Opal Austral House

A secure and well established home nestled in the tree- scaped suburb of North Manly, Austral House provides high quality care and a welcoming environment to its residents and their families. Austral House boasts a long history as a ladies only nursing home. It now specialises in the care of women living with dementia. Some of our residents are under 65 years of age. Our long-term staff are well known to residents and families, providing familiarity, a sense of 'connectedness' and consistency of care. The quiet, calm atmosphere in a small, all female home is also comforting and reassuring ' helping to alleviate the confusion and agitation sometimes associated with dementia. Although it is an all female home, Austral House works closely with residents' husbands and families. Husbands are welcome to visit and help care for their partners; and family outings are commonplace. Our links with the Mental Health Team at Manly Hospital and community organisations such as Alzheimer's Australia and the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) also provide additional support. Our social, leisure and lifestyle care plans are thoughtfully tailored to the needs of every resident. A recreation of'cer facilitates all activities and social interactions; and music and singing are favourite activities within the home. A physiotherapist visits the home four afternoons a week to help residents with mobility and pain issues. Specialist palliative care can be provided on site to provide comfort to residents and their families and to avoid unnecessary transfers to unfamiliar facilities. Austral House also welcomes residents for respite care when places are available.