Learning From The 2018 Award For Retirement Living Innovation Winner
As sponsors of the 2019 National Retirement Living Awards, we’re proud to be presenting an award that celebrates the various ways organisations are making deliberate decisions to continuously improve and innovate the way Aged Care, Retirement and Senior Living residents live.
The Novas Award For Retirement Living Innovation recognises innovation that creates significant advancement and improvement within a community. This can relate to any factors that benefit the community, including (and not limited to) design, construction, sustainability and technology.
Each entry is assessed against its vision and innovation, adaptability, community satisfaction, the industry’s perception of innovation, and corporate social responsibility.
Last year, Warrigal Shell Cove’s innovative approach to strengthening their residents' social connections saw them recognised as the category winners.
Committed to connections
Social connections are critical to older Australians, and Warrigal Shell Cove’s service delivery model is based on strengthening communities, promoting choice, independence, happiness and connectedness.
A dedicated, onsite Community Facilitator role was created to support and develop these social connections and friendships resulting from this initiative — really giving the model the resources it needed to establish and coordinate resident interests, preferences and engagement.
On top of that, an online customer portal was created as an online community, mirroring the village’s physical form and providing a space for customers to stay connected, share news, book appointments and engage in activities at the village’s community hub, The Quay.
So, what can we learn from Warrigal Shell Cove?
Quite simply — age should not be a barrier to social connections.
The Warrigal Shell Cove model was co-designed with village residents and was formulated specifically to be used by all customers, families and friends, regardless of computer skill. As a result, residents are empowered to utilise the system.
The support provided by the onsite Community Facilitator should not be overlooked — having assistance whilst establishing and developing an online model is critical in ensuring it is accessible for all.
Innovating today for tomorrow
Currently, there are more than 180,000 Australians living in more than 2,300 retirement villages nationally, and 22% of Australians are expected to be over 65 by 2054.
It’s clear: there is an ever-growing need for connected, supportive and accessible living options, and we couldn’t be prouder to be partnering with organisations, architects and developers to make this a reality for our future.
You can learn more by registering for the National Retirement Living Summit and Awards Night here.
