Aged care in Jurien Bay will receive a significant boost with RSL Care to receive a $2.564 million grant, made possible by the Royalties for Regions program.
The funding will see the former Central Coast Senior Citizens Centre transformed into Turquoise Coast Respite Solutions 24/7 for use by residents of Jurien Bay and surrounding areas.
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA said there was a desperate need for a respite facility that will allow the elderly and those who care for them to remain in their local community.
“For the first time in the Jurien Bay district, residents can take comfort knowing that support will be available all day every day for our elderly and their carers,” he added.
“Alternative respite options are currently available in Perth and Geraldton – nearly 200 kilometres away – which makes it very difficult for aged patients and those who care for them.”
The Turquoise Coast respite facility will house five bedrooms and a day use area and have facilities for a nurse to stay onsite.
Mr Love said the project would make good use of existing infrastructure that is centrally located and would provide day time and overnight respite options with the ability to take patients with dementia.
“Collaboration and investment in age-appropriate health services is fundamental to the ongoing growth of the Central Coastal region and to allow the elderly to remain independent, involved and contributing members of their communities,” he said.
“This approach benefits the person, their family and friends and the community-at-large that is richer for having older people functioning in the community.”
Mr Love said the need for such a facility had been well documented as a priority project in the Jurien Bay Growth Plan.
“RSL Care Jurien Bay were able to demonstrate that they could enhance facilities and services that would help local people stay in the community as they age,” Mr Love said.
“It’s great to see Royalties for Regions investing in projects that enable ageing community members to remain in their community for as long as possible.”
