The Orbost community has had its first look inside the new Snowy River Views Residential Care home, with almost 300 people attending community open days held across Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25.
The new residential care home, operated by Orbost Regional Health, opened its doors to the public ahead of residents moving in, giving locals the opportunity to tour the new building, meet staff and ask questions.
The open days attracted strong community interest, with more than 192 people attending on Sunday and more than 93 people attending on Monday.
Visitors were able to explore the new home, enjoy a barbecue and speak with staff about the facility and the process of entering residential aged care.
Snowy River Views has been designed as a modern, small household-style residential care home, offering a calm and welcoming environment.
The home features 38 private rooms, each with its own en suite, as well as some adjoining private rooms for couples.
Rooms include ample storage, flat screen televisions, recliner chairs, guest armchairs and views across the landscaped garden or Snowy River flats.
The facility also includes shared lounge, dining and kitchen areas, outdoor gardens and terraces, activity spaces, a café, reflection room, gym, hairdressing and beauty salon, and quiet spaces for residents and families.
Orbost Regional Health chief executive officer, Vicki Farthing said the new home had been thoughtfully designed for comfort, while supporting independence, dignity and high-quality care.
“The small household model means residents live in smaller groups within thoughtfully designed spaces, helping to support personal choice, meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of home,” she said.
“Residents will have access to 24-hour care, registered nursing support, palliative care, respite care, allied health services and dementia-friendly facilities.”
Feedback from visitors during the open days was overwhelmingly positive, with community members describing the new home as “an amazing facility” where “everything has been thought of”.
Others commented that it felt “very homelike”, while one visitor said they could “already picture Mum settling in here”.
Orbost Regional Health said the open days were not only an opportunity to showcase the new building, but also to help local families better understand the aged care process.
Entering Australian Government residential aged care now begins through My Aged Care. People considering Snowy River Views are encouraged to start the process early by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visiting myagedcare.gov.au.
Snowy River View is expected to open to residents on June 10.
For more information, contact Orbost Regional Health.
