A GEM IN AGED CARE
The $33-million care home, Opal Winston Hills, has been officially opened by MP Mark Taylor and Opal CEO Rachel Argaman.
The state-of-the-art home, which includes a dedicated dementia care area, is in the grounds of The Willows Retirement Village. Opal Regional General Manager NSW, Ann Knevitt, said the 95-bed home combines clinical excellence with a focus on “whole of person” wellness.
It also provides dedicated dementia care to the community with a 19-bed Memory Support area featuring a men’s shed and sensory gardens.
“Alongside our commitment to the highest standards of care, our new home will also reflect what the local community wants from their aged care experience,” Ms Knevitt said. “We have also invested in exciting new technology including virtual reality, companion e-pets and interactive display sets that provide meaningful activities for people and enable opportunities for learning, reminiscence, imagination and interaction with others.”
There are 4,472 people affected by dementia currently living in the Parramatta/Hills District area, and this number expected to grow substantially.
Mark Taylor MP, State Member for Seven Hills congratulated Opal saying it was a much needed service for the area.
“The population of Western Sydney is set to grow to 2.9 million and will house more than half of greater Sydney’s population by 2036, meaning we will need increased services and specialist support, particularly in health services and aged care.”
Opal Winston Hills has 89 single rooms and three companion rooms, all with ensuites, and includes an in-house Wellness Centre providing specialist rehabilitation and reablement services to residents and the local community.
There are 60 residents already settled into Opal Winston Hills who thrive on contributing back to the wider community.
Social Committee member, Betty Wichelow, said she thoroughly enjoyed making Pink Ribbons for the home’s Breast Cancer Awareness event.
“My legs are letting me down, but I still have my hands and brain to contribute and live my life to the fullest.”
Cynthia Bartolo, Opal Winston Hills General Manager, said: “We believe that every resident should live with love, purpose and belonging, and that means deeply getting to know our residents as individuals, so that they can exercise their own preferences and live as independently and purposefully as possible.”
