The Riverland’s newest residential care home is located on McGilton Road, next door to the new Berri Medical Centre (currently under construction).

Purpose built to assist residents as they age and as their care needs change, it is designed to support residents’ independence, social interactions, health and overall wellbeing, and to enable best practice care for people living with varying levels of dementia.

The new Calvary St Catherine’s Retirement Community has 50 spacious single rooms, each with a private ensuite. Features include a resident’s café and alfresco area, a private dining room so residents can dine with family and friends, entertainment and activity rooms, lounge areas, a men’s shed, hair salon, library, and internet and WiFi connection.

St Catherine’s has been caring for the Riverland community for 60 years.

Calvary’s South Australian Regional Chief Executive Officer, Sharon Kendall, said the national Catholic not-for-profit health, aged care and home care provider has invested strongly in the local community to ensure that legacy continues.

“Calvary St Catherine’s Retirement Community and our experienced care team provides the support and care residents’ want and need, and the programs and experiences to help them stay active and engaged,” Ms Kendall said.

“This wonderful new home ensures that we will be able to continue to support Berri’s families and older community and provide care for those who need it for many more years to come.”

The new facility has attracted strong local interest. About 100 people from Berri and Riverland communities toured through the home during a recent open day. Current Calvary St Catherine’s residents and loved ones also made the most of the opportunity to get a sneak peek at their new home before the big move.

Built at a cost of close to $19 million, the new facility has also been supported in part by a $900,000 grant from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).

St Catherine’s aged care home was initially established in what was the original Berri hospital on Coneybeer Street. Calvary took over management of the home in 2017 from Mary MacKillop Care SA who commenced the process for replacing the existing home.