Huntington’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to deterioration in a person’s physical, mental and emotional abilities. Around 2000 Australians are affected by this inherited condition and there is currently no cure.
Treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medications and counselling.
Determined to help people with Huntington’s Disease live the best life possible, Brightwater began the momentous task of establishing Piara Waters.
Reason 1. Piara Waters is the first of its kind in Australia.
People living with Huntington’s Disease develop extreme functional impairment, yet no dedicated facility existed that was customised to their specific high needs.
The first of its kind in Australia, Piara Waters features seven three-bedroom strata homes built to NDIA SDA standards and surrounded by curated gardens on a 19,000sqm site. At full capacity, it is home to 21 clients.
And the most important feature of all? Every element was created in consultation with the Huntington’s Disease community, which brings us to Reason 2.
Reason 2. Piara Waters was co-designed by the Huntington’s Disease community.
No-one understands HD more than the people directly affected by the disease.
We wanted to know how we could not only make their lives better but enable them to live their best possible lives (however that looks to them.)
In designing Piara Waters, we sought considered input from individuals living with HD and their family members. Children of people with HD have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene, so understanding the multi-generational perspective was vital.
We also consulted advocacy organisations and clinical specialists to ensure Piara Waters truly supported clients from disease onset to end of life.
Reason 3. Subtle lines of sight to encourage independence.
The clever grid formation of the houses and blend of indoor / outdoor living encourages natural surveillance for carers. In addition, plant species have been selected carefully so that lines of sight are maintained across the site, such as trees having a minimum clearance of 2m from the ground.
This small detail makes a large difference to the dignity of clients, who can be observed by carers as they move about their home without feeling like they are being watched closely.
Reason 4. Multi-sensory Gardens
Piara Waters gardens are required to serve both a social and therapeutic function. The landscaping design includes five main multi-sensory garden spaces. Funded by a $600,000 Lotterywest grant, the sensory gardens harness the ‘seven senses and colour theory’. The seven senses (sight, touch, taste, smell, sound, vestibular and proprioception) are applied, with each garden capturing a specific mix of sense and colour.
What do the residents think? “The garden is so beautiful,” says Andrea, Piara Waters resident. “It’s like living in the bush again. So many birds come here, I love it.”
Reason 5. It is a beautiful place to call home
Despite the clinical ethos infused into Piara Waters, it was essential the built form reflects what it ultimately is: a home. Piara Waters is truly beautiful inside and out, with soft and circular lines and natural timbers bringing vital warmth and charm.
“It is so lovely to hear Leanne say, ‘this is my home,’” shares a relative of a Piara Waters resident. “Before her symptoms developed, Leanne had a beautiful home that she looked after very well, so a nice environment is important to her. She is now happy to return after an outing. This place is mind blowing. Leanne is now a much happier soul.”
Reason 6. Smart proportions.
One of the great appeals of Piara Waters is its generous proportions, and for good reason. In consulting with the HD community and clinical experts, it was evident that the proportions of Piara Waters needed to perfectly align with the realities of living with HD.
This insight led to ensuites that are three times larger than average, abundant storage for medical equipment, wheelchairs and general household items and voluminous kitchens and living spaces that enable multi-use possibilities.
“I like my bedroom and big bathroom,” says a resident.
Reason 7. Empowerment to live a regular life.
We believe every individual deserves the dignity of independence. People living with HD have a life to live, and Piara Waters is designed to encourage independent routines and ongoing participation in regular activities.
Accessible kitchens and laundries encourage self-sufficiency where possible, with small details such as a slide-out bench under the oven allowing for quick placement of hot materials.
The orientation of the houses invites community participation, and each house enjoys its own planter box to encourage residents to participate in growing their own flowers, produce or plants.
Reason 8. It encourages visitation
Visitation is extremely important to every resident, so it was vital that Piara Waters is spacious and welcoming.
“Some relatives found it too sad to visit in the past, yet they come now because the home is so beautiful,” shares a family member of a resident. “Leanne has met grandchildren for the first time. Her room is so spacious, we can have nice quiet time with her. And we are planning to hold family BBQs on the lawn once the weather warms up. It will be very special.”
*Names in this article have been changed to protect the privacy of residents and their families.
