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It takes a village
South Australia ’ s first dementia care village opens
By Arshmah Jamal
A new dementia care village has opened in South Australia – complete with a mini supermarket , a hairdresser , and a cafe .
Partnering up with the federal and state government , HammondCare opened the dementia care village in Daw Park , Adelaide , in hopes of focusing on relationship-based care .
In line with the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety , the village is designed around small , home-like cottages to maximise autonomy and minimise disability .
Each cottage will house nine to 15 residents , who are able to cook most of their meals in the communal kitchen .
HammondCare ’ s chief Mike Baird said the opening was a new chapter in the 91-year history of the facility .
“ HammondCare is proud to open this special aged-care home for South Australians living with dementia , in line with our mission to improve the quality of life for people in need ,” Mr Baird said . Around 70 per cent of aged-care residents live with moderate to severe cognitive impairments , including dementia .
In 2023 , the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that more than 400,000 Australians lived with dementia – a number estimated to jump to 900,000 in the next 25 years .
Mr Baird said the “ deinstitutionalisation ” of the new village set it apart from similar care homes in Australia .
HammondCare worked with Coles to design a smaller version of its supermarkets to “ make sure people feel a sense of community ”.
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Research shows the number-one thing the residents at other homes missed was shopping
“ Research shows the number-one thing the residents at other homes missed was shopping ,” Mr Baird said .
“ Dementia doesn ’ t mean people shouldn ’ t lead the best possible life .” SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton said the model of care and environment was necessary for the residents . “ The innovative design had been informed by years of research and experience ,” Minister Picton said .
“ It is a great example of a partnership to provide the very best care in a specially designed environment that offers the comforts of home to residents .”
Two of the cottages are due to welcome their first residents in August , with the remaining four cottages opening gradually as new residents are acclimatised to the new area in the coming months . ■
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