MiCare opens new residential facility
MiCare has opened a new aged care home for culturally diverse residents in south-east Melbourne.
Aged care provider MiCare – which specialises in offering services to people from culturally diverse backgrounds – has formally opened a state-of-the-art, 120-bed facility in Victoria.
Called Avondrust Lodge and located in a south-east suburb of Melbourne called Carrum Downs, one of the site’s most notable features is its large rooms with their own ensuites. There are also communal spaces such as shared lounges and dining rooms, as well as quiet sitting areas.
Surrounded by parklands and gardens, the new residential home – which opened its doors on 28 April – replaces the original 72-bed facility.
Many of MiCare’s staff members are multilingual so they can communicate in the native tongue of its culturally diverse residents. Staff wear everyday clothes rather than uniforms. This is a deliberate policy designed to make the residents feel at home, as opposed to being nursed.
Pets, plants, children and family are encouraged to be a part of the environment. “We are fortunate to work in our elders’ home and we understand that people need to have meaningful relationships and purpose throughout their lives,” said MiCare executive director Petra Neeleman.
The clinical team at Avondrust consists of nursing staff, a nursing practitioner and numerous allied health workers. “We all work with values that are shared by our elders and their families and hope we can make a difference in large and small ways,” said Ms Neeleman.
Avondrust Lodge is MiCare’s fourth residential facility.
Main image: Avondrust Lodge in Carrum Downs, Melbourne
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