Stoke is set to lose another aged-care facility, with the closure of Otumarama care centre.
The 37-room facility on Nayland Rd, which is owned and operated by Oceania Healthcare, will close mid to late August.
It follows the closure of Oceania’s Whareama on Neale Ave last year.
Regional manager operations, Jodie Schorn, says it had become clear that Otumarama’s current building has outlived its useful life and is no longer fit for purpose as a modern care centre.
“In addition, we have encountered challenges in staffing the centre in recent times,” Jodie says.
The facility is currently home to 34 residents with a staff of 42.
She says the majority of residents have signed an admission agreement, but a small minority have Occupation Right Agreements.
Jodie says the group are “absolutely committed” to finding an alternative living solution for each of the residents, whether that’s within Oceania or another operator.
Oceania also operates Green Gables in Nelson and the Woodlands facility in Motueka, Jodie confirming both currently have room availability.
“Our team is now working closely with each resident and their family to understand their needs, preferences and expectations, and identify the right care centre options for each individual.”
She says they are also working closely with Te Whatu Ora/ Health NZ Nelson Marlborough and Te Toka Tumai Nelson Marlborough (formerly Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agency) to facilitate residents’ transfer, accommodation and ongoing care.
“No resident will be left without a home to go to.”
Jodie says staff will be offered redeployment opportunities within Oceania “wherever possible”.
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In terms of the site, which sits between Broadgreen Intermediate and Nayland Primary School, Jodie says they hope to see it repurposed.
“While the 37-room building is no longer fit for the purpose of operating as a modern care centre, it is well maintained and we believe it is suitable for alternative uses. We hope to see it repurposed and we are actively investigating future uses for the site,” she says.
