A new $6.3 million dementia-friendly unit has been officially opened in Edenhope.
The multi-million-dollar project includes 18 high-care residential aged care beds complete with ensuites, situated around a central courtyard and landscaped gardens next to the existing low care facility at Edenhope District and Memorial Hospital.
“We are delivering much needed high-quality residential aged care services that will benefit communities right across western Victoria,” said Minister for Aged Care, Anthony Carbines.
“This new redevelopment will ensure residents can enjoy a home like setting that promotes dignity, privacy, tailored care and independence and will enable staff to continue their amazing work to care for the residents.”
Based on best practice principles for dementia-specific care, the new unit provides a safe, home-like environment adaptable to individual residents’ needs.
The upgrade also refurbished the facility’s common areas, kitchen and activity spaces where residents participate in an active lifestyle program and socialise with their friends, family and the local community.
Delivered by Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital in partnership with the Victorian Health Building Authority, the redevelopment was funded through the Labor Government’s $490 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
“Incorporating dementia-friendly design such as shared social spaces and a central courtyard will mean residents and their families and create a strong sense of community,” said Health Minister, Martin Foley.
The RHIF was established in 2016 to help regional and rural health services improve the safety and quality of services, service capacity, models of care, patient and staff amenity and service efficiency. The largest program of its kind, the RHIF has funded more than 480 health infrastructure projects since inception.
Stages two and three of the project are also complete and delivered 12 new bedrooms with ensuites, additional bedroom renovations, remodelled dining, lounge and kitchen facilities, as well as a new hairdressing salon and office areas. This was funded by Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital through a generous community bequest.
