Media Release: $2 MILLION LIFT FOR VICTORIAN AGED CARE EQUIPMENT

FROM THE MINISTER FOR AGED CARE

DATE: Thursday, January 27, 2005

$2 MILLION LIFT FOR VICTORIAN AGED CARE EQUIPMENT

The Minister for Aged Care, Gavin Jennings, today announced a $2 million boost for new aged care lifting equipment.

Mr Jennings said the new equipment would ensure Victoria’s public residential aged care facilities have appropriate, quality lifting equipment in place to meet the care needs of residents.

“This Bracks Government boost will improve the quality of care for frail older residents,” Mr Jennings said.

“The equipment includes adjustable bathroom chairs, mobile hoists with digital weighing devices and resident mobility equipment.

“The new, improved lifting equipment will give residents more dignity, comfort and safety during assisted lifts. For nursing staff, it will also facilitate a safer working environment and fewer lift-related injuries.”

The State Government is Victoria’s single largest nursing home provider, and regularly invests in new aged care equipment and capital infrastructure to give residents a better standard of care.

Announcing the funding at Caulfield Hospital Nursing Home, Mr Jennings said this particular facility would receive $33,300 for a combination of lifting equipment.

“The $2 million funding boost adds to the $3.9 million allocated last year to replace non-electronic beds with electronic beds to meet new Victorian benchmarks,” he said.

“As a result of these funding initiatives, the Bracks Government has now replaced all non-electronic beds with electronic beds in Victorian public sector high care facilities.

“The Bracks Government has invested $217.5 million in aged care capital since coming to office upgrading 34 Victorian residential aged care facilities.

“This new $2 million investment in lifting equipment builds on our commitment to provide decent standards of care to Victorian public sector aged care residents,” he said.