The Boneham Cottage Homes Incorporated first came into being when a will left by the late Ebenezer Frank Rivett Boneham directed his trustees to build three cottages for aged people in Millicent.
A committee was formed in 1962 to assist trustees, who purchased a block of land and built the three original units. These were opened and handed over to the committee in 1969. This committee was the forerunner of the Boneham Cottage Homes Incorporated. With the aid of Government subsidies and donations from tenants, Service Clubs, The Masonic Lodge, The Boneham Cottage Homes Auxiliaries, Cellulose employees and other public and private supporters, the Independent Living Units increased substantially by 1997.
To meet the increasing needs for ongoing care, The Boneham Cottage Homes Incorporated decided to extend services by building Hostel Care Units. In 1978 the Mary Cecelia Hart Court Hostel was built with funds obtained through Government subsidy, a substantial legacy from the estate of the late Harry William Hart, the father of Mary Cecelia Hart, and further supported by generous contributions from district residents and organisations.
Image: Mary Cecelia Hart Court 1985
The Hostel was extended by 12 rooms in 1985, taking the number to 35.
In 2001, an application was made and granted for a license for a further 15 beds. Whilst the Government recognised the need for the accommodation, the permission was conditional upon the facility being able to fund the expansion from its own capital reserves. There was no government funding available. Due to the previous generosity of the public and careful management and investment of its capital reserves the Board of Management was able to proceed with the extensions and Manor wing was opened in 2003.
In June 2014 Boneham Cottage Homes Incorporated officially adopted the name Boneham Aged Care Services Incorporated to better reflect the services provided to the community and the philosophy of the association. Boneham Aged Care Services Incorporated continues to offer the same great quality of care in Millicent, SA and District that it has for the previous 45 years.
In July 2014, our total capacity increased to 90 beds. With extensive renovations to existing rooms and the kitchen completed, our contemporary, well-appointed home continues to fulfill the needs and expectations of our residents and their families.
Image: Boneham Aged Care Services 2023
Since 2014 Boneham has actively acquired land surrounding our current premises to provide for future expansion as the community grows and ages.