$28m small house aged care home opens in SA

A new aged care home by Clayton Church Homes (CCH) officially opened its doors last week in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Summerhill follows a small house healthy ageing model, which has proven to be the best in supporting older people and the staff caring for them.

The house features private rooms with ensuites, each with high-speed Wi-Fi and a 50-inch LED television.

The facility comprises of a gym staffed with positive ageing experts, extensive lifestyle amenities, specialist dementia care support, and architecturally designed landscaped gardens and courtyards.

Residents are provided with a selection of meals prepared daily on-site, using fresh, seasonal local produce, and "pop-up shops" will showcase local businesses.

Eighty-nine-year-old resident Rex MacIvor said it was "very nice", appreciating the scenic views of the local vineyards and cherry orchards.

"You get a good view from here, which is great for me because I love watching the birds and planes," Mr MacIvor said.

"You can see over the hills to Mount Lofty."

Mr MacIvor has been with CCH for over three decades, with one of the Summerhill houses named after him.

"The staff here are very friends, always smiling and making me laugh," he said.

"I trust in their ability to care for me for many years to come."

Summerhill, was opened in front of 120 people by the state's Seniors and Ageing Well Minister, Nat Cook, and First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care, Trish Garrett.

Chief of CCH Jo Boylan said with its first residents moving in last month, it was important to meet the needs of older individuals and their families.

"We are extremely proud of what we have created here and that will continue to evolve," Ms Boylan said

"Inside and out, Summerhill reflects what is important to older people, their families and the local community.

"It really is the beginning of a brand-new, exciting chapter for everyone, with residents very much at the heart of everything we do."

Minister Cook said she was "really excited" to have these opportunities to connect with older people and understand what it takes to "age well".

"With the gym, beautiful surrounds, and regional produce, Summerhill sounds like it will be a place that supports older people to have a positive ageing experience," she said.

"As a government, we are committed to putting in place supports for older people to allow them to remain active, engaged in their communities and to live good lives."