Description:

Regis Hillcrest - North Freemantle

Only a stone's throw from picturesque North Fremantle beach, Regis Hillcrest offers our residents the best and most beautiful of this sun-kissed spot. They lap it up with fish and chips on the beach, regular trips to the local shops and excursions to lovely nearby destinations like Cottesloe.

A bus stop right outside our door and the train station just a couple of blocks away means we can be a part of the broader community's dynamic any time we like. There's plenty of character within our bounds too. From the three heritage-listed Norfolk Island Pines on our property to our substantial main building which was once the heritage-listed Hillcrest Mansion.

Everyday we appreciate its interior elegance which includes high ceilings, chandeliers, a light-filled bay window, ornate arches and a sweeping wooden staircase that reminds us of Gone with the Wind. There's even a turret on the roof with a commanding view over the harbour.

This fascinating place is thoroughly in keeping with the diverse cultures of our residents - Italian, Portuguese, German, English and Scottish, to name a few - and the close community we form together. Encouraging everyone to mix as much as possible is a big part of why Hillcrest is such a consistently happy place to live.

With ages ranging from the mid 60s up towards 100 our residents have varied interests. Like going to the movies regularly and our monthly dances, which are a sure-fire hit with everyone. The most recent was a tea dance, with residents light on their feet until 7pm. For us 'wallflowers' it was a treat to watch them dancing so effortlessly, and amazing how many remember steps from their youth, as though they learnt them only yesterday!

Hillcrest's high care residents enjoy their reminiscence groups which give them a chance to share old photos and talk about the past. Music therapy is another pursuit which triggers wonderful memories.

In our low care section you can feel the personality of each resident in their rooms. Each has either a sliding door onto the courtyard or an upstairs balcony. Numerous cosy lounges around the building are popular places for small gatherings or for individuals to enjoy their own time. Upstairs is a spacious, west-facing patio with veiled views through trees to the beach. Residents have 'greened' the space with potted plants, making it a lovely cool place to relax in summer.

Our low and high care areas surround an internal garden and courtyard area, which is ideal because it's protected from the coastal wind and weather. This is where our keen gardeners get together and in good weather, many of our other activities groups. These include our 'thinkers' group who love challenging themselves with crosswords, a very industrious knitting circle and our men's club which holds monthly barbecues and never misses their Monday morning snooker games.

Hillcrest also offers live entertainment galore, from performers of country and western, old time and blues music to sing-alongs and carols. Of course, entertainment also means all sorts of antics. Crazy hair days, footy jumper Fridays and face painting are simply part of the pageant of a very fulfilling life here.

Regis Hillcrest residents are also able to take advantage of the following services on offer:

* regular church service
* on-site hairdressing and beauty therapy
* volunteer program
* experienced in-house chef and catering staff
* special dietary requirements met

Residents receive all the benefits of the Regis Group's living care model of responsive support provided by leading professionals and tailored to individual medical, cultural and religious preferences.

Regis Hillcrest at a glance

Care Types Offered: High Care, Low Care, Respite Care
No of Beds: 79
Rooms: Single with en suite; Double with shared en suite
Transport: Walking distance to public transport
Parking: Off-site parking
Visiting hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week