Stage 1 of Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Group – namely Hillgrove House in Bega – is now called home, with 47 single bedrooms with ensuites, lounge rooms, dining rooms, secure garden areas to enjoy and lovely surroundings.

An exuberant CEO Jim Butterworth said December 12 was a great day for the residents of Hillgrove House,  with 47 residents relocated to the new facility located on the corner of Upper and Heath St.

“Staff pitched in, volunteers assisted and tradesmen were at the ready to correct any items that required urgent attention. All the while, the residents quietly and casually enjoyed their lunch, then they were assisted to view and to assimilate to their new home, finally, a quiet night for all,” Mr Butterworth said.

Mr Butterworth said the final cost of Stage 1 stood at $14million, with funds coming from various avenues of the local community.

“There were bequests, local generous people from our community, clients, associations, service organisation, dollars came by post, some deposited direct into our account at Westpac, personal representation at the office and even visitors passing through on holidays had heard about the good name and caring of Hillgrove,” he said.

The old driveway on Hill St is now dedicated for deliveries.

However, “life does not sit still and we need to continue updating the old into today’s requirements,” Mr Butterworth said.

Stage 2, which has just started and is expected to be complete in November, is the total refurbishment of the original 1979 building at an estimated cost of $5.5million.

By November 2017, Hillgrove residents will have a new and modern facility with state of the art of living arrangements, dining areas, lounge areas, secure garden areas and very modern kitchen/cooking facility.

Chairman of the not-for-profit board Phil Moffitt said the aged care industry is undergoing a process of change through the phasing out of multi-bed wards in response to changed expectations.

“This prompted the staged renovations of Hillgrove House, along with upgrades to the kitchen facilities to service the residents of stage one and two,” he said.

Mr Moffitt reminded the community Hillgrove House is a registered charity and a non-profit company.

“Financial help from the community for this renovation is essential. Please continue with your donations, we need and value your support.”

Donations can be made at Hillgrove House or at Westpac Bega BSB 032 682, account 151 258. All donations over $2 are tax deductable.