Minister for Seniors and Ageing Officially Opens Bethanie Gwelup

Bethanie, one of Western Australia’s largest and most well known not-for-profit aged care and retirement living providers was joined by the Honorable Mick Murray MLA - Minister for Seniors and Ageing, earlier this week to officially open Bethanie Gwelup.

The state-of-the-art lifestyle apartment and residential care complex opened its doors in March this year and is now fully operational with over 40 apartment residents and 75 aged care facility clients settled in and receiving Bethanie’s unique model of care.

The Bethanie Gwelup site adopts a campus style model where the 112-bed aged care complex adjoins 62 one and two bedroom apartments with many overlooking the picturesque Lake Gwelup.

Bethanie CEO, Chris How said that the design of the building in a campus style model is already proving successful, “At this stage we have two couples with us who are in the fortunate situation where one is able to live independently in their own apartment while their partner lives practically down the hallway, receiving all the full time care they need in the aged care facility.

“The technology enabled campus offers a huge range of entertainment options to each room.

“Lifestyle apartment residents can order freshly cooked meals to their apartments and take advantage of in-house cleaning and laundry services. The campus has a fully equipped gym, wellness centre, hair salon, library, and bar and dining room areas each with BBQs and balconies overlooking Lake Gwelup.”
The concept behind the lifestyle apartment and residential care complex being adjoined also allows for a ‘continuum of care,’ something that Bethanie is committed to delivering to their customers.

“As we build facilities like Gwelup and those we are planning for in the future, we recognise that not all customer’s needs will change in the same manner. Each customer’s ageing journey is different so we are putting a strong focus on being able to provide care that suits the individual. Once you are part of the Bethanie family, you’re in our capable hands to take care of your needs as they change.”

Chris adds, “Having the lifestyle apartments and residential care complex side by side has a number of positive effects for clients. First of all we can keep couples together – offering independent living and aged care facility accommodation side by side.

“It also means our clients can stay in an independent living apartment – but as needed – utilize the services we offer under Home Care. And when the time comes where they may need more help, we are literally next door – this was all designed to allow us to offer a continuum of care.”

There are currently 22 apartments still available starting from $350,000. Each architecturally designed residence features a gourmet kitchen, large master bedroom, resort-style ensuite, premium finishes, air-conditioning and an airy open-plan living area that flows onto an expansive balcony or courtyard.

Each room within the112-bed two-storey residential care complex is fitted out with all the latest modern conveniences and has been specially designed to reflect a bedroom with a more home-like feel.

The ground floor houses a secure Dementia specific facility with well thought out 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 remember which room is theirs.

Find out more about Bethanie. 

Pictured: Stanley Johnson & Hon Mick Murray