| Each building tells a story |
 A LOCAL Kingaroy business was quick to get behind the revamp of Orana’s Independent Living Units (ILUs) to help to improve the retirement community’s quality of life.
Total Kitchen Worx owner Marc Parshen was fundamental to the village’s major refurbishment which focuses on helping residents to live well.
“We looked at providing an all-encompassing design considering the clientele’s needs and the space available to maximise the outcome,” he said.
“We made the environment simple and easy to maintain so the carers were able to clean things with little fuss and the environment was very practical so they could do their jobs readily and hygienically.
“We’ve also allowed the units to be designed in a way so they don’t have to be structurally modified and are more ergonomically sound.”
Orana Lutheran Complex General Manager Richard Fahy said the Orana Hilltop Markets on 24 March will feature an open day showcasing the workmanship.
“Attendees will be able to have tours of the service and visit our Independent living Units,” he said.
“We always want to make sure our units are of the highest quality and we maintain this standard throughout our residents’ occupancy.”
Marc has refurbished 10 of Orana’s 25 ILUs over the last five years and the secret of success was carrying the old theme but giving the residents “more comfortable surroundings.”
“We maintained the original look of the kitchens but ensured they were more practical and serviceable,” he said.
“We achieved this by allowing in more natural lighting which is important in the South Burnett region when going through the winter months.
“We also looked at the functionality of the design and the overall accessibility by providing more drawers and pull-out cupboards.
“Finally, we tried to go for Australian made products and raw materials to support our own businesses.”
ILU resident Evelyn Dukes, 88, recently moved into Orana and loves her new home.
“The unit is perfect and I’ve got a garden,” she said.
“It was nice and clean when I came in and I can see the Kumbia area and the mountains.
“I also like that it is low maintenance.
“I like meeting new people and I have a good mate here.”
There will be an opportunity to take a sneak peek at the refurbished units on the open day at 24 MacDiarmid Street Kingaroy.
Orana is the largest aged care complex in the Kingaroy region and overlooks the picturesque Bunya Mountains with the tranquil landscape giving the service a lovely country atmosphere.
The service boasts a full range of services including a nursing home, hostel and Independent Living Units (ILUs) to cater for all levels of support – low care, high care, dementia support, independent living and day therapy.
For more information about the service visit: www.lccqld.org.au.
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