BlueCare's Mt Louisa Facility Officially Opens

BlueCare officially opened its new $17.5 million Townsville Mt Louisa facility today, which provides residential aged care, allied health and respite on a single site.

BlueCare is part of the UnitingCare Queensland Group, which provides health, aged care and community services on behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia.

Mt Louisa complements other BlueCare services provided in the region, including the newly acquired Carlyle Gardens, a premium independent living village with 456 units at North Condon, Indigenous specific services including Shalom Elders Village and Stagpole Street Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit, and disability, respite and community services. UnitingCare also provides child and family services and Lifeline Shops in the region.

UnitingCare Queensland CEO, Anne Cross today unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Mt Louisa facility in a ceremony attended by approximately 60 guests.

Ms Cross said the state-of-the-art building replaced the 52 year old Pallarenda facility, and enabled related services to be collocated.

"We believe the integration of residential aged care, allied health and respite on the same campus will greatly benefit the Townsville community," she said.

Construction of the purpose-built aged care facility - located on Bayswater Road, Mt Louisa - took 12 months to build. It was finished a month ahead of schedule.

UnitingCare Queensland Group Executive Regional and Remote Services, Michelle McKay said residents, clients and staff, who moved in a month ago, had been delighted with the welcoming new premises that have been designed tomeet the expectations and needs of both current and future aged care residents.

In the aged care facility, all residents have their own room, with ensuites offering enhanced privacy and comfort.

"Common areas have been beautifully furnished and decorated with specially commissioned art work that illustrates local landmarks and assists residents with reminiscing and orientation, made possible through the generosity of bequests," Ms McKay said.

"The service is surrounded by landscaped gardens, shaded undercover areas and outside terraces suitable for the North Queensland conditions."

The 70-bed single level facility includes a 16-bed memory support unit with secure landscaped gardens, made possible through generous bequests.

The new facility is adjacent to the Mount Louisa House of Praise, which is part of the Uniting Church of Australia. The location provides ease of access for residents who would like to attend church, café services and other activities. Similarly, the access pathway will allow members of the congregation to visit residents and family.