Country comforts
BEE-KEEPING, organic gardening and the sights and smells of a working horse and cattle farm are part of a master plan to help residents of the Gold Coast’s newest aged care facility stay happy and healthy.
Federal Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt will today launch the $30 million first stage of the Carinity Cedarbrook community at Mudgeeraba.
It features 96 hotel-style ensuites rooms across three levels with shared dining rooms, kitchens and living spaces on each level.
A retirement village of two and three-bedroom villas and assisted-living units is also planned, along with a cafe and pool.
The Southport School has partnered with the facility, with students to use the 31ha site to keep livestock for its Science Agriculture program.
Carinity CEO Jon Campbell said the not-for-profit hoped to engage residents in beekeeping and honey production and other activities like an organic community garden.
“It will also create an intergenerational bridge bringing together TSS students and elderly residents participating in joint curriculum and volunteering initiatives,” Mr Campbell said.
“While Carinity’s Pet Therapy initiatives deliver valuable companionship for residents we have taken that to an entirely new level through our partnership with TSS. “We believe the presence of horses and cattle, the farming greenery and interaction with students in residential aged care will protect against the decline in mental wellbeing.”
TSS Science Agriculture teacher Bruce Rutherford says the agreement with Carinity would enable students to gain practical farming experience closer to home.
“That means we can focus on animal husbandry and other educational experiences such as lot feeding steers for show and trials as well as pasture rotational grazing trials,” he said.
“Our livestock provide a serene vista for the aged care residents.”
Carinity, a not-for-profit outreach of Queensland Baptists, is one of Australia’s leading aged care and retirement community providers.
Mr Wyatt said the facility was designed to support the best possible quality of life for everyone who makes it their home.