At Leigh Place, community is more than a location; it is a lived experience.
As we continue to prepare for the introduction of the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Strengthened Quality Standards from 1 November 2025, we remain committed to fostering a care environment that promotes dignity, respect, inclusion and connection for every person who calls Leigh Place home.
A Home Built on Belonging
Our model of care centres on each resident as an individual – someone with a story, relationships, and a valued place in the world. The new aged care reforms reflect this same philosophy, with a strong focus on human rights, supported decision-making, and culturally safe, inclusive care.
At Leigh Place, we support this by:
- Encouraging resident voice and participation in care planning, service design and daily life;
- Maintaining strong relationships with families and representatives, recognising them as essential partners in care;
- Creating inclusive environments where people of all cultural backgrounds, languages, and life experiences feel safe, respected and connected;
- Supporting spiritual and emotional wellbeing, including access to meaningful activities, rituals, and community involvement.
Strengthening Community Connections
Under the new Quality Standards, aged care providers are expected to support residents to live the life they choose, including maintaining relationships and participating in their communities.
We see this every day at Leigh Place, through:
- Visits from family, friends, neighbours and local organisations;
- Intergenerational connections with nearby schools and community groups;
- Events that recognise cultural and religious diversity;
- Activities that keep residents engaged, active and connected to the world beyond our doors.
These connections promote wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and ensure that residents feel seen and valued – not just as recipients of care, but as individuals with ongoing roles in the life of their community.
Our Role in a Rights-Based System
The upcoming Aged Care Act places a clear expectation on providers to create environments where older people are respected, empowered, and safe. This includes:
- Upholding freedom of expression, association and participation;
- Creating opportunities for co-design and feedback;
- Ensuring the organisation reflects the voices, cultures and rights of the people it serves.
Leigh Place is committed to these responsibilities. Our approach to care is grounded in partnership, transparency, and trust, and we continue to adapt our practices to meet the expectations of residents, families, and the broader community.
A Shared Responsibility
Community is not something we create alone. It is shaped by the people who live here, those who care for them, and those who remain involved from the outside. It includes families, volunteers, advocates, and allied health partners. And it grows stronger through every shared conversation, activity, and gesture of care. As the aged care system transforms, so too does our understanding of what it means to age well.
At Leigh Place, we know that a strong, respectful, inclusive community is one of the most powerful foundations for that journey.