Tasmania will soon be home to what is known as a dementia village; a specially designed village exclusively for people living with dementia.
The $25 million project will be built upon an old derelict site located at Glenorchy in Hobart’s North. The village is estimated to house approximately 90 residents, who alongside housing, will also be able to enjoy features such as a beauty salon, a cinema, cafe’s and supermarkets.
The concept of having a specialised village exclusively for those with dementia is not a new idea; many dementia villages exist around the world, with the Netherlands being home to the first one ever created.
However, the village due to be built in Tasmania is the first of its kind to make its way over to Australia.
It will also have a much more open approach to the system. Dementia villages are usually reserved for those with very severe dementia, with people with only moderate dementia forced to seek out other resources, such as dementia day centres.
CEO of Glenview Community Services, Lucy O’Flaherty, says that the village will be open to applications from people with all levels of dementia, of any age.
Ms O’Flaherty also explained that the village will be open to the community, but there will be public and private spaces to help ensure the privacy of residents.
While residents are encouraged to maintain an independent lifestyle, staff will be on hand throughout the village to help provide any necessary help and care.
“They’ll have staff that will [take part in] discreet observation, there will be technology, the design of the facility will be as such that it will support residents within the village, Ms O’Flaherty said.
Business will apparently also play a vital role in the dementia village, as the local community will be able to have a say in what various businesses they wish to have.
These businesses will also provide new jobs, yet anyone wishing to apply will receive support and training to successfully work with people with dementia.
“We will be supporting all the staff, whether they are the staff of these organisations, to get trained so they’re really clear about dementia, how to care for people living with dementia to create the most normal and real environment,” Ms O’Flaherty said.
Tasmania is home to Australia’s oldest and fastest ageing population, which played a deciding factor in the decision to have the dementia village built there.
“If we don’t do something now, we are going to be in strife. We need to be proactive, we need to be innovative,” Ms O’Flaherty said.
Professor James Vickers from the Wicking Dementia Centre said the project was “revolutionary” and would “transform dementia care.”
“You need to look at a model where people become destressed and the best way of doing that is in a home-like environment,” he said.
The dementia village is set to be complete and ready to house residents in approximately 18 months.
From our Home Caring family to yours we wish you a truly wonderful Christmas filled with love, joy and togetherness.
Today as we celebrate we're reminded of the incredible clients and families we've had the privilege to support throughout the year. Your trust and connection mean the world to us and it's our honour to be part of your journey. We hope you've had a beautiful day surrounded by loved ones and the warmth of the season. Merry Christmas! 🎄✝️❤️
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’Twas the Friday before Christmas & all through the land,
Home Caring united, a festive day so grand.
With our staff and clients together as one,
We celebrated Christmas, full of love and fun.
From Craigieburn’s cheer to South Perth’s delight,
Rockhampton’s joy sparkled so bright.
Campbelltown gathered, Hurstville did too,
Smithfield and Altona also spread Christmas hues.
With laughter and love felt far and wide,
Our epic Christmas parties warmed hearts inside.
A shoutout to every team who made it so sweet—
This festive season you’ve made it complete! 🎄🩵
#HomeCaringChristmas #TogetherAsOne #FestiveJoy #MeaningfulConnections #CelebratingCare #haveahollyjollychristmas
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The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the aged care system introducing the Support at Home program set to commence on 1 July 2025. This initiative aims to enhance support for older Australians enabling them to remain in their homes longer and receive more personalised care.
Key Features of the Support at Home Program:
• Reduced Wait Times: The program will shorten the waiting period for in-home aged care services ensuring timely assistance for those in need.
• Tailored Support Levels: Support at Home introduces eight levels of ongoing care replacing the previous four, to better match individual needs.
• No Caps on Cleaning and Gardening: Unlike previous programs there will be no annual caps on cleaning and gardening services allowing for more comprehensive support.
• Care Management Cap: A 10% cap on care management costs will remain in place to maintain affordability.
• Assistive Technology Access: The program will expedite access to assistive devices like walkers and wheelchairs enhancing mobility and independence.
• Increased Support Funding: The maximum support level will rise from $61,000 to $78,000, providing more resources for those with complex needs.
• Restorative and Allied Health Services: There will be a temporary funding boost for restorative and allied health services, aiding recovery and well-being.
• Palliative Care Support: The program includes provisions for palliative care allowing older Australians to spend their final weeks at home surrounded by loved ones.
Staged Implementation of Price Caps:
Price caps on services will be phased in starting from 1 July 2026. For the first year providers will continue to set their own prices similar to the current Home Care Packages program. In early 2025, consultations will be held with older people, advocates, families, carers and the sector to ensure fair pricing and robust consumer protections during this transition.
No Worse Off Principle:
To protect existing Home Care Package recipients, the government has introduced the “No Worse Off” principle:
• Grandfathering: Individuals approved for a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 will transition to the new system without financial disadvantage.
• Fee Structure: If you were a full-rate pensioner paying no fees under your Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024, you will continue to pay no fees under Support at Home. If you were required to pay fees, you will pay the same or less under the new program.
At Home Caring we are dedicated to supporting our older community members through these changes. We are committed to ensuring the financial safety and well-being of our clients providing personalised care that aligns with the new Support at Home program. Our team is here to assist you in navigating these updates, ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve. 🩵
For more detailed information please refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s consumer fact sheet: www.health.gov.au/resources/ publications/support-at-home-program-fact-sheet-changes-to-support-at-home-pricing-arrangements-for-older-people-families-and-carers?language=en
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Happy Friday HC fam! Sending love from our wonderful Home Caring Craigieburn team! It’s been an incredibly productive week filled with exciting events across Australia and we couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s to come. As the new year approaches we’re counting down the days to continue growing innovating and supporting our cherished clients with the care they deserve 🩵 ... See MoreSee Less