Life Care invests in future of South Australian aged care

The not-for-profit organisation, which celebrates 65 years of operations this year, has now received Development Assessment Commission (DAC) approval to build a $50 million, 120-bed 24-hour care site in Joslin.

In addition, Life Care is proposing a $35 million retirement complex in Norwood, and also plans to invest another $215 million to upgrade all of its sites across the state in the next 10 years to best accommodate to needs of older people into the future.

Stage one of the Roselin Court development at Joslin will deliver 24- hour care and include a 21st century dementia wing. Building is expected to start in March/April 2016, ahead of anticipated completion in late 2017.

Life Care Chief Executive Officer Allen Candy says: “Our new Roselin Court residential living facility will provide an holistic approach to aged care, offering an integrated, modern service that focuses on improving each person’s quality of life.”

“We’ve been working closely with the Dementia Service Development Centre at the University of Stirling in the UK and we’ve also reviewed other contemporary, world-leading aged care sites across Europe to inform the design and facilities for Roselin Court.

“Our innovative dementia wing will enhance quality of life and offer more comfort to those suffering dementia, particularly through the use of appropriate furnishings and design incorporating colours, tones, acoustics and lighting, which research has shown can reduce potential stress caused by the illness.

“Residents will feel more at home in the new building, while receiving any support they need to get the most they can from every day. The home-like environment will feature larger bedrooms and direct access to the living room, kitchen and dining areas,” according to Mr Candy.

Stage Two of the development, which is expected to be complete by 2019, will include another 30 full- time care rooms, 28 serviced apartments and a wellness and rehabilitation centre.

“Once Stage Two is complete, Roselin Court will be a full service hub for older people, giving them all the support they need in one place. From 24-hour living needs and personal care, such as physiotherapy and podiatry services, to pre and post rehabilitation to support recovery from operations, as well as general group exercise classes for social, mental and physical wellbeing,” Mr Candy says.

The retirement complex Life Care is proposing, is currently being assessed by the DAC and proposes 72 apartments.

With a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, Beulah Road will support an independent and active lifestyle, while providing support services that residents can access as they age.

Life Care provides 24-hour care, respite, independent living and home care support services across nine locations. The organisation supports approximately 500 South Australians seeking home care each year, offers 200 independent living units and provides a range of specialist health and rehabilitation services.

“After 65 years of operation, we’re excited about the future of aged care in South Australia. Our future investments are our commitment to providing the very best care and meeting the changing needs of people as they age,” Mr Candy says.