PHOTO
Belhaven Rest Home, in Dunedin, is to close after nearly 30 years.
Director Adrian Grant yesterday confirmed the closure of the family-operated rest-home and dementia care unit in Belleknowes.
"We're going through the process at the moment," he said.
"Nothing lasts forever and it's been 28 years. It's a huge responsibility. It's 24/7.
"But we're pretty proud of how we've looked after Otago's elderly over the years. We've got lots of good memories."
Mr Grant was reluctant to discuss details of the closure.
Southern District Health Board finance and funding general manager Robert Mackway-Jones said the health board would work with the rest-home to relocate residents.
"The Belhaven directors gave us notice on August 17 that they've decided to close," he said yesterday.
"The closure of the facility and relocation of the residents is now being co-ordinated between Belhaven and the Southern DHB.
"The residents and their families will choose the facility they go to."
The timing of the facility's closure "would be dependent on how long it takes to get the residents transferred", he said.
Mr Mackway-Jones was unsure how many residents would be affected by the closure.
Belhaven was established by Andy and Mary Grant in 1983, later being taken over by their children, Fiona and Adrian Grant.
It included a rest-home and a 20-bed secure environment dementia care unit on the premises, according to the New Zealand Aged Care Association website, Eldernet, yesterday.
Belhaven was advertising for staff as recently as July 10.
The positions advertised were for a weekend diversion therapist or activity co-ordinator, a weekday cover caregiver and a nightshift caregiver to look after the rest-home's then 35 residents.
Earlier this month, Belhaven was sanctioned by the Health and Disability Commission for the standard of care received by a 91-year-old woman in 2008.
Pressure sores on the woman's heels and a rash in her groin prompted her daughter to complain to the commission about her treatment.
The woman was transferred to a private hospital in October 2008, but died a few days later.
The Health and Disability Commission found Belhaven staff had failed to provide the woman with reasonable care and skill which complied with relevant standards and contractual obligations.
Director Fiona Grant apologised for the woman's treatment and said the home had subsequently put into effect all the requirements of a district health board audit.
The failings in the woman's care was not representative of the care received by other residents during the same period, Ms Grant said.