Special Care at ARV

Dementia Care

While all ARV villages can provide care for people with low levels of dementia-like behaviour, there are specialised Dementia Specific Units in several villages for the care of residents with various types of more advanced dementias. Staff in these units have ongoing support and mentoring, and many have completed specialised training. The physical environments are secure, and special therapy programs are provided.

With dementia recognised as a major health issue in Australia, ARV has been proactive and innovative in the area, establishing two memory enhancement centres as part of our BrightMinds™ program. BrightMinds™ uses a holistic approach that encompasses diet and nutrition, physical exercise, social, emotional and spiritual support, mental stimulation and medical advice.

Dementia care is one of the most important services we provide at ARV. As one of our nursing specialists in dementia puts it, “It is a very supportive environment; you get a sense of joining an extended family. We all have the same goal: to improve the lives of older people. Providing Christian care means ensuring the best possible care available.”

Accommodation & Eligibility 

Accommodation is available in standard (low-care) rooms or secure dementia-specific rooms. To be eligible you must be assessed by a hospital Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for low care within the previous 12 months. For Goodhew Gardens in Woolooware, you must be approved for residency by the village manager.


Dementia Specific Unit Locations

  • Castle Hill - Kilvinton, Nuffield Flinders & Brian King Gardens
  • Hurstville - Mary Andrews Village
  • Winston Hills - Woodberry Village
  • Woolooware - Goodhew Gardens
  • Warriewood - Warriewood Brook

Respite Care

For those in Independent Living Units, or in one of ARV’s community living packages, respite care is available through ARV’s Advance Care Support program. Respite care may be for a few hours, overnight or longer, depending on the circumstances. It can be given within the home, or alternatively the person you are caring for may be admitted to a care facility.

Respite care can be used for many reasons. Carers may simply need a break from the very difficult role of caring for a loved one. They may need health care themselves, or they may want to visit family or friends. The accessing of respite care can often lead to feelings of guilt, however respite care is vitally important for the wellbeing of the carer, allowing them to take a break and return to caring in a more effective manner with a refreshed state of mind.

Please don’t be shy about asking for respite care at any time, it’s an important part of palliative care - not only of benefit to the carer, but also for the person being cared for. Talk to an Anglican Retirement Villages staff member in your facility.

Government Assistance

For those caring for a loved one in an Independent Living Unit, Government assistance is available in the form of the Carer’s Allowance, a payment for people who provide daily care for someone with a severe medical disability.

For more information visit www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au, www.centrelink.gov.au or you can call Centrelink on 13 27 17.