Anew, purpose-built and dementia-friendly aged care wing will be constructed at Charla Lodge, after being allocated $8m in State and Federal funding.
The 16-bed facility on the grounds of Bordertown Memorial Hospital will be designed to meet stringent new Commonwealth aged care standards, due to come into effect later in the year.
The State Government announced in the recent State Budget a $4m, 50% co-contribution, after the Commonwealth earlier awarded $4m through a grant under the Commonwealth Government Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
The Charla Lodge upgrades were seen as a high priority aged care infrastructure project.
The new wing will comprise 16 single ensuite rooms, designed in accordance with the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines.
Ten of the rooms will be customised as dementia-friendly in line with Dementia Australia recommendations.
This facility will also enable more aged care residents who require complex care to remain living in their local community and the plans have been developed after extensive community consultation undertaken by the Bordertown and Districts Health Advisory Council and the Tatiara District Council.
It will also be included in the Aged Care Planning Study for the region which is under way.
Health Minister Chris Picton said an initial concept plan for the project has been developed.
Preliminary discussions about the progression of the works between the Department for Health and Wellbeing Infrastructure team and the Limestone Coast Local Health Network have already begun,” he said.
“We are investing significant funding to create a purpose-built dementia-friendly aged care wing at Charla Lodge for the residents of Bordertown and surrounds.
“The 16-bed facility will enable more aged care residents who require complex care to remain living in their local community, close to family and friends.
“The Malinauskas Labor Government is committed to enhancing health services in the regions so that South Australians across the state can have access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live.”
Bordertown Memorial Hospital and Keith and District Healthcare Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Melissa Perry welcomed the funding announcement.
“This funding represents a significant investment in the care of current and future residents of Charla Lodge,” she said.
“In addition to ensuring Charla Lodge facilities are appropriate for the new strengthened standards in aged care, residents living with dementia will be able to live in safety, privacy and comfort, supported in a home-like setting within their own community
Limestone Coast Local Health Network chief executive Emma Poland said the Limestone Coast community is already well-supported by a dedicated and passionate team at Charla Lodge.
“I am delighted we will now be able to create new and modern infrastructure to support local older people to age well in their rural community, in a culturally safe, fit for purpose and future-proofed facility,” she said.
