The community owned facilities in Tenterfield are home to more than 80 residents.

Both Millrace Hostel and Haddington Nursing Home now have a physiotherapist and the services of an aged-care dietitian.

“All clinical processes and equipment have been reviewed and are now industry best practice,” general manager Fiona Murphy said.

“A refurbishment of Millrace Hostel is currently being undertaken, commencing with resident rooms and en suites.”

Air-conditioning has been installed in the north wing of Haddington Nursing Home; cooling options are being reviewed at both facilities.

Ms Murphy said many residents believed they would need to sell their family home to afford the fees.

“That might not be the case, the cost of residential aged care is not a ‘one size fits all’, but is based on the individual’s situation,” Ms Murphy said.

Details are available on the centre’s website, tenterfieldcarecentre.org.au and Ms Murphy said anyone considering residential aged care should consult a financial adviser.

Ninety six staff are employed at the centre, making it one of the largest employers in the area.

Staff  work in a variety of departments, including administration, hotel services, care staff and registered nursing staff; the centre also offers an attractive employee benefits scheme.

The recent restructure has created greater career opportunities for staff. There is also the benefit of clinical expertise to the residents in both facilities.

Tenterfield Care Centre offers 82 residential care places across both facilities, Millrace Hostel and Haddington Nursing Home, as well as eight independent living units. Services include respite and a secure dementia specific wing.

Both facilities offer a wide range of activities, including bus outings, exercise classes, social evenings, musicals and church services.

It’s largely thanks to the generosity of the community and the commitment and determination of a dedicated committee that Tenterfield Care Centre began and has continued.

The committee was formed in 1988 and led by Col Mann to prevent our aged-care residents from being sent to facilities outside of the local area.

After much fundraising, and with support from both state and local government, Millrace Hostel was opened in 1991.

The construction of a nursing home followed, with Haddington Nursing Home opening in 2003. Tenterfield Care Centre is still community owned and all members and directors are volunteers.

For more information, phone 6736 4444.