AGED care residents in Strathalbyn are having their say in the design of a new $12 million aged care precinct.
More than 150 people from the Strathalbyn community, including future residents, health practitioners and service providers, are teaming up with experts at the Global Centre for Modern Ageing (GCMA) to help co-design the facility.
Part of the project will include the reopening of the Kalimna aged care facility. Run by Country Health SA, the hostel was closed in February 2017 and residents relocated after it was found to not meet modern safety standards.
State health Minister Stephen Wade said the partnership with the GCMA marked a milestone in the delivery of world-leading aged care at Strathalbyn.
“In the shadow of Oakden, we are not waiting for the findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission to act," he said.
"And we know that intimately involving them in the design of their accommodation is the best way to ensure they live and age well."
He said the findings from the design process will "not only inform the future design of the new Strathalbyn aged care precinct, but a broader aged care model of care for South Australians".
Residents and community members have been asked to take part in a series of interviews, co-design sessions and an open house community forum.
Asking residents about what will make a difference to them will take this facility from a nursing home to something much more special.
- Julianne Parkinson, Global Centre for Modern Ageing
GCMA chief executive Julianne Parkinson said the co-design initiative is about exploring how people can age well and continue being connected to the community.
“At the core of this project is a commitment to develop a place that the community values - where residents want to live, and families want to visit.
“We know from experience that if you co-create the journey with people, they are much more likely to enjoy the process of transitioning to a new environment.
“Asking residents about their life and what will make a difference to them will take this facility from a nursing home to something much more special.”
In addition to Kalimna itself, the current 56-bed aged care facility will be extended by 36 beds, bringing it to a total of 92 aged care beds.
Read more: Aged care inquiry to take first evidence
Read more: SA govt unveils Repat Hospital plan