The Victorian Government is upgrading more than 50 public sector residential aged care services, delivering hundreds of new jobs and ensuring thousands of older Victorians continue to get the care and comfort they deserve.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced $30 million in funding to improve Victoria’s public sector residential aged care services, home to some of our most vulnerable older Victorians.
The package will deliver $20 million to upgrade 33 facilities that collectively operate 1,787 aged care beds – including 267 beds that are dedicated to supporting the mental health of older Victorians.
This includes $15 million shared by 17 metropolitan facilities to upgrade buildings, replace infrastructure and improve accessibility for residents and staff.
Another $5 million will see 16 regional facilities also undertake important upgrades, including installing new flooring, refurbishing communal living areas and replacing equipment.
A further $10 million will deliver 20 improvement projects across 19 regional facilities, funded through the fourth round of the Government’s landmark $350 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
Funding from the RHIF will enable these regional services to improve their facilities, ensuring residents have the care they need and their families have the peace of mind they deserve.
At Mountview Nursing Home in Maldon, for example, it’ll mean a garden established especially for high-care dementia patients. For residents at Heywood Nursing Home, it’ll mean new loungeroom and kitchen spaces.
The $20 million funding is part of the Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works program – getting thousands of people back to work across our state as Victoria recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
The RHIF is the biggest dedicated fund of its kind, helping to deliver upgrades to hundreds of regional and rural health services across the state.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re ensuring that older Victorians – our parents and grandparents – continue to receive the care and dignity they deserve in their later years.”
“There is no more worthwhile investment – helping to rebuild our economy, while also ensuring the quality of care for thousands of older Victorians.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“We’re continuing to support our aged care services expand capacity, improve safety – but most importantly, deliver the care Victorians deserve.”
“From Avoca to Yarram, Broadmeadows to Ferntree Gully, this is an investment in our aged care facilities – but also the residents and families who rely on them.”
Reviewed 22 September 2020