Aged care campus officially opens new $27 million facility
A new state-of-the-art aged care facility with a focus on dementia care at Opal Hillside has been officially opened by Alzheimer’s Australia Ambassador Ita Buttrose, AO OBE on July 6.
The new 128-bed facility, representing a $27 million investment by Opal, builds on its existing campus in Mount Hutton; combining residential aged care, assisted living apartments and independent living for ageing Australians and features two memory support wings with accessible gardens.
Upon officially opening the facility, Ms Buttrose noted the proactive approach used in raising industry standards, particularly in dementia care which, as part of Opal’s commitment to care, sees staff trained through an educational partnership with Alzheimer’s Australia.
“It’s so important that we work together to help those living with dementia remain connected and engaged with their local communities, families and friends,” Ms Buttrose says.
“There are currently over 1,700 people affected by dementia in the Mount Hutton area and with this number set to grow, having access to specialist dementia care has never been more vital.”
Managing Director of Opal Aged Care Gary Barnier says the campus represents a true ‘continuum of care’.
“With different living options side by side, residents have peace of mind that if their health and care needs change, they can remain within their trusted community,” Mr Barnier says.
The first residents into the home are already being welcomed and once full, the campus will employ more than 200 people.
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