Funding boost for Whyalla aged care

Helping Hand will significantly upgrade and expand its residential care homes in Whyalla, following further federal government funding.

The funding means that more Whyalla residents will have access to quality care locally and be able to spend their final years close to their family and community.

“The investment will allow us to expand our services to make sure no one has to leave in order to get the care they need,” said Chris Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at Helping Hand.

“We will be able to upgrade all shared rooms to individual rooms with private ensuite bathrooms and increase capacity at our Yeltana Residential Care home.

“We will also be able to increase capacity and improve the amenities for our residents at our Copperhouse Court home.

“Developing facilities to meet modern-day standards and expectations comes at a significant cost. The traditional hostel model of aged care, with share rooms and amenities, does not deliver on dignity, safety and privacy. Rightfully, residents expect to be able to move into a private room with a private ensuite, which is why funding like this is crucial.”

The Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said the government was committed to supporting aged care services in regional Australia.

“When the time comes, older people in Whyalla want to access aged care services in the community they know and love and be close to their families and cultural connections. This funding will support that to happen,” she said.

“Our investment directly supports aged care providers operating outside the major cities to build, modernise and improve their services so older people in Australia can have access to better quality aged care services where they need them.”

The recent Aged Care Taskforce report found Australia’s aged care needs are increasing as the population ages, and expectations of quality improvements are high.

“Residential aged care will always have a place in the community, and as the population of older South Australians rises, we need to make sure we keep up with improving the quality of the care available in regional communities,” Stewart said.

The funding will help provide:

Yeltana Care Home

• A new wing of 10 rooms.
• An upgrade of all shared rooms to individual rooms.
• Private ensuite bathrooms for all rooms.
• A new dining area and multi-purpose activity space.
• An upgrade of electrical systems.
• Improved back-of-house entry and external areas.
• Additional two rooms for new residents.
   

Copperhouse Court

• Six additional rooms.
• A flexible multipurpose space for activities.
• An upgrade to rooms and amenities including electrical systems like nurse call and security.
• Landscaped and sheltered external areas.

Image credit: iStock.com/shapecharge