Specialist aged care to open 2016

The home will be named Opal Rutherford and will provide 144 new beds for the region and create more than 150 new local jobs.

More than 12% of the Maitland City Council population is over the age of 65 years, increasing the region’s need for quality aged care.

Gary Barnier, managing director of Opal Aged Care, who own 60 residential aged care homes Australia wide, including an existing 80 bed home in Maitland, says the home will be welcome news for the Hunter’s ageing population.

“The demand for quality aged care in the region has been increasing over the past few years and the new Opal Aged Care home will provide much needed care for local residents,” Mr Barnier says.

Maitland City Council Mayor, Peter Blackmore, says the home will provide quality residential care, as well as job opportunities for Hunter locals.

“As our population continues to age, it is more important than ever to equip the region with quality services to ensure support is there when needed,” he says.

“Aged care in itself is a growing industry and presents fantastic career opportunities. This new home will create more than 150 local jobs which is good news for the region.” 

The building of the home signifies an investment of $30 million into the area and will provide at least 100 new construction jobs. The new Opal Aged Care home will be located on Dietrich Close and Anambah Road, Rutherford and will provide care for 144 residents.

The home will consist of single and companion rooms and will also contain a 16 bed dementia specific wing to provide specialist dementia care for residents.

Opal Aged Care embarked on a partnership with Alzheimer’s Australia earlier this year which will see all 5,500 Opal Aged Care staff receive specialist dementia training ensuring the highest level of care for residents living with dementia.

The new Opal Aged Care home will opens its doors to new residents in early 2016. Residential enquiries can be made by calling 1300 362 481.