Bendigo Health’s Golden Oaks Nursing Home will receive a $5 million funding boost, which will be used to build a new 15-bed wing, giving residents greater privacy.
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The nursing home got the funds through the second round of the state government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
The new wing will allow the majority of residents to move from dual occupancy to single rooms, and secures the long-term future of the aged care facility, according to the government.
Upgrades will be made to the dining room and kitchen, allowing for meals to be cooked fresh onsite.
Meanwhile, construction is underway on a $3.5 million project to build a link between the Golden Oaks Nursing Home and the 45-bed Carshalton House.
This project – funded in conjunction with Bendigo Health and a generous bequest – will further improve the quality of life for residents.
Construction of both projects is expected to be completed by the end of the year, creating 10 local jobs.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said there was a “clear preference for single rooms in our aged care facilities”.
These modern single rooms will help make sure residents get the comfort and care they deserve
- Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards
“These modern single rooms will help make sure residents get the comfort and care they deserve,” she said.
State member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said: “Our investment will make a real difference to Golden Oaks residents, giving them a more comfortable, more modern home.”
The state government’s $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund is designed to provide better health, safety and quality of services for people in rural and regional Victoria.
The news will be a welcome boost for the public aged care sector following the closure of private facility in Golden Square in March.
AdventCare shut its doors last month, leaving 40 employees out of work. The 36 residents were offered places at nearby facilities.
The company’s chief executive officer David Reece at the time said low occupancy rates at the 50-bed facility had caused considerable financial losses.
Mr Reece also believed more than 100 beds were empty across a number of facilities in the region.
