Heart-break and hope sit with the aged care community – Specialist bikes stolen from aged care facility in Victoria

Specialist bikes have been stolen from a Sandringham aged care facility in Victoria. Fairway Bayside Aged Care had been using the three tri-shaw bikes, and one wheelchair-accessible ‘brike’ in their Cycling Without Age program. Bayside police officers are now appealing to the Melbourne community to help find the bikes and return them to the facility and the residents who have experienced such joy from the program.

Meaningful activities critical to person-centred care

Fairway Bayside Aged Care have shared, “It breaks our hearts to share that our Cycling Without Age (CWA) bikes have been stolen from Fairway Aged Care. They were last seen on Wednesday, 22nd October, and sadly have not been sighted since.”

Well understood by many high-quality providers is the desire to bring meaningful activity and joy to the residents they care for. CWA has been an integral opportunity for some providers to facilitate residents to regularly experience fresh air, companionship and sight-seeing.

Critically as well, CWA has been able to leverage the opportunity for residents to meet and interact with others outside their RAC world. Being a part of the neighbourhood, being known by locals, feeling a local themselves, is a critical component of person-centered care.

“These aren’t just bikes, they are symbols of freedom and connection for our residents. Every week, our dedicated volunteers use these bikes — three tri-bikes and one wheelchair-accessible “brike” — to take residents out into the Bayside community.”

“Many locals know the sight of our smiling residents gliding along the Esplanade, feeling the sea breeze and waving to passersby.”

Police appeal for public help

Bayside police have issued a notice for public assistance following the theft of the bicycles.

“The bikes were last seen on Wednesday, 22 October at the aged care facility on Bluff Road and have not been seen since.”

“The missing items include three tri-shaw bikes and one wheelchair-accessible ‘brike’, all used to take aged care residents on rides around the Bayside community.”

The understanding of the integral nature of this program has reached wider institutional bodies outside of aged care with police noting, “The bike program commenced in 2017 and since then, volunteers have dedicated their time each week to taking residents out to enjoy the fresh air, local parks, and the stunning Bayside coastline.”

Community help

Fairway Bayside Aged Care and Bayside police are in great need of the community’s help.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au”

Senior Constable Gerard Tong from Bayside Police Station says, ““The program has become a familiar and heart-warming sight in the community, with residents waving to passers-by as they experience the simple pleasure of being outdoors and feeling part of local life.”

“The theft of these bikes is a deep loss not only to the residents and volunteers but also to the wider Bayside community. These rides are more than recreation, they are an essential part of the facility’s wellbeing and social connection program, reducing isolation and bringing moments of happiness to older people in care.”

Hope in and around aged care

Fairway Bayside Aged Care is still reeling, “Cycling Without Age is iconic to Fairway. It brings happiness to our residents, especially those who can no longer ride on their own. To have this program interrupted is truly devastating.”

From the outpouring of frustration, support and care that has resulted from media coverage so far, the depth of community felt in the aged care sector, particularly in Victoria and Melbourne is profound. Aged care is a sector of significant challenges, and at the moment, momentous change but at its heart are many provider leaders, front-line staff and care workers who sincerely and  tremendously commit themselves to the service of the seniors at the sector’s core.

Shown is that those not directly employed or involved in the aged care sector are equally as shocked and saddened alongside, and willing not only to be on the look-out for the bikes, but wanting to help further.

“We are asking our community for help.” And that help looks to be willingly given and continuing to be given.

Any sightings or wish to help further can be also be directed to Fairway Aged Care through their number: (03) 9599 4199 or email: [email protected]

“Help us bring our bikes home so our residents can once again enjoy the simple joy of a ride by the bay.”