Waireka sale means continuing aged care

The sale of Waireka Home in Pahiatua ensures the last aged care facility in the Bush district stays open and a $2m pool of funds will open for community use, says Waireka Home chairman John Jackson.
Facility members last week ratified the sale of the 58-bed home and hospital to Qualcare, a national provider of aged care services, although Mr Jackson would not say how much was paid for the home.
"We're the only home left now and this move gives the district security that it will stay open."
He said a trust would be established with the proceeds of the sale that will be used to support the community in the region through the allocation of grants.
"There is a double benefit for the district. The home stays open and a charitable trust is to be formed that will administer $2m that will distributed for community use on application.
"There have been three homes close in the district over the past few years one in Eketahuna, another here in Pahiatua and one in Woodville and we very nearly closed ourselves because of the level of debt we were facing two or three years ago.
"We're the only home left now and this move gives the district security that it will stay open," he said. "The sale means that Waireka will continue to provide a quality service to the people of the area at a time when many homes like ours are struggling," he said.
"It is a sensible way to keep the home open and viable for the continued benefit of the local community."
Mr Jackson said caring for the elderly is becoming "an increasingly complex area to do well" and Waireka will benefit from being part of a large professional organisation like Qualcare. "Many small, stand-alone facilities like Waireka have had to close we will be able to keep ours and have money to help the community.
"The sale allows us to give more back to the community as well as retaining a valuable facility."
Mr Jackson paid tribute to the community for its support for Waireka over the years.
"This community has been fantastic. A huge amount of time and effort has gone into bringing Waireka up to a very high standard, but we need to be able to keep it there.
"We need to provide certainty for our residents and our staff. Qualcare is already active in our area with Rahiri in Dannevirke it understands communities like ours."
He said the 60 Waireka employees now have ironclad job security and the team working at the home will "continue to provide excellent care for the residents".
"This is such a good opportunity which put the future of the home beyond doubt, which is great news for our residents and our staff."