A research report by the Global Centre for Modern Ageing (GCMA) has today been released to the community, detailing key design principles for the new Strathalbyn aged care precinct.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the completion of the GCMA report was another important step towards the Strathalbyn aged care precinct and the $12 million expansion of the Strathalbyn and District Aged Care Facility, from 56 beds to 92 aged care beds.
(from left to right) Gwenda Knights - Strathalbyn community member, Maria Hoorenman - Strathalbyn District Health Service, Josh Teague - Member for Heysen, Andrew White - GCMA Chief Operating Officer, Kerry Jones - TACSI Principal : Ageing, Disability and Partnerships and the Honourable Stephen Wade MLC - Minister for Health and Wellbeing.
“The GCMA, partnering with The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI), was engaged to work with the Strathalbyn community and clinicians in the redesign of aged care in Strathalbyn,” Minister Wade said.
“The findings of this valuable report offer a unique perspective into what older people in Strathalbyn believe will help them age well and remain connected to their community.
“Feeling at home, social connectedness, sense of purpose, choice and control, valuing people, and ease of transition are all key design principles in the report.
“Some suggestions included barbeque areas, making it easier for residents to access kitchen facilities, making rooms feel more homelike, enabling hobbies such as gardening as well as flexible spaces for leisure activities and functions.
Member for Heysen Josh Teague said more than 150 people from the Strathalbyn community including residents, health practitioners and service providers were consulted by GCMA and TACSI.
“This consultation has helped highlight the most important aspects for aged care that will better meet the needs of the community, now and into the future,” Mr Teague said.
“GCMA’s report is informing the development of the draft concept plan for the aged care facility extension and broader aged care precinct in Strathalbyn.”
Chief Operating Officer of GCMA, Andrew White, said the research revealed six design principles which can be used to inform the design of the new Strathalbyn aged care facility and broader precinct.
“We know from experience that if you co-create the journey with people, they are much more likely to enjoy their future aged care services and special places and spaces are likely to be formed in the process,” Mr White said.
“At the core of this project is a commitment to develop a place that the community values - where residents want to live, families want to visit and in which the community is actively involved.”
Today’s announcement follows last week’s release of the Request for Information (RFI) for the Kalimna site.
In the RFI process, opportunities are being explored to partner with a non-government operator to deliver services for older South Australians on the site.
There is $1 million in the State Budget to reopen Kalimna.
To view the GCMA report, click here.
