More than 250 Helping Hand residents, clients and staff came together this month to celebrate the first anniversary of the South Australian provider’s acquisition of regional provider Kindred Living in Whyalla.
There was a lot to celebrate because less than two years ago, the services in Whyalla were at risk of closure. As the only aged care provider in the region, the acquisition – which included two aged care homes, 11 retirement living units and homes care services – was considered critical to the community.
As part of the celebrations, key decision-makers and influencers from the community joined Helping Hand CEO Chris Stewart to walk the 5.7-hectare site – which is spread across the Whyalla foreshore – and discuss plans for the future.
“It was fantastic to visit the care homes and offices and see the positivity and high energy. It was a real celebration of where we are at today,” Mr Stewart told Australian Ageing Agenda. “It’s now time to look towards the future and how we can grow on the solid foundations that we have in place.”
That 10-year vision includes expanding along the foreshore to create a positive ageing precinct that includes a new retirement village, family housing to help attract workforce, a wellness community hub and other community services.
“Delivering aged care in regional communities has many challenges, but as an organisation, we are committed to ensuring that all Australians are able to age in their local communities. Our plans for the positive ageing precinct will create a diverse mix of accommodation and services for older people, suitable for all stages of their life,” Mr Stewart said.
“We are working closely with governments at all levels and a range of local partners to create a worldclass environment.”
