South Australia’s first dementia care village opens

A new dementia care village has opened in South Australia – complete with a shop designed by Coles, a hairdresser, and a cafe.

Partnering up with the federal and state government, HammondCare opened the dementia care village in Daw Park, Adelaide, in hopes of focusing on relationship-based care.

In line with the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the village was designed around small, home-like cottages to maximise autonomy and minimise disability.

HammondCare’s chief Mike Baird said the opening was a new chapter of the 91-year history of the facility.

“HammondCare is proud to open this special aged care home for South Australians living with dementia in line with our mission to improve the quality of life for people in need,” Mr Baird said.

Around 70 per cent of aged care residents lived with moderate to severe cognitive impairments, including dementia.

In 2023, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that more than 400,000 Australians lived with dementia – the number was estimated to jump to 900,000 in the next 25 years.

Mr Baird said the “deinstitutionalisation” of the area set it apart from similar care homes in Australia.

HammondCare worked with Coles to design a smaller version of its supermarkets to “make sure people feel a sense of community”.

“Research shows the number one thing the residents at other homes missed was shopping,” Mr Baird said.

“Dementia doesn’t mean people shouldn’t lead the best possible life.”

SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton said the model of care and environment was necessary for the residents.

“The innovative design had been informed by years of research and experience,” Minister Picton said.

“It is a great example of a partnership to provide the very best care in a specially designed environment that offers the comforts of home to residents.”

Two of the cottages will welcome the first residents this month, with the remaining four cottages opening in the coming months.

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