Quambie Park aged care home is welcoming a $3.2 million expansion to help ease the pressures of an ageing population.
The Shire of Waroona’s ratio of 20% of residents over 65 years of age is much higher than the state of WA’s average of 14% according to 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics.
According to Mike Walmsley, Waroona Shire president and Quambie Park Aged Care home chairman, the demand for aged care services is increasing with people staying at home longer and needing higher care.
Quambie Park which is the only facility in Waroona with over 100 staff, 47 people in the high-care hostel and servicing 45 clients in their homes has a waiting list for the first time.
The new building extension will include independent living units and a community area for residents requiring less assistance.
Opened more than 30 years ago Quambie Park is a not-for-profit which according to Mr Walmsley maintains a high carer-resident ratio. “It comes at a cost, but it’s a commitment we’d rather have” he said.
