Dedicated dementia supports necessary for future of aged care

It is currently estimated that 487,500 Australians live with dementia and 65 percent of this group are residents in an aged care community and the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase to 1.1 million by 2058.

Additionally, research has shown that more than two-thirds experience moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

Odyssey’s Memory Lane, located in the Waikiki facility in Queensland, is set to provide a higher quality of life and is critical to enabling residents to continue living in a familiar environment with a regular care team who can support them through their dementia journey.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities, Phil Usher, says Memory Lane is purpose-built in response to the challenges faced by those with more advanced cognitive impairment.

“Located on level two of Waikiki, Memory Lane is a dedicated space designed for individuals or couples with memory issues,” says Mr Usher.

“It is set up similar to a share house or quality University shared accommodation, where you have your own space but share a lounge, living areas, kitchen (under supervision) and more – but it is just like home, rather than a facility.

“Whether it’s one person in a marriage or both who live from significant memory issues, it can be an enormous benefit in keeping a couple together, as familiarity often equates to calmness.”

The new Memory Lane also aims to meet the needs of the growing dementia population in Australia.

Named after the idyllic Hawaiian beach, Waikiki has been developed in consultation with residents and will bring an additional 42 apartments to the market, while connecting seniors with the resident community in the existing towers through architecturally appointed skybridges on each level.

Mr Usher says the Robina community is looking forward to the many benefits the new building will offer.

“Waikiki is set to bring a lot of positives including expanded social seating, more communal outdoors areas, extra car parks and we’re particularly excited to see the launch of Memory Lane,” says Mr Usher.

“Waikiki is very similar to Odyssey’s two other towers – Ipanema and Malibu – however, each apartment will include an additional powder room.”

Mr Usher says there are communal areas on each skybridge in addition to an outdoor setting and garden space.

“The skybridges are akin to having a park at the end of the street where everyone can come together socially,” he says.

“I have no doubt stage two will bring our residents together in an even more meaningful way and further foster the Odyssey community.”

At eight storeys high, Waikiki will feature fantastic views of the coastline and hinterland.

Expected for completion in October 2022, 50 percent of the new tower is accounted for, and with a rapidly growing waiting list, prospective retirees are encouraged to make an inquiry at their earliest convenience.

“Waikiki’s Memory Lane means that no matter how a resident’s dementia progresses, they will be looked after in an environment that prioritises their safety and dignity,” says Mr Usher.

To find out more about Odyssey Lifestyle Care Communities, head to their website.