A real home away from home

An aged care home in Geelong, Victoria, called Amity at Newcomb, has been awarded a merit certificate by The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd, the only aged care home in Australia to have received the award twice for its high standards.

The home is being presented with the award by Agency Chairman Jim Harrowell, at a special presentation at the home at 2pm on 21st November.

“This award is a real achievement for the home. The Agency not only works with homes to ensure they meet the Accreditation Standards set by the Government, but we encourage homes to go one step further and demonstrate better practice in aged care,” Agency Chairman Jim Harrowell said.

“There are many examples of homes who make a real difference for their residents and Amity at Newcomb is one shining example. They really make their residents feel at home, and provide them with the loving care that all older people deserve at this time of their lives,” he said.

“Sadly we often only hear negative stories about aged care, and while positive stories are commonplace, it’s the occasional negative story that makes headlines,” the Chairman said.

Amity at Newcomb has been awarded the merit for the high level of resident involvement and resident feedback. Residents were consulted on everything from the interior design and the landscaping, to the programs and activities offered. When you walk in the front room of the home, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time and into an old-fashioned parlour. There is an old-fashioned ‘display’ kitchen complete with old canisters and original mixers and cooking implements. Residents with dementia feel comfortable in these areas while other residents bring their grandchildren and show them how life was in the ‘olden’ days.

The home has also introduced a men’s living room, complete with TV sports channels, sporting memorabilia and photographs. The men have also dabbled at brewing beer and have their own shed for ‘tinkering’ about.

Pets are popular, with three dogs, many birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, a cat, chickens and fish. Children are more than welcome, with young ones even holding their birthday parties there. Local school groups visit for education sessions about the past, and what it’s like to be old. One of the areas is also decorated with framed paintings from local schoolchildren and the home is also planning a playgroup and playground.

-ends-

The home will be presented with its award at 2 pm on Monday, 21st November. To arrange a visit to the home, contact Shane Dobbin on (02) 8247 3000.

For further information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Liz Blieschke, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, (02) 8831 1033, 0438 446 466
Lisa Smith, Corporate Affairs Officer, (02) 8831 1016

[Back]