Harden Grange Aged Care Community’s newly opened dementia support household is now welcoming residents with advanced memory care needs.
Complete with a traditional colour scheme, new window coverings and carefully selected antique furniture and homely decorations, this household offers residents a range of calming spaces.
For Harden local Don Armitstead, the opening of this household has made a world of difference to him and his wife, Margaret.
“My darling wife is living with dementia. Before Harden Grange opened, she resided in the closest aged care community that’s over 60km away. Now, she’s been able to return to the familiar surroundings of Harden. She’s back where she belongs,” said Don.
Harden’s Community Manager, Kylie Hayter, says that the Care Team takes a resident-first approach to caring for residents with advanced memory support needs.
“Our care philosophy centres on getting to know each resident so that we can support them to live their best life, whatever that means to them,” Ms Hayter said.
“We support residents to remain as independent as possible, living a life of dignity where they are respected as valued individuals.”
Since moving to Harden Grange, Don has noticed that Margaret’s seems much more calm and content.
“I’d often travel 60km to the other aged care community only to find her unsettled and unreceptive to my visit. This was very difficult and distressing to see,” Don explained.
“Now, she is so much more at ease in this community. The vintage lounge room in the memory support unit is just lovely. It’s a cosy place to sit and there’s antique furniture, a fireplace and a glass display cabinet just like you’d find at home. Margaret finds it a very calming space.”
“We also spend a lot of time in the outdoor spaces, tending to the flowers and plants, or just sitting in the sun.”
“I know she’s very well cared for at Harden Grange and this provides me with peace of mind,” Don said.
“If anyone is thinking about a move to this community, I would encourage them to do so without a second thought!”