The Next 60 Years...A Message from the Aged Care Board
If Adventist Care’s founding members, Dr. Thomas Sherwin and Dr. Margherita Freeman, were to revisit Rossmoyne Retirement Living today, they would undoubtedly struggle to recognise the place. Few of the original buildings remain, having been replaced by contemporary, more densely arranged structures. Today’s villas and multi-storey apartments, complimented with resort-style lifestyle amenities, give more opportunities to retirees. The modern Rossmoyne Waters, accompanied by the Residential Aged Care Facility, is unquestionably the place where retirees come to live!
Adventist Care is excited to be halfway through its ambitious three-staged redevelopment of the Rossmoyne property. Stage 2 is currently underway with an expected completion in March 2025. The highly successful, multi-award-winning Stage 1, Australis, set new standards for retirement living. Its well-appointed, senior-friendly apartments offer spacious living areas, with generous balconies delivering outstanding views of rivers, Perth CBD and the hills. So popular are Rossmoyne Waters apartments that the Stage 2 apartments, Horizon, were fully sold before construction even commenced. The increasing waitlist for retirement apartments at Rossmoyne Waters create confidence in the success of the final redevelopment stage.
Offering retirement living premises that provide residents complete access to the village’s lifestyle amenity, and commencing at price points that cost at least 50% less than the average Rossmoyne property, is something Adventist Care is delighted to have achieved. The Rossmoyne-Shelley area is prestigious for good reason, and Rossmoyne Waters gives many seniors the opportunity to enjoy this location at a more affordable price. Adventist Care also offers premium level accommodation, contributing to the village’s attraction. In the future, when viability permits, Adventist Care intends to offer a selection of accommodation available through rental agreements, thus providing for those who cannot afford to purchase a life lease for retirement.
Apartments are not for everyone. Adventist Care recognises that some active retirees love potting around in their gardens, and having soil beneath their feet. The village’s range of villas continue to offer retirees a choice between ground-level accommodation and low-maintainence apartments. No matter their choice, Adventist Care is confident that all retiring residents will find comfortable, enjoyable places to call home within the Rossmoyne Waters’ community.
Holistic care is offered by Adventist Care within Rossmoyne Waters. From self-care accommodation for active retirees, through to the high-care facility for residents who no longer have the capacity to care for themselves, Adventist Care delivers the full range of support. Adventist Care’s Home Care program, exclusive to Rossmoyne Waters residents, offers in-home support for self-care residents, to extend their time in their own homes. Within Horizon, Assisted Living Units are being constructed. These innovative apartments will offer the option for in-home care or residential aged care services without needing to relocate into the nursing home facility. Residential aged care staff can come down the corridor and attend to the Assisted Living Unit residents’ needs.
Unfortunately, Sherwin Lodge no longer meets resident’s accommodation expectations. This well-worn facility is being replaced by the Rossmoyne Waters Stage 2 redevelopment. This is exciting for the whole community. In the new Residential Aged Care Facility, residents will enjoy and benefit from home-like settings. This new approach will offer enhanced social, privacy, safety and lifestyle benefits. As in-home services increase within the village, admission rates into the residential aged care facility will decrease. While the number of aged care beds in the new facility will be less than previously available in Sherwin, the capacity of the new facility will be complemented by the Assisted Living Units. This results in even greater opportunities than those offered in the past. The new Residential Aged Care Facility will exceed the needs of Rossmoyne Waters’ residents.
Residential Aged Care Facilities are challenged with increasing mandated compliance. More recent resourcing and staff-shortages have sadly caused the closure of many aged care homes. This has forced their vulnerable residents to find alternative accommodation. Adventist Care has resolved to keep its doors open, despite accelerating costs. To achieve this, it must apply astute business principles, uphold its stewardship of limited resources, and implement some tough decisions. Adventist Care, while a benevolent organisation, is not a charity. It must charge the fees necessary to counter its expenses and maintain viability. Achieving the mandated resident-staff ratios, meeting accreditation requirements and delivering quality services throughout the village, remains the focus of this provider. Adventist Care is adjusting its resident/staffing ratios, and is preparing to transition residents into their brand-new facility. However, this has caused a temporary admission hold. This is challenging for those desiring high care. Admissions will recommence as soon as compliance and operational goals are achieved.
In July 2023, Adventist Care celebrated 60 years of faith-based service, for retired and aged seniors in Rossmoyne. Countless individuals have served and been served at this special place. As we reflect on the positive contribution that this aged care service has delivered, we can look forward to the future of Adventist Care. With its outstanding and expanding facilities, renowned and holistic services and Christian culture, Rossmoyne Waters, embedded in its trust in God, Adventist Care remains loyal to its original mission to provide practical Christianity, both today and tomorrow.
