A social and active life in residential aged care home Castle Hill -  Donington Court.

Something to look forward to each day

There’s plenty to do at Donington Court for those who like to stay busy. Lifestyle Coordinator Angela explains how many residents enjoy hands-on activities that let them stay creative, for example, card making. “They like [card making] because it’s a good creative outlet and something hands-on – something they can take back to their families.”

Donington Court resident Kayla takes part in the craft sessions and loves the simple fun of making things together. “We make some cards, and that is always good because you don’t buy cards, you just make them and then use them for birthdays.” 

Activities around the home often start with residents’ ideas. The women’s barbecue, for example, came about because they asked for one of their own. “We got feedback from the residents saying, why don’t we get a women’s barbecue as well as the men’s barbecue? And we thought, why not?” explains Angela. “It’s just a great way for the women to get together once a month, socialise and have fun outside.”

Games are another favourite. Resident Raymond plays Rummy with other residents and sometimes teaches newcomers how it works, including Angela, who enjoys playing alongside the residents. 

There’s also plenty of choice for those who like a change of pace. Some residents join in on bus outings or enjoy live music and barbecues in the courtyard. Others prefer quieter moments, like reading in the library or watching the ducks by the pond. 

Each day brings something different, and residents are free to take part as much or as little as they like. Whether it’s card making, a game, a walk in the garden, or sharing lunch with friends, there’s always something to look forward to. 

A community of friends

Friendship and community are a large part of life at Donington Court. Kayla says she spends much of her day talking with others, whether it’s over coffee, in the lounge, or outside in the gardens.

“I love listening to them. I love what people have to say,” she says. “You just listen to people.” For Kayla, conversation is part of caring; it’s how people connect and look out for each other.

The café is a favourite meeting place, where residents stop in for a chat or to catch up on what’s happening around the home. “I love it, absolutely love it,” Kayla says. “You see someone you haven’t seen for a while and say, ‘Oh yeah, let’s go and have a coffee’. It’s one of the best things you can do.”

Angela says it’s those small moments of socialisation that make the biggest difference. “They just like being together [...] catching up, talking about what’s happened.”

After care that goes beyond

For Raymond, what stands out most about living at Donington Court is the people who look after him. “They’re very caring…just like your family,” he says.

It’s not only the help with day-to-day things that makes a difference, but also the way staff pay attention to the small details. Whether it’s trimming his nails when they’re getting long or making sure there’s an extra towel in the bathroom, staff show a level of care that goes above and beyond.

When Angela talks about her work, she doesn’t mention tasks or rosters. Instead, she talks about people. “What I like most about working here is that I come to work and I get to see a hundred of my friends,” she says. That feeling of friendship runs through the way she and the team support residents every day. Whether it’s helping with an activity, listening to a story, or sitting outside in the sun, there’s always time to connect.

“A big part of working here is just getting to know the residents and their stories. Supporting them and getting to know them on a different level, making it more personal,” she says.

This is what going the extra step means. Staff take time to listen, understand each person, and create an environment where residents feel comfortable asking for help.

A bright, peaceful place to call home

Donington Court sits in a quiet pocket of Castle Hill,  where residents enjoy the comfort of good company and caring staff in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees and open space.

Raymond says he likes the “openness of it” and how bright it feels.  The large windows, courtyard, and walking paths give residents space to move, relax, and enjoy the view.

Angela says many residents love spending time outdoors, especially around the duck pond. “We’re next door to a lovely duck pond, which is home to beautiful ducks and ducklings,” she says. “A few times a week we go for a walk there if the weather is nice.” The gardens and sunroom are also favourite spots to sit with a coffee or read a book.

Inside, there’s a café, chapel, and library that sit near the main lounge, while smaller sitting areas and decks open to the garden.

Donington Court is a home that’s both lively and peaceful; a place where residents can stay active and social or find a quiet corner to relax when they want.

Residential aged care in Castle Hill that feels like home

Life at Donington Court is fun, friendly and filled with support. Raymond calls it home. Kayla says she “just loves life” at Donington Court.

There’s always something happening, but no pressure to do it all. Some days are busy with activities, other days are quiet, spent catching up with a neighbour or watching the ducks by the pond.

At its core, it’s a home that gives people choice, care and company all in one place.

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FAQs

What kind of accommodation can residents expect?

Donington Court offers private rooms with their own en-suite bathrooms. Each room includes a single electric bed, a built-in wardrobe, air conditioning, and a wall-mounted smart TV. Rooms open onto light-filled common areas, gardens or courtyards, giving residents both privacy and connection to the rest of the home.

What services and facilities are included?

The home includes a café, library, hair salon, and large central lounge and dining area. There’s also a physiotherapy and consulting room, an on-site laundry service, and landscaped gardens with walking paths and a BBQ area.

What activities and lifestyle programs are offered?

Residents can take part in craft sessions, card-making, games, live entertainment, and monthly barbecues. There are bus outings, animal visits and gentle exercise in the on-site gym and so much more.

Can family and friends visit as often as they’d like?

Visitors are welcome at any time, and many families join residents for coffee in the café, walks in the garden, or special events. There’s plenty of space to spend time together, both indoors and outside.

How can families find out more?

You can call Anglicare on 1300 111 278 or visit anglicare.org.au/donington-court to book a tour. The team will show you around, answer your questions and help you get a feel for the home.