Shirley has Milo – not coffee or tea. Anne prefers to paint by numbers while the three Johns enjoy a drink together before dinner on Fridays.
As ACH Group embarked on a bold new strategy to invest in its services, people, and assets, the not-for-profit organisation understands it’s often the small things that make the biggest impact.
“Truly knowing people, taking the time to listen and understand what is important to each individual is at the heart of what we do,” ACH Group Chair Imelda Lynch said.
“Our workforce is empowered to get to know each customer and help them to build and maintain genuine connections within their community as they age.
This positive culture at ACH Group provides our staff with deep knowing and understanding of the people they care for.
“For instance, we offer a range of social gatherings held in cafés and pubs, for lunch or dinner in the same way as everyone else. Our Sing for Joy Choir is led by a trained professional choir director, giving people opportunity to participate and learn.
“It’s not about ‘keeping busy’, it’s living a life that is purposeful and real.”
Established in 1952, ACH Group is one of the State’s leading, full-service, aged care providers, supporting about 11,000 South Australians.
The organisation has more than 580 independent retirement living units as well as nine residential care homes. It also provides a range of help-at-home, health, wellbeing, respite, and social experiences for older people.
Ms Lynch said, ACH Group will continue to elevate older people’s views and voices.
“Older people are a big part of the community, and this demographic is only growing,” she said.
“It is important we learn from lived experience to enable us to advocate for older people, to challenge stereotypes and impact policy to drive positive change.
A proactive approach to health and wellbeing is at the core of ACH Group’s commitment to revolutionise attitudes and experiences for South Australia’s ageing population. Central to this are ACH Group’s health studios, including a new $5 million purpose-built health studio to open at Rostrevor in October.
“Many customers see a significant improvement in their health outcomes through accessing our Health Studios and specialised allied health services,” Ms Lynch said. “We also know that the earlier we can support people, the better.”
Kym and Anne Hardwick, both 70, said life had “blossomed” since engaging with ACH Group four years ago.
“Friends had experience with ACH Group, and we started attending weekly long lunches,” Anne said. “This evolved into art classes, gym sessions, golf and lawn bowls as well as holidays to Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.”
Kym said the couple had “broadened their social networks.”
“My general health has improved, and I have more confidence making new friendships,” he said. “It’s been a saving grace.”
You do you, we’re here for the rest
Let’s celebrate the life experiences and interests of older people because ‘being yourself never gets old’.
ACH Group is here to listen to what is important to you, so we can help you navigate the range of opportunities available.
We offer advice, and support you to choose the life you want to live. Get involved today.