MAKING the move into aged care can be a tough, unwanted transition for some people, but Bathurst resident Alex Bedwell believes if you’ve got the right facility to call home, there is no reason not to embrace it.
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Recently he became a resident in the new 60-bed wing at the Whiddon Group’s Kelso facility on Illumba Way.
The $13 million facility was officially opened to a packed audience yesterday, which included senior members of the Whiddon Group, Member for Calare John Cobb, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and local councillors.
The new rooms, added to the existing 51, make the Whiddon Group Kelso the largest residential facility in Bathurst.
Mr Bedwell occupies a spacious room on the lower level of the two- storey wing, which has been personalised with his possessions and beloved family photographs.
Guests invited to the grand opening of the wing were given a tour of the room by Mr Bedwell himself, who was proud to show off its sleek features.
He said part of what has made the transition so easy was having the regular assistance of the caring staff.
“Everything is great; the staff are wonderful, the service is good, everything is done for you,” he said.
“At 90 it is always good to have everything done for you.”
The facility, which also features a modern new foyer and reception area, on-site cafe, new service areas for the kitchen and laundry, new outdoor areas and secure internal courtyards, was designed by a team from Jackson Teece.
Principal Ian Brodie said when the company took on the job, it hoped to be able to provide an aesthetically pleasing and functional facility that would be suitable to housing residents with dementia.
Lead architect Peter Donn added that the design ensured residents would always be in a secure environment but would still have the freedom to wander around the manicured courtyards.
“At the end of the day, our goal is always to provide a home-like environment for our elderly,” Mr Donn said.
Mr Bedwell, who has been involved with the Whiddon Group since 1966, said he couldn’t picture himself living out the rest of his life in any other aged care facility.
As a result of his long-time support of the organisation, one of the wings in the new building has been named “The Bedwell Wing”.
