The funding,taken from the government’s $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, will deliver a major overhaul of the outdated 30-bed facility as well as a doubling of the capacity of the specialist dementia unit from six to 12 beds. 

Hepburn Health board member Lesley Hewitt said while the care given at the Creswick Nursing Home was of the highest quality, in recent years the facilities had noticeably dated. 

“What this news means is that people will be able to have updated living space, their own private space, a private bathroom and the communal living space will be more comfortable and up to date,” Ms Hewitt said. 

“When people are making the decision to move from there homes into care perhaps looking at the physical facilities the choice might be to go elsewhere, so that might mean they’ve got to move further away from their family and friends.” 

Among the improvements will be construction of single rooms with ensuite bathrooms, a new overhead patient lifting system, a new centralised activity space as well as improved access to the outside area. 

The Trentham, Daylesford and Clunes arms of Hepburn Health are also set to benefit from the investment, with $354,000 due to go towards upgrading out of date technology across the network.  The technology upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. 

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the upgrades would ensure elderly Creswick residents would be able to remain in their home town and not be forced to look elsewhere for care.

“We want to see our parents and family members ageing in an environment that’s friendly, warm, sunny, modern and private and that’s what will be delivered,” Ms Thomas said.  “As we age we’re more likely to be affected by dementia so having those specific units here is going to be really important for the Creswick community.” 

The upgrades are due to be completed by mid-2020.