Stratford is to get its own dementia care unit and a new 24-bed hospital wing, as part of a $3 million project at Maryann Home and Hospital.
Agecare Central CEO Neil Voltzke says the new unit will provide a much-needed facility for the community.
``It will enable these residents to stay closer to their families. It will be an up-to-date modern facility for rest home, hospital and dementia care.''
At present, Stratford people with dementia who require rest home care have to move out of town. The closest facilities are Mercy Jenkins in Eltham or units in Hawera and New Plymouth. This means families have to travel to visit them.
Once complete, the project will create between 12 and 15 new jobs at the complex.
The dementia unit will have its own enclosed garden and courtyard. The central area of the Maryann building, which is the oldest part of the home, is to be demolished to make way for a new hospital wing.
The rest home buildings will also be extensively renovated and modernised. It was built in 1989 and is well due for a facelift, says Neil.
``We know there's a huge and growing demand in all communities for care for the elderly and especially in dementia.''
However, demand for lower level rest home care is falling nationwide, with elderly people receiving home-based care so they can remain in their own homes longer. This means when they do move into a rest home, they need higher level care.
Staff were told about the plans at meetings this week.
``The staff are very positive. Everyone that works in the care of the aged industry recognises the need for a dementia care unit in this area.''
The project will be funded mainly by a loan from the Taranaki Electricity Trust.
TET Holdings chairman Brian Jeffares says the company sees the loan as a double win for the region.
``It is by way of a loan so we are getting a commercial return on our money,'' he says.
``And we're also providing new jobs and a facility for the community that's really needed.''
Agecare Central is now preparing a business plan which needs the trust's approval before the project goes ahead. However, preliminary drawings are being done, and it is
hoped the planning will be completed over winter so construction can begin in summer.
Agecare Central operates two rest homes, Maryann and Marire. The company is jointly owned by the Taranaki Electricity Trust and the Marire Trust Board. The two homes employ 85 people.
$3 million dementia unit planned for Stratford
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