Wyndham Lodge has this week, proudly opened its doors to welcome back residents and family members to Baptcare’s brand new aged care facility.
Baptcare Chairman Philip Curtis, Ladies Auxiliary President Margo Kendal, staff member Murray Holland, resident Joyce Perry and Werribee Mayor Adele Hegedich, with Baptcare CEO Graham Dangerfield, officially re-opening Wyndham Lodge
Occupying the site of the old Werribee Hospital, Wyndham Lodge is a completely new building possessing modern designs and state of the art facilities, offering an even greater provision of care to residents.
Along with an increase from 30 existing beds to 150 over four floors, Wyndham Lodge has catered to its residents and now offers modern, community-like facilities such as a hairdressing salon, activity spaces and lounge rooms. A landscaped internal courtyard has also been developed for residents to enjoy the outdoors and to provide natural light to all rooms.
Wyndham Lodge exterior
Over the coming weeks and months, Wyndham Lodge will become home to 150 people, and provide more than 150 local jobs.
The new modern design allows for ‘ageing in place’, with all rooms including amenities such as a ceiling hoist. This addition will permit most residents to remain in their own rooms without needing to move around as their needs change.
The residential aged care facility was built on a strong foundation of community spirit and a culture of care. Throughout the building process, 30 beds continued to be in operation in the adjacent Bill Featherstone House, allowing for the culture and deep community base of Wyndham Lodge to be preserved and carried on. Baptcare will now focus on the complete refurbishment of Bill Featherstone House, with plans to operate the 30 beds for ambulant clients with a diagnosis of dementia. This will be a program centred on a social model of care, where activities of daily living are incorporated into the care program and where our engagement programs are much more specific to the needs of these clients. This work will commence later this year.
Existing staff members at Wyndham Lodge have been undergoing training and upskilling in preparation for the opening of the new facility. This process will empower them to become staff leaders, ensuring the current culture at Wyndham Lodge is carried over and sustained into the future.
“Staff understand that care goes beyond physical health,” said Baptcare’s Chief Executive, Graham Dangerfield. “Baptcare has ensured community involvement remains at the forefront of Wyndham Lodge,” he said.
“The residential aged care facility was originally run and funded largely by the Werribee community. Much of the success Wyndham Lodge has today is a result of local organisations, and I am thrilled that Baptcare has been able to provide the capital and the people resources to bring this local community dream into a reality.
The many generous people who tirelessly fundraised for Wyndham Lodge, particularly the Ladies’ Auxiliary, have had family members and close friends take up residence at our aged care facility. “It is amazing to think that I am now going to be calling this place home,” said Faye Stuyoff, an existing resident of Wyndham Lodge.
Faye Stoios and Joyce Perry
“I am sure there will be other locals who will be in the same position – whether they have been heavily involved in the auxiliary like me or have just supported its fundraising efforts – they can all feel they have contributed to what is already a great local place to call home.”
To mark the opening of Wyndham Lodge, Baptcare will be running Open Days from Thursday 21st July to Sunday 24th July, starting at 10.00am and concluding at 3.00pm. A band and refreshments will be provided. To book a tour please visit: https://www.baptcare.org.au/wyndham-open-day or just turn up.
Photos courtesy of Janusz Molinski
Source: BUV News