Many of you will have seen recent local media reports that, unfortunately, after nine years of effort, the ‘Gilbruk Place’ Dementia Village vision will not be proceeding.
Following three years of active negotiation with eight interested aged acre providers, Advance Heathcote Inc. has reached a point where it has not been unable to secure a service provider to operate the facility.
Despite this considerable setback, the Heathcote Dementia Alliance (HDA) is continuing to work on a two-staged Care Villa model, a research centre, peer support program and an innovation ‘Green Care’ initiative.
Here’s some more information to share on behalf of Heathcote Dementia Alliance (HDA):
Care Villas – Stage One
HDA President, Sandra Slatter, shared the following with us:
“At Heathcote Dementia Alliance, our answer to independent living accommodation is to provide those living with dementia housing solutions comprising fit for purpose equitable and affordable accommodation.
This accommodation will facilitate independence, quality of life, ability to age in place and to remain in the community.”
The first stage involves the design of an affordable, transportable 1.5 bedroom Dementia Care Villa. The first prototype of these – titled Costerfield House – is set to be installed in Heathcote in May this year. (Shortly after this year’s O’Keefe Challenge!)
These Villas have been designed to allows for great thermal comfort and indoor air quality. It will be fitted with the latest artificial intelligence (AI), internet connected appliances, and wearable technology for residents.
Care Villa Cluster Communities – Stage Two
The Cluster Community Concept, or second stage of this initiative has also begun. These Clusters will replicate a small community and consist of a number of the Care Villas, private and shared gardens, and a community space for residents to socialise and have telehealth consultations. The two townships for these cluster communities have been identified in Heathcote and Mildura.
Other dementia-related initiatives include:
- “Futures Hub”, located on the Heathcote Health campus.
This is where innovation starts and ideas and concepts are created. The aim is increase cooperation and collaboration across disciplines and institutions involved in dementia innovation, education, and research. - Carer pathways, in partnership with Human Services Skills Organisation.
HDA are creating pathways for carers leading to flexible volunteer, work and employment opportunities by facilitating better access and innovative approaches to building and/or training and accessing workforce. - Peer Support Progam, in partnership with La Trobe University.
La Trobe University has provided exclusive licence to HDA to translate and implement their $1.8m online peer support program called Verily Connect. - Grant application for a ‘Green Care’ project, in partnership with La Trobe University
HDA has applied for a $1.6m grant (4-year project) in collaboration with Heathcote Health, several aged care / in-home care providers and La Trobe University to conduct an Australian first innovative approach to dementia care. This would provide alternative respite options for people living with early-stage dementia and their carers based on immersion into nature and green environments.
For further information about the Heathcote Dementia Alliance, please contact:
Sandra Slatter
Heathcote Dementia Alliance President
E: sdslatter@gmail.com
M: 0417 350 911
