The Aubert Home of Compassion in Wanganui is closing because the buildings are considered an earthquake risk and the owners say it is uneconomic to carry out repairs.
The 69 residents, their families and staff at the St John's Hill home have been told of the closure, and planning was yesterday under way to relocate the residents to other care facilities.
The Home of Compassion has a 54-bed facility with close to 90 per cent occupancy rate, with about 80 staff working throughout the complex.
But recent engineers' reports showed more than 67 per cent of the buildings were well below the minimum earthquake standard required by law and could be dangerous in a moderate earthquake.
Sister Margaret Anne Mills, leader of the Sisters of Compassion which owns the site in Virginia Rd, said closing the buildings was the only prudent and responsible decision that could be taken.
Sister Margaret Anne said it was a difficult decision to be made.
"It is with great sadness that we have taken this decision, because it means all 69 residents of the home will need to be moved to new places of care. It is also a real blow for the wonderful staff and management who have created such a caring environment," she said.
The decision means the home can no longer provide the aged residential care services they are contracted to deliver on behalf of the Whanganui District Health Board.
Christine Jones, who chairs the board of directors operating the home, said staff, residents and their families, and all others who lived and worked in the home were told of the decision yesterday.
Mrs Jones said the board had also informed the Ministry of Health and the WDHB and they would be working with the health board to find other places of care for the residents.
"We're also consulting with our staff and the union about what happens next. Unfortunately, with no alternative building to move to, the likelihood is that the home will close," Mrs Jones said.
She said support for staff had been put in place in the form of counselling services and other assistance, and the staff had also been assured that all terms of their employment contracts would be honoured.
Sister Margaret Anne said repairing the buildings was considered but was uneconomic. Even if repairs had been an option, it would have required the residents to move out in the interim.
"The Sisters of Compassion are deeply aware of our ties and legacy with Wanganui and, as such, the proceeds of the sale of the land and buildings will stay in Wanganui to assist the elderly.
"Exactly how that can happen is now under discussion with the directors of the Aubert Home of Compassion," she said.
Mrs Jones said the first priority was ensuring the safety of all those who lived and worked in the Home of Compassion.
"Safety is absolutely paramount and we have acted with the safety of our people at the forefront of our decisions," she said.
She said the home would be working closely with the WDHB to keep residents, their families and staff informed as alternative places of care for residents were found.
Tracey Schiebli, WDHB service and business planning general manager, said she had received a letter from the Home of Compassion board explaining the engineering report and that the home had been advised to vacate the building.
Ms Schiebli said there were many unoccupied beds available across the district and the plan was to transfer residents to other care facilities over the next few weeks.
"We'll be working alongside their staff and the Access Ability service co-ordination agency to find suitable accommodation for all the residents.
"This includes working with residents' families and taking into consideration that they may wish to move their family members closer to home.
"Because there is no immediate threat to the safety of the residents, staff or public, we are going to make the move in a planned and thoughtful manner to minimise distress to the residents, and to make sure we relocate them to the facility that best suits their needs," Ms Schiebli said.
Aubert Home of Compassion
Location: Virginia Rd, St John's Hill
54 bed facility
69 residents
80 staff
Mission: To care for the elderly, the sick and the dying in a very personal way.
Services: As well as rest home and hospital continuing care, offers respite care for those recovering from hospitalisation, and carer relief.