$10m works boost dementia beds

A $10 MILLION redevelopment project to help Geelong cope with increased demand for dementia-specific beds is under way at North Geelong’s Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS).
Chief executive Joy Leggo said the preparatory infrastructure work had begun on the first two stages of the four-stage development, expected to take 18 months.
The fourth stage would include 30 dementia beds as part of a Federal Government allocation, Ms Leggo said.
The Independent reported last year that Geelong faced the highest prevalence of dementia cases in Victoria.
Ms Leggo said the statistics were frightening and feared the region would be unable to keep up with the demands of its ageing population.
The Alzheimer’s Australia report estimated greater Geelong would have 11,594 dementia cases by 2050.
Corio MP Richard Marles called MACS a community asset as he toured the development.
“We have seen MACS grow from a simple hostel structure in 1994 to a large, modern, multi-purpose facility serving more than 200 elderly residents and community clients. We are immensely fortunate to have a facility which provides residents from non-English speaking backgrounds and their families such peace of mind.”