ValleyView Residence is set for a significant upgrade after the state government committed to fund the redevelopment of the aged-care facility in the state budget handed down last week.
ValleyView Residence was allocated $500,000 to improve the environment, equipment and services offered to the residents who live at the facility.
ValleyView Residence executive manager Joy Halleron said everyone at ValleyView felt ‘very privileged’ to be receiving the state government funding.
“We feel very privileged to be allocated this fantastic amount of money for the benefit of all our residents,” she said.
“This money will allow us to ensure our facility is able to function as a modern high care residential organisation for many years to come.
”We are very grateful for this further opportunity to ensure ValleyView provides the best individualised care services in the South West region.”
Ms Halleron said the funding allocated would be partly used to to refurbish the facility with new flooring, lighting and painting, along with the installation of a new phone system, which will provide staff with access to specialist support in a timely manner.
The funding will also be used to provide more equipment, such as beds, wheelchairs and physiotherapy equipment, for the complex and to construct a cafe and outdoor area for residents to enjoy.
Health minister Roger Cook said the funding was all about making life as enjoyable as possible for the residents.
“We recognise that many elderly people who need residential support in regional WA want to stay within their existing communities and close to family,” he said.
“This investment is all about improving the quality of life for current and future residents and providing appropriate care closer to home.
“This is terrific news for families living in Collie … I am pleased that this funding will enable ValleyView Residence to continue to build on the excellent care that they provide with renewed facilities, in particular to patients with dementia."
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray had previously committed the funds to upgrade the facility if Labor won last year’s state election.
“I committed at the 2017 election to provide better resourcing for aged care - and I am pleased the overhaul at ValleyView will soon be delivered,” Mr Murray said.
“Dementia is a difficult and often heartbreaking issue for partners, children and families to address - and I am pleased we are able to provide funding to make local care options better.
“Aged care issues in Collie have been well documented over the years ... These upgrades will ensure local facilities will receive a significant upgrade.”
