Originally published by The Greek Herald 14 June 2024
Greek families in and around the St George and Sutherland Shire region are increasingly turning to Ibis Care for their ageing relatives, with the aged-care provider reporting an increase in the number of residents with Greek cultural heritage calling their facilities home.
Residents with Greek heritage now make up a large proportion of Ibis Care’s Blakehurst and Bexley facilities, with that number expected to increase.
The aged-care provider has been quick to adapt to the changing demographic in recent years in an attempt to ensure both families and residents alike feel comfortable calling their facilities home.
From observing Orthodox Easter and baking Greek treats to enjoying live bouzouki performances, and regularly welcoming the local priest for Communion, Ibis Care has increasingly been ‘going Greek.’
It’s a commitment that Ibis Care CEO La Stacey Baramy is proud to be overseeing.
“For many Greek families, maintaining their cultural heritage is vital, which is why we’ve tried hard to create an environment where these traditions can thrive,” Baramy says.
“We obviously have a commitment to providing personalised care, and part of that is respecting and incorporating cultural traditions.
“That’s been a significant draw for Greek families and has helped us to create an environment that’s familiar, but that also really does feel like home.”
Maintaining cultural heritage goes beyond simply making aged-care residents comfortable, according to Baramy, with the CEO adding that the initiative can also play an important clinical role in care.
“Encouraging these traditions to thrive actually does more than just make for a familiar environment, it helps reinforce identity – something that can be particularly important for our residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Baramy notes.
“We understand that living with dementia can be quite unsettling for families and their loved ones as they continue to progress. That’s why reminders of who our residents are and where they come from culturally are now interwoven into their activities. Accounting for their spiritual care as well by offering the opportunity to take Communion is an important part of that too.
“All this can play such a key role in their care, particularly when we don’t know what may trigger an important memory.”
Ibis Care residents receive personalised care plans that encompass medical, social, and emotional support – all of which ensures a holistic approach to their well-being.
Ibis Care, who support the ageing communities in the St George and Sutherland Shire, recently added Kirrawee to their portfolio of five facilities which includes locations at Blakehurst, Miranda, Mortdale and Bexley.
You can find out more about Ibis Care by enquiring over the phone on 02 95 46 2159 or on their website at www.ibis.care
