Aged care focus at forum

A forum on the future needs of an ageing Carterton population is part of a proposed $4 million revamp of the Carter Court rest home that could also involve almost 40 council-owned pensioner units in the town.

Elaine Brazendale, Carter Society chairwoman and Carterton deputy mayor, said the strategy forum to be held on Thursday at the Carterton Events Centre follows a society study of funding prospects for the project.

Mrs Brazendale said Carterton Mayor Ron Mark and a councillor had been invited to the forum, which is expected to attract about 20 expert participants from in and beyond the town

An earlier Wairarapa Times-Age story had outlined the planned revamp of the community-owned and governed Pembroke St rest home, which was built in the 1960s as a legacy from town founder Charles Rooking Carter.

The home has 41 beds and about 50 staff, most of whom are part-time workers.

A secondary facet of aged care strategy the society is investigating is outlined in a letter from Carter Court manager Chris Clarke that was tabled last week at the Carterton District Council meeting.

The letter focuses on the 20 pensioner homes in Porritt Pl, which borders Carter Court, and an urgent need to upgrade the units, up to half a dozen of which the society is allowed to manage.

Brian McWilliams, council community facilities manager, said the society had responsibility for five of the 18 tenants living in the Porritt Pl units. He said the council also operates 10 pensioner units in Dudson Pl, four in Fisher Pl and four in Wakelin St, which are all tenanted.

Mr Clarke proposed the Carter Society take over management of all 38 council-owned pensioner units, some of which are bedsits needing significant remodelling, in an expansion of the long-term collaboration between council and the society.

"We are seeking a partnership that will ensure the continuance and development of sustainable, accessible, affordable pensioner housing in Carterton now and into the future.

"We are also aware that financial resources for both our organisations are limited and there is a question of how we may work together to address the much required upgrades," the letter continued.

Mr Clarke requested a working group of society and council representatives "to develop a blueprint/management plan for future development and upgrade of the Porritt Pl units" and other pensioner homes the council owns.

Councillors decided to hold further discussions about pensioner housing and needs of the ageing population before a working group is formed.