Frail and Aged Hostel

Kellerberrin Care of the Aged Committee Inc.

"Dryandra Frail & Aged Hostel commits itself to provide a quality home like environment for the elderly people of Kellerberrin and its surrounding districts."

History of Dryandra and Kellerberrin Care of the Aged Committee Inc.

The Past

Dryandra Frail & Aged Hostel owes its creation to the efforts of a group of community members who in 1975 had a vision when concerns were felt for the aged people of the area who had to leave the district when they no longer were able to live alone.

With public support and enthusiasm, the idea grew to establish a suitable home, which would meet the needs of the frail aged in the community.

On September 30th 1980, the Honorable Dame Margaret Guilfoyle, the then Minister for Social Security, approved the application for a grant. In 1982 the Kellerberrin Care of the Aged Committee was successful in obtaining a grant for $600,000 from the Federal Government for the sole purpose of building a frail aged hostel at Kellerberrin.

The land on the corner of Moore and Leake Street was selected for the building with its locality being ideally situated close to the shops, doctors, hospital, dentist etc. and the land was leased from the Shire of Kellerberrin.
The building of Dryandra was then commenced on February 14th 1983 and was officially opened on September 19th 1983 by the Honorable Hendy Cowan.

The building was replete with modern appliances and contained 26 rooms.

The Kellerberrin Care of the Aged Committee of the time worked tirelessly for 9 years fundraising, resulting in approximately $70,000 being collected through various activities including catering, street stalls, raffles, donations, sports days and many, many more.

The Present

This wonderful facility is still looked after by voluntary community members who form the Kellerberrin Care of the Aged Committee Inc.. Through their endeavours Dryandra Frail Aged Hostel building has been extended increasing the leisure and activities area for residents and also enlarging the administration section.

Dryandra Frail Aged Hostel and the Kellerberrin Care of the Aged Committee will forever be indebted to the generosity of a community member, the late Michael Coulahan, whose Estate has been approached successfully for financial assistance thus enabling these extensions and upgrading of the facility to take place. There has been a small change from the original idea, with Dryandra now not just a Frail Aged facility, but a Frail and Aged Hostel.

The Future

Dryandra prides itself as a facility for the frail and aged, able to adapt to the changes in the future of the community, through continually assessing and upgrading.

Dryandra Frail & Aged Hostel

Dryandra provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of the frail and aged in our community. Wherever possible, services are coordinated to ensure continuing care is provided to residents throughout the course of their stay which can be either permanent or respite. Dryandra provides permanent residential aged care for up to 26 frail and aged people requiring respite and permanent care.

Dryandra Frail & Aged Hostel Staff

Dryandra provide a community based service with staff who work with and provide managed care to help residents in Dryandra.

Community Health Services

The H.A.C. Nurse who visits once a week provides services to residents and the elderly in the community. H.A.C.'s primary focus is aimed at preventing illness, protecting and enhancing health and supporting management of identified health problems.

Aged Care Assessment Team (Northam)

Referrals from a Medical Practitioner and the Aged Care Assessment Team are required for entry to Dryandra.
The Aged Care Assessment Team is a service that operates according to Commonwealth guidelines for the appropriate assessment and placement of individuals requiring hostel and home support services.

Ambulance/Transport

Residents at Dryandra are paid up members of the St John's Ambulance and our office staff organise this every year in September. There is a government subsidy that is available in the form of P.A.T.S. to Northam or Perth for medical treatment. These forms are available from the Hospital. On some occasions, the HACC vehicle can be used if prior notice is given and it is available.
Family are encouraged to take on the responsibility of transport where possible.

Our philosophy and objectives are:

• To provide a high standard of alternative accommodation for retired persons with supportive help, encouragement and care in an atmosphere of peace security and happiness.
• To create an environment of comprehensive personalized care while having respect for the person's beliefs, values, integrity and privacy.
• Our residents should be enabled to achieve a maximum degree of independence as members of society.
• Our Residents are entitled to receive the best health care available to maintain optimum health.
• Our Residents have the right to be involved in decisions relating to their care and treatment provided that they have the mental capacity to do so.