Central Highlands Rural Health recently welcomed Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan to Creswick Aged Care to officially open its new Dementia friendly unit.
The upgrade was made possible thanks to the Labor Government’s $470 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) and includes 12 private rooms complete with ensuites.
Based on best practice principles for dementia-specific care, the new unit provides a safe, home-like environment adaptable to individual residents’ needs.
The facility 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 was also 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.
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.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan said:
“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.”
Central Highlands Rural Health’s Chair of the Board Peter Matthews said:
“The tremendous teamwork between the architect, builders, the community and our staff has ensured this project was completed on time and on budget.”
“The new unit is light years on from our other facilities and the key difference is comfort. Our new design has done away with long institutional corridors in favour of single ensuite bedrooms and spacious common spaces. Our residents are able to look out at the beautiful Creswick views and enjoy a central courtyard and landscaped gardens.”
The project was also made possible thanks to the community partnership between Central Highlands Rural Health and the Creswick & District Community Bank, which donated almost $100,000 towards the first phase of this redevelopment. This donation allowed the facility to incorporate a purpose-built landscaped garden as the centrepiece of the project.
