The new 32-bed memory support unit at NoosaCare’s Carramar site has been officially opened, providing significantly more services and options for those living with dementia on the Sunshine Coast.
Opened on 5 December by NoosaCare president Ann Harrap, together with State Member of Parliament Sandy Bolton, Noosa’s Deputy Mayor Frank Wilke, and the project’s major donors, the new facility offers a specifically designed secure environment in beautifully landscaped surroundings.
“With more and more people in our community impacted by dementia and cognitive decline, we are delighted to be able to provide a service that offers both a clinical and lifestyle approach to care in a safe and visually appealing space,” Ms Harrap said.
“Providing dementia care is expensive and underfunded by government so we rely heavily on volunteers and the generosity of donors to ensure we can deliver something extraordinary.
“NoosaCare is grateful to all those who helped to make this project a reality, particularly our major donors – RSL Tewantin, LiveLife Pharmacy Group and the families of John Hay and Stan Chandler. The financial gifts from those organisations and families has meant we can provide additional amenities and resident services over and above what we can fund ourselves,” she said.
The extra services include:
– Solar outdoor audio and visual nature boards with information and sensory cues.
– Outdoor safe-to-touch fireplace with seating.
– Wearables and sensors that can assist with independence.
– Interactive audio-visual systems to provide stimulation and sensory engagement.
– “Silent sounds” wireless headphone systems.
Designed by Peter Middap and constructed by Kane Builders, the project received endorsement from Dementia Australia and was recognised by the Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare as a state of the art ‘Project of the Year’ in 2021.
The new unit increases NoosaCare’s secure dementia offering to 64 bed and is complemented by NoosaCare’s outreach activities such as the dementia cafe.
