The Allan Labor Government is ensuring older locals in Cohuna have the high-quality aged care they need and deserve, closer to home, with construction now underway on a new $41.1 million aged care facility.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne today visited the site to see the progress made on the new Public Sector Residential Aged Care (PSRAC) facility, which will be co-located at and operated by the hardworking team at Cohuna District Hospital.
Once complete, it will feature 16 aged care beds that utilise the concept of 'small households', promoting dignity, privacy and independence. This is reflected through modern single rooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom, as well as a dedicated communal kitchen, dining, lounge and break-out sitting areas for residents to stay connected with each other as well as loved ones.
The new facility also provides eight acute care hospital beds meaning residents will have access to integrated medical care and a refurbished administrative space to support better communication with families.
To make the most of the surrounding natural environment, the designs give residents open area views and an abundance of natural light, acknowledging the positive impact of green spaces and fresh air for residents' physical and mental wellbeing, as well as increasing social interaction.
The design also incorporates features that make will make the new facility a dementia friendly environment, better suited to supporting the mental health and complex care needs of older Victorians.
The dementia friendly design focus means residents can 'age in place' which is particularly important in regional areas like Cohuna - giving residents the opportunity to remain close to their support networks and maintain family and community connections as their care needs increase.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, builder Fairbrother Construction is constructing the new and modern facility that is expected to be completed in early 2027.
The new Cohuna aged care facility is part of the Labor Government's Regional and Rural PSRAC Revitalisation Strategy - which aims to progressively replace dated facilities with purpose-built aged care services that better meet community expectations and enable contemporary models of aged care.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"We're continuing to deliver high-quality public aged care facilities and services right across the state, like here in Cohuna - giving older Victorians safer, tailored facilities to suit their needs."
As stated by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
"Ageing in place - in familiar surroundings and near loved ones - is critically important for older Victorians, especially in regional areas like Cohuna, and we're delivering the care and facilities to support this."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"With more open spaces and access to fresh air, the new Cohuna aged care facility will help contribute to a better quality of life and socialising between residents and loved ones."
