1996

26th April 1996
Official Opening of Catholic Aged Care Service
On Sunday 28 April 1996 the Bishop of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, the Most Rev Michael Malone will solemnly bless and open St. Francis Village at Eleebana during a ceremony which will commence at 2.30 pm.

The Federal Member for Shortland, Mr. Peter Morris MHR will also be present and address the opening on aged care issues.

It is expected that approximately 200 guests, residents and staff will be in attendance at the official proceedings, which will be followed by afternoon tea.

St Francis Village is one of several aged care complexes owned by the Catholic Diocese of Maitland - Newcastle and managed by Catholic Care of the Aged - a body set up by the Bishop to oversee the planning, construction and management of aged care facilities in the Diocese.

These facilities include nursing homes, hostels and self care units which are located as far north as Taree, Muswellbrook, Singleton, south to Belmont and centrally at Sandgate, Waratah and Maitland.

St Francis Village is situated a short distance from Lake Macquarie and is located in a tranquil bushland setting. The village consists of 40 hostel places and 30 self care units.

The hostel is of very modern construction and residents enjoy their own bedroom with ensuite and the emphasis is on providing a comfortable and homelike environment. Hostel residents need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment team prior to being admitted to ensure that the appropriate care can be provided for them.

Services are provided by a team of caring, experienced staff ranging from personal carers, cleaners, cooks and those in administrative roles who are present 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

People aged over 55 who are independent and able to manage their own affairs but who are no longer able to manage a large home and its maintenance are invited to inspect the 30 self care units.

The ceremony on Sunday will signal the completion of more than 3 years work toward the planning, design and construction of the village's 40 bed hostel and 30 self care units. Costing $7 million, funds for the village were raised mainly through contributions from residents and a $1.2 million dollar grant from the Federal Government.

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