MEMBERS of the community gathered at The Birches last Thursday to celebrate the official opening of the $1.1 million redevelopment, which saw the facility upgraded to create a more dementia friendly space.

The project, which began in August 2018, was funded by a $700,000 contribution by Western District Health Service (WDHS) and a $420,000 grant from the Commonwealth.

The redevelopment saw a café and hairdressing salon added, the dining room extended, the sitting room updated, and the entrance area remodelled to feature a streetscape design which incorporates Hamilton landmarks.

A new diversional therapy room was also built, and the central courtyard received a facelift to make it more accessible and protected from the elements.

While the internal infrastructure redevelopment was completed by 2020, the gardens did not commence until 2021, with the recently completed project featuring three separate and unique dementia friendly spaces, including a golf green, clothesline, activity stations, bus shelter and chicken coup.

WDHS chairperson, Anna Sweeney, thanked everyone involved in the project which has provided welcoming and safe spaces for all, specifically those with dementia.

“The physiological, social and mental benefits of remaining in familiar surroundings for people with dementia are well documented and the evidence strongly supports designing aged care facilities with this in mind,” she said.

“The refurbishment at The Birches includes a Streetscape design which incorporates landmarks from around Hamilton to support our residents to be more comfortable in their surrounds.”

Reflecting on early discussions about the redevelopment, WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, said the late John Fenton - who was part of The Birches Auxiliary - drove the project and first mentioned it in 2015.

“Back in 2015 we had this chat about a vision of what we can do to transform the gardens here at The Birches,” he said.

“At that stage we had no funding resources, we had no real catalyst to make it happen - but John and the Auxiliary, they were determined.

“He had a style about him that was so gentle and persuasive, but without being forceful.

“He got me to the point where I knew that things had to change here at The Birches, and it would make a substantial difference to the lives of our residents.”

Mr Fenton implemented the help of landscape architect, David Hay, who he had known for over 20 years through his landscaping business, and together they planned a garden that would provide residents with a range of activities and stimulation. 

Mr Fitzgerald said he was “overwhelmed” that the dream he shared with Mr Fenton had finally come true.

John Fenton’s son, David Fenton, said his dad was always stubborn and brought ideas to fruition, with residents and staff now benefiting from his passion.

“He was determined to get something happening and it was quite incredible the way people took notice of him up here,” he said.

“Look at what we’ve got now, it’s just incredible.

“It’s so important particularly for people from rural backgrounds to be in touch with the chooks, the sheds, the land, the stone walling and the cast iron gates … I can just imagine people walking out here and seeing a smile spread across their face.”

WDHS director of Aged Care and Home Care services Hamilton, Katherine Armstrong, said The Birches was the only public sector dementia specific service located within 100 kilometres of Hamilton and the completed redevelopment would continue to meet demand.

“We have achieved everything we set out to do,” she said.

“The result is people living with dementia will continue to have meaningful lives and are involved in purposeful activities as well as having the opportunity to maintain and even relearn everyday skills.

“(The) improved amenities have enabled an increased opportunity and space for activities such as team events, movie days, cooking and domestic activities, and enhanced socialisation.”

When speaking to The Birches residents, the positive impact of the redevelopment on their mental wellbeing was abundantly clear, with people saying they felt more comfortable in the new spaces and regarded the facility as their home.