After much consideration, Neerim Health confirms our intention to cease offering residential aged care at our Tarago Views Aged Care facility from 1 July 2024.
We intend transitioning aged care residential services to home based and day respite services as we begin building the Neerim Health community health hub and adding further healthcare services – thereby retaining our dedicated workforce and expanding our services to the community. Commencing in July 2024, our facilities will undergo a significant upgrade, with thanks to a $5 million Federal Government Priority Community Infrastructure Program Grant. Please note that this grant is to upgrade community facilities and is not related to Residential Aged Care or Hospital Acute services.
In the last financial year, changes to aged care funding and substantially higher operating costs that exceeded our subsidies, resulted in a significant financial deficit. As a community-owned health service, our funding is neither stable nor fully underpinned by government.
In October 2022, the Federal Government increased compliance requirements for residential aged care. The current scale for an aged care facility to be viable is a minimum 100 residents. We only have 25 beds (only six of which have ensuites) but are required to put in the same level of resources as a larger facility. Maintaining residential aged care has been a challenge for Neerim Health for many years. Now, it is simply no longer viable.
Whilst we understand that this news is distressing, we believe that providing over six months’ notice will provide ample time for residents and their families to assess their options, view alternate facilities and make an informed decision about their relocation.
Neerim Health is committed to supporting residents and families in making their relocation as smooth as possible. We are also committed to providing quality care for all residents to 30 June 2024. Whilst we will not be accepting any further permanent residents, we will continue to welcome respite residents.
