Lutheran Services’ Salem Aged Care home in Toowoomba, in southern QLD, has been operating since 1935. Now it has undergone a $3.9 million renovation in six stages.
Lutheran Services CEO Nick Ryan said the renovations, which were completed in consultation with residents, reflected the changing needs of older people.
“When that part of Salem was built, it was normal to have three or four people in the same room, it was like a hospital model,” Nick (pictured below) said.
“Our understanding now about older people and their needs means those expectations have changed.
“Aged care over the past 10 years has been more around the consumer’s voice and choice, and that we support people to lead their best lives.
“The decor was what residents had chosen; they instructed the architects about the kind of changes they wanted to see,” he added.
The renovations include rejuvenated bedrooms and ensuites; refreshed living spaces; and updates to the facility’s chapel, café and outdoor spaces.
It’s great to know Lutheran Services is consulting and listening to its residents.
