Ashley Suites recognised for excellence in aged care

25 August 2022

The upscale and boutique Ashley Suites care facility within The Russley Village in Christchurch has carried off the prestigious Jackson Van Interiors Built and Grown Environment Award as part of the NZACA/EBOS Excellence in Care Awards.

The award recognised how considered design, quality and a refreshed approach to residential aged care is delivering positive clinical outcomes for its residents. This was announced in Christchurch last night at the New Zealand Aged Care Association (NZACA) and Retirement Villages Association (RVA) joint Summit.

The Ashley Suites is an elegant care residence comprising 44 care suites, offering rest home and hospital level care. Its completion in late 2019 enabled The Russley Village to fulfil its promise to residents of providing quality residential care within the village.

For Graham Wilkinson, Owner and Founder of Generus Living, last night’s announcement that Ashley Suites won the award was further confirmation that its positioning in the luxury end of retirement living not only resonated with the market but, more importantly, was investing in the wellbeing of residents.

“With Ashley Suites we sought to provide a care offering and environment that was exceptional in the market. We focused on creating a beautiful residence from which tailored and meaningful care could be given. We are delighted that this approach has been recognised by the industry and is reflected in the care outcomes of our residents. The Ashley Suites offers a personalised care approach uniquely overlaid with a quality hospitality offering.”

Wilkinson said Generus set out to craft villages that reflected their unique location and which enabled residents to retain their individuality. “I believe with Ashley Care Suites, and, indeed, The Russley Village, we have achieved that.”

The stunning architecture of the care facility has been seamlessly integrated with the urban fabric of the broader village. The care facility residents of Ashley Suites enjoy the extensive amenities on offer within the wider village, including activities in the village pool, time in the garden or enjoying a restaurant experience with friends and family.

Spaciousness is a feature of the care suites, with a fully accessible ensuite bathroom and a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave to enable personalised and convenient light refreshments for residents and family. Individually controlled air-conditioning and a 55in television add to the impressive amenity on offer.

Aligned with the village's upscale hospitality offering, residents of Ashley Suites enjoy a quality dining experience, supported by a dietician-designed gourmet menu and daily social hour.

A private lounge area on the upper floor provides both residents and families a place to congregate, both for social engagements and also for respite and reflection. On the first floor, a dedicated salon and wellbeing suite allow residents to be pampered and groomed while maintaining dignity in the privacy of their residence.

All residents can access an in-house physiotherapist, podiatrist, dedicated general practitioner, hair salon, cinema, and swimming pool.

Raised garden beds allow residents to actively or passively engage with the garden, adding meaning and purpose to their days.

“I’m proud to say we have created an environment which enhances a resident’s feeling of independence, freedom and choice,” said Wilkinson.

“The collaborative approach we have fostered between our clinical team and family members is delivering remarkable outcomes and enhancing the daily life of both our residents and our team.”

Generus was also a finalist in the newly founded RVA Sustainability awards under the APL Best Operator Led Sustainability Initiative category with their Bay of Plenty pilot project at Pacific Coast and Pacific Lakes Villages. Generus have led an extensive sustainability pilot in the Pacific Coast and Pacific Lakes Villages, achieving outstanding results and attracting nationwide interest since the pilot's commencement. Following the successful roll out of the pilot, the Generus sustainability programme has now been adopted in all villages within the Generus Living Collection.