The State Government has established a site for a new community-developed facility in Cranbourne East to provide specialised care for elderly Victorians.
The new multi-million-dollar aged care facility will be situated on a parcel of land at Mayfield Road, offering the surrounding ageing Indian community tailored care with easier access to their loved ones.
Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards highlighted the positives of the Mayfield setting which can be accessed by car or public transport.
“Close to parks, public transport, shopping and health services – this is the perfect location for a new aged care facility to support the older Indian members of our local community – and to help them feel at home,” Ms Richards said.
“Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Indian community with 170,000 Victorians born in India – this multicultural facility will deliver better care and comfort to ensure residents enjoy their later years.”
The City of Casey, specifically, has a large number of persons of Indian cultural background aged 60 years and over, and people born in India are the largest group of non-English speakers in the city’s vibrant and diverse population.
Aged care services dedicated to specific cultural communities deliver clear benefits to older Victorians – helping them feel more at home, while reassuring families their loved ones are receiving specialised care.
Multicultural aged care facilities can ensure older generations remain connected to their roots by providing unique offerings, including traditional food and dedicated spaces to practice religion and culture.
Research has also shown that people living with dementia often revert to their mother tongue – by having staff onsite that speak that same language, residents can be better understood and cared for.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines emphasised the significance of helping the ageing population remain associated with their heritage.
“We know it’s hugely important for people to remain connected to their culture as they get older – and we’ve delivered on our election commitment to secure a site to help make this residential aged care facility possible,“ Mr Carbines said.
“The land purchase will make a difference to the Indian community, with a new aged care facility that offers bilingual and cross-culturally trained staff, traditional food options, and spaces for religious and cultural activities.”
An expression of interest process will start this year, seeking the best organisation to construct the facility and deliver services.
