- $7 million to improve access to aged and dementia care
- Grants across the Great Southern, Goldfields, Wheatbelt and Mid-West regions
- Funded through the $500 million Southern Inland Health Initiative
- Made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions
A $7 million grant program will help seven care organisations provide more accommodation for older regional residents, assisting them to remain independent and continue as active community members.
Health Minister John Day said the grants were part of the Southern Inland Health Initiative, made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions.
"Evidence from around the world shows that local communities and individuals alike benefit when we keep older people well, functioning independently, and living in their homes and towns," Mr Day said.
"That means improving local facilities and the quality of dementia care. With the right services and infrastructure, people feel supported, safe and secure. This is fundamental to the Liberal National Government's strategy to bring care closer to home."
The new grants are in addition to $13 million worth of aged and dementia care grants, announced by the Liberal National Government in November 2016, which were also funded as part of the Southern Inland Health Initiative.
In applying for the one-off grants, eligible organisations had to demonstrate how they could enable ageing people to stay in their communities.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said supporting the provision of suitable aged care services was essential to building a better quality of life in regional communities.
"The innovative projects being delivered through these grants will provide a higher level of security for senior members of our regional communities, as their needs change," Mr Redman said.
"This is another example of Royalties for Regions investing in community-based projects to contribute towards the sustainability and liveability of regional WA."
Most of the projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.
Fact File
- The WA Country Health Service supports the concept of ageing in place, which makes it easier for older people to stay socially and physically connected with their community
- The $500 million Southern Inland Health Initiative is the State's single biggest investment in regional health care
- For more information, visit http://www.health.wa.gov.au/southerninland
- Find out more about Royalties for Regions at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au
Health Minister's office - 6552 6200
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
Building Capacity to Support Ageing in the Community Projects
Dementia Friendly Communities in Regional WA
Funding of $737,092 will raise awareness and understanding of dementia using roadshows, which aim to reduce stigma and increase timely support. A pilot program will create a 'whole of town' approach to dementia in two towns in regional WA.
Pioneer Lodge Accommodation and Extension, Northampton
Funding of $30,460 will support the creation of eight self-contained independent living units for aged people, with communal gardens, security fencing and carports.
Mullewa Age Appropriate Accommodation, Mullewa
Funding of $1,579,600 will create a minimum of four specifically designed aged-care dwellings for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, in close proximity to commercial, community, recreation and health services. The dwellings will allow people to live independently and to access support services as they age.
Age Appropriate Accommodation, Leonora
Funding of $1,210,000 will support the creation of an independent living village with 16 units for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, a common community space and a multi-use meeting room. The design will help residents feel a sense of belonging in a safe and secure environment.
Ramps Reinstatement Project, Broomehill-Tambellup
Funding of $27,500 will improve ramps in the main business area to allow maximum convenience, increased access and uninterrupted flow of movement for older people with mobility issues.
Age Appropriate Accommodation, Dongara
Funding of $2,419,000 will allow for the design and construction of six independent living units, designed to allow local people to age in their local community, incorporating the principles of dementia-enabling design, promoting independence and easy access to local services.
Great Southern Community Care Program, Great Southern region
Funding of $1 million for the construction of a community care centre to support a hub and spoke community service program for regional communities.
