DJERRIWARRH Health Services will be able to keep hundreds of local elderly and disabled residents in their homes for longer after receiving a $220,426 boost to its home and community care program.
Deputy chief executive David Grace said the funding would allow it to employ more nursing and allied health professionals to provide home-based services for the elderly and people with disabilities.
“Djerriwarrh is serving a catchment that’s both rapidly expanding in population and ageing,” he said.
“We’ve seen considerable demand for health services aimed at helping the frail aged and people with disabilities stay in their homes longer over the past three years.”
Melton Council population forecasts show there will be a 280 per cent increase in the number of residents aged 70-74 by 2021, to 4108 people.
Djerriwarrh provides home-based services to more than 22,000 people living in the Moorabool and Melton areas each year.
“The additional funding will go a long way to helping us meet the expected demand for home and community care services during the next 12 months,” Mr Grace said.
The service provides meals and other food services, domestic assistance, personal care, home modification and maintenance, transport, respite care, counselling, support, information and advocacy and assessment.
Meanwhile, the Elms Family Medical Centre in Bacchus Marsh will receive $343, 173 through the National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program.
Ballarat Labor MP Catherine King said combined with funding for the expansion of the Ballan GP super clinic, the future health of the area looked strong.
