Words by Nick Crockford
Bolton Clarke’s new $48 million Fernhill aged care community – stage one of a 10-year redevelopment in King St, Caboolture - has been officially opened.
Residents, staff and invited guests were at the state-of-the-art complex as Federal Member for Longman Terry Young made the announcement on May 20.
The new Fernhill community is on the same site where the original RSL care home first opened more than 70 years ago.
Neighbourhoods
Co-designed by residents, the building will eventually be home to more than 160 people living in ‘neighbourhoods’ with specialist dementia support, a seniors-friendly gym, health services, a café and common areas.
“This isn’t just somewhere to live, but a home where residents can feel safe, secure and comfortable,” said Terry Young.
“I was particularly hearted by the level of involvement residents had in designing it. It is the kind of innovative thinking we want to foster.”
Picture gallery
Great example
Bolton Clarke Chairman Pat McIntosh said the redevelopment was “a great example of the future of best practice in aged care”.
“Fernhill holds unique place in Bolton Clarke’s history and represents a proud legacy of representing 71 years this month since the arrival of the first veteran residents,” he said.
“The new Fernhill building is the culmination of five-years work, co-designing with residents, their families and the local community, supported by QUT to understand the preferences in local needs.
“This is the first time we have done this and it will not be the last. This will become the norm for us when redeveloping these sorts of facilities.”
Living lab
Mr McIntosh said it was designed to support residential aged care residents, home care, day therapy clients and retirement living residents.
He said it was also “one of only two Australian Government funded living labs in Queensland, testing early commercial technology to enhance energy efficiency and renewable solutions”.
For further information visit newfernhill.com.au
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