The $7.12 million redevelopment of the Cooma facility started this year. Photo: Respect Aged Care.
Aged care residents have been promised “modern and contemporary” rooms as part of a $7.12 million redevelopment.
Respect Aged Care took over operations of the facility formally known as Sir William Hudson Memorial Centre in 2023.
The not-for-profit organisation is looking to expand its capacity, with work on the refurbishment underway.
The facility’s shared rooms are being converted into individual rooms with en-suites, with this stage also delivering a new wellbeing office and upgrades to the hair salon and the central courtyard.
CEO Jason Binder said they had been planning the expansion for several years.
“We were intending to do it a lot faster than that … It just took a little bit longer than we thought to get through the whole approval process, so we’re really glad to be starting it.
“There was a lot of work in the design, making sure it was right.”
Mr Binder said the expansion would include a memory support neighbourhood (a kind of specialist accommodation for people with dementia).
“[That area will] cater for people with advanced dementia and make sure they receive good care in their community,” he said.
The organisation has already lodged plans for a further expansion with Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
He said they were awaiting approval for their plans, which propose extending Hudson House’s northern and western sides.
“There’ll be 52 rooms at the end of stage one, and then we commence stage two, which will be an additional 53 beds,” he said.
“That’ll take it up to a 105-bed aged care facility.”
A new kitchen and laundry facilities would be installed, while parts of the existing building would be refurbished.
Administration areas, a dining room, storage areas and 39 on-site car spaces are also in the proposal.
Respect took over the facility in 2023, as part of the council’s divestment from aged care. Photo: Respect Aged Care.
Mr Binder acknowledged the planned two stages would take a while to be completed.
“It’s all been staged to accommodate residents and make sure there’s as little disruption as possible [for them].
“But at the same time, the residents love it – they love seeing the building works! … We’re always having builders talking to the residents, informing them and updating them.”
He believes the expansion means Snowy Monaro residents won’t need to resort to moving away in their later years.
“I’m really excited for the Cooma community that they get to have a facility like this … It’s very modern and contemporary. You won’t get a better facility in the cities.
“Our mission is to make sure people get the care they deserve, no matter where they live.”
Work on stage one is expected to be finished by the end of the year, weather permitting.
Stage two is expected to be completed by 2029.
Mr Binder also flagged possible further expansions of the facility over the coming years.
“We’ve got future staging for the building, we don’t just design the things itty-bitty .. If the demand is there in the future, we’ll extend the facility to meet the demand.”
Hudson House currently has 36 beds, as its east wing is closed for refurbishment.
