Lerwin Nursing Home has turned 40 – so what’s next?
A plan has been set out for the development of the Murray Bridge residential aged care facility, owned and operated by the local council, between now and 2032.
Locals support locals – that’s why this post about a current public consultation is free to read. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories. Subscribe today.
In the early 1980s, Murray Bridge residents and businesses raised tens of thousands of dollars to build something the community had lacked: an acute aged care facility.
On Monday, staff, volunteers and residents got together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their success.
Since 1983, the council-owned and operated Lerwin Nursing Home has allowed local people to spend their twilight years in comfort and safety, close to family and friends.
The name came from a Ngarrindjeri term, le:w-un, meaning to sit down or rest.
Monday’s celebration brought together current residents and staff for afternoon tea and birthday cake in a courtyard.
There, too were Lerwin’s volunteers – some of whom worked at the home way back when it opened.
Mayor Wayne Thorley said he was proud of the role Lerwin had played in the community over the past 40 years, from its early days under a senior nurse and community board to its recent history as a professionally run business unit of the council.
Council CEO Heather Barclay took the opportunity to thank Lerwin’s staff and volunteers for their commitment, especially since the arrival of COVID-19.
“It’s been a challenging time,” she said.
Locals support locals. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories.
“We understand that … sometimes it’s more difficult for your families to come and visit you because sometimes there’s different restrictions in the home.
“We do the best that we can.
“Thank you for choosing Lerwin to be your home.”
Draft plan charts a course for Lerwin over the next decade
So: what is the council’s plan for Lerwin as it approaches its 50th birthday over the next decade?
A total of $6.8 million worth of spending, in today’s dollars, will be needed to maintain and renew the facility between now and 2032, according to a draft management plan published by the council this month.
Demand for aged care services will only increase over that time as the population ages.
However, “site and budgetary constraints” would likely prevent any major expansion of Lerwin in that time, the plan’s authors suggested.
The nursing home only just celebrated the completion of a new, $8.2 million wing, allowing for an extra five residents and better quality of life for those already there, in 2020.
Upgrades expected over the next 10 years – but not likely before 2027 – would include new staff rooms, a new kitchen, improvements to outside areas, and new flooring and furniture for some of the home’s older wings.
- Have your say: Take the survey at letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/consultation-for-draft-lerwin-facility-asset-management-plan,
- More information: Visit letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/consultation-for-draft-lerwin-facility-asset-management-plan, Lerwin, the Murray Bridge council office or Murray Bridge Library; or contact Sue Reynolds on 8539 1406.
Locals support locals. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories.
