The Snowy Monaro Regional Council owned Yallambee Lodge, in Cooma, 116km south of Canberra, is expected to receive formal approval for a dementia unit.
Council is progressing with the development because of an “urgent need” for a greater level of dementia care in the town.
Ignite Architects was commissioned to design and develop the dementia unit, with a development application expected to be submitted by March, Mirage News reported.
Funding for the project was secured under the Federal Government’s Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
Upon completion the unit will provide high-level dementia care for up to 16 patients at a time.
We reported in January that Council was looking to transfer ownership of the 40-bed aged care home and the 14-bed Snowy River Hostel in Berriedale after announcing the services were running at a $2.1 million deficit.
Even if Council secures new ownership for Yallambee Lodge the development of the dementia unit will still go ahead under the service agreement signed with the Department of Health.
Council will continue to deliver the services and move ahead with a $4 million, 16-bed new build next to the Cooma facility.
