Older Victorians and their families across Melbourne’s east will soon get the access they need to modern state-of-the-art public aged care health services thanks to record investment by the Andrews Labor Government.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan and Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor to unveil plans for a new $81.6 million, 120-bed public residential aged care service in Wantirna that will help form a dedicated health hub for older Victorians and their families at Wantirna Health.

Early designs for the state-of-the-art Wantirna development include single en-suite rooms
in a homelike environment with access to natural light, fresh air and stunning views of the Dandenong Ranges.

The design incorporates features to make it better suited to the needs of older people living with dementia as well as those with complex care needs or limited mobility.

A community room, café, sacred space and common areas are planned to round out an environment designed to maximise social interactions between residents, staff, families and the community.

These features will enable contemporary models of care that optimise resident physical and mental wellbeing, as well as quality and safety for residents and staff.

The new development will sit alongside the existing Wantirna Heath service, creating an integrated healthcare hub providing easy access for aged care residents needing medical attention.

This new facility also paves the way for the promised 25-bed expansion of Angliss Hospital, with work being able to start on this important project at the conclusion of the Wantirna aged-care development.

The Wantirna aged care facility is set to be completed in 2022 and is expected to create 245 construction jobs.

The huge investment was funded in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 and is part of the Labor Government’s work to modernise public residential aged care across Victoria, which stands in contrast to the Liberals who sought to privatise our residential services.

Quote attributable to the Premier Daniel Andrews

“Our parents and grandparents have contributed so much to our state – it’s only fitting we make sure they get the care and dignity they deserve in their later years.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“Public aged care plays a crucial role in supporting older Victorians with complex physical and mental health needs and this new service will ensure they get the very best care, closer to home.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor

“This will create a major hub for aged care services in our community, so locals can get the care they need, closer to their family and loved ones.”