Planning is underway for a new up to $134.6 million state-of-the-art residential facility at Monash Health’s Kingston Centre in Cheltenham in Melbourne’s southeast.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan has unveiled a first look at the 150-bed aged care facility, which will cater for complex needs residents and be designed to promote resident mobility and independence, as well as dementia-friendly environments.
“Our public sector residential aged care services play a vital role in supporting vulnerable older Victorians who need specialist care for complex physical or mental health needs,” said Mr Donnellan.
“The facility will provide modern single rooms with private ensuite bathrooms, in an environment that feels like home. A community room, sacred space and other common areas will provide for social interactions and activities between residents, families and the community.
“The design will also make the most of the surrounding natural environment, with residents having open area views, an abundance of natural light and access to terraces and gardens.”
The facility will also feature a ‘pandemic mode’ ventilation and air conditioning system, which when needed, will help to contain the spread of infectious airborne particles by exhausting all air externally from an infected space and provide 100 per cent fresh air to isolated areas, the Minister said.
The facility will be operated and staffed by Monash Health and have access to a broad range of integrated aged care services including cognitive dementia and memory services as well as clinics for falls and balance. It is scheduled for completion by early 2025.