Creating an Aged Care Space That Feels Like Home

Delivering outstanding aged care isn’t just about healthcare and physical wellbeing – it’s also about creating spaces that are welcoming, safe and where we can feel at ease. This sense of homeliness is just one of the reasons why Carinity is investing in a multi-million dollar renovation at Clifford House in Brisbane.

Residential Manager, Arati Shrestha, said with the input of residents the refurbished Clifford House preserves the site’s 76-year history while enhancing functionality, comfort and aesthetics for current and future residents and families.

“Our focus has been on making sure that people are comfortable and they have different amenities available and different spaces outside their bedrooms to relax and spend time with family,” Arati said.

The five-stage renovation will completely renew the Wooloowin home, ensuring every resident has a private room with ensuite. All shared spaces will be transformed, creating a contemporary, welcoming space that maintains the homely feel that Clifford House is renowned for.

Among the notable changes in the first two revamped wings are lounge areas enriched with home-like touches, and artwork thoughtfully selected to foster engagement and evoke positive emotions for the residents. Outdated window treatments and security grilles in resident rooms have been removed.

New acoustic panelling on the walls and ceilings of common areas reduces noise and improves its aesthetic appeal, in a nod to the corrugated iron roofs of the Queenslander-style homes in the area.

“It’s great to see the residents using the spaces we’ve created, like the dining room. The residents have the homely aroma of fresh cooked meals and it’s a great environment there around meal times,” Arati said.

Accessibility for residents in wheelchairs has been improved, including much larger room doors, while each room has its own private ensuite with toilet and bathroom. These are welcome upgrades for resident Judith Marks, whose mobility is limited.

“There are new things in my room which makes it a lot better for me, being in a wheelchair. To be quite honest, you can’t fault it,” said Judith, who also loves her new in-room refrigerator and large television.

“I thought it was going to be good – but it was unbelievable. It’s gone from an old building to a ‘wow’ building. You would think the place was only just recently put here.

“When they change upstairs everything here will be new. This place will be looking like a palace.”

Art plays an important role in creating a sense of place, stimulating memories and evoking emotions.

The Carinity team worked closely with design partners at Deicke Richards to select new artworks for the home.

The team selected a range of pieces from local artists, with recognisable landmarks and familiar sights popping up on the walls. Special original works from Brisbane artists David Hinchliffe and Nick Olsen are featured in the newly renovated reception area, while watercolours and botanical studies from local artists can be found in the halls.

Over time, Clifford House had accumulated an extensive gallery of artworks, prints and pieces. Many of these have been re-framed and returned to the walls, acknowledging the rich history of the home.

This includes a beautiful original painting of Clifford House’s former home in Ascot, which can be seen in a ‘memory lane’ which also features historical photographs, artworks and artefacts from Clifford House.

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