"Caladenia" Nursing Home History
On the 8th January 1987, The Kilmore Nursing Home Society was registered as a benevolent society under the provisions of the Hospital and Charities Act 1958 and this was subsequently repeated on the 14th May 1989 with the proclamation of the Health Services Act 1988. As a result, on and from the 31st October 1989, The Kilmore and District Nursing Home Society Inc., is incorporated under the Associations incorporation Act 1981.
When approval in principle to build Caladenia was received on the 25th May 1988, we had funds in hand of just $12,770. Following a massive fundraising appeal and FANTASTIC community support, a total of $1,502,730 was received over a three year period in cash donations. $768,000 was received from the Commonwealth Government. The total cost of the project was $2,740,000, and was broadly represented by $2,450,000 building construction costs, $248,000 plant, furniture and equipment, plus $42,000 fundraising, administrative and setting-up expenses. The construction of our 30-bed Nursing Home was completed during the 1990/91 financial year.
Caladenia provides long term nursing care and accommodation for aged or disabled persons from within our community. Accommodation has been designed to provide care in a homely atmosphere, with all bedrooms overlooking a garden setting. The design of 16 single and seven double bedrooms further enhances privacy and flexibility in the placement of residents.
A feature of the building is the large living/dining area and smaller sitting areas specifically designed to encourage participation and involvement by relatives and friends with the resident. The overall open, light and spacious design is welcoming and pleasant.
On the 17th June 1991, the first of our elderly residents moved in, culminating several years of work, planning, fundraising, building and caring. Caladenia was officially opened on the 11th August 1991. Today, district residents are accommodated in their own local area, and a remarkable occupancy rate of 99.6% is being achieved.