Harbison opens new home for people with dementia
New South Wales aged care provider Harbison has the opened doors to its new purpose-built dementia care accommodation in Burradoo in the Southern Highlands.
New South Wales community-owned aged care provider Harbison has the opened doors to its new purpose-built dementia care accommodation in Burradoo in the Southern Highlands.
Harbison Dementia Living was officially opened by Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.
It is based on the Butterfly model of dementia care of providing a home-like experience to support independence, safety and comfort among residents with dementia.
The home consists of two separate households, which can each accommodate 15 people with dementia.
It is designed like a large country home and sits in the middle of specially-designed dementia-friendly gardens.
Harbison CEO David Cochran said the clever use of technology ensured the best care for residents while maintaining a home-like environment.
“The building incorporates modern, unobtrusive safety systems including an Australian-first smart floor that can detect falls, spills and movement,” Mr Cochran said.
The home has been designed to support residents to continue to live a normal life in aged care, he said.
There are a range of room choices including king single garden and courtyard options and premium suites with a double beds, smart TVs and private verandahs.
All bedrooms have private bathrooms and are unique to assist wayfinding.
There are also pergolas, raised vegetable gardens and communal kitchen, dining and lounge areas.
Residents are encouraged to participate in daily living activities such as cooking, gardening and laundry to promote a sense of wellbeing and independence, Mr Cochran said.
“The home is designed to support the therapeutic benefits of involving residents as much as possible in normal daily activities, to provide a sense of purpose and independence in a safe and familiar setting.
“Care is unobtrusive, like the safety and security systems designed into the building. The aim is to move away from delivering care and allowing people to experience care,” he said.
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