BaptistCare celebrates the official opening of BaptistCare Caloola in Wagga Wagga

There was not a seat left spare in the new chapel as the refurbished Caloola Aged Care Home in Wagga Wagga was officially opened. 

Located on the existing Kooringal site, the revamped BaptistCare Caloola will continue its 50-year legacy of providing quality, people-centred care for Wagga Wagga and the surrounding area.

BaptistCare Caloola has continually enhanced its services over its history to meet the evolving needs of the community; this renovation represents the latest step in this journey, featuring a modern, fit-for-purpose design that incorporates a contemporary approach to resident care and well-being.

Charles Moore, CEO of BaptistCare, reflected on the legacy of BaptistCare Caloola and how it continues to underpin the core mission of BaptistCare.

“Caloola was built 50 years ago because we knew then, as we do now, the importance of providing high-quality aged care in regional communities and employment opportunities for local people with a passion for caring.”

“BaptistCare Caloola is now not only a place of care and community, it’s taking us into the future of what Aged Care is going to look like not just in NSW but around Australia.”

The opening was well attended by residents and their families, BaptistCare Caloola staff past and present and invited community members.

Anne Coia has been a resident at Caloola for over ten years and has made the transition from the old home to the new one.

“This place is magic! It’s beautiful and I’m so grateful for BaptistCare for the time they spent designing it and building it,” she said.

“It means a lot to me to be able to maintain my independence with the access to the shared kitchens and the washing machines as well as having bigger shared spaces for us to sit with other residents or our families.”

“I just love it here. The staff are magnificent from the lifestyle coordinators to the carers, and all the residents are so lovely,” said Anne.

The new look BaptistCare Caloola has been designed around a revolutionary “home-style” model of aged care.

The design of the home creates a family-like environment for residents while ensuring the highest levels of professional care.

“At its heart, Caloola looks like a family home with shared living, dining and leisure areas that connect to private bedrooms,” explained Charles Moore.

“Paired with the person-focussed care and dedication our local team brings, state of the art specialised Dementia care and support, BaptistCare Caloola is leading the way in aged care while continuing to foster community and care throughout the region.”

As part of the opening, Anne was joined by fellow BaptistCare resident Keith Owers, Robert Dunn, chair of the BaptistCare board, Charles Moore and Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council Dallas Tout to plant a commemorative tree. 

BaptistCare Caloola is an important part of the care network BaptistCare operates across the Riverina. These include BaptistCare The Grange and BaptistCare Watermark retirement villages, BaptistCare at home Murrumbidgee, supporting seniors to live and age well in their homes, and BaptistCare HopeStreet, supporting people in the community who are experiencing disadvantage.

BaptistCare is proud to serve the Riverina community through our provision of care and is excited about the role BaptistCare Caloola will continue to play in supporting seniors to live and age well.