The Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Group, formerly known as the Bega and District Nursing Home, has extended a helping hand to the BUPA aged care facility in Eden after residents were evacuated when heavy storms hit the area a couple of weeks ago.
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SCCACG chief executive officer, Jim Butterworth, said the lounge and dining room at Hillgrove House had been converted into a 15-bed facility to accommodate Bupa residents in the short term.
“On the Sunday we gathered all our managers into Hillgrove House after we were advised that Bupa had to evacuate their building,” he said.
“All aged care facilities in the Shire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide assistance in an emergency and the MOU worked well in this case.
“We are a caring community organisation so, of course. we rose to the occasion willingly although it has not been an easy exercise.”
Mr Butterworth said the situation was hard on all concerned.
“It’s not only our staff who are feeling the strain. So are the Bupa staff who now work at Hillgrove House in a very limited environment.
“It is also unsettling to the residents, not only those from Bupa but also Hillgrove House residents too because their living areas have been altered to assist in this emergency.”
Mr Butterworth said the situation could continue for weeks yet.
He said the emergency had come when Hillgrove House was undergoing major restructuring and extension which had added to the stress.
“However, the building work is continuing regardless and we still expect to finish stage one in November.”
He reminded the community that there is no official government funding for the project so any donation or offer of financial help, big or small, was welcome.
Donations can be made at Hillgrove House or at Westpac Bega BSB 032 682, account 151 258.
All donations over $2 are tax deductable.
