More Perth aged care beds as Belmont project construction starts

A new care home is being built in Belmont
Perkins Builders Managing Director Dan Perkins, Catholic Homes Chairman John Ogilvie and Belmont Mayor Cr Phil Marks

Values-based aged care provider Catholic Homes has teamed with award-winning local commercial architecture and building companies to deliver a new 96-bed aged care residence for Perth.

Breaking ground on the project today to mark the start of construction in Belmont, Catholic Homes Chief Executive Paul Andrew said the vision for the service was to bring affordable and accessible care and accommodation choices to seniors.

“The commencement of this modern residence is very exciting as Catholic Homes affirms its mission and vision to bring quality, compassionate, holistic personalised care, particularly for the most vulnerable individuals in our community,” Mr Andrew said.

The new residence will enable Catholic Homes to deliver its Care with Purpose person-centred approach where everyone is enabled to make choices and take opportunities that bring fulfilment and happiness.

“Catholic Homes has a long history of quality care, provided over the past 50-plus years and we are proud to continue our services to older people in their own homes, in our retirement villages and aged care residences,” Mr Andrew said.

The new residence on Lapage Street Belmont will feature 96 beds over three levels: a ground floor 16-bed memory support unit with adjoining outdoor sensory gardens and courtyards; and a day therapy centre and garden for home care package clients living in their own homes. The first and second floor levels comprise two wings of 20 beds each.

The dedicated landscaped garden has been specifically designed for residents living with dementia so people can gather with families to enjoy the outdoors in an attractive, secure space.

Other amenities include a hairdressing salon; training and meeting rooms; large light filled courtyards and balconies; and a chapel and reflection space.

Mr Dan Perkins, Managing Director of Perkins Builders, said: “Perkins Builders loves nothing better than to collaborate with a client that cares passionately about the design, quality and long-term performance of its facilities.

“The care and thought that has already gone into this design stands out and Perkins is proud to bring its proven aged care construction expertise to such an important project for Catholic Homes.”

Mr Andrew said the high-tech residence will offer smart TVs, Wi-Fi and will use a solar PV system for energy savings. It will ultimately feature an attractive public art installation after the artist is appointed in the near future.

The organisation plans to repurpose a stockpile of sawn timber, which was reclaimed from trees on the site.

The project and all involved were blessed by Cloverdale Parish Priest Fr Michael Do and a Reading given by Ms Marina Re, Board Member of Catholic Homes.

Fr Michael blesses the site

Designed by T&Z Architects and under construction by Perkins Builders the new residence is planned for completion in April 2023, ahead of commissioning and an official opening which is scheduled for about August 2023.

To find out more about Catholic Homes residential and home care services or careers in aged care, email catholichomes@catholichomes.com or contact 1300 244 111.

Ground breaking of a new centre