Not For Profit BlueWave Living, in Woy Woy on the NSW Central Coast, has officially turned the first sod on Stage One of its expansion project.

The first stage, at a cost of $12 million, is set to deliver 20 new beds and will provide the foundations for four new households of 16 people each, with their own kitchens, dining areas, living spaces, and courtyards.

According to Matt Downie, CEO, the development – set to complete in late 2022, with more construction to follow – will provide a more natural home-like environment for residents.

“Familiar spaces and familiar layouts to one’s own home have been well evidenced to provide a much better living experience in which we provide care for, and support, residents’ independence and choices.

“This has also been shown to assist in reducing behaviours for residents who might be suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairments, by providing an environment which is familiar to them,” he said.

BlueWave received approval for an 18-bed expansion in 2020.