Aged Care
The challenges of COVID-19 across Aged Care this year cannot be understated and I want to acknowledge our residents, families and team members for the way they supported each other through the ever-changing environment. It has not been easy, but the situation has highlighted the dedication and compassion of the Aged Care workers across UnitingSA.
From those who work in community settings and in people’s homes, to the teams at our Residential Aged Care sites, everyone has pulled together to ensure those we support continue to receive the highest quality care. Thank you to everyone who is part of our incredible Aged Care community.
Highlights
End of an era
We marked the end of an era at Regency Green Aged Care, which closed in May after almost 20 years supporting older people in Regency Park. Residents and staff were supported to transition to another UnitingSA Aged Care home or external provider of their choice. The Regency Green site will be repurposed to ensure it continues to meet the accommodation needs of our community.
Celebrating culture
We love sharing in the diversity of our Aged Care community and proudly celebrated many cultural days of significance across the year. At Seaton Aged Care, a highlight on the calendar came in June when we celebrated Croatian Independence Day with traditional food and entertainment.
Modern wing unveiled
We completed a major redevelopment of our 101-bed Westminster Village Aged Care facility in Grange in May. The new 37-bed wing features private rooms with en suites, modern communal lounges, dining and activity areas. Internal courtyards and a large undercover patio also formed part of the project.
Happy anniversary
UnitingSA West Lakes celebrated its one year anniversary in April with a special afternoon tea and entertainment for residents. It has been wonderful to see the evolution of the site over its first 12 months, as it transformed into a vibrant home providing a continuum of care from Retirement Living through to Residential Aged Care.
Supporting diversity
We were among 22 organisations across Australia selected to deliver the Federal Government-funded EnCOMPASS program this year. The program offers support to people aged 65 and over from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to ensure they are able to navigate the aged care system and access services that suit their cultural needs.
Activities for all
Our Aged Care activities teams kept residents engaged with countless creative activities throughout the year. From dress-up days to artistic pursuits – and even visiting animals such as miniature ponies – they do an incredible job bringing a smile to residents’ faces.
Intergenerational connection
Irene is among the UnitingSA residents who participated in the Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers, which involved 100-year-olds from across Australia being painted by high school students. The uplifting initiative helped capture a moment in the life of some of our oldest citizens and culminated in an exhibition at the Torrens Parade Ground in June.
“I really enjoyed being part of the project and I enjoyed speaking with the girl – she was really nice and did a great job. The picture has gone to my daughter’s house. It’s lovely to have it.”
Continuum of care
Deane and Jan decided it was time to downsize from their family home in Semaphore Park and moved into Vista Apartments at UnitingSA West Lakes in May. They love the continuum of care provided at the site, which features three-storeys of Residential Aged Care, top-floor Retirement Living apartments, and ground floor shops and services.
“That’s the beauty of this model of aged care. If either or us ever need full time care, we can move downstairs and still be under the same roof. There are excellent shops within walking distance too. It’s very convenient. Life goes on!”
