The opening of an Australian-first community care facility has set a new precedent for the delivery of high-quality care for senior Australians living with dementia, says the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians.
The Minister, Richard Colbeck, joined Governor of Tasmania, Professor Kate Warner and Deputy Premier, Jeremy Rockliff for the opening of the Glenview Community Services new Korongee residential aged care facility in Hobart this week.
Minister Colbeck said it was a brilliant example of how meticulous design can reinforce support for residents and their families.
“This development will greatly reduce the stress of having a loved one with dementia, which sadly is increasingly common as we live longer,” Mr Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government is determined to work with aged care providers and workers to ensure that every senior Australian receives the quality care they deserve,” he said.
“Korongee is now a shining example of what can be achieved – a purpose-built facility that supports people with dementia, by creating a home-like, community environment.”
In the 2015 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), Glenview received an allocation of 50 residential aged care places and a $3 million grant towards construction of the new service.
The new site consists of 12 “houses” situated in four cul-de-sacs that make up the residential village.
Each house contains eight bedrooms, its own living and dining area, as well as a kitchen for preparing and serving meals.
The Minister said the landscape of the development reflected dementia design principles, providing residents with multiple visual cues to help them easily find their way around the gardens and village grounds.
The development includes a café and library, community centre including cinema screening area and multi-function space, a salon, wellness centre staffed by allied health professionals and a grocer.
Mr Colbeck said Glenview had also worked with the University of Tasmania to develop an innovative matching process.
“This is a very thoughtful addition, aiming to put residents in the house that best suits their interests and experiences,” he said.
“It’s about real caring, not just keeping people safe – the result will be increased social engagement, less confusion, and less conflict.
“Calmer, happier people equals greater all-round wellbeing.”
Glenview runs a home care service that operates across southern Tasmania, as well as a community centre and a 100-place residential care service in Glenorchy.
