The major expansion at Lithgow’s Three Tree Lodge is on track to be completed early next year and the federal Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt visited the construction site on Wednesday.
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He was joined by Member for Calare Andrew Gee on a tour of the residential care expansion, which is almost doubling the special care needs section at Three Tree Lodge.
An extra eight beds for residents with dementia will be added to the current 10 dementia beds in the 54 resident home.
The project was funded by a $1.24 federal government grant.
“Supporting local people living with dementia is a top priority,” said Minister Wyatt.
“The project is on schedule to be finished in February and will have 18 places for people living with this condition, based on the acclaimed HammondCare model which promotes dignity, self-esteem and as much independence as possible for residents.”
The minister also visited Lithgow Aged Care, which is about to undergo a staged expansion.
Over the next five years Lithgow Aged Care plans to grow from 95 places to 168 places, after securing an additional 73 places in this year’s Aged Care Approvals round, plus a capital infrastructure grant of $3.5 million.
“There’s a lot to like about Lithgow but the folks here have been concerned that their aged care facilities haven’t been keeping pace with the demand in this area,” Mr Gee said.
“We’ve had the announcement of 73 new aged care beds for Lithgow and that was warmly welcomed by the community.
“Access to appropriate aged care facilities in our country communities is so important.
“If country people don’t have access to proper aged care facilities, it means they have to move away from their friends, families and support networks.”
Chairman of the Three Tree Lodge board Gary Brown praised Lithgow City Council for their assistance.
Council waived close to $40,000 of development fees for the expansion project.