For decades, HammondCare has advocated a small household model of dementia care and design (which ultimately informed the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines), where older people living with dementia can more easily find their way around, enjoy a sense of peace, comfort and familiarity, and feel at home.
This is exemplified in some of our state-of-the-art dementia villages, such as HammondCare Caulfield, in which welcoming, domestic-style cottages are surrounded by gardens and residents move about with independence and ease.
But not all providers have the luxury of space. Many already occupy medium and high density buildings in cities or are planning for construction in built-up areas, with the council, heritage and access issues that inevitably come along with that.
We hear you!
In fact, HammondCare was presented with the same situation in 2015 when we began designing what was to become HammondCare Darlinghurst – a new build offering residential aged care for older people facing or experiencing homelessness.
Opening in 2020, it’s become home to 42 people, many with a background of trauma and about 50% of whom live with dementia. Other residents may have needs such as frailty or mental health disorders, while others are more ambulant and independent.
To find out how our team went about making a five storey building in the middle of Sydney into dementia-enabling small households, we spoke to our General Manager of Property and Works, Michael Cooney.
‘From the start, we had some ‘must-haves’ – features that were informed through research and practise – and other features we were open to alternative design solutions,’ Michael began.
‘In terms of the must-haves, domestic kitchens were essential, because fresh cooking is central to our model of care. That was non-negotiable.
‘We knew things like private bedrooms and ensuites were a must-have, so no shared facilities.
‘A laundry on each floor was a must-have – keeping that sense of what a real home has and does, because that’s what each apartment is.
‘Finally, good, accessible outdoor space where you can transition from inside to outside was also essential, but more challenging in an apartment block.’
On the flipside, there were aspects of the principles that were open to interpretation, given the constraints of a site.
'There were aspects of the principles that were open to interpretation, given the constraints of a site...'
‘One of them was how we moved people about vertically,’ said Michael.
‘We knew we needed lifts, and so we needed to think about how they would work in with our vestibules, which we use in the single-storey homes to act as a buffer to the outside world and reduce stimulation.
‘We also thought we had a bit of a licence to be creative with things like social spaces – spaces outside the primary home to allow connection with community.
‘Dead ends – which we generally avoid as they can confuse residents – were another thing we had to work around due to the constraints of the space.’
Whether they were must-haves or interpretations, every element had to be addressed in the final design, with some even turning from a challenge to an advantage.
Jesse Wark, our Residential Head of Operations who oversees HammondCare Darlinghurst, said the vertical interpretation of the small household model has worked beyond expectations.
‘When we implemented the household model in a high-density setting, our aim was to create an environment that supports highly vulnerable individuals,’ he said.
‘Now, residents benefit from a home-like atmosphere that enhances their abilities and reduces their areas of need.
‘In fact, their needs are consistently met, and often surpassed.’
Come along and see first-hand how our dementia-enabling approach was interpreted for an apartment context, plus learn how you can make changes at your own site – whatever the layout – to increase engagement and autonomy for the people you serve.
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Cost: $790 (+ GST)