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\u201cThis is a true example of a community led grass roots initiative,\u201d said Ms Slatter.<\/p>\n
\u201cCosterfield 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter this period HDA will gift Costerfield House to Heathcote Health for respite tourism.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the future, transportable villas like Costerfield House could become available for purchase to help families keep loved ones at home for longer.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCosterfield 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,\u201d said Ms Slatter.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything happens at the touch of a button or an instruction to Alexa, Amazon\u2019s voice. A swipe of a card opens the door, turns on the lights and TV and the blinds go up.<\/p>\n
\u201cLarge 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cColour 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn \u2018in-home\u2019 care provider\u2019s room features a specially designed desk and bed. The desk folds under without the need to remove items and converts to a double bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpecial discreet sensors and alert devices worn by the person with dementia can quickly send a \u2018red flag\u2019 alert to a family member or carer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dementia Australia\u2019s manager for service development Vincent Poission, and carer Margaret Rae were part of the official opening of Costerfield House.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ms Rae became a carer when her friend Dot was diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s in 2015. The two had been friends for many years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Costerfield House is a perfect for both people diagnosed with dementia and their carers,\u201d said Ms Rae.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will make a huge difference in allowing people to stay in their own community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Heathcote Dementia Alliance unveiled their world first housing solution for people living with dementia on World Alzheimer\u2019s 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. […]<\/p>\n