Making aged care ‘feel like home’

The transition, however, can be easier and less daunting for older people when their new home is made to feel more like their own home and not the traditional model of aged care.

Building on this philosophy is leading aged care provider, Southern Cross Care (Vic) (SCCV), which recently opened stage one of its redeveloped home in Dandenong, a south eastern suburb in Melbourne known for its high levels of migrant settlement and cultural diversity.

The redeveloped Southern Cross Care Dandenong aged care home is located only a stone’s throw away from its former site.

The new state of the art building cuts an impressive sight in the vibrant suburb.

Based on a ‘smaller is better’ philosophy, the home is divided into four discreet self-contained households within the home, each accommodating 15 residents.

Each household features its own kitchen, dining and lounge areas to create a home-like environment for its residents. Other notable features include a grand entry foyer, circular chapel, café, free Wi-Fi access throughout the home and smart TVs in each bedroom.

“We believe in creating a living environment that is more intimate and homely for older people. The design philosophy is similar to our home in Keon Park, which was created to be as close as possible to a person’s real home,” says Jan Horsnell, SCCV chief executive.

“The redevelopment of the $28 million Dandenong home is part of the organisation’s five year investment and improvement plan, where we will spend $100 million to upgrade our existing aged care homes across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria,” Ms Horsnell says.

To be built in two stages, stage one of the Dandenong home accommodates 60 people, including the current residents from its former site. Construction of the second stage, to commence in the second quarter of the year, will include a wellness centre, gym, community centre and hairdressing salon.

The relocation of current residents to their new home has been smooth sailing, thanks to the many volunteers and staff from various SCCV locations, and the local ambulance service, who lent a helping hand on the moving day.

The residents were excited about moving into their new home and marvelled at the home’s aesthetically pleasing interiors and exteriors. One of them was Olga Demello, who moved to the original home two years ago.

“I really like the new colour scheme. I particularly like my bathroom because it is very spacious,” Ms Demello says.

The original home was opened in 1991 and many locals are still familiar with its former name, Cardinal Knox Village, named after the former Archbishop of Melbourne.

The redeveloped Southern Cross Care Dandenong aged care home is located on 82 McCrae Street, Dandenong and offers a full suite of aged care services, including dementia specific care.

For more details, please contact Southern Cross Care Dandenong on (03) 9791 2777 or visit www.sccdandenong.org.au.