Care suites are coming – what are they?

“Care suites” are becoming the new benchmark for long-tern aged care, the term originating from residents of New Zealand operator Arvida.

Arvida CEO Jeremy Nicoll defines a carte suite as a one-bedroom or studio apartment that’s purchased by way of ORA (occupational right agreement), where you receive the practical and healthcare assistance you need.

It’s ideal if you need daily care and support, but don’t want to move into a traditional-style residential aged care home.

What’s in a care suite?

A care suite has a bed and bedside cabinet, comfortable chair, visitor’s char, wardrobe and built-in drawers, ensuite bathroom, and a kitchenette with small fridge and microwave. All care suites are professionally decorated, so colours and furnishings are harmonious and attractive.

Each care suite is equipped with fittings, lighting and emergency call systems that allow Arvida people to provide up to hospital-level care.

“The wellness partners who look after you are consistent, so you see the same cheerful helpers and nurses every day. Care suites are joined to shared household living, dining and outdoor areas, where you can enjoy the company of other residents or take some time out for yourself,” said Jeremy.

 

RetireAustralia has announced it will build what it terms ‘care hubs’ at its latest development, The Verge at Burleigh GC on QLD’s Gold Coast.

The care hub, which will have 10 to 12 beds, will be part of the third stage of The Verge.

The care hub will provide 24-hour, seven-day support for the residents with a Registered Nurse oversight and options for palliative care.

RetireAustralia’s CEO Dr Brett Robinson said it was important that people were able to age in place and live as much of their life in the same environment while being able to do what they wanted.

“They can live their life how they wish and receive the care they need in their home,” he said. “And we can provide the support they need if they have to step into a high-acuity environment without them needing to leave the community”.

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A special thanks to our contributors

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Caroline Egan

DCM Media, agedcare101

Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

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Ian Horswill

Journalist

Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

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Lauren Broomham

Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.