Dementia care is changing — and Oceania Healthcare is at the forefront, reshaping its approach to deliver the most up-to-date, evidence-based support. Oceania is rolling out a new, nationwide model of dementia care, starting with a state-of-the-art facility in their new purpose built Orakei building at Meadowbank Retirement Village. This article explores what makes this model of care unique and takes a look inside Meadowbank’s brand new specialist dementia offering.
Comfortable, climate-conscious living
Dementia is often misunderstood. Too frequently, people assume that those living with dementia are helpless and unable to lead meaningful lives, but these are the exception, not the rule, says Lisa Rogers-Owen, Clinical Specialist Dementia at Oceania.
People living with dementia are just that — people. Many live full and purposeful lives, and increasingly, those with dementia are advocating for themselves and challenging the stigma attached to their diagnosis,” says Lisa.
“I can’t speak on behalf of all people living with dementia, but what I understand is that most people living with dementia have the same fundamental needs as everyone else — to be seen, heard, and respected,” she adds.
Lisa has spoken with hundreds of people living with dementia to understand what kind of support they require and how care models can be improved. Drawing on their experiences, as well as the latest research, Lisa and her colleagues are reshaping Oceania’s dementia care to embrace a more holistic, person-centred approach.
Drawing on decades of dementia research
The new model is based on studying available research as well as listening to people who live with dementia to gain an understanding of the kind of support they may need and then bringing it together into an integrated, bespoke model of care, says Oceania’s Director of Clinical and Care Services Shirley Ross.
“I’m really proud of our new dementia care model. It’s clinically robust — led by a Nurse Practitioner and grounded in evidence-based practices — while also embracing the Montessori philosophy of doing with, not for,” says Shirley.
An essential part of the model is Oceania’s new ‘care partner’ role. Rather than dividing care into strict roles (one caregiver for personal care, another for activities, another for meals), care partners are empowered to provide all types of support. That means if a resident wants to garden, go for a walk, or needs help with showering, the same familiar person can support them — no need to wait for a different team member.
Our new care partner role will be working with each resident to deliver what they need at that time,” explains Lisa. “We’re meeting people where they’re at, which helps people feel seen, valued, and respected.”
A stronger focus on aging in place
Another key feature of Oceania’s new model is a stronger focus on aging in place. Through thoughtful design, policy, and staffing changes, Oceania is making it easier for residents living with dementia to stay in familiar surroundings — even if their care needs change to require hospital or palliative care.
Shirley says this approach is possible thanks to Oceania’s Nurse Practitioner model, which places a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner in each care facility, supported by a charge nurse and expertly trained care partners.
“I’m really proud of the nurse-led model we’ve got within Oceania, it gives fantastic continuity of care for the residents and their families, as they really get to know their Nurse Practitioner,” says Shirley.
It’s a model designed for consistency — where residents are supported by a professional who knows them well, rather than relying on rotating, contracted GPs seen in many other care facilities.
Bringing the new model to life at Meadowbank
The grand opening of the Orakei Care Suites, the home of the new dementia building care offering at Meadowbank Retirement Village marks an exciting milestone in the rollout of this new model of care.
Meadowbank Village Manager Ross Reddy says the building has been carefully designed to complement the Montessori model, complete with domestic kitchens, homely lounges, and environmental cues such as strategic artwork and signage.
It’s designed to be akin to a residential house or home; the environment feels familiar, not institutionalised,” says Ross.
There are several communal areas, including two large lounges, an open plan kitchen and dining area, an atrium in the middle with an internal courtyard, and a large garden with three massive oak trees.
“It’s quite beautiful!” beams Shirley.
The new building has 40 care suites spread across two levels — 21 on the ground floor for residents needing a secure environment, and 19 upstairs for those requiring hospital-level care.
The team at Meadowbank is incredibly proud of the new facility and is looking forward to welcoming its first residents. But that welcome doesn’t begin at the village — it starts in the resident’s current home.
As part of the new care model, a registered nurse will visit potential residents and their family before the move, taking time to understand routines, preferences, and what matters most. It’s about building trust from the very beginning.
Moving into care can be incredibly stressful for families, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. We’re here, we’re available, and we’re ready to walk alongside both residents and families every step of the way,” says Lisa.
Come and see Meadowbank for yourself – get in touch to arrange a visit.
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