Everyone involved with Arcare Essendon were well and truly in party mode recently as the aged care facility celebrated its one-year anniversary since opening in January 2021.
On Friday, February 18, the close-knit community marked the milestone birthday with an intimate celebration, inviting residents, families and team members to enjoy cake, finger-food, and music in their grand foyer.
During the celebration, residents were invited to make speeches to share their experiences of living at Arcare Essendon.
Among the speeches were some touching words from resident, Douglas (Doug).
“I’m so proud to be standing amongst you all today to celebrate the anniversary of Arcare Essendon’s opening,” Doug said.
“I just wanted to say that these have been the happiest days of my life.
“Thank-you for everything.”
Ninety-three-year-old Douglas and 89-year-old Beryl were the first residents to move into Arcare Essendon last year.
I’m so proud to be standing amongst you all today to celebrate the anniversary of Arcare Essendon’s opening. I just wanted to say that these have been the happiest days of my life.
Arcare Essendon resident, Doug, 93
Residence manager, Shantala Suresh said she has fond memories of their arrival.
“I still remember when our first residents, Beryl and Doug came through our doors to move in on that first day,” she said.
“We were so excited to welcome them into the community, and it just feels like yesterday.”
Australian owned and operated for more than 40 years, Arcare are renowned for creating stunning architecturally designed aged care residences and for their relationship-first approach to care.
Together with Arcare’s globally celebrated relationship-first approach and their dedicated team, the company supports resident health and wellbeing to ensure they live their best lives.
Arcare’s ‘Relationship-First’ approach celebrates and supports ageing by recognising the value of the interdependent relationships between residents, clients, employees, volunteers, and family members.
I thoroughly love each and every day that I come to work at Arcare Essendon, as it has truly been so rewarding to be able to serve our residents and lead a team of such wonderful, hard-working individuals!
Arcare Essendon residence manager, Shantala Suresh
“Working closely with the team from Arcare Essendon’s opening has enabled me to form long-lasting, strong relationships with everyone,” Suresh said.
“Though it has been difficult working through the pandemic, I think we have all become closer; the team, residents and our families who have entrusted us with their loved ones.
“I thoroughly love each and every day that I come to work at Arcare Essendon, as it has truly been so rewarding to be able to serve our residents and lead a team of such wonderful, hard-working individuals!”
Arcare Essendon offers permanent and booked respite care across its 120 private suites, and houses a café, wellbeing centre with hair salon, movie theatre, worship room, billiards room, intimate dining and lounge spaces, a private dining room and manicured courtyards and gardens for residents and their guests to enjoy.
“I have the pleasure and privilege of being able to assist residents to settle into the new phase of their lives in aged care, and I look forward to continuing to expand our community in the years to come,” Suresh said.
Arcare Essendon is now booking tours and accepting applications.
- If you’d like to find out more or book a private tour, call 1300 ARCARE or click here.
