“These redevelopments are exciting for the town, it becomes a more efficient building to live and work in, there is an improved quality of living for residents and a more efficient work environment for staff,” Kaloma Chief Executive Officer Penni Roberts said.

The Kaloma Board has been able to provide $1.5m of the $3.1 million needed to extend the dementia wing.

At present the Brigalow wing has 10 dementia residents with high and low care needs.

The extensions will add another eight beds to the facility, as well as an outdoor courtyard and common living area.

The Brolga and Brigalow wings of the nursing home have 35 high-care residents and seven low care and has a respite room for home carers.

Kaloma Chief Executive Officer, Penni Roberts said that the nature of care in the home had changed considerably over the years that she has been working at Kaloma.

“Seven years ago there were four high-care residents and the rest were low care.

“We now have 35 high care residents so the nature of the living and working environment need to change,” Penni said.

This is the first stage in Kaloma’s redevelopment. The two main wings of the centre will be renovated to create separate dining and sitting areas for the residents.

“Because many of our residents have a high level of dependency matters such as distance to dining room makes a huge difference to everyone.

“The building is 21 years old and just not dealing well with the changing nature of living and working conditions. The cost on the entire redevelopment will be $7million.”

The Kaloma Board and management have been so “financially responsible” that they have been unable to obtain any Federal or State grants for the redevelopment of the nursing home.

Government departments have responded to requests from the board with the news that because they have been such responsible managers they have the capability of applying for and servicing the loan required to complete the redevelopments.