Villa Maria facility re-opens
Community members are invited to tour Villa Maria’s brand new facility in Melbourne and participate in wellness and lifestyle activities at their open day event to celebrate the redevelopment.
An internal view of the new 96-bed residential aged care facility at Villa Maria Wantirna
By Natasha Egan
Villa Maria’s $30 million redevelopment in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs featuring a residential aged care home, a wellbeing centre, and a purpose-built facility for adults with a disability has re-opened its doors to residents and clients.
The Wantirna facility, built by construction and development company Grocon, will also be open to members of the local community this Saturday. Vsitors can inspect the buildings, explore the grounds and take part in lifestyle and wellness activities.
The 96-bed residential care facility has a dedicated dementia floor, another for ageing in place offering a low care service, boutique style accommodation on the top floor, known as Villa Meridian, providing premium high care services respite services.
Chief Operating Officer Beryl Raufer described the residential facility amenities as superb.
“The rooms are really big, much bigger than usual, and with a big bathroom,” Ms Raufer said.
“There are fabulous big windows with great views, especially from the top two floors. One way looks towards the Dandenong Ranges and the other towards [Port Phillip] bay.”
Villa Meridian, a premium high care offering at Villa Maria Wantirna
The building also has a number of communal facilities, including enclosed balconies off dining areas and well-appointed gardens on the ground floor, she said.
Ms Raufer said the facilities are so nice in Villa Meridian that she would definitely be happy to live there.
Wanting to live in the space was one of the discussion points for the board and the executive during the final stages of design, she said.
One of the common areas with accessible balconies in Villa Meridian, at Villa Maria Wantirna
Residents will also be able to access extra services, such as newspapers, fine food and wine – if they want it, and a concierge, Ms Raufer said.
“It’s a concierge type model so they can actually let us know what they want and we’ll do it,” she said.
Additionally there is a lifestyle program which incorporates the person-centred approach set out in the organisation’s vision, which means programs are tailored to the individuals need rather than just offering set activities such as bingo, Ms Raufer said.
Also included in the development is the newly built Gateway Service for adults with a disability, which provides a range of day activities, such as cooking programs, and facilities including a gymnasium.
Purpose-built features include a modern kitchen, an outdoor sensory garden and artistic spaces.
Also getting a makeover is the Wellbeing Centre, which provide rehabilitation programs for older people who have experienced a health-related set back such as stroke.
There are plans for the site to become a much larger community hub providing other requested services such as massage, aromatherapy, and beauty therapies, Ms Raufer said.
There are opportunities for people wishing to get involved to volunteer with gardening, driving, social visiting and administration.
Open Day
Community members who join in the open day on Saturday can participate in wellness centre activities free of charge, such as tai chi sessions or a balance assessment with qualified therapists.
Visitors can also participate in indoor bowling, karaoke and Wii competitions plus there will be live entertainment, a magician, and a complimentary sausage sizzle.
The open day is a chance to connect with the local community Ms Raufer said.
“Anybody who thinks they may want to access aged care in the near future or anyone who may have ageing family member should drop in to tour the facilities.”
Villa Maria CEO Valerie Lyons agreed the open day celebration are an important and exciting opportunity for the not-for-profit organisaiton to meet the local community.
“Around seven years ago we began plans for this innovative community hub, and since January 2011 we have watched with delight as it has taken shape.
“Villa Maria Wantirna will be an absolute asset to the Knox community; enabling a holistic approach to service delivery with quality, modern facilities,” Ms Lyons said.
The first residents will move into the facility on Monday. The new Gateway Service and Wellbeing Centre will begin operations in January.
Details for the Villa Maria Wantirna Open Day
Saturday, December 8
From 11am to 3pm
355 Stud Road, Wantirna South Victoria
