Sixty members of Dungog and District Retirement Living will decide Lara Aged Care’s future next Thursday at a special general meeting.
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At the annual general meeting last month the board unanimously recommended an amalgamation with RSL LifeCare with two information meetings held last week to allow staff and the community to ask questions.
Executive officer of RSL LifeCare Ron Thompson came to Dungog to answer questions at the 2 and 5pm sessions.
Chairman Ray Neilson said part of the board’s strategic planning over a number of years, explored options which clearly resulted in the identification of ongoing difficulties facing small stand alone providers in today’s difficult aged care environment.
“These included good governance, financial management, long term viability and staff and training support,” he said.
“What we have here in Dungog has been built on a strong foundation of community spirit, generosity and trust.
“Opened in 1990 to provide a place of care and support to our older community, Lara Aged Care and Ironwood Village stand as a testament to the unselfish determination and optimistic spirit of the people of the Dungog local government area.
“I am proud the board has unanimously resolved to recommend to the membership an amalgamation with RSL LifeCare which will provide this community with aged care sustainability, a further level of development, support and growth, financial viability and one which will allow us to meet our greatest aims.”
Mr Thompson said RSL LifeCare has been established since 1911 with homes and retirement villages in NSW and the ACT.
“The reality is, the need [for aged care] is growing considerably,” he said.
“There is strong government control and it makes it hard for stand-alone homes to operate.
“If the amalgamation occurs the $4.1 million set aside for bonds and staff long service and sick leave will be borne by us and that money will stay here in Dungog.
“Current cash reserves in the bank of approximately $6.4 million will only be spent on aged care in the Dungog local government area.
“All residents’ contracts will be honoured and fees will only increase with government charges.”
RSL LifeCare has made a commitment to Dungog, following the guidelines and requests from the current board.
Staff will have employment security for 10 years and plans for renovating the double rooms to single ensuited rooms will come to fruition.
An advisory panel of three people will monitor and advise RSL LifeCare on aged services in the Dungog local government area with a nominated representative attending all RSL LifeCare board meetings.
Mr Thompson said his organisation is currently spending $150 million on homes across the state.
“This money is surplus we have from retirement living villages, particularly at Narrabeen and other city areas,” he said.
“Any fundraising carried out for Lara will go to the manager Kerri Wagner where it will be spent here.
“We treasure the work of our volunteers and the money you raise for us.
“If the amalgamation occurs an occupational therapist and physiotherapist will come to the facility to see if the equipment is suitable and purchase what is needed to bring it up to standard.
“It is important for residents and staff having access to the equipment they need.
“We will also give priority to local residents here as has been done in the past.”
More than 60 people attended the 2pm session while there were only 23 at the later one.
