In news just in, our major 32 bed redevelopment at Karri and Tuart Lodge in Merriwa is now open and our first residents moved into their new home on 9 October 2017.

Our new accommodation, called Jasmine House after the sensory plant with an intoxicating fragrance, has been specifically designed to support people living with dementia and will provide a person-centred approach called the R.E.A.L. care experience.

Our R.E.A.L care approach is exciting and contemporary and operates very differently to traditional aged care. Staff will support residents in choice and decision making around their daily routines, preferred activities and care provision, all within a positive social environment.

Facility Manager, Julie Exeter said, "This is an amazing time for Karri Lodge, RAAFA has a real opportunity to implement this new model to make a R.E.A.L difference in the lives of people living with dementia."

Carol Bartlett, General Manager - Residential Care, adds that in order to achieve the best outcomes within the R.E.A.L experience, we are committed to only recruiting staff who can demonstrate they live and breathe a R.E.A.L experience approach.

"We're very excited that our hand-picked team will create a homelike and welcoming environment for our new residents and help support people living with dementia to live well," she said.

The new development includes a number of relaxation rooms, a sensory garden and alfresco area, as well as Café style dining.

Julie is currently reviewing all prospective residents so that we can offer rooms to people living with dementia that will benefit most from the R.E.A.L. experience.

If you or a family member is interested in coming to live in Jasmine House, please call Julie on 9400 3800 for further details.

RAAFA has been caring for elderly West Australians for many decades and we are committed to providing quality residential care facilities in our community. This is an opportunity to make a REAL difference in the lives of people living with dementia.