VIC Premier
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering more high-quality public sector aged care services for older Victorians, with the completion of a new $3.2 million dementia friendly unit in Creswick.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today visited the Creswick Nursing Home to officially open the new unit and meet residents who call the new facility home.
The upgrade has delivered 12 private rooms complete with ensuites, situated around a central courtyard and landscaped gardens.
Based on best practice principles for dementia-specific care, the new stand-alone unit provides a safe, home-like environment adaptable to individual residents’ needs.
The facility has also received upgraded common areas and activity spaces where residents participate in an active lifestyle program and socialise with their friends, family and the local community.
A range of improvements has also been delivered to the existing facility including heating and cooling systems ensuring the comfort and safety of residents while improving energy efficiency keeping operating costs low.
The redevelopment has been made possible thanks to the Labor Government’s $470 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF). Since 2016, the RHIF has funded more than 380 infrastructure projects.
Funding from the RHIF is allowing regional facilities to improve capacity, amenity, outdoor spaces, kitchen and dining facilities and medical equipment.
A further $3.6 million of upgrade works at the facility will soon be underway to deliver an additional 11 dementia friendly private rooms along with a series of shared spaces. The project is expected to be completed in early 2022.
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“Older Victorians deserve to spend their golden years in a comfortable, modern and home-like environment where they receive the very best care.”
“Our $470 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund is making life better for residents, patients and staff across rural and regional Victoria.”
“People with dementia account for more than half of residents in all residential aged care facilities – we’re ensuring facilities provide contemporary and functional environments that caters to dementia-specific needs.”
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