Aged Care Placements Expanded in Regional Area to Locals Delight

Southern Cross Care’s Bellevue Court, situated in Gawler, South Australia will now offer 16 additional aged care bed places, within newly refurbished cottages on location.

The new beds were officially opened 7 October 2016 and welcoming and encouraging local health stakeholders to use the additional bed places was the Southern Cross Care Executive, at a gathering held among family, friends and community at Bellevue Court. The expansion takes the total place capacity to 120 beds – as it includes Respite, Transition Care and Care Awaiting Placement services.

Community spirit was strong at the event, with representatives from local hospitals attending.

Michelle Turner, Bellevue Court’s Residential Care Manager, says “we are so happy to be able to grow and offer this to the local community.”

The new places are homed within two cottages and are an encouraging additional to the support network for older Australians in the region. They provide the continuum of care needed for those still living independently in their own homes, to respite services, Transition Care Program and Care Awaiting Placement style arrangements with local hospitals, right through to the expanded residential care beds, including placements for people living with dementia.

Jo Boylan, Director of Operations, thanked all staff and acknowledged SA Health for bringing shared customers into Bellevue Court for rehabilitation before they go home through the various joint programs.

She said, “The Transitional Care Program is a new offering for Southern Cross Care and we are lucky to have these relationships. This is a wonderful offering for Gawler.”

“Enjoy the new cottages – get fit, get strong and get healthy.”

Norma Sherwell, a Transition Care Program customer, helped Jo cut the ribbon at the official opening, and she discussed how the onsite gym can help people get more active.

When Norma entered the Transitional Care Program at Gawler in August, she said she never expected to be going back to her own home so soon.

“I have never doubted that I would move back home … however friends help build confidence and it’s always about what others can do to help,” Norma says.

She will be returning home after a short stay and attributes this to the caring staff, who are committed to helping her get fit and strong, along with the friendships she’s built.

Bellevue Court, located in Gawler, provides individualised care services by our team of qualified professional staff to suit the level and complexity of your needs, including a Health and Wellness Centre to maintain your fitness levels and specialist memory support.

Click here to find out more about Southern Cross Care's aged care services in South Australia.