Families in our state’s Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Hungarian, and Bosnian communities will have peace of mind that their elderly loved ones are getting the care they need, under a re-elected Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scot MP has today announced that only a re-elected Labor Government will invest $800,000 towards upgrades and renovations to RusCare’s aged care facilities in Dandenong.

This upgrade will include works that will join the three buildings with a new common area for residents, as well as improvements to amenities and facilities.

This commitment will help ensure older multicultural Victorians receive the care and comfort they deserve, while also giving their families peace of mind.

We all want our elderly loved ones to stay at home for as long as possible. But sometimes, due to illness or injury, it’s just not possible. It’s why providing tailored aged care services are so important.

Aged care dedicated to multicultural communities can make all the difference in helping older Victorians feel at home.

By offering traditional food, hosting cultural movie days and weekly reading clubs, RusCare ensures that our older generations remain connected to their roots.

Research has also shown that those suffering from dementia often revert to their mother tongue.

Given our state is home to more than 17,650 Victorians who speak Russian at home and 17,000 who speak Serbian, having staff onsite who speak both a mother tongue and English means residents can be better understood and cared for.

Under the previous Liberal Government, public aged care beds were set to be privatised, hurting older Victorians and their loved ones.

Only Labor recognises the vast contribution of older multicultural Victorians and is willing to make the investments that really matter.