featuring live music and exercise sessions.
“If people can stay as active and as strong as possible, it flows through to their overall wellbeing,” added the Councillor.
“It’s important residents know what’s available and can access those programs, and they’re all listed on our website.”
Ibis Care said it is looking to further enhance its approach to mobility and exercise as part of its service model, with a focus on structured programs and community-based activities.
Mr Carter said collaboration with local government would be central to that effort.
“Council already does significant work in the aged care space,” he said.
“Working more closely together allows us to connect residents with those opportunities and support their health and wellbeing.”
About Ibis Care
Ibis Care has a vision to inspire and enable people to live well in our residential aged care accommodation and independent retirement living across the St George and Sutherland Shire communities.
We pride ourselves on excellent care that supports individual choices through dedicated staff at our aged care homes located in Mortdale, Blakehurst, Miranda, Kirrawee and Bexley. Learn more at www.ibis.care
Learn more about Georges River Council programs at www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au