Care Centre marks 30 years service

Some of the original auxiliary members, family and friends attended.

These days the Palmwoods Garden Village Care Centre offers 24/7 residential care and a specialist 28-bed Memory Support Unit.

It began its life as the Palmwoods Hostel and opened its doors to its first five residents on Thursday April 1, in 1993.

The Care Centre, is set in the beautiful tranquil grounds of Palmwoods Garden Village at 61 Jubilee Drive Palmwoods.

Last month the centre celebrated its 30th birthday with food and drinks, decorations and memorabilia, high spirits and laughter. “It was a wonderful fun-filled afternoon for our 30th birthday celebrations,” said Kath Himstedt. “We had former staff coming from far and wide, as well as some of our original auxiliary members, and of course family and friends attended.”

Within just a few months of starting in 1993, occupancy of the new hostel had expanded to 42 residents, said Kath.

“As the demand for beds grew Sundale added a further 28 beds a few years later. So the number of residents being cared for at Palmwoods quickly numbered 70 people.”

It is Sundale’s largest memory-support unit.

Kath said the centre ran like a well-oiled machine thanks to great staff.

“We have an Auxiliary-run shop for residents to purchase small items and, as needed, the residents can place special orders where our auxiliary volunteers go shopping each week,” said Kath.

Palmwoods also has its own Hair Salon where residents can get their hair done weekly by a qualified hair stylist.