Residents and staff of the recently acquired Uniting NSW.ACT residential aged care home in Eden are praising the seamless transition the facility has undergone, particularly considering the unique challenges of dealing with a pandemic at the same time.
Uniting Eden was one of four homes across southern New South Wales purchased from Bupa six months ago, to fulfil Uniting’s growing commitment to support these communities, and its people, in the region.
“I can’t thank our staff enough for the way they handled the change to Uniting and maintained the high standards of care they have provided to residents during a time of exceptional and testing circumstances,” Saviour Buhagiar, Uniting’s director of ageing, said.
“Extending our reach to this residential aged care home in Eden allows us to further build bonds with the community and provide our service offerings to areas where there was no Uniting presence initially,” he said.
“We have developed a 10-year strategy to support our regional communities and strengthen the quality and sustainability of aged care services provided and we do that by evolving with the times and enhancing service models.”
Buhagiar explained that residents and staff have embraced Uniting’s model of care, which supports them to live their day, their way.
Resident Valerie Hole said for those at the facility it feels like one big happy family.
“Most of us are from Eden, so we more than likely know each other, and you will often find us congregating in the activities room or in one of the lounges having a cuppa and chatting with the lovely staff who go above and beyond to ensure our comfort,” she said.
“We have seen a lot of investment in the home since Uniting took over, including all new furniture for dining and lounge rooms as well as outdoors.
“There’s so much to do and we are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities.
Another resident, Ben Van-Zyl, eagerly shared just how quickly she has settled in.
“This truly feels like home to me,” she said.
Uniting Eden service manager Fiona Burns has been understandably thrilled with how the transition period has gone.
“It’s been a positive change for all of us here and all our residents enjoy being supported and cared for with compassion, dignity and respect,” she said.
“The care model offered by Uniting enables staff to make a deep and lasting connection with residents.
“The support we have received in the months since the transition, has provided a great deal of comfort.
“It’s the perfect mix of community and privacy for the residents.”
Uniting assumed full responsibility for the support of older people in the services of Eden, Berry, Griffith and Tumut and for the staff who serve them, on October 1, 2021.
