The completion of a major transformation of ACH Group’s Highercombe residential care home in Hope Valley marks the next step in ACH Group’s move towards Small Home Living across its residential care homes.
Highercombe is ACH Group’s first existing home to transition to Small Home Living, with the model informed by our first new purpose-built home at Healthia in Elizabeth South. Both of these homes are now shaping our next new residential care home soon to commence construction at Dover Gardens.
ACH Group officially unveiled the renewed home on Friday 16 October 2026 following seven months of building works, team training and changes to how care is delivered.
The 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety called for fundamental reform of residential aged care, with a stronger focus on dignity, choice and person-centred care. Small Home Living responds to this direction by replacing institutional settings and routines with smaller, familiar households that support independence, meaningful relationships, continuity of care and a genuine sense of home.
ACH Group CEO Linda Feldt said the $5 million transformation of Highercombe reflects ACH Group’s commitment to implementing Small Home Living across its residential care homes by changing both the physical environment and the way care is delivered so residents can continue to live with greater choice, independence and connection.
“This is much more than a refurbishment. We have created eight distinct small homes within what was once one large residential care home. Small Home Living builds on the quality care and strong relationships already at the heart of ACH Group’s residential care. The model brings everyday life into smaller, self-contained homes, each with its own kitchen, dining and living spaces. This more familiar domestic setting enables residents to exercise greater choice in how they spend their day and supports the routines, relationships and sense of belonging that make it feel like a real home,” Ms Feldt said.
While construction was underway, the Highercombe team completed extensive training to prepare for the new model of care.
“Our team has embraced new ways of working and built stronger relationships with residents, helping us provide care that is more personal and responsive,” Ms Feldt said.
The refurbishment also delivered upgraded resident rooms, a new café and salon, and refreshed communal spaces.
Judith Antill has called Highercombe home for two years.
“Highercombe feels like home because there’s a real sense of belonging here. It’s the interpersonal relationships you build with people and the gentle, caring way you’re supported that makes it feel so special,” she said.
“The refurbishments are amazing. Everything feels fresh and upmarket, but it still feels like my own space. I love the bigger wardrobe and that I have plenty of room for the things that are precious to me.”
“One of my favourite things about my room is being able to open the doors and step straight out into the garden that I planted with support from a volunteer at Highercombe.”
With the refurbishment now complete, Highercombe is looking forward to welcoming new residents and supporting local families who are considering residential care now or in the future.
ACH Group has six residential care homes across Adelaide, including Healthia in Elizabeth South, our first purpose-built Small Home Living care home.