Seats along an al fresco window, fresh cakes and a new barista were tested for the first time this week as the aged care centre launched Café Connect.

It’s more than just a café, according to Lyndoch’s Helen Bacon.

“It’s changed the dynamic of everything,” she said, with visitors now greeted by the smell and noise of coffeehouse bustle. 

Meeting down the street for coffee is a pleasure many of us take for granted — but it’s a world away for some residents. 

“It’s more about people having a meeting place,” Ms Bacon said.

“The girls are trained baristas and they’re making lovely coffee.”

The small café inside the main entrance was completed recently after nearly three years of raffles, fund-raisers and community effort. 

It has given family members somewhere social to catch up during the week, and even weekends.

Resident Kathleen Benson was one of the first to order a latte and a slice of cake. 

“Everyone is really friendly. I’ve already been here quite a bit,” she said. 

s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au