‘Regional aged care is positioned to grow,’ Juniper CEO explained

Key points:

• Juniper now owns Waratah Lodge — Western Australia’s Best Aged Care Facility 2018 award-winning facility

• Juniper has continued to provide care and support for over 4,500 Western Australians

• As one of 19 organisations under the UnitingCare Australia Network, Juniper recently celebrated 30 years of Uniting Church’s commitment to providing community service

Juniper acquired ownership of Waratah Lodge, formerly operated by Wagin Frail Aged Inc, on October 1, 2023, to continue supporting older Australians in regional communities.

Juniper has committed to providing high-quality aged care services in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia by taking ownership of Waratah Lodge in Wagin.

Juniper’s Chief Executive Officer Russell Bricknell told Talking Aged Care journalist David McManus that investing in regional aged care is more than just a responsibility; Juniper has sought to make a difference and strives to be part of, contribute to and connect older people to their communities.

“Our view is that regional aged care is an important element of the aged care system,” Mr Bricknell said.

“We understand the importance of providing older people with the opportunity to continue living in their communities, close to family, friends and familiar surroundings.

“Our acquisition of Waratah Lodge in Wagin is a testament to this commitment. We believe that every older person deserves compassionate and high-quality care, regardless of where they call home.”

Juniper has a proven track record of delivering exceptional care in regional Western Australia, notably in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions. Its residential aged care homes in Katanning [Juniper Bethshan], Albany [Juniper Korumup] and Northam [Juniper Bethavon and The Residency] are a testament to its dedication to providing quality care. 

Additionally, Juniper offers home and community care services within the Wheatbelt region, with a base in Northam and provides affordable accommodation for Great Southern residents at its Juniper Boronia Court Retirement Living Community in Albany.

“We are thrilled to join the Wagin community and ensure the ongoing delivery of quality aged care services. Together, we’ll enrich the lives of older people in this region, just as we’ve done in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions for many years,” added Mr Bricknell.

“One of the reasons why we were attracted to Waratah Lodge was exactly that [award-winning] track record. When we went and met with the staff and the residents and the family members throughout this process, we were really impressed with the quality of care and how similar it was to Juniper’s values.

“So, from our point of view, there’s a really strong alignment between the two organisations and that’s why we entered into the arrangement we have entered into.”

The Juniper CEO said that the organisation is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and smooth transition for all residents, their families, and staff members at Waratah Lodge. Continuity of care and peace of mind is of utmost importance throughout the transition and all staff will be offered the opportunity to work with Juniper.

Juniper’s journey began in 1949 when they welcomed their first residents and since then, it has grown to employ a team of more than 2,100 staff and over 200 volunteers throughout the State.

The not-for-profit agency of the Uniting Church currently provides care and support to over 4,500 Western Australians through their residential aged care homes, retirement villages and home and community care services.

Want to find out more about Juniper’s aged care services in WA? Check out the Juniper website and subscribe to the Talking Aged Care newsletter for future updates.