Huge grant awarded to WA aged care facility sees seniors to travel in style
Residents of a Perth-based aged care facility will now be able to enjoy outings in comfort in their two brand new buses, thanks to a $335,475 Western Australian (WA) Government grant.
WA seniors and volunteering minister Tony Simpson says the two buses will allow residents of Amana Living in Karrinyup to get out and about more in the community.
“The State Government is acutely aware of the need to support older West Australians to stay connected and to lead active and fulfilling lives,” he says.
“Promoting seniors’ health, participation and engagement with the wider community is a priority.
“These buses will make it easier for residents to remain active in their community and reduce the risk of becoming socially isolated, regardless of their mobility.”
The new buses feature a mix of seats and wheelchair space, with fold-down seats enabling wheelchair users to travel with more mobile residents.
WA’s aged population grew by 32 per cent between 2006 and 2013, with the general population growing by 23 per cent.
Money raised from lottery products is distributed directly back to the community to support not-for-profit organisations in WA, and it is the only state to have such a scheme.
The program raised $283 million to support a wide range of life-improving initiatives in the WA community in the last financial year.