By DANE LILLINGSTONE
Stanthorpe Nursing Home has announced it will be closing its doors only weeks before Christmas.
A statement released by the nursing home said that increasing costs and expectations were the reasons behind its decision.
“It has been decided by the Board of Stanthorpe Convalescent Home trading as Stanthorpe Nursing Home to cease operations on the 11 December 2015,” a statement said.
“This is not a decision taken lightly. Changing aged care expectations and increasing costs have had their impact on small rural aged care services.
“The board of Stanthorpe Nursing Home has done some serious consultation and feasibility testing including refurbishment and financial planning.
“In addition to stakeholders’ considerations, the decision is influenced by macroeconomic conditions, community and industry expectations, competition, government regulations, policies, funding and the cost of compliance with legislative requirements.
“SNH has strived through the years to meet the challenges of aged care, trends and accreditation standards, however SNH is an old, small facility and the government has given us approval to close.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to all those who have had any association with the facility and who have supported us and chosen us to provide quality care and services – our present and past residents, families and representatives, present and past staff, volunteers and the community of Stanthorpe.”
The nursing home opened in May 1969.
It has been reported that the nursing home employs 65 residents and will displace 35 residents with the decision.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Peter Blundell said meetings had been taking place since the announcement to relocate residents.
“The meetings held between the council, Stanthorpe Nursing Home and other providers of aged care within the region, have been very beneficial in providing accurate information to attendees about the process being undertaken by Stanthorpe Nursing Home representatives to relocate residents and secure future employment or other suitable arrangements for employees,” he said.
“I would commend the Stanthorpe Nursing Home management team for the diligence with which they are pursuing solutions to issues which the nursing home closure will create, and I have also offered any appropriate support that would be beneficial in assisting the nursing home through this process.”
