28 September 2022

Patients of Grampians Health Horsham’s Barkuma House Respite Centre will be able to enjoy some added comforts thanks to a $2000 donation from Wimmera Base Hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary.

Auxiliary chair Denise Queale presented the cheque to Care Respite Services team leader Cailtin Kerr at a recent committee meeting. Ms Kerr said she was grateful to receive the funding and praised the incredible work of the auxiliary.

“The money will be used to purchase plants, garden ornaments and vertical planters for a sensory garden we are developing at Barkuma House,” she said.

“The garden will be therapeutic and accessible for patients.

“We will also buy brightly-coloured crockery in a contrasting colour because that can assist people living with dementia who have visual-cognitive impairments to see food on their plate and therefore increase their consumption of food and improve nutrition.”

WBH Ladies Auxiliary have had a big year, making several donations to Grampians Health’s aged care facilities and the emergency department at Horsham.

Ladies Aux Denise Queale and Caitlin Kerr resized