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Aged care home gets new owner

August 11, 2023 BY

Changeover: Chief operating officer Estia Health Damian Hiser with CEO Royal Freemasons John Fogarty. Photo: SUPPLIED

ESTIA Health will soon takeover the Royal Freemasons aged care home in Kangaroo Flat.

The company will likely be in full operation of the facility from the beginning of October and a statement from Estia Health said there’ll be no noticeable change for existing Royal Freemasons’ residents.

Royal Freemasons undertook a review of its operations in late 2022, with the organisation seeking to divest a few of its aged care homes, and Estia Health will also acquire another facility in Benalla.

Estia Health CEO Sean Bilton said the organisation is increasing its services across regional Victoria with the acquisition of 150 residential aged care homes.

“We recognise this is a significant change for everyone in the homes, both at our current homes and the Royal Freemasons homes,” said Mr Bilton.

“We anticipate that the transition of residents to the new Estia Health homes may take up to two months following acquisition.

“When all our employees and residents are comfortably settled in their new homes, we will assess various options for the older properties, which may include sale or repurposing.

“This will also preserve valuable aged care jobs in regional areas”.

Mr Bilton said moving residents to the more modern homes is a way to ensure quality residential aged care remains accessible in regional areas.

“We want to assure all residents and their families that they will continue to receive the same dedicated care and services from the same people that they always have,” he said.

“The individual needs of each resident at all homes will be carefully considered during the moves. We are focussed on minimising disruptions to daily routines and familiar environments.”

Royal Freemasons’ CEO John Fogarty said the group is sure residents will “continue to receive “high-quality, compassionate care.”