MP puts praise on Dementia Alliance

UPPER House MP for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, has congratulated the Heathcote Dementia Alliance after the recent opening of Costerfield House.

The dementia-friendly villa was officially opened on World Alzheimer’s Day in September.

“The opening highlighted the importance of dementia care in regional Victoria during Dementia Action Week,” said Ms Broad.

“This year in Victoria it’s estimated there are more than 104,000 people living with dementia.

“These figures make the Costerfield House project even more crucial. The villa is an inspiring look at the future and how we can care for people living with dementia.

Costerfield House is a transportable and fit-for-purpose care villa for people with dementia and their carers.

A trial site for now, the development offers the potential to be used by people with other disabilities in the future.

“The layout, colours, furniture and textures used in the villa have all been carefully considered,” Ms Broad said.

“Perhaps most amazing, though, is the creative use of artificial intelligence.

“When you enter the house, a swipe of a card opens the door, turns on the lights and TV and the blinds go up. Lighting is automatically controlled to match the natural light of day and night.

“There are no cameras, but sensors throughout the villa pick up on a person’s normal routine. Then, if they do not open their fridge within a set time, an alert will be sent to their carer so they can check if they have fallen or are sick.

“HDA founder and president Sandra Slatter and her team have been working hard for four years to create this extraordinary home.

“They have received strong support from the community, including builders and tradies, businesses, and their major sponsor Mandalay Resources.

“I congratulate Sandra and her hardworking team for giving us all a glimpse of a dementia-friendly future.”