New dementia care unit opens in South West Rocks | Photos

The specialised environment, named Seaspray, offers residents living with dementia a more home-like living experience at the aged care facility. 

Mayor Liz Campbell officially opened Seaspray yesterday and said the additional living spaces will improve the lives of residents.

"The addition looks amazing, but more importantly, it will give the residents a wonderful home with specialised care and not compromise their well being," mayor Campbell said.

"It will allow the residents to socialise and connect with others, something that is so important to all of us at any age."

The 15 bed dementia care unit has been fully re-designed to decrease anxiety and confusion for residents living with dementia by creating a cozy and home-like feel.

This is something dementia strategist at Japara Ben Gatehouse says is important for residents who are living with dementia. 

"We want to make the environment personalised to the residents and ensure the environment is comfortable and feels more like a home," he said. 

"Research has shown that for people with dementia, having a place to live that is more home-like will give them a better quality of life.

"It can reduce stress and anxiety as well as allow residents to have more independence and freedom," Mr Gatehouse said. 

"Seaspray will focus on individual choice and a highly individualised lifestyle program for residents to enable active, purposeful living."

Seaspray is filled with small cozy spaces, antique furniture and the walls are decorated with posters from the 50s and 60s.

"The idea is to make it familiar to the residents and make them feel comfortable," Mr Gatehouse said.

South West Rocks Aged Care Inc were also at the official opening yesterday and presented a $2500 cheque to Japara to purchase additional items for Seaspray to improve the lives of residents.

Home manager Gayle Dougherty said the updated facility will allow Japara to cater to residents who are living with dementia.

"There is a demand in the local area for aged care facilities to cater to the needs of people living with dementia and Seaspray will allow us to do this," she said.

"We really want Seaspray to create that home life feeling for the residents and make their life here as normal as possible."

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