New Concept Aged Care Home Opens in Dandenong

On 1 July, aged care provider Southern Cross Care (Vic) (SCCV) officially opened stage one of its redeveloped home in Dandenong, a south eastern suburb in Melbourne known for its high levels of migrant settlement and cultural diversity. 

More than 100 people comprising residents, their family, staff, volunteers and guests attended the official opening and blessing of the home. Among the guests were Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, Cr Sean O’Reilly and the Very Reverend Father Tony Kerin, who officiated over the blessing with the support of Father Declan O’Brien from St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dandenong.

The redeveloped Southern Cross Care Dandenong aged care home is located only a stone’s throw away from its former site. The new state-of-the-art building cuts an impressive sight in the vibrant suburb. Based on a ‘smaller is better’ concept, the home is divided into four discreet self-contained households within the home, each accommodating 15 residents. Each household features its own kitchen, dining and lounge area to create a home-like environment for its residents. Other notable features include a grand entry foyer, circular chapel, café, free Wi-Fi access throughout the home and smart TVs in each bedroom.

“We believe in creating a living environment that is more intimate and homely for older people. The design philosophy is similar to our homes in Keon Park and Lynbrook, which were created to be as close as possible to a person’s real home,” said Jan Horsnell, Chief Executive Officer of SCCV.

“The redevelopment of the $28 million Dandenong home is part of the organisation’s five-year investment and improvement plan, where we will spend $100 million to upgrade our existing aged care homes across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria,” said Ms Horsnell.

To be built in two stages, stage one of the Dandenong home accommodates 60 people, including the current residents from its former site. Construction of the second stage has commenced and will provide an additional 60 places for residents, including a wellness centre, gym, community centre and hairdressing salon, upon completion.

The original home was opened in 1991 and named ‘Cardinal Knox Village’ - after a former Archbishop of Melbourne. The redeveloped Southern Cross Care Dandenong aged care home is located on 82 McCrae Street, Dandenong and offers all levels of support including dementia care, giving residents the opportunity to continue living in one place even when their care needs changed.

Click here for more details on Southern Cross Care Dandenong.