New permanent care facility for elderly people opened in Kununoppin

8/4/99
Elderly people living in Kununoppin and surrounding districts will benefit from a new $670,000 permanent care facility, Health Minister John Day announced today.
Ningham Lodge at the Kununoppin and Districts Hospital was funded by the Health Department and four shires serviced by the hospital - Trayning, Mt Marshall, Mukinbudin and Nungarin.
Mr Day said the State Government was committed to providing new health facilities in rural areas and had contributed $480,000 to the project.
He said the new permanent care facility at Kununoppin was part of a State-wide Government program to provide aged care facilities for country regions.
"Western Australia, like many other States, is facing a major population change," the Minister said.
"In 30 years' time, one in five Western Australians will be aged 60 years or over, compared with about one in10 today.
"However, the fastest growing group is aged over 90 years - testament to the high standard of living in this State.
"Kununoppin has an ageing population due to younger people leaving to seek employment elsewhere and city people retiring to the area, attracted by low housing costs and the relaxed country lifestyle."
Ningham Lodge includes:

• six bedrooms, one a twin room for couples and close friends;
• three ensuite bathrooms;
• a fully assisted bathroom;
• a day dining room;
• a quiet lounge room; and -
• a utility room.

Mr Day said while the State Government was financially committed to the project it had eventuated largely due to the commitment of local shires and the local community.
"Donations of grain by local farmers and monetary gifts have been received into a special fund," he said.
"The sale of the grain over a period of years will generate a form of on-going income.
"The provision of health care services for elderly people in Western Australia, no matter where they live, is a top priority for the Government.
"At Kununoppin, we have worked hand-in-hand with the local community, which has shown compassion and care for its elderly people who previously had to go to Perth once they required permanent care."
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 08 9213 6600