We live in challenging times but to date, AdventCare has had no COVID cases in our homes and units. I am proud of our Managers who provide leadership, wisdom and effective quality systems to keep our residents and staff safe. We have strong monitoring and screening processes in place which have proven to be effective. Because of this we are still able to admit new residents who may need to move to aged care or retirement living from the community or hospital.
Since July we have restricted visiting to limited numbers of visitors for clinical and compassionate reasons only. This has helped to keep our residents safe and we have used other methods of engagement such as window visits and Zoom catch ups with their families to maintain social connections.
Earlier in November, we opened up visitation to our aged care homes on an appointment basis and this was welcomed by the residents and their families as an initial step to further easing of restrictions. We will continue to be vigilant and care for our residents and support the staff in making AdventCare a safe and happy place to live.
We have also increased the range of internal activities for the residents to provide them with engagement and to lift their spirits in these extraordinary times. Our activity staff have been innovative in organising many events.
We have also been fortunate to have our Chaplaincy team, who have assisted and supported both residents and staff, providing spiritual and emotional support as they deal with the current restrictions and challenges of everyday life. They provided the residents with opportunities for worship and reflection at a time when our local churches are restricted from providing additional worship and support services.
We remain focused on our Mission which is “To provide excellent care in a safe and secure Christian environment”. The success of our services reflects this focus and we are motivated to ensure that our residents live the best life they can by caring for their physical, social, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
AdventCare is well connected with the community and this is reflected in the near full occupancy levels at our aged care homes and units at a time when the industry occupancy averages are far lower. There is high demand for our services and the hospitals and referral agencies see us as a preferred provider of choice through many years of service to the community.
AdventCare is doing well and we are grateful for the support from the Church community. We look forward to being able to get out to the Churches in the future to talk about our services and what we can do to help your members now and in the future.
Development Update
AdventCare Whitehorse
We have commenced the redevelopment of the Whitehorse aged care home at Nunawading, which will see an additional 48 aged care beds for the community, along with key new infrastructure improvements including a new kitchen, laundry, cafe and staff areas. This project will be completed in late 2022 and will enable us to meet the increasing demand for our services from the community and local Churches.
Building is expected to have commenced by the time of print and the 48 extra beds will be available at the end of 2021.
We are also rebuilding the affordable Central retirement units at Nunawading , expected to be completed in February 2021, with the builders making good progress.
AdventCare Yarra Ranges
We will build eight new retirement units adjacent to the existing site and these will be completed around mid 2021. Many local Warburton Church members have shown keen interest in being part of our community and we look forward to being able to extend our retirement services to the community.
Pavilions Blackburn Lake
AdventCare is shortly to commission and will manage the first stage of Pavilions on the old Camp ground adjacent to the Conference building, and this will have 41 retirement apartments and an excellent range of facilities such as café, cinema, library and community spaces for residents and their families. There will be a Concierge service to assist residents and we will build a strong Pavilions community as the future stages are planned and developed.
David Reece
The display unit is furnished and available for inspection[/caption]
