Elderly Victorians in public aged care will have access to better facilities to ensure they’re receiving the best possible care, thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced $9.5 million in grants to upgrade services across the State as part of the Labor Government’s Significant Facility Refurbishment initiative.

A number of metropolitan and regional services will benefit from the grants including Ballarat Health Services who are receiving $671,000 for upgrades at three of its aged care services.

Ballarat Health’s Queen Elizabeth Village Hostel will get a new outdoor area, Hailey Hostel will get new air conditioning and a recreation area, and Talbot Place will upgrade its nurse call system to help keep residents safe.

Many of the grants are targeted at improving amenities and quality of life for aged care residents, including new and upgraded activities rooms, air conditioning and improved outdoor recreation areas.

A large number of the upgrades will feature dementia-friendly design to better support people living with the debilitating condition.

The Labor Government is making record investments in aged care, including $81.6 million in a new 120-bed public residential aged care service in Wantirna and $27.75 million to support multicultural aged care.

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“We’re ensuring older people living in rural and regional Victoria can access high quality public aged care, when they need it, in modern and safe facilities which are closer to home and their loved ones.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“We’re enhancing our aged care services across the state, especially in regional and rural areas like Ballarat to ensure all Victorians get the care they deserve later in life.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

 “I’m proud to say that we are delivering grants to improve the life quality of aged care residents in Ballarat, particularly those living with dementia, through amenity upgrades using dementia-friendly design.”