Community
25 October, 2024
First look inside Merindah Lodge
A PROTOTYPE room at South West Healthcare’s new $39.6 million, state-of-the-art Merindah Lodge redevelopment has earned a tick of approval from staff and residents.
Western District Newspapers toured the site on Thursday alongside South West Healthcare executive director of redevelopment and infrastructure Jamie Brennan, project manager aged care redevelopment Janine Dureau-Finn and chief executive officer Craig Fraser.
Construction has reached the half-way point, but already built is a prototype residential room, the first of the new 36-bed facility to be completed, which has been painted, carpeted and fully furnished.
This week South West Healthcare staff and Merindah Lodge residents had the chance to view the room, familiarise themselves with the layout and provide feedback.
The room features modern, built-in wardrobes, cabinets and display shelves where personal belongings can be stored.
A large television has been installed, along with a number of painting railings to ensure residents have the option to personalise their room to feel like home.
Each room will feature a private bathroom with discreet, built in cabinets where staff can store items which may be required for care – ensuring the only items prominently on display are the resident’s most cherished items, rather than medical necessities.
At the entrance to each room is a display cabinet built into the wall, which can be used to safely store beloved items which assist in orienting residents as to which room is theirs.
“The prototype room has been fitted out as all of the 36 rooms will look and feel,” Mr Brennan said.
“It’s painted, carpeted and has all the furniture such as the bed, the chair and the TV.
“The purpose of the room is to allow us to bring the staff and residents through to get an overview of what the room looks and feels like, how it functions and test out any of the technology or furniture.
“This also allows us to make any changes which might be required when fitting out the remaining 35 rooms.”
Mr Brennan said all involved were elated as feedback had been “extremely positive”.
“Everyone loves it - they love the colour and layout, the carpet, and they love that the clinical functions are so much more discreet,” he said.
Also operational in the prototype room is the technology which will be utilised to maximise resident safety while protecting their dignity, and respecting their right to privacy and independence.
Frames for hoists and lifts are installed in the ceiling, from over the bed through to the bathroom – taking up little room and remaining discreet.
Rooms feature fall sensors which allow immediate staff intervention, and includes low level dim lighting, allowing for staff to conduct night-time duties while minimising the risk of disturbing resident sleep.
The prototype room is built in one of the five residential areas as part of the build, which also hosts communal areas such as an open-plan kitchen for resident use, large balconies offering comforting views over Camperdown and quiet spaces for relaxation - individually, with other residents or with visiting families.
South West Healthcare chief executive officer Craig Fraser said, with construction at the half-way mark, he could not be happier with the progress.
“The staff and residents currently at Merindah Lodge are extremely excited because it’s quite unique in anyone’s history to have something like this – it is purpose-built on a beautiful site with views over Camperdown,” he said.
“It’s a huge investment in Camperdown, and it shows in to the future we wanted to secure not only aged care, but the campus in Camperdown as a pivotal health care facility.
“The build is well advanced and the builders have been exceptionally good at working to the timelines and budget.
“We’re really excited with where we’re at, and we’re looking forward to being open mid-to-late 2025.”