A $40 million aged care, health, and education hub, known as Healthia, has been officially opened by ACH Group in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. This innovative facility is set within the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct and represents a significant shift in aged care and health services.
Healthia incorporates a state-of-the-art residential care home with a unique small household-built form featuring eight single-storey houses designed to provide a homely environment for residents. The 96-bed home offers 12 self-contained resident rooms with ensuites, communal living areas, and opportunities for residents to participate in daily activities.
Additionally, the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) will occupy 24 rooms within Healthia to assist older patients in transitioning from the hospital to suitable accommodation.
The hub also hosts the UniSA Health Clinic, offering integrated GP, nursing, and allied health services to both residents and the local community, including affordable student-assisted services.
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits highlighted the person-directed care model and the unique built form as distinguishing features, emphasising the facility’s alignment with the Royal Commission’s recommendations for reimagining aged care.
“We know most older people want to stay in their own homes, however, for many this is not
possible due to increased care needs. What makes Healthia different is the person-directed
care model and the unique built form,” Mr Weits said.
The partnership between ACH Group, the University of South Australia, NALHN, and the City of Playford underscores a commitment to enhancing healthcare and educational opportunities in the region, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Pro Vice Chancellor: Teaching & Learning at UniSA, Professor Esther May said the
partnership is part of the University’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities,
health services, and the health workforce in the northern suburbs.
“As a registered NDIS provider, the clinic will provide additional adult and pediatric NDIS
services in the northern suburbs. Nursing and allied health students will undertake
placements in the residential care home and the clinic, providing them with vital practical
learning experiences during their degree and preparing them for the health workforce,” Prof May added.
The facility’s opening was attended by Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton MP and ACH Group Chair Mary Patetsos.
