Deborah Cheetham retirement village nominated for prestigious design award amid enhancements in aged care quality

THE Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village in Ocean Grove has been shortlisted for Design of the Year at the Eldercare Innovation Awards, which are set to be announced in Singapore this May.

These awards are designed to honour outstanding achievements in reshaping the experience of aging through innovative practices.

Ryman Healthcare Australia, which constructed and manages the village, has expressed great pride in this nomination.

Design practice lead Andrew Moulding said his team was “over the moon” to be shortlisted.

“At Ryman we’re constantly looking for ways to push the creative boundaries and challenge the conventional wisdom of what retirement living communities should be, so to be nominated for such a prestigious international design award is really gratifying,” Mr Moulding said.

“All of us only want the very best for our parents or grandparents as they age, and Deborah Cheetham is certainly a spectacular setting for them to live their best life.”

This recognition coincides with new findings that demonstrate improvements in care levels within aged care facilities.

Since October 1, 2023, the government has mandated that residential aged care homes provide 200 minutes of direct care daily per resident, including 40 minutes from a registered nurse.

The first quarter’s data shows a significant improvement, with ho

mes now delivering an average of 201.93 minutes per resident per day, an increase of 20 minutes since the 2020-21 period.

Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving aged care.

“We promised more carers with more time to care and that’s exactly what we are delivering, an additional 3.6 million additional care minutes every day across the sector,” Ms Wells said.

“I want to thank the incredible people who are delivering the care – our fantastic aged care workers.”

The retirement village, named after the esteemed Yorta Yorta opera singer and Indigenous advocate Deborah Cheetham, opened in March 2023.

It reflects Ryman Healthcare’s dedication to incorporating First Nations culture into its operations.

Ms Cheetham said she was incredibly proud to be the namesake of the newest Ryman Healthcare location at the opening event.

“The process of working together has been nothing but collaborative and supportive, and I applaud the brand’s genuine commitment to understanding and celebrating First Nations people and culture,” Ms Cheetham said.

The design of the village incorporates Indigenous names for care centre wings and features artwork by Sarrita King, celebrating First Nations culture.

The facility has created over 50 jobs and offers a blend of residential and care facilities, along with healthcare amenities, a gym, and leisure activities, providing a holistic approach to senior living.