The news that Estia Health is in the process of acquiring Royal Freemason’s aged care came as a shock to residents.
However the outcome is one that is sure to improve the quality of life of all involved.
Estia Health will acquire two Royal Freemasons homes, one in Benalla, the other in Bendigo.
In the Rose City the acquisition will see the existing Estia home on Samaria Rd close and all residents relocated to Royal Freemasons on Thomas St.
The upshot is vastly improved facilities for Estia residents who will move into a facility that is only a few years old.
One main difference is all residents will now have individual rooms with an ensuite bathroom.
A benefit to residents at Royal Freemasons will be that many rooms which had been empty will now have new residents, increasing the opportunities to meet new friends and be part of a bigger community.
The acquisition will be finalised in early October 2023 with residents relocating not long after.
The amalgamation is the result of a move by Royal Freemasons, who in late 2022 undertook a strategic review of its organisation and made the decision to rescale its operations.
The divestment of its Benalla and Bendigo aged care homes is a result of that decision.
Sean Bilton, Chief Executive Officer of Estia Health said the group is proud to be part of both the Benalla and Bendigo communities and is delighted to be able to increase its commitment to regional Victoria through the management of an additional 150 residential aged care places.
“We see the opportunity to consolidate the Estia Health and Royal Freemasons homes as the next stage in that long-term commitment,” Mr Bilton said.
“This will result in the relocation of residents and employees from existing Estia Health homes.
“Moving to the more modern homes is an opportunity to ensure that personalised quality residential aged care continues to be provided in these regional communities.
“Our residents will continue to receive the same quality care and services from the same Estia Health staff, who will join the current Royal Freemasons’ teams and residents in Benalla and Bendigo.
“This will also preserve valuable aged care jobs in regional areas.”
Senior Estia Health management will meet with Estia Health and Royal Freemasons residents, their families and employees during the week to talk through any questions they may have.
Mr Bilton said he recognised this a significant change for everyone in the homes, both at existing Estia sites and the Royal Freemasons.
“We want to assure all residents and their families that they will continue to receive the same dedicated care and services from the same people that they always have,” he said.
“The individual needs of each resident at all homes will be carefully considered during the moves.
“We are focussed on minimising disruptions to daily routines and familiar environments.”
John Fogarty, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Freemasons said while it is sad to be saying farewell to its Benalla and Bendigo communities, he is confident that the residents will continue to receive high-quality, compassionate care from Estia Health.
Mr Bilton said he anticipates that the transition of residents to the new Estia Health homes may take up to two months following acquisition.
“When all our employees and residents are comfortably settled in their new homes, we will assess various options for the older properties, which may include sale or repurposing,” he said.
Damian Hiser, Chief Operating Officer of Estia Health was in Benalla on Wednesday, August 2 to meet with residents at both homes to discuss how the amalgamation will work.
“For residents of Royal Freemasons there will be no change,” Mr Hiser said.
“Residents of Estia Health will move to a home with individual rooms and ensuites, which is different from their current home that has shared facilities.
“That home has been in the community for more than 30 years, and part of Estia for almost 10 years.
“We have a good reputation in Benalla and as a national group there will be a lot of support to manage the transition.
“Importantly, our staff from Samaria Rd will go across to Royal Freemasons offering residents that continuity of care.
“We’ve been part of the Benalla community for a long time and are looking forward to furthering our commitment to Benalla.”
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