A number of developments are taking place at our aged care facilities, and the first stages are due for completion imminently. The Federal Aged Care Minister visited one of our centres, where he announced the results from the National Allocation Round before taking a tour.
AdventCare Whitehorse Redevelopment
Planning for the redevelopment of the aged care facility and replacement of the Central Retirement Units is progressing well and in May 2017 we received town planning approval for the project from the City of Whitehorse. We were also pleased to receive advice in person from the Federal Aged Care Minister, the Hon. Ken Wyeth, AM, that we had been successful in the 2016-17 Aged Care Approvals Round in being allocated additional bed licences for the aged care facility.
The Minister chose AdventCare Whitehorse to announce the results of this National Allocation Round and then he toured the facility, met the residents and staff and joined us for lunch. He was impressed with the facility and commented favourably on the living environment and the people he met. He particularly highlighted the benefits that AdventCare provides in having integrated retirement units and residential aged care at our sites as a strong continuum of care for the community.
Planning is underway for the first stage of the redevelopment with the construction of the new Central Units, which is anticipated to commence in October 2017. This will see modern units built with enhanced amenity to replace the older style units and provide a street front presence to Central Road, together with a new Community Centre.
Detailed planning for the aged care expansion and redevelopment will then occur over the next nine months, with construction of this second stage commencing later in 2018.
Photo – Minister, GC, DR, HP
Accreditation
All the AdventCare aged care facilities continue to maintain full compliance with the Accreditation Standards to demonstrate a high standard of quality care. The Bendigo and Yarra Ranges facilities both had an unannounced visit from the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency in July 2017 and were assessed on a number of areas including clinical care, human resource management, activities and the physical environment. Both facilities passed with flying colours and this is a testament to the great staff we have at each facility led by the two Managers, Jacqueline Hiscox and Coleen Hilbert.
AdventCare Yarra Ranges Redevelopment
The first stage of this project is moving along well and will be finished by October 2017 and this will create 19 new larger resident rooms, with a new lounge and courtyard areas for the residents to enjoy. The work is being undertaken by ABE Constructions and is well managed to minimize any disruption to the existing facility.
Stage two will follow on and will result in another 13 new resident rooms, upgrading of the lounge area, a remodelled reception foyer and a new Chapel. These works should be completed by mid 2018 and will enable an additional eleven residents to be accommodated at the facility. There will be dedicated respite rooms and this will enable us to reach out into the community and offer care to more Church members who are living at home and needing extra support for a period of time.
This project has been made possible by the generous support of the Warburton & Upper Yarra Community Bank with a community grant of $152,642.60 for the new equipment for the redevelopment.
Vacancies
We currently have available rooms for anyone needing respite or permanent care in the Bendigo or regional North West of Victoria at our AdventCare Bendigo facility in Golden Square. Enquiries are welcome – call 5443 7999 and ask for Jacqueline. the Facility Manager.
David Reece, Acting CEO