Sacred Heart Community

Aged Care Find welcomes Sacred Heart Community in St Kilda, VIC 3182 residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms by bringing items from their previous homes.

Sacred Heart Community (SHCom) has been supporting people as they age within their local community since 1994. Sacred Heart Community provides an 'ageing in place' approach to resident care needs ranging from low to high care services to 83 residents at the Mission’s two aged care facilities in St Kilda. Sacred Heart Community differs from many aged care services as we support people from a younger age. Almost 40% of residents are under 64 years of age and almost 75% are under 74 on admission. More than half of our residents have been living with us for more than three years. Many residents have histories of being homeless or disadvantaged many with a range of complex needs resulting from negative life experiences including the effects of poverty exposure to trauma and social isolation which necessitates a very different approach to service provision. Many residents have lost contact with family and it is therefore essential that a relationship is fostered between residents and the team of staff to ensure the residents are engaged and find their place within their new home. Sacred Heart Community also fosters excellent relationships with a number of medical practitioners who work in the local area many of whom have had lengthy relationships with our residents prior to them coming to Sacred Heart Community. We also engage the services of Allied heath workers e.g. podiatrists speech pathologists and physiotherapists. Residents are also referred to other services in the community including counselling and psychology. A well-planned lifestyle program aims to create opportunities for residents to feel connected to both the home community and also to the broader St Kilda community. Residents are encouraged to maintain their independence and continue activities that have been a big part of their lives - a coffee at one of the local cafes lunch down at the Mission dining hall or spending time on Acland Street. Residents are also actively involved in the life of their home. Residents assist with tasks such as gardening and decision making via numerous forums such as the residents group.