Innovative Aged Care Hub Unveiled at Uniting Amala Gordon in Canberra

Older Australians living in Canberra will now be able to access a state-of-the-art care hub specifically tailored for them.

The new centre was unveiled by not-for-profit aged care provider, Uniting. The new centre at Uniting Amala Gordon offers an 84-bed residential aged care home, 86 independent retirement living units, a seniors gym, a community centre and an on-site café and hairdressers. Many of the facilities, including the gym, are open to members of the public.

Drawing upon the latest global thinking in residential aged care, the co-located site also showcases the Household Model approach, which has already been rolled out across six of Uniting’s homes in ACT and NSW. All homes are due to move to the new care model over the next two years.

The Household Model gives back independence to the residents. The live as part of a vibrant and active household of 18 to 20 occupants, with their own kitchen, dining room, living room and small cosy spaces like you would find in any home. The residents also have more flexibility in other areas of daily life including a personal choice about when to wake up and when to have meals.

Before cutting the ribbon at the official site opening, Peter Worland, Executive Director at Uniting said, “Uniting offers a wide range of well-designed, affordable and secure homes for over 55s, and we are always looking for new and creative ways to build communities where we can provide choice and flexibility to our residents.

“As the latest addition to our family of homes, Uniting Amala Gordon is a contemporary, purpose-built campus designed in-line with the latest thinking in aged care, independent living accommodation and health and wellness for older people.”

Minister Joy Burch MLA attended the opening in Canberra, seeing for herself the wide range of amenities available to residents, including:

• 84 residential aged care beds
• 86 independent retirement living units
• Pastoral care offers support to those of faith
• Regular bus trips to community events
• Regular leisure and social experiences on-site
• Physiotherapy and podiatry appointments on-site

Uniting provides aged care homes for almost 8,000 residents in ACT and NSW, including approximately 2,500 people living with dementia. Uniting offers a variety of living options to suit residents, from spacious private rooms with ensuites to shared rooms for those who enjoy company.