Aged care provider expands vital services to the Kununurra community

Much needed additional aged care in the East Kimberley in Western Australia has been commissioned with the official opening of Juniper Gerdewoonem.

Posted June 25th 2018

by Alexandra Stopford

<p>Juniper Board Chairman Fred Boshart and Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price (Source: Juniper)</p> — Juniper Board Chairman Fred Boshart and Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price (Source: Juniper)

Located next to Kununurra’s hospital, the $11.5 million project, co-funded by Juniper and the Commonwealth and officially opened on 14 June, combines new residential aged care with existing community care services, within an attractive, modern building specially designed for local conditions and climate.

The new multipurpose facility, which includes amenities such as accommodation, outdoor activities and alfresco areas, a medical consulting room and nurses’ treatment room for residents and community clients, is set to expand vital services to the Kununurra community and provide greater opportunities for local employment and career paths in aged care.

Juniper Chief Executive Vaughan Harding says Juniper Gergewoonem will provide permanent care services – both residential and home care – for 70 to 80 older people comprising 36 licensed beds plus four overnight community respite beds and 40 plus home care recipients, with the facility employing more than 50 staff.

He adds that the project is all part of Juniper’s strategic intent to double its capacity to meet Western Australia’s rapidly increasing need for variety of aged care and housing services.

“Our investment in the Kimberley is significant and this latest initiative builds on Juniper’s strong commitment to supporting older people and their families in regional Western Australia,” he explains.

“In addition to bringing much needed accommodation, this multipurpose aged care facility enables the expansion of home and community care services in the region, so older people have greater access to vital services in town and many no longer travel to Perth or Darwin to get the help they require.

“Our response to increasing need encompasses a strong presence across the region comprising aged care services in Kununurra, Wyndham, Fitzroy Crossing and Derby.”

Juniper also shares that the construction of the new facility sourced many trades and services from the local area, helping to support and boost economic opportunities in the township.