By Gabriella Payne
In the heart of Officer just off Tivendale Road, construction crews are busy at work on a brand new aged care facility.
Set to open in August 2022, the Cardinia Community Aged Care home will be the first of its kind in the suburb and a welcome addition to the growing area.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin was taken on a tour of the new facilities by the Signature Care team recently, to get a sneak peek at what’s in store – and there was plenty to see!
Set on a large parcel of land, the new home will feature 189 single rooms (all with private ensuites) that will be spread across two levels, most of which will look out at the surrounding gardens and courtyards, providing plenty of light and airy spaces for prospective residents to enjoy.
With a hairdressing studio, lawn bowls green, billiard room, piano lounge and a playground for visiting grandchildren to enjoy – there seems to have been no stone left unturned in the design of these new facilities.
On top of that, a casual cafe area will be situated at the front of the building and open to members of the public as well as residents – a popular idea that’s gone down a hit at Signature Care’s Langwarrin establishment.
Martin Jones, Signature Care’s general manager of client services, said that the Cardinia Community Aged Care home would provide round the clock care to residents, all while trying its best to cater to everyone’s individual needs.
“We’re planning to open in August next year – provided all goes well and we have no more lockdowns, touch wood!” Mr Jones said.
“Care will be provided 24/7 by a team of dedicated registered nurses and qualified care staff.
“Residents will also be supported by a lifestyle team that will be focused on ensuring everyone is engaged in a range of activities and programs that are adapted based on the residents’ needs and wishes,” he said.
It’s estimated that once operating, some 240 staff will be working at the home – creating more jobs in the local area.
Mr Jones said that with no aged care home currently operating in Officer (and only a few nearby in Pakenham), there was certainly a demand for these facilities in the booming area.
“There is no aged care home in Beaconsfield or Officer, only a couple in Pakenham and that’s it,” he said.
“So there’s a demand from the ageing population, but more importantly, when people want to move [for example] their Mum and Dad in somewhere because they need aged care, you want them close to you, so that you can look after them.”
Mr Jones said that the Cardinia Community Aged Care home was currently taking expressions of interest, but rooms would not be available until some time mid next year.
For more information on the new facilities, head to signaturecare.com.au/our-homes/cardinia
