Bethanie Gwelup Aged Care Stands Out With Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Bethanie, one of Western Australia’s most well known not-for-profit aged care and retirement living providers has recently opened the doors to its state-of-the-art 112 bed aged care facility in the northern coast suburb of Gwelup, creating a home away from home for its clients.

Bethanie has a deep commitment to approach its service provision in a holistic way. When the Gwelup facility was on the drawing board, it was paramount for them not just to get it structurally right, but to get its ‘soul’ right too. To that end, the Board, designers, staff and clients alike helped achieve the final product with valuable contributions on all facets of community living.

Upon entering the building it is immediately obvious that this is a facility with a heart. Soft finishes, copper artwork throughout, colourful flowers, homely cushions, ambient standard lights and lamps, and carpeted rooms and hallways, combined with natural light and colourful furniture make each resident feel like they are among friends and are in their own warm, welcoming and comforting home. It is entirely conducive to the sociability and engagement of its residents; which is one of the reasons Bethanie rates particularly highly in this area compared with its competitors.

Each room within the two-storey building is fitted out with the latest modern conveniences and has been specially designed to reflect a ‘home’. There is nothing ‘clinical’ about the generous sized rooms; the extra space also gives residents the opportunity to personalize it by bringing in some of their own furniture.

In the positive feedback Bethanie received from a recent survey was that family members felt welcome when they visited and comforted by the staff’s genuine care of their loved one. The layout is purpose-built in this regard. Small and large activity rooms are scattered throughout the facility, as well as formal and informal dining areas. Four dining areas within the facility feature fully self-contained kitchenettes, designed to encourage family members to come together and cook a meal, and spend quality time together in a home-like environment.

Communal refreshment areas are architecturally designed to create a café vibe – offering a uniquely inviting area to host relatives and friends.

The ground floor houses a secure dementia specific facility with small yet significant points of difference – such as each bedroom housing a ‘Memory Box’ on the wall outside. Within the memory box are personal items that belong to the resident – helping them to easily identify which room is theirs and providing a conversation point for visitors. Bethanie’s dementia specialists are considered some of the very best in the state, so residents of this area enjoy top quality care that is clinically superior and also kind and compassionate.

In the first of its kind in WA, Bethanie has adopted a campus style model where its 112-bed aged care facility adjoins 62 stylish apartments. This will allow for a ‘Continuum of Care,’ something that Bethanie is committed to delivering to their customers. It also means, for example, if a couple requires varying levels of care one can reside in the aged care facility while the other can remain next door in an independent living unit.

Greg Scroop, Bethanie Business Manager Gwelup, says, “We are so proud to open the doors to this new facility. Bethanie has been working on the design of this facility for many years, taking into account comments from our residents on what would make them feel more comfortable and happy. We applied so much of that feedback into the creation of Gwelup, we are confident we have provided a home that best reflects our clients, and that of their families, needs.

“We believe that it’s often the little things that make a big difference. It’s time to showcase this facility and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome everyone.”

In addition, residents in both the aged care facility and the apartments can take advantage of modern shared amenities including a wellness centre, hair salon and crafts room.

Staying connected is incredibly important to our residents, so the access to state of the art infotainment bundles which include TV/WIFI/Foxtel/Phone will be a highlight.

60 residents previously residing at Bethanie Warwick have moved across to the new facility and a number of new residents will join them. Limited spaces are available in the aged care facility with tours available on each Wednesday at 10am. To book or for more information call 131 151.

Find out more about Bethanie.