By REBECCA BILLS
LILYDALE Aged Care has opened its doors after a $12 million re-development project.
Last Friday, the official opening of Lilydale Aged Care managed by Allity was attended by Member for Evelyn Christine Fyffe MP, Yarra Ranges mayor Fiona McAllister and chief executive officer of Allity David Armstrong.
Mr Armstrong said the state-of-the-art aged care home was a wonderful and welcoming place that epitomises the word home for their residents.
“It proudly continues the history of care and community that has always been a feature of this site,” he said.
“The lives and stories of our residents at Lilydale are the fabric of this district’s history, community and spirit.
“Allity is dedicated to providing enriching, caring and homelike environments for seniors – Lilydale Aged Care is a reflection of this rich tapestry.”
The home was previously the old Dame Nellie Melba Bush Nursing Hospital site which subsequently became the Lilydale Hospital before transitioning into the aged care home.
Mrs Fyffe said the new facility had created 49 new jobs as well as the opportunity for further training and up-skilling for existing staff members.
“This wonderful facility will provide high quality aged care for people living in the Lilydale area now and will into the future,” she said.
“The redesigned and refurbished facility will provide 31 high level care beds and 65 low-level care beds, increasing the facility’s capacity by a total of 35 beds.
“Residents will benefit from services such as physiotherapy, massage, dietician services and speech pathology – which will now be offered alongside traditional care.”
Alongside Mrs Fyffe and Mr Armstrong opening Allity’s newest facility was 90-year-old resident Beryl Scott who praised the work of staff and highlighted the accessibility of aged care site for family and friends to visit residents.
Mr Armstrong thanked residents and staff for their support and understanding during the redevelopment process.
“We could not have achieved this wonderful new building without their understanding and support,” he said.
“They are very much a part of this success and their spirit is at the heart of this new home.”
