Australia’s ageing population is a double-edged sword that means a higher life expectancy for the average Australian and the consequence of age-related health conditions and reliance on aged care services.
For those needing care on the earlier side of the spectrum at 65, it could mean 20 to 30 years living in an aged care residence. This adds even more weight to the responsibility of providers, not just regarding care, but quality of life and the experience of a home-away-from-home.
Gone are the days of hospital-style residences, with providers such as TriCare redesigning the aged care experience.
“Our residents were front of mind throughout the entire design process of our most recent build, TriCare Williams Landing. From selecting the site at the very beginning, all the way through to the décor choices,” explains TriCare Property and Planning Manager Simon Dwyer.
Looking at TriCare Williams Landing, it’s evident that residents will thrive in their new home. Floor-to-ceiling windows yield natural light-filled spaces, proven to improve cognition and mood. An unpretentious layout and wide halls facilitate mobility and assist navigation for those with cognitive impairments. Plentiful communal areas encourage social interaction, and amenities such as the beauty salon promote independent activities for residents.
Wellbeing objectives have driven all TriCare’s residential aged care built in the last decade, with each new facility capitalising on the location of the residence and bringing the outside in.
“One of our primary considerations is how we canconnect residents to the community and their natural surroundings,” said Mr Dwyer.
In addition to a planted conservatory central to the layout and ample safe places to feel the sun or a breeze, TriCare Williams Landing is located adjacent to a protected nature reserve, meaning residents will have undisrupted views of this reserve, in addition to views of Melbourne city and Altona Bay for many years to come.
And just as TriCare’s design process has been developed over the last 54 years of operation, the organisation is adamant it will continue to be refined in every new build.
“Our residents’ needs and expectations change over time, and that’s where our design eyes are continuously focused.”
