Care facility under a new wing

By Kath Gannaway
THE completion of a new five-bed wing means the Yarra Valley Aged Care facility in Yarra Junction is now able to care for 86 residents.
The new wing and a new cafe were opened by McEwen MP Fran Bailey.
The home, owned by the Rippingale family, began with 14 beds 11 years ago and recently received accreditation until November 2009.
Family spokesman George Rippingale said the growth over the past five years was testimony to the Federal Government’s support of aged care in the region.
He said they had received 26 new places in the last five years and had submitted applications for a further 14.
The new cafe is named after long-time volunteer Lila Ricketts.
Mrs Ricketts became involved with the home when her husband, John, became a resident 15 years ago.
After his passing she continued her involvement with the facility and now works with the facility’s more than 40 volunteers as a coordinator.
She said Lila’s Cafe provided a place for residents, family and friends to meet.
“It was a big surprise to have the cafe named after me but it is very much recognition of all the great work our many volunteers do,” she said.
Mrs Bailey thanked Mrs Ricketts and the other volunteers at Yarra Valley Aged Care who she said provide invaluable support to both staff and residents.