Lyndoch Living has repoted an operating surplus over $500,000 in its 60th year of operation.
GROWTH in community-based care and a decline in demand for dementia care were among the features of Lyndoch Living’s past financial year.
The aged and community care provider also reported a healthy operating surplus of more than $500,000 and rising demand for its broad range of care and support services during the past financial year — Lyndoch’s 60th year of operation.
Speaking after Lyndoch’s recent annual general meeting, chief executive officer Rhys Boyle said a big part of the expansion of its services during the past financial year was the growth of community-based care.
Mr Boyle said that on an average day during the year, Lyndoch had 198 people in permanent care and provided care to 600 people in the community.
He also said Lyndoch had transferred 15 dementia-care beds to general care due to a decline in demand for dementia care.
Mr Boyle attributed the decline to an increased number of dementia care providers in the south-west and the provision of community-based dementia care.
He said the transfer of the 15 dementia-care beds to general care was not permanent and they could be transferred back if required.
Lyndoch board chairman David Atkinson told the AGM the highlight of the year was the decision of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to overturn Warrrnambool City Council’s decision to reject Lyndoch’s planning permit to redevelop the retirement village.
“To be known as Waterfront Living, the redevelopment of the village will be a quantum leap forward in retirement living options locally,” Mr Atkinson said.
A number of Lyndoch accommodation units adjacent to the Hopkins River have been demolished to make way for stage one of Waterfront Living that will have 36 apartments.
The apartments are expected to be built by the end of next year and will provide a high standard of accommodation.
Mr Atkinson said demand for permanent beds at Lyndoch remained high with the centre having 99.6 per cent occupancy during 2011-2012.
Another development during the year was the use by clients of more diverse respite care options at Lyndoch.
Respite care has diversified from overnight stays to include day activities and more support for carers.
Other initiatives during the year were:
n the creation of an advanced palliative care unit, which includes private accommodation and amenities for family members,
n the successful introduction of the Remember Exercise Matters program for clients with memory difficulties and their carers,
n the development of an art program, men’s group and men’s shed.
“With the bar being always lifted higher in response to resident, client and media expectations, it is pleasing to report that all of our aged, disability and community-based programs were independently audited by their respective accreditation governing bodies and found to be fully compliant with expected outcomes,” Mr Atkinson said.
