Anthem Care residents have received a colourful treat.
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The Bowral nursing home residents have moved into their new house and are loving it.
Anthem director Kathryn Blissett said the new building was a long time coming.
“The need was there,” Ms Blissett said.
“There were too many people on a waiting list.”
The building can now fit 124 beds due to an increase in size.
It is divided into pods to ensure the residents get the attention and care they require.
“It’s way more efficient,” Ms Blissett said.
“There are five pods to a room and each staff member is in charge of a pod.
“There is a computer located at the front of each pod with a sink next to each so staff can wash their hands before they begin their work.”
Ms Blissett said it was set out so visitors, staff and residents are unable to see inside the bedrooms from the public meeting areas.
“It gives our residents more privacy,” she said.
Melbourne graffiti artist Dan Wenn has ensured residents will never get tired of looking at the walls with his free-hand spray painted wall arts.
Ms Blissett, who was the brains behind the interior design, said Anthem was big on providing colour for their residents.
“They love the birds,” Ms Blissett said.
“They’ve even named them.”
Wall murals aren’t the only thing residents can admire – there are many leather, stone and timber displays as well as an electronic, heated fireplace which still had residents asking when more wood would be added to it.
The four buildings are connected through an outdoor garden with a kilometer of pathway for residents to walk around.
“They can sit down, go for a walk and sit back down where they started,” Ms Blissett said.
“It’s convenient for both the residents and the staff who can access all buildings from the garden.”
A men’s shed is also located in the garden.
‘Quiet rooms’ are available on each floor throughout the home with electric glass.
Ms Blissett said this provides a quiet area for residents to spend time with their visitors.
“When the glass is clear, it means the room is available, but when it’s frosty, it means it’s occupied,” she said.
The upgraded facility also came with a physio and gym room where residents can participant in music and movement classes and chair yoga.
A shop will be added in a few months where residents will be able to sell their knitting.
