Today Maitland Benevolent Society Limited Chairman, Bob Geoghegan announced the sale of Benhome residential care and home care services to aged care provider, Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI).
Maitland Benevolent Society Limited and RFBI each have a rich heritage of helping people in need and a passion for improving people’s lives and this acquisition is a positive step that will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality care and services for older people in the Maitland area.
RFBI has been in operation since 1880 and has been providing aged care services in the Hunter and Maitland area for over 43 years. Throughout NSW and ACT, RFBI currently operates 21 residential aged care villages, 20 retirement villages as well as home care services. Like Benhome, RFBI has a strong commitment and responsive approach to supporting community ageing needs.
Bob said Benhome had been actively looking for a suitable purchaser for several months to provide a more extensive offering to the community in and around Maitland.
“This is great news for our residents and their families, our staff and the wider community. The acquisition enables the 152-year-old organisation to benefit from the experience and network of RFBI,” Bob said.
“The efficiency benefits of a much larger organisation will better ensure the future sustainability of Benhome.”
All residents and home care clients of Benhome will continue to receive the same high standard of care and services they are now. Neither residents nor home care clients will be adversely affected by the sale.
Four staff from the Benhome finance and management team will not continue into the new ownership model, however all other staff will retain their current positions. Three of the staff who are not moving across to RFBI will remain working with The Maitland Benevolent Society Limited.
Bob said that seven not-for-profit reputable aged care providers were considered as part of the process.
David Adams, RFBI Chairman said that the acquisition represents a natural fit between Benhome and RFBI and the organisation is delighted to be welcoming Benhome residents, families, home care clients and staff into the RFBI family.
“RFBI operates four other residential care villages in the Hunter region, three retirement villages as well as home care services,” David said.
“This is a very positive outcome for Benhome residents, families, home care clients and staff and our team will be working closely with all parties to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
Today, Benhome and RFBI Chairman and senior staff hosted special meetings with staff, residents and their families confirming the announcement and the benefits of the Board’s decision, which include significant capital refurbishments to the village in the coming years. These meetings also provided the first of a number of opportunities for people to ask more questions.
IMAGE | From left to right: John Cleary, David Adams, Bob Geoghegan and Frank Price.
