A two-year, $3.5 million upgrade to an aged care facility has been officially unveiled.
Community-based not-for-profit organisation NoosaCare celebrated the improvements to its Kabara facility in Cooroy by hosting a ceremony late last month.
Among the upgrades at Kabara are the addition of six new rooms and the renovation of 14 others, each with ensuites and private balconies.
A new cafe called the Possum’s Nest has also opened.
Other improvements have been made to the office space for administrative staff, laundry facilities, kitchen and dining areas, community centre and purpose-built training area.
Kabara is the sister location to Carramar in Tewantin. The two facilities amalgamated in 2006, forming the NoosaCare brand.
NoosaCare chief executive officer Grant Simpson said the upgrades would benefit both residents and staff.
“Our Kauri Lodge in Kabara needed an upgrade to improve the liveability for our residents,” he said.
“We had the opportunity of adding six additional rooms, which would meet community demand. We also wanted to improve the amenities at Kabara, which we’ve done by way of meeting areas, new offices and a brand new cafe, the Possum’s Nest.
“All rooms in Kauri have been completely renovated with new bathrooms, cabinets, floors and paint. We flipped the orientation of the older rooms by 180 degrees to bring in natural light and provide a patio area or balcony.
“We also added in fall detection technology and facial recognition cameras to improve the safety of our residents. The new rooms all have inspiring views of the bush reserve.”
Mr Simpson said the new cafe had been positively received by residents and the community. It serves pies, sausage rolls, toasted sandwiches, muffins, cakes and teas and coffees, as well as specials.
“Kabara lacked a suitably sized cafe and we know that meeting spots like cafes are very important in aged care, as they offer a location to socialise and meet with family and friends,” he said.
“The Possum’s Nest provides indoor and outdoor seating and all the food service equipment necessary to provide a top-class cafe experience.”
Mr Simpson said NoosaCare was planning future improvements.
“We now turn our attention back to Carramar to renovate each of our lodges there,” he said.
“Excitingly, we are also in the planning stage for a brand new retirement community, which will be co-located with Carramar. The new community will offer the choice of two- or three-bedroom apartments, plus amenities including a bar and lounge, cinema, pool and spa, and fitness centre.”
Mr Simpson said NoosaCare was also seeking volunteers.
“If you are interested in helping us run events for our residents or even have some time to sit down and chat over a cup of tea, we would love to hear from you,” he said.
Alongside Mr Simpson at the unveiling ceremony were Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, Noosa councillor Amelia Lorentson, NoosaCare chair Johanne Wright, residents and staff.
