Description:

Regis Weston Lodge - Nedlands

The focused residents of the gardening club at Regis Weston Lodge are setting their sights high after winning a prize at the Perth Royal Show last year. This year they hope to win again with the beautiful herb garden that is on proud display within their home's magnificent gardens.

Such enthusiastic involvement in the nurturing, rewarding aspects of life lies at the heart of everyday at Weston Lodge. From the way each low care resident embraces the myriad of activities available to the spruced interior of our modern, spacious residence.

The interior of our home in the leafy suburb of Nedlands is indeed a picture. There are single bedrooms throughout, all with en suites, compact kitchenettes and distinct views of the garden or the streetscape. Communal areas are equally welcoming, especially our spacious lounge areas which are used regularly for family functions, impromptu gatherings and our weekly happy hour. Several lounges also have pianos so they are perfect for popular sing-alongs.

Residents enjoy three daily activities, plus newspaper reading, a bridge club and very boisterous bingo. There's a regularly-replenished library as part of our book club, which recently discussed a book about the life of US President, Barack Obama. Not to forget our show-stopping gardening club. After their win last year the green thumbs have had their photos displayed in the foyer, and their victory is still a favourite conversation topic around the halls.

Such dynamic happenings has induced one resident to write stories about the interesting lives of our residents, including one who once taught Prince Charles, so they can be shared in our regular newsletter.

Part of why Weston Lodge offers such a rich lifestyle is due to the thoughtful input of our residents. They often come up with wonderful ideas on how to make the place even better and, in many cases, then go off and do it themselves. Like the way everyone tipped in to buy our bird cage. Now 'Weston' the parrot is a friendly member of our extended family.

This extended family also includes many visitors from the wider community. From local secondary school students who come every Friday to chat and read with residents, to various performers who enthral us with concerts, such as the gentleman who crooned Frank Sinatra songs on Valentines Day. Music is often included as part of our annual celebrations. Like St Patrick's Day which was enlivened by rollicking Celtic music from a local Irish band.

Parties are equally musical. We're currently planning one with an Abba theme and can't wait to see what every guest wears for their costume. Many dress-ups are actually made by our residents. They excelled themselves recently for our recent rock and roll party, turning out Elvis Presley style attire including big bright skirts matched with bobby socks and ponytails.

These events are made especially social because they give us a chance to mix everyone from Weston Lodge and our sister residence, Elloura Lodge, which shares the site. The two facilities actually share a series of buildings, including a day therapy centre, a small supermarket and a hairdressing salon. Taken together, we make up quite a quaint little village.

One of the favourites of the day therapy centre is our café. This popular meeting place enables residents to leave their own building and go for a walk, just like visiting a cafe at their local shops, but without the need to venture onto the streets.

Weston Lodge and Elloura Lodge residents also share many outings on our bus, especially our regular shopping trips. For our latest excursion we left the bus behind and took the new train to Mandurah and back, accompanied by several favourite members of staff.

Weston Lodge's carers are certainly a highlight of our home. They are so outstanding that visitors often comment how their dedication goes way beyond just a job. We're proud they have their heart in just the right place, and so are our residents.

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

* daily newspaper delivery
* 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 Weston Lodge at a glance

Care Types Offered: Low Care, Respite Care
No of Beds: 70
Rooms: Single
Transport: Facility bus; walking distance to public transport
Parking: On-site and street parking
Visiting hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week