THE opening of Bupa Cairns has highlighted the fact that Cairns’ ageing population requires more high-quality and flexible aged-care services, says Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.
On 21 September Australia's largest private aged-care provider, Bupa Aged Care, will welcome its first residents into its newest home, Bupa Cairns.
“With room to care for 144 residents, including 30 dedicated dementia beds, Bupa Cairns will employ more than 150 people when it is at full capacity,” Mr Entsch told Parliament yesterday.
“Given the focus there has been lately on the shortage of available aged-care beds and the impact that this has had on the Cairns Hospital's ability to admit new patients, I think this is absolutely welcome news.”
Mr Entsch took part in an open day last Saturday, 12th September, to celebrate the opening. With indigenous dancing, face painting and balloons it was a real family event.
“People took guided tours around the home, talked to qualified professionals about aged-care options and discussed caring for loved ones with dementia,” Mr Entsch said.
On the 21st, around 50 people will move straight into the facility, some coming from centres around Cairns, including from Bupa's other aged-care facility at Mount Sheridan.
Mr Entsch said he was very impressed by the centre, which features beautifully decorated rooms with ensuites, comfortable lounge and dining areas, landscaped courtyards, a hairdressing salon, men's shed and a private dining room to entertain friends and family.
The home will also have a dedicated bus to take residents on outings and daytrips so they can continue to be actively involved within their community.
“It was great to meet some of the dedicated staff including Davida Webb, Bupa Aged Care's regional director for Queensland; and Gaye Clark, Bupa Cairns’ general manager,” Mr Entsch said.
“Davida is a proud local and says that given the ageing population, the community needs more high-quality aged-care services which are flexible for people's changing needs.”
Bupa Cairns still has affordable rooms available and employment opportunities for people committed to aged care and passionate about delivering these services. Anyone who is interested should contact Bupa Cairns.
