Seniors in north west Tasmania gained access to state-of-the-art aged care when Latrobe Community, Strathdevon, opened the doors to its $10 million extension and renovation in May.
The new-look residence was developed using environmentally sustainable design principles and includes a new 30-bed residential wing, community areas and landscaped gardens.
Residential Services Manager Suezanne Horder said the striking building had been “the talk of Devonport”.
“We’ve received really positive feedback from the community and people have told us the building is very impressive,” she said.
“The colour of the gardens is really beautiful and vivid and, once inside, everyone comments on how spacious it feels.”
Uniting AgeWell aimed to create a modern and vibrant community for its residents, with a new community café, chapel, gym, hair salon, a state-of-the-art ‘cook fresh’ kitchen, multipurpose room with cinema-like capabilities and activity areas for residents to spend time with family and friends.
Suezanne said the organisation incorporated several communal lounge areas for residents and staff to use as they wished.
“There are expansive open areas where we could come together as a whole residence or large group, as well as discrete and private nooks where people can have a small group or one-on-one gathering,” she said.
The new residential wing includes 30 premium rooms, each with its own ensuite and some with outdoor patios or balconies, and several rooms designed to meet the needs of the indigenous community.
Residents at Latrobe Community, Strathdevon can join in the dynamic and engaging lifestyle and activities program, roam the sensory garden or spend time in the privacy of their own room.
Resident Bette Davey (pictured) chooses to contribute to the community just like she did while living at home. At 92, she still has the energy to keep active and enjoys pitching in to help the staff.
“We have five budgerigars and I look after them,” she said.
“I get up early in the morning to feed them and wheel the cage to a nice position for the day, then put them away at night.
“I also go down to the laundry every morning and fold the serviettes for the residents to use in the dining room. And of course, my gardening – I love working in the garden here and all the residents and families enjoy the beautiful garden.”
For more information about Latrobe Community, Strathdevon, call T: 6426 2844.