JourneyOnline
THE opening of the new Blue Care Gracemere Aged Care Facility is a new chapter for Blue Care in the Rockhampton region.
The new facility, which replaces the older facility built in 1976, comprises 64 air-conditioned, private rooms, six landscaped courtyards, a hair salon, staff room, eight reading nooks, as well as rooms for dining, leisure and religious activities.
Blue Care Executive Director Robyn Batten said the official opening and dedication ceremony on Tuesday celebrated the service's history, as well as the achievements of everyone who had been involved in the new building.
"This new 64-bed facility forms part of Blue Care's major capital works program which will deliver several new and updated buildings for residents and clients throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales," she said.
"It is also part of our ongoing commitment to ensure Australians receive aged and community care services which are tailor made to individual's needs and flexible as their requirements change."
At the ceremony, a special plaque was presented to the Blue Care Rockhampton Committee for their valued contribution and voluntary support to the residents and staff of the service over many years.
Many guests attended the ceremony, including Elder Wade Mann of the Dharumbal People, Rockhampton City Mayor Margaret Strelow, Rev Kaye Ronalds, Moderator of the Uniting Church Queensland Synod, and UnitingCare Queensland CEO Anne Cross.
Blue Care Gracemere Aged Care Facility Service Manager Margaret Kitchiner said residents and staff moved into the building on May 2 and were settling in well.
"After operating from the old site for the past 36 years, this new facility has brought about a whole new way of life for us," Ms Kitchiner said.
"It offers a leading-edge environment to work in with a lovely staff room, increased security and inviting dining rooms and common areas which open to outside verandas and courtyards.
"The layout makes it easy for all the residents to access common areas, which has resulted in everyone getting more involved in activities."
