CareVillas Australia Wins Prestigious Global Award for Affordable Dementia Housing Innovation
London, UK – 5th December 2024 –
CareVillas Australia is proud to announce its recognition as the Most Outstanding Creator of Fit-for-Purpose Affordable Dementia Housing in the World at the 2024 Global Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights the organisation’s commitment to redefining dementia care through innovative, empathetic, and community-driven solutions.
While the CareVillas team was unable to attend the awards ceremony in London, the honour was graciously accepted on their behalf by Sean McCoy, a valued friend of CareVillas. Sean’s presence at the ceremony underscored the collaborative spirit and shared values that drive CareVillas’ mission.
"We are deeply grateful to Sean McCoy for representing us at the Global Awards and accepting this incredible honour on behalf of the Board," said Janine Gowenlock, CareVillas Board Member. "Sean’s commitment to our vision and his understanding of the impact of our work made him the perfect ambassador for this momentous occasion."
A Powerful Recognition of Innovation
"Receiving this global recognition is an honour that humbles us and strengthens our resolve," said Sandra Slatter, Chairperson of CareVillas. "This award reflects the hard work, dedication, and vision of everyone involved—from our advisory group, Board of Directors, and Heathcote Dementia Alliance. It validates our mission to transform dementia care through innovation, empathy, and collaboration. We are proud to lead a movement where every home is not just a place to live, but a sanctuary of dignity and quality of life."
AI-Powered Solutions Leading the Way
At the forefront of CareVillas' innovation is the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, developed in partnership with InteliCare, a leader in smart healthcare solutions. These AI-driven advancements are transforming dementia housing by enabling smarter, more responsive environments tailored to the needs of residents.
The use of AI technology in CareVillas’ housing solutions includes:
· Predictive care systems that monitor and analyse health patterns, providing early alerts to caregivers about potential concerns.
· Smart home features that adapt to residents’ routines, promoting independence while ensuring safety.
· Interactive systems that engage residents with personalised activities, fostering mental stimulation and emotional well-being.
"AI technology has become a cornerstone of our mission to enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia," Sandra added. "By integrating these advancements into our housing designs, we are creating environments that not only meet immediate needs but also anticipate future challenges, enabling a better standard of care."
Collaboration with Heathcote Dementia Alliance and La Trobe University
This award also recognises the impactful partnership with the Heathcote Dementia Alliance, whose involvement was instrumental in the development of the groundbreaking Costerfield house project. Now relocated to Lake Eppalock and renamed Reflections at Eppalock, this initiative serves as a global model for dementia housing.
The Alliance worked closely with La Trobe University, which provided vital research to inform the design and implementation of dementia-friendly features. Together, their contributions included:
· Lived experience insights that shaped the design and construction process.
· Advocating for essential features that prioritise accessibility, comfort, and dignity for individuals living with dementia.
· Conducting and applying evidence-based research to create a best-practice model for dementia housing.
· Fostering community awareness and support for dementia-friendly housing solutions.
"The Costerfield house project exemplifies the power of co-design and community collaboration," Sandra noted. "The insights from the Heathcote Dementia Alliance, combined with La Trobe University’s cutting-edge research, have been foundational to creating a home that truly meets the needs of its residents."
Looking Ahead
CareVillas extends its heartfelt thanks to the Global Awards for recognising their work and the collective effort that drives it. As they celebrate this milestone, CareVillas remains steadfast in its mission to build communities that are not just places to live, but places to thrive—where cutting-edge technology and human-centered design work hand in hand to improve lives.
CareVillas is a pioneer in affordable dementia housing, committed to enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia through innovative design, advanced AI technology, and community collaboration. Guided by empathy and purpose, CareVillas builds homes that prioritise dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
Costerfield House - Located at Lake Eppalock “Relections at Eppalock”