Bundaleer are building a new $30 million state-of-the-art residential aged care facility in the old Mill estate near Timbertown.
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Staff and residents were told of the plan last Friday and the project was unveiled to the media today (July 5).
The Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie, joined Bundaleer Care Services board members, Ian Chegwidden, Dr Graham Carey, Julie Muller, Rod Barnaby, and acting Chief Executive Officer Louise Roberts for the announcement.
Two years ago, the Federal Coalition Government announced that it was investing $8.5 million in the project, and allocated an extra 40 new aged care places to support Bundaleer's expansion.
"People with dementia will be free to walk around the building without fear of getting lost or being outside without assistance," said Bundaleer's acting CEO, Louise Roberts.
She said there will be specialised programs such as memory support units, Montessori programs and a support group for the community because out of every three people, one person will have dementia and one will be looking after someone with dementia.
"We put the resident at the centre of Bundaleer, and their families as well. Grandchildren who might get bored will be able to go outside and play. There will be places to sit outside, and sensory gardens, and a palliative care wing," said Ms Roberts.
There will also be a memorial garden where people can come and sit and reflect. There will be rooms for people wanting to be with loved ones in the final stages of their lives.
Residents will be able to help cook and plan meals, and sit and people-watch. Bedrooms in the north-facing building will have views and balconies, and elements of the building will bring in Wauchope's past as a timber town.
A new residential aged care facility was initially proposed at Bundaleer's Johnstone Street site but planning wasn't granted so they looked elsewhere to build a 140-bed facility.
"Johnstone Street is lease-held land from the health department and we have 28 years to run on that lease. We are looking at other uses such as respite care, and NDIS services, and high level care for other people in the community on that site," said the chairman of the Board of Directors, Ian Chegwidden.
"From disappointment came the opportunity to buy this piece of land," he said.
"The old plywood mill, which helped build the Sydney Opera House, closed back in the 1970s. Bundaleer have bought 22 thousand square metres on five acres, and it will be a low-lying facility with much better landscape and grounds around it, and it will be much more inviting.
"This new home, which includes an indoor swimming centre, is part of a major development on a 20-acre block. We have got one section of it. We believe it's the best section," he said.
"There is a growing need in the area, and that allows us opportunities to service aged care needs and the National Disability Scheme. Construction will start early next year, and take about two years," added Mr Chegwidden.
He said the DA is specifically designed to meet all the criteria for Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
He said the former CEO, Gareth Norman, is no longer employed by Bundaleer Care Services, which is in the process of advertising the CEO post, and that an independent investigation into corporate culture and other matters at Bundaleer has been completed.
"The ongoing support of our staff has been so much appreciated, and this move will be a great opportunity for them," said Mr Chegwidden.
Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie said dementia is a major health burden on the community, and the families and the people who suffer from it.
"This facility will be state-of-the-art particularly regarding dementia care, in a friendly, very pleasant environment. It's going to be a major economic boost for the Hastings valley," he added.
"Out area is a hot spot for dementia, but that simply reflects the aging demographic because the Hastings has been a retiree area for decades," added the Lyne MP.
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