The Independent Living and Social Housing Residents at Dougherty Apartments Retirement Housing Project, call it a “smash hit.” Kelvin Neave unites his residents across residential aged care, memory support care, independent living and social housing.
The CEO of Dougherty Apartments in Chatswood, 10km north of Sydney’s CBD, organises a Happy Hour quarterly. Alcohol, soft drinks and hot and cold canapes are provided at themed events.
“We have eight floors of apartments and the events, be it a high tea or supper carnival, tend to bring everyone out of the woodwork and we are thrilled that it does,” Kelvin said.
“I like to think we create one community here and this has been my ultimate aim since my arrival.”
He said it was wonderful to see the residents in the independent living units and social housing connecting. Watching this interaction, regardless of backgrounds, is magic.
Dougherty Apartments is the brainchild of Willoughby City Council and the NSW Department of Housing. It has 80 staff who care for the 70 residential aged care residents. There are 44 independent living units and 39 social housing apartments who also supported by qualified staff in cases of need.
Dougherty Apartment’s Happy Hours attract the local VIPs. Kelvin is pictured with Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor and Dougherty Apartments’ board chair, Virginia Howard OAM (left).