Residential aged care in Nowra: What makes Jean Ross House home-like?
For many people, the thought of moving into residential aged care comes with a big question: will it really feel like home? Leaving the comfort and familiarity of your own home can feel daunting, and no one wants to move somewhere that doesn’t feel personal. At Jean Ross House, it isn’t just the beautiful surroundings that make the difference; it is the sense of community. Here, residents quickly discover a warm and supportive home, where friendships grow and the atmosphere is genuinely home-like. While the leafy courtyards and visits from birds and kangaroos from the surrounding bushland adds to the charm, it’s the people and the connections that truly make Jean Ross House feel like home.
In this article, you’ll hear more from residents, families and staff about what they love about Jean Ross House, from the sense of community and the daily life that keeps residents connected and feeling valued.
A small home with a big heart
Jean Ross House is smaller than many residential aged care homes, and many residents and families say that’s exactly what makes it feel like home.
Margaret, who lives here, said she knew this home was the right place for her based on the feeling she got. “When the time came to choose, I went to other places and looked at them. But I didn’t have the same feeling. There’s an atmosphere here, which is rather nice.”
At Jean Ross House, the close-knit community makes it easier for staff to build genuine relationships with each resident. Lifestyle coordinator Katie explains that the team has the opportunity to spend meaningful one one-on-one time. “Everyone knows each other’s likes and dislikes, and we’re able to work on them.”
This closeness and connection amongst residents and staff is often described as feeling like family. Operations Manager Sally, who has worked at Jean Ross House for 15 years, says staff spend so much of their lives here that residents become like their own relatives. She calls it a loving culture where staff and residents genuinely care for one another. “What I love about Jean Ross, it’s not just a resident’s home. It’s part of our family.”
Families benefit from the intimacy of the home, too. Heather, whose husband Ron lives at Jean Ross House, says the close community makes it easier to recognise and connect with people. She knows the staff by name, and she sees the same residents each day. As she puts it: “Being smaller [...] it’s more like a home […] here I know who is who.”
The level of care and support residents receive also means families have peace of mind. For Heather, knowing that Ron is cared for and kept engaged has lifted a weight off her shoulders. As she explains, “I can actually relax, knowing that he’s being cared for makes life a lot easier.”
She remembers looking at other residential aged care homes before making her decision, and how walking through the doors at Jean Ross House felt different. She said the building felt light, airy, and comfortable, and the staff made her feel welcome. “[I chose it] because of the atmosphere, because of the feeling that you got when you walked through the door. You just feel comfortable,” she says.
A life full of activities
At Jean Ross House, there is no shortage of things to do, and residents have an opportunity to share their preferences on what they’d like to take part in. Margaret, for example, enjoys the garden, growing cucumbers that staff then add to salads for everyone to share. Heather frequently visits her husband Ron, and being outside together is what they both enjoy. They sit in the courtyard with a coffee, then walk through the gardens to see his favourite trees.
Katie explains that activities are planned with residents, not just for them. Each month, they meet to choose what they’d like to do, whether that’s a cultural day, a bus outing, cooking in the kitchen, or even a fishing trip. Gardening, men’s groups, and cooking sessions are popular, and every Friday, residents gather in the courtyard for fruit, chips, and sometimes a beer. It is a time, Katie says, helps people relax and open up. Daily bushwalks with the Physio and Nick the therapy dog are another favourite, with wildlife like kookaburras and kangaroos often spotted along the way.
For those who have higher care needs, the Camellia Club runs every day. It offers sensory trays, warm towel hand massages with aromatherapy, and simple tactile activities so no one is left sitting alone. Katie also introduced bubble therapy as a way to encourage residents out of their rooms in the morning, and it has become a favourite. The home also has an interactive device called a Tovertafel (Dutch for ‘magic table’) it projects games and art for residents to easily interact with to keep their mind and body active. For Katie, the best part is seeing the light in people’s eyes when they try something new and feel part of a community again.
Why Jean Ross House feels like home
Jean Ross House offers a loving community where residents, families, and staff all feel connected. From daily walks in the bush and vegetables grown in the garden to the way staff know each person by name, life here is homely and loving. Families are included, staff speak with pride about the culture of care, and residents are given choices that keep their days meaningful.
Looking for more information?
Explore our residential aged care directory You can also follow Anglicare on Instagram and Facebook to see daily life in our homes and what care with heart truly looks like.
Information Pack: Jean Ross House
Residential aged care Nowra FAQs
Where is Jean Ross House?
It’s located in South Nowra, tucked away in the beautiful bush. The first thing people often notice is how quiet and green it is. Residents wake up to birdsong, fresh air, and sometimes kangaroos grazing by the fence. Most of the rooms open onto gardens or courtyards, and there’s always a sense of space and nature around you.
What do residents do each day?
There’s plenty to join in with, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all schedule. Gardening is popular – residents grow veggies and herbs that often end up in the kitchen. There are cooking sessions, a men’s group, and Friday courtyard afternoons with fruit, chips, and sometimes a beer. Outings are popular too, whether it’s a bus trip or even a fishing day. The Physio leads bushwalks, with Nick the therapy dog trotting along to nudge people outside. And for those who need something gentler, there are relaxed activities like hand massage, aromatherapy, and sensory trays.
What’s the food like?
Meals are prepared fresh every day, with variety and plenty of love. Sometimes produce from the garden ends up in salads or soups, which residents really enjoy because they grew it themselves. Sharing food this way helps make mealtimes feel more like home.
Do residents get a say in what goes on?
They do! Once a month, there’s a meeting where residents can share what activities they’d like to see on the calendar. If someone wants something specific, staff do their best to make it happen.
How do I arrange a tour of Jean Ross House residential aged care?
You can call Anglicare on 1300 111 278 or visit anglicare.org.au/jean-ross to book a tour. The team will show you around, answer your questions and help you get a feel for the home.
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