Aged care services in Mullewa, Dongara and Northampton will receive a $4 million boost thanks to Royalties for Regions funding.
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA welcomed the news and said the projects would enable more elderly regional residents to remain close to the communities they know and love.
“It is well established that local communities and individuals benefit when we keep older people in good health, functioning independently, and living in their homes and towns,” Mr Love said.
“That means bringing the care closer to home and improving local facilities and the quality of dementia care.”
In Mullewa, funding of $1,579,600 will create a minimum of four specifically designed aged-care dwellings for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in close proximity to commercial, community, recreation and health services.
Six independent living units are planned for Dongara, with funding of $2,419,000 to allow for their design and construction. The units will incorporate the principles of dementia-enabling design, promoting independence and easy access to local services.
In Northampton, some $30,000 will support the creation of eight self-contained independent living units for aged people, with communal gardens, security fencing and carports.
The new grants are in addition to $13 million worth of aged and dementia care grants, announced by the Liberal National Government in November 2016, which were also funded as part of the Royalties for Region’s Southern Inland Health Initiative.
Mr Love commended the program and said in applying for the one-off grants, eligible organisations had to demonstrate how they could enable ageing people to stay in their communities.
“These facilities will bring peace of mind to seniors and their families, knowing they can remain connected to their family and communites as they age, with support services nearby,” he added.
Most of the projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.