Aged care facilities in Northampton, Mingenew and Jurien Bay will receive a significant boost with one-off grants that will assist older people to remain in their communities.
Pioneer Lodge Northampton, RSL Care Jurien Bay and the Shire of Mingenew will collectively receive more than $3.7 million as part of a $13.67 million investment in regional aged care through the Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI), made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA said collaboration and investment in age-appropriate health services was fundamental to the ongoing growth of the Mid West region and to allow the elderly to remain independent, involved and contributing members of their communities.
“Aged care reforms focusing on supporting age-friendly communities and age-appropriate accommodation where people feel supported, safe and secure are transforming the way health and aged care services are delivered in regional Western Australia,” Mr Love 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.”
Pioneer Lodge Northampton is to receive $775,000 for eight new independent living units, the Mingenew Shire is to be granted $435,000 to build two independent living units while a $2.56milllion grant to RSL Care Jurien Bay will transform the former Senior Citizens Centre into a 24/7 respite care facility and co-ordination point for home care services on the Turquoise Coast.
Eligible organisations had been invited to apply for one-off grants as part of a competitive process.
“The successful applicants were able to demonstrate that they could enhance facilities and services that would help regional people stay in their communities 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.”
For more information, visit http://www.health.wa.gov.au/southerninland
