Wednesday 25 September 2024
The Allan Labor Government is brightening the lives of Victorians living in Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) – with $1.68 million in grants funded to improve or construct kitchen gardens.
More than 70 aged care services have received funding through the second round of the Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services (PSRACS) and Community Kitchen Garden Initiative.
Morrie Evans Wing Nursing Home operated by Benalla Health, residents received $45,000 for a new garden that will improve resident independence and enhance social connections.
Seymour District Nursing Home operated by Seymour Health, residents received $45,000 for a new garden that will improve resident independence and enhance social connections.
Waranga Aged Care Hostel and Nursing Home (Rushworth), residents received $5,000 for minor improvements to their garden funded in round 1 of PSRACS.
Parkvilla Aged Care Facility (Tatura), residents also received $5,000 for minor improvements to their garden funded in round 1 of PSRACS.
Hopetoun Hostel and Nursing Home operated by Rural Northwest Health, residents received $42,000 for a new garden that will improve resident independence and foster social connections.
Jacaranda Village operated by Red Cliffs and Community Aged Care services, residents received $75,000 for a new garden that will improve resident independence and foster social connections.
Glenarm Nursing Home operated by Kerang District Health, residents received $20,000 to refresh the existing garden, this will improve their dementia support model, as well as improve resident independence and foster social connections.
Boort District Hospital Hostel and Nursing Home, residents received $5,000 for minor enhancements to their garden funded in round 1 of PSRACS.
Bindaree Retirement Centre and Buckland House Nursing Home both operated by Mansfield District Hospital, residents have each received $5,000 for minor enhancements to improve the garden funded in round 1 of PSRACS.
Rosebank Hostel and Rosebank Nursing Home operated by Yea and District Memorial Hospital residents have also received $5,000 for minor enhancements to improve the garden funded in round 1 of PSRACS.
At Beechworth Hospital Residential Care Program operated by Beechworth Health Service, residents received $65,000 for a new garden that will improve resident independence and enhance community and social activities and engagement.
Lakeview Health Service operated by Tallangatta Health Service has received $5,000 for minor enhancements to improve the garden funded in round 1 of PSRACS.
Illoura Residential Aged Care operated by Northeast Health Wangaratta has received $65,000 for a new garden for residents to continue gardening as they did before entering care, assisting with improving resident independence and fostering social connections.
The grants program was established in 2021 following a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, that called for aged care services to place a greater emphasis on improving community engagement, reducing social isolation, and enhancing resident wellbeing.
The goals and design of the gardens are decided by the residents of the aged care service giving them the autonomy to prepare and enjoy the food they have grown, with the social aspect of maintaining these gardens also playing an important role in strengthening the connections of residents.
The program was launched in 2021 and was designed to support residents to age well through community connection, accessible outdoor spaces and lifestyle programs to keep people active – with the first round delivering significant and tangible benefits to health and wellbeing of residents across Victoria’s PSRACS.
The Allan Labor Government is Australia’s largest provider of public aged care, investing more than $700 million since 2016 to deliver new and upgraded facilities across the state, including more than $160 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to improve aged care facilities in regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
“We know that gardening is beneficial for both physical and mental health, and these grants are helping older Victorians keep up a hobby they love and enjoy good company, all while receiving the aged care they need.”
“Victoria is one of the only states in the country providing a public option for aged care, and we’re proud that we continue to deliver initiatives that enhance the quality-of-care older Victorians deserve.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Gardening brings so many health benefits, and these grants are helping older members in our local communities stay active and connected with each other while getting the aged care support they rely on."
