Ribbon cut for new facility

SOUTH West Healthcare (SWH) has marked the opening of its $39.6 million residential aged care facility, which has officially been named Leura Aged Care.

By wd-news

Officially open: Minister for Ageing, Mental Health and Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt (second from left, pictured with SWH deputy vice chair Bill Brown, Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora and SWH CEO Craig Fraser) visited Camperdown this week to officially open the new aged care facility on Robinson Street.

The new two-storey aged care facility, which replaces Merindah Lodge, opened yesterday (Thursday) with a visit from Minister for Ageing, Mental Health and Multicultural Affair Ingrid Stitt.

“Victorians deserve to age with dignity and respect – and this modern facility in Camperdown will do just that, empowering residents to stay close to their family and community,” she said.

Residents have spent the past few weeks moving and adjusting to life in the 36-bed, state-of-the-art facility which is based on the idea of small households.

Each wing of the facility has its own kitchen, dining, lounge and breakout sitting areas, creating a warm and homelike environment with every resident enjoying a single bedroom with a private ensuite, supporting dignity, privacy, and independence.

The facility also features multiple outdoor spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens with wide accessible paths, a Seniors Exercise Park, and a pair of electric TukTuks for residents to enjoy garden rides.

SWH chief executive officer Craig Fraser said Leura Aged Care redefines how aged care is delivered in the region.

“This investment is more than just a new building, it’s about creating a place where our older community members can live with comfort, dignity and connection,” he said.

“The small household model means residents feel at home, and not as though they are ageing in a ‘facility’.”

Executive Director Redevelopment and Infrastructure Jamie Brennan said every aspect of the building had been considered to improve resident wellbeing.

“This is truly the latest in aged care design,” he said.

“This facility was built to meet both the current and future needs of our local communities.”

Thursday’s event not only marked the official opening and naming of Leura Aged Care but was a celebration of decades of advocacy by SWH behind the building’s redevelopment.

“It is an exciting day not only for our residents, but for our staff,” Mr Fraser said.

“There are so many people to thank, but I’d like to acknowledge the tireless work of Janine Dureau-Finn (project manager aged care redevelopment) and Mr Brennan in particular who have planned, advocated and pushed for this facility to be funded and upgraded for more than a decade.

“The generosity of our community has been incredible – support from the Rotary Club of Camperdown, Friends and Relatives of Merindah (FROM), local businesses and personal donations have played a vital role in taking this new build to the next level.

“The amount of community involvement shows just how much value our region places on creating a better future for our older residents.”

Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal manager Suzan Morey, who led the fundraising campaign to include a number of special features such as an in-house salon space and gym, thanked the community for its support.

“We are incredibly lucky to have the support of the Camperdown community who have been invested in this project from the beginning and who have contributed significant funds to help make the building feel local, familiar and inviting,” Ms Morey said.

Leura Aged Care features a number of local artworks, plants and decorative touches which have been incorporated into the building’s design or donated by locals.

The interior households are also colour coordinated to assist residents in finding their way, as well as contributing to the ambience and decor of the place.

“There have been lots of opportunities for local landmarks, icons and art to be reflected and incorporated in the new building,” Mr Fraser said.

“It is important for our residents that we create spaces that are homelike and familiar as this helps to provide a sense of place and comfort as they age.”

Residents living at the new home will have access to a wide range of shared and activity spaces, including community rooms for family gatherings, craft rooms, quiet rooms, and barbecue facilities.

Daily activities such as craft, music, games, reading, massage, exercise classes and community outings are coordinated by an on-site activities coordinator with volunteer support.

Mr Brennan said the facility included the on-site Sugarloaf Café for residents, families, staff and the public to come together, while the library services, retreat space and salon added to the community atmosphere.

“The new aged care facility looks out across Camperdown taking in the clocktower and Mounts Sugarloaf and Leura, with a spectacular northerly aspect that has views all the way to Mount Elephant on a clear day,” he said.

Specialised services include visits from a GP, pharmacy support, physiotherapy, dietetics, speech therapy, mental health services and occupational therapy.

Residents with memory loss receive tailored programs and one-on-one support to enhance quality of life.

Ms Dureau-Finn emphasised the importance of community in aged care.

“We’ve created spaces that bring people together, whether that’s a barbecue with family, coffee at the Sugarloaf Café, or a bus trip with friends,” she said.

“This is a place where residents remain active members of the community.”

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora, who was also in attendance, said the new facility was a “game changer” for Camperdown.

“Not only does it provide world-class care for older residents, but it also creates local jobs and keeps families connected in the community they love.” she said