New $40 million aged care facility in Melbourne
Not-for-profit aged care provider mecwacare has launched a $40 million Simon Price Centre in Mont Albert North in Melbourne, with a capacity for 100 residents.
The non-denominational provider has been caring for vulnerable Victorians since 1959 and now cares for more than 20,000 people each week through its network of aged care and disability services.
The Simon Price Centre is mecwacare’s 18th facility and is its most advanced residential care centre to date, connecting residents to round-the-clock high-quality care and services delivered by specialist staff.
The centre, with an ‘aging-in-place’ approach, differs from other facilities in that it offers a number of suites where resident couples can live together in a studio-style apartment. Residents also have access to an onsite cinema, hair and beauty salon, private dining space, library, wine bar and cafe.
An extensive lifestyle program is complemented by the scientific benefits of pet therapy. Courtesy of visits from local volunteers and their pets, residents may experience improved cognitive function; reduced levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness; lower levels of agitation and confusion; and improved mood and lucidity.
Chipo Nyemba, mecwacare’s Regional Manager for Melbourne, believes people’s deep trust in the care and services provided to their loved ones at the Simon Price Centre sets the organisation apart.
“I started working in aged care 16 years ago, after my dad started needing aged care. My motivation was that I wanted things done right, and I’ve stuck to that every day of my career since,” Nyemba said.
“My role with mecwacare enables me to keep that promise I made myself — I’m proud to now be delivering it the residents who call our facilities home.”
The facility’s first resident, Elaine, believes that the standard of care and facilities provided at the Simon Price Centre is unparalleled.
“The care I get here has helped put me and my family at ease, and is the best thing about this place,” Elaine said.
“I receive attentive care and we know I am in good hands — it makes me feel special.
“Previously, my condition meant that I was struggling to maintain weight with a healthy diet… since moving in here with mecwacare, my recovery has improved. The food here is really helping with that and I’m looking forward to enjoying the full menu.”
The new facility is named after the late Simon Price OAM, a long-serving Board Member and Life Governor of mecwacare. Price and his late wife Jane were significant contributors to the mecwacare community for many years, and the centre has been named in honour of his selfless commitment to serving vulnerable Victorians.
