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More jobs in aged care with new facility

South Australian aged care provider, Southern Cross Care (SCC), will create more than 100 jobs at a new aged care facility in Mount Barker.

Construction of the $25 million development will commence with the turning of the sod ceremony tomorrow (17 October 2014). Construction will take about 15 months to complete.

Located on Hawthorn Road in Mount Barker, next to the Mount Barker Primary School, the 80 bed facility will include residential accommodation and overnight respite options.

SCC is also planning to build a retirement village at the same site.

Andrew Larpent, SCC chief executive, says the Mount Barker Residential Aged Care Centre will help to ease demand for aged care services in the Adelaide Hills region, including respite services.

“It is aligned with our philosophy to assist older people to live well in a place they call home and where they are connected to relationships, activities and communities that have meaning for them,” Mr Larpent says.

“We are planning to establish a community outreach program that will encourage inter-generational activities with local schools and other community organisations. We would also like to explore opportunities for student placements with the local TAFE,” he adds.

The facility’s location in the heart of town, close to shops and entertainment, will assist residents to maintain important social connections.

“The centre has been designed specifically with the needs of older people in mind. It will feature small groupings of residents and an allied health centre, and we engaged a team of experts to help us create a dementia friendly design,” he says.

Mr Larpent claims SCC will begin recruiting staff in the second half of 2015.

“In addition to providing a home for older Adelaide Hills residents, SCC will create more than 100 jobs for the region,” he says. “We will employ registered and enrolled nurses, care workers, hotel services staff, administration, lifestyle, allied health and other support staff.

“We also currently run a small respite cottage in Mount Barker, Willow Fern, which provides short term respite for individuals with dementia and the frail aged.”

South Australian owned Sarah Constructions will build the new facility, which has been designed by Walterbrooke Architects in conjunction with the project team.

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