My colleagues and I have resolved that we intend to sell Glen Eira’s residential aged care facilities — Rosstown in Carnegie; Spurway in Murrumbeena; and Warrawee in Bentleigh East.

Glen Eira is the only council in Victoria that still operates residential aged care, but since the first facilities opened more than 40 years ago, residential aged care has become more complex and challenging.

Council is very proud of the quality care it provides, but like other councils before us, believes selling the facilities to a specialist residential aged care provider will secure quality outcomes into the future.

We want residents and their loved ones to know that our priority is to protect their interests and wellbeing.

Quality care will continue to be provided while the sale process — most likely to take between nine and 12 months — is underway. A purchaser will be required to ensure a smooth transition for residents and families.

Following a sale, current residents will enjoy the same rights, including tenure that they currently enjoy as part of their resident agreement.

We know how dedicated employees are and how much they care. Those who wish to stay on can transfer to the new provider, while those who wish to move on can choose to access their severance or redeployment entitlements.

Potential purchasers must meet tight criteria. We will only sell to a specialist residential aged care provider that:

• will honour the current resident agreements;
• has a proven ability to provide quality aged care with high employee and resident satisfaction levels; and
• has the financial capacity to invest in the facilities.

At this time, our focus is on the wellbeing of residents, their families and employees and ensuring they have access to the support they need.

A series of information sessions for residents, their families and employees will be held at each facility and a family liaison officer is available to meet with residents and families and provide support.

Council believes this is the right and responsible decision for our current and future aged care residents and will keep the community updated as the process advances.

Glen Eira Mayor Cr Jamie Hyams