Ribbon cut on dementia care villa

THE Heathcote Dementia Alliance unveiled their world first housing solution for people living with dementia on World Alzheimer’s Day last week.

Known as Costerfield House, the units is a transportable and fit-for-purpose care villa for people with dementia and their carers, with the potential to be used by people with other disabilities in the future.

“While Costerfield House was designed for people living with dementia, it will also work for people with a range of conditions requiring care and support,” said Heathcote Dementia Alliance president Sandra Slatter.

“Much thought and planning has gone into the housing design, particularly in the fit-out.

“For the past four years, we have researched, held community focus groups, taken advice from experts and above all, listened to feedback provided by carers and people living with dementia.”

Funding for Costerfield House came via donations from local business, community groups and community members.

Community members also helped with various aspects of the fit-out to help keep costs at a minimum.

“This is a true example of a community led grass roots initiative,” said Ms Slatter.

“Costerfield House is our prototype and will be our showcase and living lab for the next 12 months. During this time we will continue with our research and evaluation.

“After this period HDA will gift Costerfield House to Heathcote Health for respite tourism.”

In the future, transportable villas like Costerfield House could become available for purchase to help families keep loved ones at home for longer.

Latest statistics estimate there are more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia and more than 1.5 million people across the country are involved in the care of someone with disease.

“Costerfield House is a smart home providing an opportunity for people with dementia to have quality of life and be supported by their families and the community,” said Ms Slatter.

“Everything happens at the touch of a button or an instruction to Alexa, Amazon’s voice. A swipe of a card opens the door, turns on the lights and TV and the blinds go up.

“Large front windows ensure an abundance of natural light and a feeling of being in touch with nature. Automated blinds are programmed to close in the evening and open in the morning.

“Colour is a key feature in the care villa, as well as large photos and a feature wall designed to evoke memories, familiarity and positive associations.

“An ‘in-home’ care provider’s room features a specially designed desk and bed. The desk folds under without the need to remove items and converts to a double bed.

“Special discreet sensors and alert devices worn by the person with dementia can quickly send a ‘red flag’ alert to a family member or carer.”

Dementia Australia’s manager for service development Vincent Poission, and carer Margaret Rae were part of the official opening of Costerfield House.

Mr Poission, is the lead developer of the Blokes in the Caring Role program, which has been specifically designed to educate and support male carers.

Ms Rae became a carer when her friend Dot was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015. The two had been friends for many years.

“I think Costerfield House is a perfect for both people diagnosed with dementia and their carers,” said Ms Rae.

“It will make a huge difference in allowing people to stay in their own community.”

The Heathcote Dementia Alliance is now working toward developing a Memorial Garden, a tribute to those loved ones whose lives were lost as a result of dementia.