The grand opening of Hartley Court – accommodation designed for people living with disabilities. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Ten Canberra residents living with a disability are gearing up to move into the new and improved assisted living facility Hartley Court in Hughes.
On a sunny Tuesday morning (18 June), right next to the Canberra Hospital on Wisdom Street, dozens gathered to see the unveiling of the new home.
Among the attendees were some very excited new residents and their families eager to enjoy the new additions to the complex.
Hartley Lifecare CEO Eric Thauvette said he is thrilled with how the project has progressed.
“I noticed the existing facilities were severely outdated, with the residents using wheelchairs and needing a bit more in the way of facilities than a typical housing estate, so I pitched the idea to the board in 2014,” Eric said.
“They agreed with me and came back with two options, either do a complete reconstruction or renovation.
“After further assessment of the place, we realised it would be better to knock it down and start from scratch.”
Due to other things the organisation needed to focus on, the rebuild was put on hold.
After around 10 years, however, the 11 residents living there were moved to temporary living facilities across Canberra for the next 18 months while construction was underway.
“When we started, Andrew Kerec from Renaissance Building and Design told me it would be done in under two years and I thought he was joking,” Eric said.
“But he was true to his word and has made this living facility a beautiful home for our residents.”
The new and improved Hartley Court includes different coloured feature walls in each room to make sure the residents feel at home.
One of the residents, Kylie Moore, opted to give her room her own personal touch by making sure her room was red in honour of her beloved Sydney Roosters.
Another unique feature of the facility is a ceiling hoist installed in each room, which Eric says can make all the difference to the residents and their carers.
“Rather than hoisting them up in bed, then out of bed, then to the bathroom, then to the shower, then back to the bed, the ceiling hoist can pretty much do it in one motion, which will save up to half an hour every morning.”
The housing complex was opened by Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who said he was impressed with how the housing has turned out.
“It is a really significant project that demonstrates what happens when intelligent design and thoughtful construction come together,” Chief Minister Barr said.
“It sets a new standard for supportive accommodation.
“Congratulations to those involved in the project, and thank you to those who have supported it.”
Renaissance Building and Design owner Andrew Kerec thanked the clients and their families for their patience across the project.
“Thank you for letting us build your new home,” Andrew said.
“We have loved having you stop by the building site to check in on us over the past 18 months, and we are so excited to see you enjoy your new modern lifestyle.”
Since starting in 1962, Hartley Lifecare has assisted nearly 100 Canberrans with disability to live their best lives through housing and around-the-clock care.
They provide this support across 34 Canberra homes spread across the region.
For more information about Hartley Court and their community work, visit Hartley.
Loading ...
