Hawthorn House, a dementia care day-centre in Albany, 418km south of Perth, has opened Don's Cottage, a $2 million respite facility featuring an innovative double-bedroom model that allows carers and their loved one to spend quality time together in a supportive environment.
The facility was opened by Rebecca Stephens, the Member for Albany, on behalf of Don Punch MLA, Western Australia's Minister for Seniors and Ageing. More than 150 attended, including members of Alzheimer’s WA board, including Chair Professor Warren Harding AM and CEO Ella Dachs.
Don's Cottage is named after Don Brandenburg, who, after after retiring to Denmark, 50km west of Albany, established a foundation to distribute funds from his estate to organisations in the Great Southern region. Since his death in 2015, the Don Brandenburg Foundation has invested $3.5 million in the area.
Darral Bennett, Don's nephew and Don Brandenburg Foundation secretary, told the Albany Advertiser he decided to donate money to Hawthorn House after dropping in one day and meeting House Manager Lorraine Benson.
Development of Don’s Cottage was announced in 2022, construction began in 2023, and the facility was officially opened last Friday.
In addition to the respite facility, a yarning circle was created at Hawthorn House as a culturally significant meeting place, designed with traditional elders and Illumina Design.
