Annabel House is a day care centre for people who are over 65 and who may or may not have cognitive decline. Funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, the centre provides both Social Support Group activities and Centre Based Respite for carers 7 days per week. The centre is run by Prince of Wales Community Health.
The origin of the name “Annabel” chosen for the centre is thought to have been chosen from the original staff of the centre over twenty years ago. The name Annabel means favoured, grace.
Annabel House is situated within the Randwick Community Centre, Munda Street Randwick, within the community gardens and next to two kindergartens. The sounds of the children playing and birds singing can be heard throughout the centre.
The client’s physical, social, cultural and emotional safety is paramount at Annabel House and underpins all the activities offered at Annabel House.
Annabel House tries to accommodate for a wide range of client directed activities which include gentle physical games and exercises, time spent in the garden, bird watching, being entertained by the children of the co-located kindergartens, listening to music, enjoying talks and discussions about famous people, important times in history, art and art therapy , architecture, sewing and great sporting moments.
As well as the client’s wellbeing, carers are as equally important. Annabel House provides the opportunity for the client’s family and carers to have respite while the client attends Annabel House.
Appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community services can be made to ensure client and carer safety and wellbeing.
Annabel House recently received a generous financial donation from the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation and a client, this has allowed for appropriate cognitive, physical, and art resources to be purchased.
It is hoped as result of this donation a” Men’s Shed” concept can be commenced. It also allowed for the purchase of a garden umbrella to maximise the use of the garden.
The clients and carers are very grateful for this generous donation and how it has increased the variety of activities that are offered to the clients attending Annabel House.
For more information about Annabel House and assistance with making a referral regarding Social Support Groups and Centre Based Respite please ring Deborah on 9315 7726. Referrals to Annabel House can also be made through My Aged Care 1800 200 422.
