The West Park nursing home in Goolwa is getting a $500 000 upgrade, with work starting this month.

A standalone activity room with kitchenette, toilet and covered alfresco area will constructed for the residents.

West Park Manager Lynn Coleshill says the space will be a welcome addition at West Park, where residents enjoy a balance of private and communal living.

“This will be a place where people can maintain and improve their health and wellbeing, as well as provide opportunities for social connection through a range of activities including our art classes, Sunday café and birthday celebrations,” she says. “It will be a warm and inviting place to bring the West Park community together.”

South Australian architect Walter Brook who also worked on the the Adelaide Oval redevelopment was engaged to design the new space.

Ms Coleshill says the upgrades are in line with ACH Group’s Healthy Ageing approach which aims to make it as easy as possible for residents to remain physically, mentally and socially active.

“We want to ensure that our residential care offerings continue to offer innovative models of care and the best in modern facilities to support people to live well as they age,” Ms Coleshill says.

The project will be staged to minimise disruption to residents, staff and volunteers during the construction phase, expected to occur between July and October.

Anthony Balsamo, Director from Walter Brooke Architects, describes the design vision for the upgrade as having a strong focus on improving the health and wellbeing of all residents. “The new facility will be purpose built for residents and include protected and shady outdoor spaces, fresh contemporary finishes, and all within a flexible multipurpose space that seeks to encourage an active lifestyle,” says Mr Balsamo.

Schiavello Construction (who have also been upgrading the new Goolwa High School) will be undertaking the building works.

A not-for-profit organisation established since 1952, ACH Group operates eight fully accredited residential care homes across Adelaide and the Fleurieu.

The West Park facility in Goolwa was established in 1989 and was expanded by 10 rooms in 2001.  It has a mixture of self-contained cottages and private single room residential care units.