Fronditha Care will break ground at St Albans this week to start building a world class 90-bed residential aged care facility.
The official ceremony will take place on Saturday 14 December at 1:30pm, coincidentally next to the site of the existing, but sadly ageing, 60-bed facility THALPORI which has looked after the elderly for more than 22 years.
The $18.2 million redevelopment project will cater to the ageing Greek community in Melbourne’s west, which is expected to peak over the next decade.
Fronditha Care’s chief executive officer Michael Malakonas has stated that he is eager to finally start and give families in the West reassurance they will have exceptional residential care options available to them in the future.
“While we have been ready to start building since early 2019, unforseen delays from the Local and Federal Government due to environmental regulations have pushed the start date back,” he said.
“Finally we can break ground on this much needed care resource.”
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The ceremony will coincide with the annual residents’ Christmas party, which sees family and friends join their loved ones for a festive celebration at the facility.
The new THALPORI will feature luxury accommodation for each resident and will follow an architectural concept resembling a grand English manor. The rooms will include private ensuite facilities, TVs with free Greek channels and plush furnishings. There will be a cinema theatre, a library, a hair and beauty salon, a modern café and an outdoor BBQ and entertainment area. The landscaped gardens will also be completely accessible to the residents.
A 30-bed memory support unit will also help residents with severe dementia, and has been designed to allow residents to walk around freely and safely. There will be an indoor activity area, a nostalgia kitchen and a large walk-through garden area.
Two additional rooms will be used for respite for those needing short, assisted stays.
The new facility will be built next to the existing building which will continue to operate as normal before the residents are moved into their new home in late 2021.
There will also be opportunities for the old building to be remodelled according to community needs.
Location: 181 Furlong Rd, St Albans
Time: 1:30pm-2:00pm
Date: 14 December 2019