St Anna’s Residential Aged Care in Brompton, South Australia is redefining aged and dementia care by embracing innovative strategies that focus on person-centred care and the unique needs of each resident. As an inclusive, not-for-profit facility, St Anna’s prioritises an approach that values residents’ independence, personal history, and cultural background, all while creating a safe and supportive environment.
A Commitment to Person-Centred Aged and Dementia Care
At the heart of St Anna’s approach is person-centred care—a model that emphasizes tailoring care to each resident’s individual needs and preferences. This philosophy fosters a home-like environment where residents are empowered to make choices about their daily activities, meals, and social interactions, preserving their dignity and autonomy. With 24-hour staffing, residents can choose how to spend their day, whether participating in a community activity, enjoying time alone, or engaging with friends and family.
Dementia-Friendly Design for Enhanced Comfort and Safety
St Anna’s has carefully designed dementia-friendly environments that foster independence, safety, and a sense of belonging for residents living with dementia. Recognising that people with dementia may experience their surroundings as confusing or disorienting, St Anna’s utilises principles developed by dementia care experts to create a welcoming and enabling space.
Key elements include:
- Custom Wayfinding: Personalised doors and distinct spaces help residents recognise their rooms and navigate the facility independently.
- Human Scale Design: Though St Anna’s is one facility, it’s divided into smaller areas—Iris, Wattle, Poppy, and Sunflower—each with its own kitchen, dining, and lounge area. This setup creates a more intimate, community-like atmosphere.
- Cultural Significance: The area names, chosen by residents, represent the cultural heritage of the community, adding an element of familiarity and pride.
A Restraint-Free Approach to Aged and Dementia Care
St Anna’s commitment to a restraint-free approach is a vital part of their philosophy. This means that no actions, words, or devices restrict residents’ freedom or interfere with their ability to make decisions. Instead, the focus is on empowering residents through a respectful and supportive care environment that promotes their autonomy.
NeuronsVR: Bringing the World to Residents
To further enhance the lives of residents, St Anna’s offers weekly NeuronsVR virtual reality therapy sessions. This cutting-edge technology enables residents to “armchair travel” to favourite destinations, immerse themselves in nature and wildlife, and experience cultural moments through virtual reality. For many residents, these sessions are a source of excitement and wonder, providing a safe way to explore the world from the comfort of their chairs. This is particularly meaningful for residents who have physical limitations or cognitive impairments, as it allows them to connect with cherished memories and new experiences alike.
Tailored Lifestyle Programs and Activities
St Anna’s vibrant lifestyle program is designed to cater to residents’ varying levels of care and personal interests. Activities include cooking, gardening, newspaper discussions, pet therapy, and virtual reality experiences tailored to meet the diverse needs of the residents. The facility’s Croatian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian heritage is reflected in its culinary offerings, with the hospitality team preparing nutritious, culturally resonant meals that celebrate the joy of good food.
Additionally, St Anna’s values the connection between residents and their previous lifestyles, encouraging independence and participation in meaningful tasks and community engagement. Residents can choose to join group activities or, if they prefer, arrange for private outings with support from staff. This flexibility underscores the facility’s commitment to personal choice and quality of life.
Creating a Home Away from Home
At St Anna’s, residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with furniture, photographs, and other personal items. Each room also features a custom “front door” and “house number”, allowing residents to easily identify their space. Residents are also encouraged to decorate their rooms with items from home, making their living environment uniquely theirs.
Embracing Innovation in Aged and Dementia Care
St Anna’s commitment to embracing innovative and evidence-based practices sets a high standard in aged care. By integrating the principles of dementia-friendly design, a restraint-free approach, and advanced therapies like NeuronsVR, St Anna’s not only provides a safe and supportive environment but also fosters a culture of respect, inclusivity, and community.
St Anna’s continues to explore ways to improve resident care and well-being, whether through physical design, culturally meaningful activities, or groundbreaking therapies. Through these initiatives, St Anna’s remains dedicated to offering exceptional care that supports each resident’s independence, dignity, and quality of life.
What our team have experienced
Whilst working with St Anna’s, our NeuronsVR team have seen first-hand that St Anna’s is more than just a care facility; it’s a community with heart. By prioritising person-centred care, creating dementia friendly spaces and offering enriching programs and activities, St Anna’s truly embodies a vision of aged and dementia care that respects everyone’s life story. Residents, families and staff are all part of a supportive community where compassionate care and innovative practices work together to create a fulfilling life for all.
We’re proud to be partnering with an organisation that shares our goal of improving patient well-being and setting new standards in aged and dementia care. Want to find out how NeuronsVR could work in your facility? Get in touch with our team today.
