The Victorian Government has completed a refresh of facilities at the Barrabill House Public Sector Residential Aged Care Service (PSRACS) in Seymour.
Minister for Ageing, Ingrid Stitt and Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes unveiled the $3.17 million upgrade that includes 10 new single rooms with ensuites and refurbished kitchen, dining and lounge areas, creating a home-like environment for residents.
The new facilities have increased the capacity of Barrabill House to 40 residents, meaning more older Victorians in the Goulburn Valley can now benefit from quality care closer to home.
“It was wonderful to see the residents of Barrabill House enjoying the benefits of the new and upgraded facilities, and it’s clear they are already making a meaningful impact on their mental and physical health,” said Minister Stitt.
“We’re modernising and upgrading infrastructure at our public residential aged care services right across Victoria, giving older Victorians the facilities and care they deserve,” said Minister Thomas.
Barrabill House staff and community members provided feedback on the facility’s design to ensure it meets the needs of residents and staff alike, thanks to a unique ‘real life’ design experience.
The revamp of Barrabill House was made possible through the Labor Government’s flagship $350 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, which supports aged care and health services.
An additional $300,000 grant through the Department of Health’s Significant Facility Refurbishment redeveloped the facility’s outdoor space, improving accessibility and incorporating a new central pavilion for residents to use in social and lifestyle activities.
Barrabill House also received $45,000 from the PSRACS Community Kitchen Garden Grants program, enabling residents to continue to engage in the familiar activity of gardening, that for many Victorians is a lifelong passion.
All the new and upgraded facilities have been designed with the needs of people living with dementia in mind.
Barrabill House in Seymour is one of 171 PSRACS located across the state, offering Victorians an alternative to private aged care services.
“It was great to be back at Barrabill House to see the completed upgraded facilities that I announced funding for back in 2018. Seymour Health is now caring for more residents in a home-like environment with more privacy and comfort,” said Ms Symes.