General News
20 September, 2022
Funding boost for aged care facilities
Maryborough District Health Service’s (MDHS) aged care facilities are set to share in funding for upgrades to better connect with the community and provide more meaningful activities for residents. The Dunolly Nursing Home, Wattle Rise Aged Care...
Maryborough District Health Service’s (MDHS) aged care facilities are set to share in funding for upgrades to better connect with the community and provide more meaningful activities for residents.
The Dunolly Nursing Home, Wattle Rise Aged Care, and Avoca Nursing Home and Hostel received a combined more than $65,000 to enhance resident wellbeing and promote a formalised approach focused around gardening.
An MDHS spokesperson said the funding will help the health service establish a kitchen garden program at all facilities.
“We have used the funding to purchase portable, accessible, raised garden beds, as well as fruit trees, and staff and residents have really embraced the program,” they said.
“Our residents love to get together and spend time outside planting, watering and tasting their own food crops such as herbs and lettuce, particularly in the warmer months.
“There has been much delight in making pizzas in group activities using fresh, home grown produce straight from the garden. We’ve also signed up to the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Program and offered professional development for staff to ensure the sustainability of the kitchen garden program in the long term.
“We are looking forward to a bumper crop this summer and have big plans for many more activities to bring our residents together in the kitchen and garden.”
The funding comes from the State Government’s $5.3 million program to help staff provide more diverse and meaningful activities for residents and enhance their engagement with the outside community.
The grants also support the recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission, which identified the need for greater emphasis on programs that increase community engagement, reduce social isolation and enhance resident wellbeing.
“MDHS is a key part of the Central Goldfields Shire community and provide vital services for our local elderly population,” Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said.
“We’re ensuring residents and staff are getting extra support to help them through these challenging times.”