HammondCare and University of Canberra to build ACT dementia village

HammondCare and the University of Canberra’s Centre for Ageing Research and Translation (CARAT) have partnered to develop Canberra's first dementia care village. The 90-bed residential facility will be located on the former Curtin Primary School site in the Australian Capital Territory.

The project will utilize HammondCare's small household model, which focuses on person-centered and relationship-based care through homelike settings. The integrated site is planned to include a café, a hairdressing salon, and supported seniors living apartments.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with completion scheduled for 2030. The partnership aims to build a stronger evidence base for small-scale care models, investigating the impact on residents, families, staff, and the community. CARAT co-director Distinguished Professor Diane Gibson noted that the development seeks to address the shortage of high-quality dementia care in Canberra.