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Kentgrove Lodge Opening
UnitingCare Ageing opens first affordable Community Living accommodation
Kentgrove Lodge Celebrates Official Opening
UnitingCare Ageing officially opened the doors to the re-modelled Kentgrove Lodge in their Western Region on Thursday 18 March. Located in Kenthurst, the nine self-contained apartments mark the first rental accommodation for low to moderate income clients who also need support and are available through the organisation's commitment to establish 167 affordable dwellings in NSW and ACT through the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).
Community Living at Kentgrove Lodge builds on the organisation's INSPIRED CARE principles and implements the UnitingCare Ageing Service Model which support wellness, healthy ageing and maintaining independence for older people.
The occasion was celebrated by the local Kentgrove congregation and Independent Living Village members, UnitingCare Ageing dignitaries and partners from the Australian and NSW Governments. The keynote address by Professor Julian Disney, Director, Social Justice Project, University of New South Wales and chair of the National Affordable housing Summit, was both inspiring and informative.
UnitingCare Ageing looks forward to welcoming new clients to this innovative accommodation service which provides an independent living option for people with limited income requiring housing and additional support. Tenancy management will be provided in partnership by Churches Community Housing Association with care and support such as shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry services provided by UnitingCare Ageing's Western Sydney Community Care Services through Community Aged Care Packages. Kentgrove Lodge has communal living and dining areas in addition to the self-contained units.
NRAS aims to establish 50,000 new affordable dwellings throughout Australia by 2012 to provide an opportunity for people on low and moderate incomes to access good quality housing. Rent is set at least 20% below market rates to ensure access to housing is more achievable than would otherwise by possible for people experiencing financial difficulties.
In 2009 UnitingCare Ageing was successful in being awarded 167 incentives to be provided in NSW and the ACT, nine of which are located in Kentgrove Village. NRAS is administered in partnership with the Australian and NSW Governments.
From Left to Right; Helen Wood, Manager - Development & Innovation UnitingCare NSW.ACT, Jenny Coutts, Regional Director UnitingCare Ageing Western Region, Bobbie Johnstone, Kentrove Village Residents Committee Chair, Faith Astle, UnitingCare Ageing Western Regional Board Chair, Gillian McFee, Director UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT
Dementia Day Centre
Official Opening on 1 April 2010
This project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Ageing Disability and Home Care, named Alan and Judy’s, the Dementia Day Centre will provide a home-like setting for people with dementia to enjoy tailored activities, meals, companionship, a quiet room, garden and individual support. The cottage will also provide carers with opportunities to have time out and respite. Members from Orange and Cabonne community, assessed as eligible, can come to Alan and Judy’s place and enjoy a safe, friendly setting during the day. UnitingCare Ageing’s trained staff will assist with transport to the centre, personal and general health care. Referral to other services can be by anyone. Alan and Judy’s Place was funded by the Australian Government and NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care. The cottage is designed and furnished in traditional décor and even has a working gramophone! The cottage is totally secure and has been designed to ensure people living with dementia feel relaxed and cared for in a supportive environment that encourages their independence.
