$25 million for accommodation for aged and disadvantaged
Perth’s older, disadvantaged and homeless men will receive more help with the building of a new state-of-the-art hostel in East Perth, which is being jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
The Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, and Western Australia’s Minister for Health, Jim McGinty, said the joint funding initiative, totalling almost $25 million, would be used by aged care provider St Bartholomew’s House to develop a new and significantly expanded aged and crisis care centre for the region.
“St Bartholomew’s existing facility, the James Watson Hostel, presently provides accommodation for 20 frail-aged and disadvantaged men who require care and assistance,” Mrs Elliot said.
“The Australian Government’s commitment of $7.33 million, together with state government grants totalling $17.6 million, will allow the construction of a new 40-place aged care service, as well as a 54-bed crisis and transitional hostel and 39 self-contained units.
“St Bartholomew’s House will also receive an extra $326,820 each year in recurrent funding to provide the 20 additional aged care places.
“Social and economic disadvantage is still a reality, with older, frail people being particularly vulnerable. This new facility will mean that 133 vulnerable men will have a safe and comfortable place to stay.
“Developing a new facility in Perth is a positive step forward and will give frail-aged and disadvantaged people the quality of care and emotional support they deserve.”
The new facility, which is due to be completed in June 2009, will be unique in that the facility will be both an aged care facility as well as a crisis care facility for homeless and disadvantaged men, featuring 54 bed crisis/transitional hostel and 39 self contained units.
