ACH Group’s $40 million Healthia expects to welcome the first residents to its small household model of residential aged care, Healthia, with two homes opening in mid-August.
In total, Healthia will have eight single-storey homes and 96 beds. Each home is connected by walkways.
It is the first care home in Australia to implement the innovative US-founded Green House Project (GHP) model of care, which is aimed at maximising the independence of residents and empowering staff.
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said, “The homes feature 12 self-contained private rooms with ensuites; a large open plan living, kitchen and dining area; and features commonly found in traditional houses so residents can participate in the daily house activities if they wish.
“Many design principles within the houses have taken into consideration what would be seen in someone’s own home; this has ensured a definite move away from an institutional setting and will capture a home environment and sense of familiarity for residents.
“The homes are designed to integrate with the natural streetscape of a typical suburban neighbourhood through their scale, domestic features, and the building materials used. We have also minimised institutional artefacts such as signage, nurse stations, and medication trolleys.”
Frank said he imagines the partnership with Green House will increase staff retention.
Healthia will also be a base for ACH Group’s community workforce that supports the growing number of older residents in the home's region with Home Care Packages.
Healthia’s construction began in December 2021. The building extends over 9,100 square metres and was designed by South Australian architect Brown Falconer. The builder was SARAH Constructions.
GHP model is owned and overseen by the US-based Center for Innovation. It has been successfully implemented in nearly 400 private and Not For Profit care homes in the US.
The SOURCE: The Royal Commission recommended a smaller home model of care, however, the trend has been towards larger aged care homes in Australia recently, and smaller homes closing. There are efficiencies gained with scale and greater ability to cope in today’s complex operating environment.
