St Agnes’ Catholic Parish’s realisation of an innovative care model that answers the needs of people living with dementia is on track for completion in mid-2023 says St Agnes’ Catholic Parish CEO Adam Spencer.

Previously known as the ‘Memory Support Village’, the name was recently changed to link with Emmaus’ reputation for providing high quality aged care through its existing residential care service on the Emmaus site on Colonel Barney Drive. On its completion, Emmaus Village will feature 12 homes housing up to 94 residents in a small-town village environment.

“Emmaus Village is the result of years of planning to address a rapidly increasing community need. The Port Macquarie state electorate has nearly 2500 people living with dementia, which is the second highest prevalence rate in states electorate of Australia,[1]” Mr Spencer said.

“It was great to see work start on Emmaus Village earlier this year. This was mainly earthworks preparing the site for future phases of construction.”

“Since the earthworks were completed, construction began on building retaining walls and the installation and relocation of services such as electrical and water.”

“We expect the concrete foundations for the houses and the Community Centre to be completed over the coming months with wall framing of the houses and ground floor of the Community Centre to be completed by the end of the year.”

Mr Spencer says while the construction phase of Emmaus Village is ongoing, planning for the delivery of the Emmaus Village service model is progressing.

“Our ‘Home Companion’ approach is a key part of the Emmaus Village service model. Recognising that each resident has unique needs, desires and interests, our Home Companions encourage and support them to help with cooking and other household tasks. The rhythm of the day and general decision making are driven by the residents and their families.”

“This approach focuses on empowering Home Companion roles to provide choice for the care routines of residents and providing flexibility and freedom to do the things residents want to do.”

“Residents will participate in everyday life decisions such as visiting onsite services within the Community Centre café to enjoy a coffee, heading to the supermarket to buy groceries for dinner or going to the salon for a haircut.”

“Residents, families and friends are encouraged to participate in everyday village life. This could be maintaining the garden or enjoying the onsite Community Centre café.”

“Recently we have commenced recruitment for leadership roles to develop and deliver this innovative and inspiring service model. To date, this has included recruitment for a Home Companion Lead and a Health and Wellness Lead. Our search for candidates with a wide field of skills and experience will continue over the next twelve months,” Mr Spencer said.

Mr Spencer said for more information about vacant roles at Emmaus Village, contact the Recruitment Advisor at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish website on 6588 7444.

Dementia Friendly Community Port Macquarie website, www.dementiafriendlypmq.com.au