Brightwater Care Group has officially broken ground on a new purpose-built home in Waikiki designed to support West Australians living with Young Onset Dementia (YOD).
A sod-turning ceremony held last week marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter as construction commenced on the five-bedroom home, set to become a WA-first.
Supported in part by a $982,000 Lotterywest grant, the project will represent another significant step forward in Brightwater’s commitment to improving accommodation and care options for younger people living with dementia.
Brightwater Care Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Catherine Stoddart said the sod-turning marked an important milestone in Brightwater’s commitment to providing contemporary, purpose-built accommodation for people living with YOD.
We are excited to take the first step towards creating a home designed entirely around the aspirations, dignity and everyday lives of younger people living with dementia,” Dr Stoddart said.
“A diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia can profoundly change a person's life, often at a time when they are still actively engaged in work, family and community life.
“For too long, there have been limited options that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of younger people living with dementia.
“Waikiki is Brightwater’s opportunity to do something different, creating a home where people can remain connected to what matters most, maintain their sense of self, and continue to live rich and meaningful lives.”
Brightwater will partner with Dale Alcock Projects for the Waikiki home, building on the strong relationship established through the successful development of Brightwater’s Piara Waters homes for people living with Huntington’s disease.
Dr Stoddart said the builder’s commitment to innovation, quality and achieving the best possible outcomes for Brightwater’s clients gives great confidence as the organisations embark on the project together.
“This project will also build on our experience supporting people living with YOD through Brightwater’s two adapted homes in Kingsley, which opened in 2024 and 2025,” she said.
“Those homes were developed in partnership with Dementia Training Australia and Young Onset Dementia WA, whose expertise and lived experience helped shape innovative design features that support independence, engagement and quality of life.
“The insights gained from those partnerships, together with what Brightwater has learnt from supporting residents in Kingsley, have helped shape our vision for Waikiki.
“It has also reinforced the importance of creating environments specifically designed around the unique needs and life stage of people living with YOD.”
The single-storey home will accommodate five residents, each with a private bedroom and ensuite. Shared kitchen, dining and living areas, a separate lounge, domestic laundry and landscaped outdoor areas will also help create the feel and function of an ordinary home.
Designed specifically for people living with YOD, the home will combine innovative design and specialist support to create opportunities for independence, connection and meaningful participation in everyday life, while seamlessly integrating technology and support systems into a welcoming residential environment.
Beyond providing a home for five residents, Brightwater intends to use the Waikiki project as an opportunity to learn and help inform future approaches to YOD housing and support.
