New site, new options for Emmy Monash

EMMY Monash Aged Care this week finalised the purchase of an adjoining property in Caulfield North.

Located at 7 Hawthorn Road, the site abuts the current Dandenong Road home and adjoins 9 Hawthorn Road, purchased by the aged-care provider in 2006. Combined, numbers 7 and 9 Hawthorn Road will add about 4600 square metres to the already prominent site, while also providing “new opportunities to overhaul the home”, according to management.

“This is very exciting for the whole community as we will have the opportunity to assess how we can best meet the care and lifestyle needs of the elderly members of our community right now, and into the future,” president Michele Lasky said.
While Emmy Monash has approval for the construction of independent living units on
9 Hawthorn Road, Lasky said the new acquisition means “it’s back to the drawing board”.

Emmy Monash’s board of deputies met this week to discuss the new site and put in motion the consultative process, which will include brainstorming sessions with aged-care experts and, ultimately, a masterplan for the double block.

“It’s a very large project,” Lasky said. “When we had the single block, there wasn’t much more [than independent living apartments] we could do because it was a stand-alone facility. Now, with [number] 7 [Hawthorn Road] that joins our block, it [offers] such exciting opportunities for the future.”

Lasky said the new development will be far-sighted, taking into account “what the baby boomers of today will want in 20 years time”.

With a “plethora” of options available, Lasky added that Emmy would involve the community in the planning process through questionnaires and surveys. The aged-care provider is hoping the community will then return the favour by assisting with funds, in this, the organisation’s appeal week.

DALIA SABLE