Redefining residential aged care

Victorian aged-care provider Luson recently opened its state-of-the-art aged-care residence, Bloom, in Clyde North.

As a result of The Royal Commission, effects of COVID and the changing demands from families and residents, Bloom was designed to cater to the growing need for more holistic and better designed aged-care homes that support the full spectrum of personal, social and practical needs of residents and their families.

Offering the full range of care services including palliative, respite and dementia care, the facility is designed by Melbourne architecture firm CHT Architects along with SORA Interiors. The contemporary design de-institutionalises the space to create a homely and welcoming environment.

The facility incorporates a community feel much like a little shopping strip while also using feature joinery screens throughout the home to provide pockets of private and peaceful settings.

COVID-safe practices have also been considered throughout the design, including integrated sanitation stations and the ability to close off separate wings of the building if required.

Set amongst the residential development by the same name, Bloom’s architecture complements the surrounding homes. The design features pitched roofs, double-storey glass front and standing seam cladding, a gentle nod to the rural context of the site.

The variety of modern living and lifestyle facilities more commonly relate to those at a boutique luxury hotel. The spacious private rooms with ensuites have an abundance of natural light with individually controlled hydronic heating and cooling.

Dedicated areas feature throughout the home including private dining serveries, library, in-house hair salon, gold-class cinema, gym, outdoor entertainment areas, manicured gardens and interactive raised veggie pods. The space has been designed to facilitate social engagement and interaction, while also having the ability for individual privacy or time with family.

The facility is backed by industry-leading standards and offers quality in-care services from clinical and health care to daily living and social wellbeing in a generous and homely environment.

The General Manager of Luson’s Bloom, Chipo Nyemba, said, “We have created an environment that fosters a sense of community, while supporting independent living with professional care.

“Bloom represents the growing desire for more integrated and better designed aged-care homes that support the full spectrum of personal, social and practical needs of our residents and their families.

“The vision for Bloom is apparent in its culture that prioritises the needs of residents, their families and the team to provide the highest standards and care for the greatest quality of life.”