To Russia with love

THE Kronstadt Gardens Residential Aged Care home in Dandenong, which has undergone a $1.34 million upgrade, was officially opened last week.
Minister for Ageing Julie Bishop unveiled a plaque during her visit on Wednesday last week to the facility and Russian Welfare Centre, both at the Conway St address.
“With these new extensions, Krondstadt Gardens has taken a lead in meeting Australia’s new, higher standards for aged care, which come into effect in 2008,” Ms Bishop said.
“The home’s 30bed highcare section has been remodelled to meet the government’s new standards for aged care.
“The home’s 43 lowcare places and its 14 one and two bedroom independent living units are also more secure and comfortable after the renovations,” she said.
The renovations included the widening of hostel rooms and corridors, new fire doors and external walkways and the installation of CCTV surveillance.
Other alterations to the high care nursing home have increased resident and staff safety according to the Russian Welfare’s community development officer Janene Blanchfield Brown.
Ms Blanchfield Brown said members of the Russian community felt deeply honoured with the Minister’s visit to Kronstadt Gardens.
“We are greatly encouraged by the commitment of the Federal Government to cultural and linguistically diverse groups as they strengthen their services to the aged care sector,” she said.
The Minister’s visit formed part of the official celebration of 50 years of community service for Russian Welfare.
Congratulatory messages were received from Prime Minister John Howard, followed by the recent presentation from Premier Steve Bracks of a Certificate of Meritorious Achievement to Russian Welfare.
It also recently received a $60,000 Federal Government grant for a CPP (Community Partnership Program) to expand its services for older people who live with their families or at home with assistance from main stream services.
Chairman, the Very Rev Dr Michael Protopopov, said the continuing success of Russian Welfare was attributed to its commitment to quality services and its understanding of culturally specific issues.
“It has the support of enduring community partnerships including the Federal Government, the State Government, and the Victorian Multicultural Commission,” he said.
“In keeping with Federal Government policy, Russian Welfare provides comprehensive residential and communitybased aged care services.”