Embracing the small-household model of aged care

A state-of-the-art residential aged care facility that focuses on personalised care in an environmentally sustainable setting has recently opened in South Australia.

Adopting the small-household model of aged care, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Eldercare Goodwood is designed with four wings of 25 residential suites, clustered into six to seven suites for more personalised care.

Designed by architects Brown Falconer and built by Sarah Constructions, the facility is a 100-bed aged care residence that showcases some of the highest-tech safety features, best-practice model of care and luxury features. These include a full-time concierge, baby grand piano in the foyer, gym, beauty salon and glass conservatory.

Eldercare Goodwood aims to meet the growing demand for modern, high-quality aged care from an increasing tide of aging ‘baby boomers’, who have discerning expectations and are prepared to invest in aging well. It has also received a Six Star Green Star Design Review rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, and is on track to receive a Six Star Green Star Design and As Built rating.

Living space using a small household care model.

“We are creating the benchmark for innovative, sustainable design and a model of care to support the care and wellbeing needs of a rapidly aging cohort who expect to age well, remain connected to community and are environmentally aware,” said Eldercare Chief Executive Jane Pickering.

“This magnificent home was designed around our model of care, which is based on developing relationships based on warmth and generosity and care that is consistent and tailored to the individual.

“Our small-household model of aged care and state-of-the-art building design means our staff can work safely and comfortably, maximising direct time spent caring for our residents.”

Each residential wing is its own neighbourhood and includes a large servery and central living and dining areas, with reading nooks and light-filled activity spaces, for social connection. The wings have been named after prominent South Australian women Julia Gillard, Dame Roma Mitchell, Lucy Daw, Augusta Zadow and Nancy Atkinson.

Environmental features include storm water collection and reuse, solar panels, and design elements like quality insulation, double glazed windows and natural ventilation. Extensive gardens have been designed to take advantage of sun and shade.

“Eldercare Goodwood is adding 100 modern and well-designed aged care places to the sector and has invested in a fit-for-purpose site with innovative technology that enables staff to provide more personalised and direct support to older Australians, ensuring they receive the best care possible,” said federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, who officially opened the facility.

“Eldercare Goodwood is a leading example of how the sector can meet the evolving needs of our aging population, and I congratulate all involved in making this exceptional site a reality.”

The $40 million site has been purpose-designed with meticulous detail from the ground up by South Australian aged care provider Eldercare. All rooms are fitted with voice-assist technology, smart TVs with family-connect capabilities, 4D-radar technology for fall-detection and alert notifications, and inbuilt ceiling-mounted electronic track and hoist systems for the comfort and safety of residents and staff.

Eldercare Goodwood resident suite.

Each of the spacious 100 resident suites have a garden or courtyard view and ensuite, and most feature a kitchenette, with in-room tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Back-end services (such as food preparation, laundry, waste management, delivery of goods and maintenance) are located in the basement, keeping domestic duties separated from the residential wings, with quick access staff-service lifts improving efficiency and flow so more time is spent with residents.

Top image caption: Eldercare Goodwood from Victoria Street.