‘Luxury’ home for Canberra
A state-of-the-art aged care facility has been opened in Canberra by the Minister for Ageing.
Canberra’s first ‘luxury’ aged care home has been officially opened by the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and the ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope.
The $29 million Goodwin House was developed by Goodwin Aged Care Services to provide a new style of aged care accommodation for older people in the nation’s capital.
Goodwin House will provide low care, high care dementia-specific and respite accommodation services to over 100 people.
The home is a modern, environmentally sustainable facility that aims to provide residents with quality care in an environment more like a hotel than a hospital.
Goodwin CEO Bruce McKenzie said the organisation examined a range of overseas models during the development phase.
“What we came up with was a concept far removed from the traditional aged care facility model,” Mr McKenzie said, “and we believe this facility is the best Australia has to offer.”
The multi-storey building has been designed to promote better access and social interaction.
“All the research shows that older people cope better, are happier, and stay well for longer when they are physically and socially active,” said Mr McKenzie.
The new facility includes an activities centre, hairdressing salon, theatrette and internet café as well as a bird aviary.
The Minister praised the home’s new respite services, saying that caring can be a very demanding role.
“It is great to see that short and long term respite care will also be offered for older people, and their families or carers, through the Goodwin centres,” she said.
