Residential aged care Wollongong: Inside Piper House’s active and welcoming home

This approach means each week rarely looks the same, combining much-loved favourites with new activities to discover. There have been fishing trips to Mullet Creek, dolphin watching at Huskisson, and visits to the Bowral Tulip Festival. “We’ve even been climbing trees with one of our residents because she used to climb trees as a child,” shares Karen.

For residents who prefer slower-paced days, there are plenty of gentle activities too, like morning exercise sessions, bingo, crafts, or simply catching up with friends over coffee. Joyce, a resident at Piper House, enjoys helping the staff serve afternoon tea and chatting with people as they come through.

For her, being involved in the daily life of the home gives each day meaning. “I love doing the things I’m doing, mixing with people. Someone to have a chat with all day… I enjoy that,” she says. “Every day when I wake up, I think, oh good, got a day to do something and help the people and help the staff.”

Another resident, Margaret, also appreciates that she gets to decide how she spends her days, whether that’s strolling around the beautiful gardens or participating in different activities. “I feel like I’ve got my own sense of freedom here,” she says.

One of the most loved activities at Piper House is the sensory room, a peaceful place that has been designed to help people connect to familiar sounds, smells and sights from their childhood and earlier lives. Karen says the room particularly helps residents who may be feeling anxious or missing their families. One of the most popular activities is the Beach Box, where images of the beach are on the television, there are sounds of waves, the use seaside scents, and sand and seashells to touch. “[Residents] play with the sand and feel it running through their fingers like when they were a child… they reminisce, and it just recreates lovely, peaceful memories.”

“They can go in there … and be by themselves,” Karen says. “They can do whatever they like, think about what they want. They can just relax and be calm.”

Caring staff who’ll do anything to help

Residents at Piper House are united when asked what makes it special – it’s the people who work there. Staff are known for their warmth, patience, and willingness to help with anything, big or small.

“I love Piper House because I have very caring staff who are willing to do anything for you at any time, be it day or night,” says Margaret.

Joyce agrees, appreciating how the staff help her to feel settled in the home. “If you need help with anything, they come and help you.”

For the staff, caring doesn’t feel one-sided either. Karen says the relationships she’s built with residents have made her work particularly rewarding. “I love coming to work… [and] I go home feeling like I’ve made someone happy … I made a difference.”

Thomas, another carer at Piper House, agrees. “The best thing is when you’re helping someone [...] If you can provide good care in that moment and they’re still happy, then it’s a great experience for everyone.”

A family-oriented community

Life at Piper House centres around connection, with plenty of opportunities to socialise and engage with others. There’s the coffee club on Wednesdays, regular afternoon teas, and plenty of fun during bingo or craft sessions. Residents can work in the garden, help staff serve cake, or sit together over morning coffee.

“It is very family-oriented here. Everyone knows everyone. It’s a tight-knit family,” says Thomas.  Joyce, who is known for helping at the coffee club, says she loves the mix of people and conversation, always making sure everyone feels involved. “If there’s somebody sitting on their own, I like to go up and ask if I can have a chat,” she says.

A home filled with care, comfort and community

There’s an ease to life at Piper House that’s hard to miss. Residents talk about feeling settled, supported, and truly cared for. Margaret says she felt at home from the moment she arrived. Joyce says she loves having people around and always finds someone to talk to.

Thomas sums it up simply. “It’s just a nice, positive environment to live in.” At its heart, Piper House is a home where residents can keep doing the things they love, surrounded by friends and people who care.

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Piper House FAQs

What kind of accommodation can residents expect?

Each resident has their own private room with a private ensuite. Rooms come with a king single electric bed, built-in storage, a Smart TV, and air conditioning. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and every room has an emergency call button for peace of mind.

What services and facilities are included?

Piper House has plenty of shared spaces for residents to enjoy. There’s a self-serve café, a hairdressing salon, and a chapel that also hosts group activities and events. Each floor has its own dining and lounge areas, and outside you’ll find courtyards, balconies, and raised garden beds. Services like physiotherapy and other allied health services are also available.

What activities and lifestyle programs are offered?

There’s always something happening at Piper House. Residents can join regular bus outings or spend time with friends during happy hour. There’s also a gym on site and a chaplain available for anyone who wants emotional support.

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

Yes, absolutely. Families are welcome anytime and often drop in for coffee or lunch, or to take loved ones out for the day.

How can families find out more?

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