Merger: ‘best way forward’

Grace Bruce Homes and Benetas have announced an amalgamation between the two not for profit aged care providers.

The merger will bring together Benetas’ community care packages and in-home care services with Grace Bruce Homes’ residential care and retirement living.

Grace Bruce Dalkeith Hostel and Dalkeith Heights Retirement Village in Traralgon and Hazelwood House in Churchill, will become part of Benetas’ service offerings.

Benetas operates as a not for profit organisation employing more than 1,400 staff and 400 volunteers across Victoria.

“We are thrilled to amalgamate with Grace Bruce to ensure an enhanced range of services will be available to older people and their families in the Gippsland region,” Sandra Hills, Benetas’ chief executive, says.

“Benetas has been a part of the Gippsland community for many years now. We were really keen to expand our current range of services in Gippsland from community services into residential care and retirement living.

“The opportunity to amalgamate with Grace Bruce in Gippsland was therefore very much welcomed by us.”

Both organisations have a strong alignment between their visions, missions, values and constitutions.

According to Ray van Poppel, chairman of the Grace Bruce Board, the move is the best way forward for the community’s ageing population in the long term and should provide reassurance to current Grace Bruce residents and families to know their homes are safe and secure for many years to come.

“It also ensures ongoing employment to current Grace Bruce staff, providing job security at a time of economic uncertainty for many in our community. Our volunteers will also continue to have an important and ongoing role within our community,” Mr van Poppel says.

“We are confident the process will be seamless and cause little disruption to our residents, families and staff, highlighting our ongoing commitment to the delivery of aged care within the region and building on these services in the future,” he adds.

The settlement date for the amalgamation is yet to be finalised, but it is anticipated to be early December this year.

The amalgamation will not affect the services or support current residents at Dalkeith Hostel, Dalkeith Heights Retirement Village and Hazelwood House enjoy, according to Ms Hill.

“The highest priority will be given to maintaining the quality of services and the care of all residents, and ensuring staff are fully consulted during the amalgamation period.”