Following the recent decision of Kiama Council to sell Blue Haven Bonaira, Chief Operating Officer Joe Gaudiosi has outlined some next steps.
Kiama Council resolved on 13 October to undertake the sale of Blue Haven Bonaira. This includes our 134-bed Residential Aged Care Home, 57 Independent Living Units and around 200 community home support packages provided and 300 community transport clients.
In the same resolution, Council voted to retain its Blue Haven Terralong Independent Living Units and give consideration to future use of the decommissioned aged care facility at Havilah Place.
Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Blue Haven Joe Gaudiosi said: "It was a big decision but unfortunately, Kiama Council cannot continue to run a large aged care business such as Bonaira."
"The financial position of Council along with the increasing complexity and new upcoming reforms of the aged care industry are too onerous."
"Ultimately a specialist aged care provider with established strategic, governance and support processes is better placed to provide the levels of service required for both residents and clients but also staff."
Mr Gaudiosi also gave a timeline for the sale and confirmed Blue Haven will be sold to an approved aged care provider.
"We anticipate the sale process will occur mid to late 2023 to mid 2024. Council has made it clear that any sale must be to another approved aged care provider, and the provider will operate under the Aged Care Act."
Mr Gaudiosi and Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud have been meeting regularly with residents and families as well as the staff of Blue Haven to discuss the situation.
"I'm well aware that residents, families and staff have concerns about things changing and questions about how it will affect them. We're sharing as much information as we have, whenever possible."
Blue Haven continues to operate its Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF), Independent Living Units (ILUs) and In-Home Support Program as usual and the care and wellbeing of our residents and clients is paramount.
"Blue Haven has a long and proud history of providing high-quality aged care services to our community for more than 40 years. This will not change. And it will continue regardless of the sale process," Mr Gaudiosi said.
Kiama Council has updated its Blue Haven FAQs page to answer some common questions people are asking.
"Blue Haven residents, families, staff and interested members of the community are also welcome to contact myself or CEO Jane Stroud direct with any further questions you may have," Mr Gaudiosi said.
