Mike & About: Hawthorndale Care Village: A New Era in Community-Based Care

Mike & About Hawthorndale Care Village update.

The Hawthorndale Care Village has emerged as a beacon of innovation in community-based care, showcasing considerable progress since its inception eight months ago. This ambitious project, driven by a collaboration of local companies, exemplifies a novel approach to elderly and specialised care, blending modern amenities with a homely atmosphere.

Situated in a tranquil setting, the Hawthorndale Care Village is designed to promote a sense of belonging and normalcy among its residents. The facility boasts a variety of features, including a café, chapel, hairdressing salon, and theater, aimed at encouraging social interaction and community life. The chapel, in particular, preserves a link to the past by incorporating stained glass windows from the original Calvary Chapel, enriching the village with a sense of history and continuity.

The construction of the village is a concerted effort among several local entities, highlighting the community’s commitment to the project. Henderson Construction is responsible for the Care Center, while Amalgamated Builders focuses on the care houses, and Bennett Homes oversees the construction of independent villas. This collaborative effort ensures a diverse expertise pool, working together to achieve a timely and efficient realization of the project.

The Hawthorndale Care Village introduces a shared living concept that redefines traditional care models. Aimed at reintroducing everyday normalcy and independence, the care houses are designed to feel less institutional and more like a home. Residents enjoy private bedrooms with ensuites, shared kitchens for communal meal preparation, and living rooms for relaxation and social activities. A caregiver is always available to provide support, maintaining a balance between self-sufficiency and assistance.

This project has been a dream in the making for nearly a decade, inspired by Margaret Brown, the manager of Calvary, who envisioned a care facility that emphasizes normalcy and community integration for its residents. The project’s fruition was made possible through generous donations, including a pivotal anonymous donor, bringing the project’s budget from $35 million to $37 million.

Scheduled to open its doors in early 2025, the Hawthorndale Care Village is not just a care facility; it’s a testament to community spirit and innovation in care. The village is poised to become a vibrant community hub where residents can partake in gardening, cooking, and other daily activities, supported by a network of staff and volunteers. This forward-thinking model aims to redefine elder and specialised care, demonstrating that a fulfilling life is possible, irrespective of one’s age or health challenges.