Helping older people continue their habits of a lifetime is a motivation behind new aged care accommodation unveiled in Albury on Monday.
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Mercy Place Albury officially opened and blessed its seven small household living homes, where up to eight residents live together within a larger community precinct.
The facility also opened a grocer and cafe for residents.
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More than 80 guests and residents heard Mercy Health group chief executive Stephen Cornelissen describe how each household had its own kitchen, lounge, dining room, laundry and outdoor space.
"Bringing these regular tasks of daily living back into aged care promotes independence and choice," he said.
"Some of us call them chores, but for many they can become a very important part of making a normal day."
Professor Cornelissen said as a person aged, they might need more assistance with some tasks.
"But chances are, regardless, that you'll know exactly how you like your cup of tea, how spicy you like your chicken or how not spicy at all, and those things will never go," he said.
"We want that choice to stay with every individual.
"The beauty of the approach is its normality and its simplicity."
Mercy Health chairperson Virginia Bourke said everyone had different priorities as they aged.
"Some of us love the idea of a quiet, private space with the reassurance that we have people to care for us around us," she said.
"Others would prefer the hustle, the bustle of a home, companionship, perhaps a pet, and the smell of home cooked meals.
"Getting old really shouldn't mean we no longer have a choice about how we live and where we live, our later years should be our best years."
Reverend Father Kevin O'Reilly, who delivered a homily and led the blessing, referred to the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, who offered help to a stranger.
"He saw a man in need and he respected him," Father O'Reilly said.
"And I suppose one of the big things that comes out of Mercy, when we think of Mercy, is respect.
"Because Mercy has been an organisation that respects individuals and respects them dearly."
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