26 October 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
As you know, we met with residents and their relatives yesterday to discuss our plans for the future of IRT Diment Towers.
The purpose of this message is to provide you with an overview of the information discussed at this meeting, and to also share the answers to some of the questions that were raised.
You may recall from previous correspondence that a recent review of our Diment Towers building identified some challenges that need to be addressed. The size and layout of the aged care centre is no longer fit for purpose, and it is not designed in a way that will meet future expectations of our older Australians.
As a result, we have begun work on assessing potential options for the building’s future use (in consultation with Wollongong City Council) which will also help inform a timeline for any capital works required to address the challenges.
What’s changing?
While we shared with those in attendance a number of details regarding this process, perhaps the most significant is our decision to wind down the aged care centre at IRT Diment Towers.
This decision comes after carefully considering our options, and wanting to ensure we can provide the best living environment for our residents. The closure of the aged care centre will occur over time, and there is no immediate need for residents to leave.
Why are we winding down the aged care centre?
The residential aged care centre model at IRT Diment Towers no longer provides an environment that supports older Australians who need higher care. Added to this is future customers’ preference to have aged care services delivered in their own home, supported by specialty aged care centers for residents where care at home is not possible.
The decision to wind down the aged care centre also comes after a significant shift in customer expectations since the building was first opened more than 50 years ago. Vacancies in the care centre have also continued to rise, indicating a declining demand for the care and services available there.
What happens next?
We value each resident and understand that a change at this stage in life can cause some anxiety. For this reason we do not wish to rush your loved one to make a decision, and we are committed to working with them and you to find another IRT care centre that suits their needs and preferences.
We intend to start this process by first meeting with each resident and their nominated representative individually to understand personal needs and preferences so we can determine the best way to proceed with identifying a new home.
We are also committed to offering all employees similar roles at other IRT aged care centres when the time comes.
Questions and answers
- Have you decided what the aged care centre building will be used for?
We are yet to determine the future use of the aged care centre. Options being examined include private rental accommodation and staff accommodation. When a decision has been made we will let you know.
- What about the retirement village? Will residents there be moving?
We will continue operating the retirement village as is and there is no need for residents in the retirement village to relocate. As previously indicated, we also have no intentions to demolish the building or sell it to another provider.
- When do aged care centre residents have to move out?
There is no immediate need for residents to leave. To ensure residents have ample time to think about their needs and requirements, we are starting the conversation now. We will work with each resident and their nominated representatives to identify a new home that meets their needs and assist them to relocate.
- Will residents have to pay extra to relocate to another care centre?
No. IRT will not charge residents a transfer fee and will cover fair and reasonable removal costs. There will be no additional costs associated with relocating to another aged care centre.
- What happens if residents do not wish to move?
There will come a time when residents will have to move out of their current unit. It is our intention to work collaboratively with all residents to find a mutually beneficial solution for IRT and our residents and we will ensure all residents are accommodated for the future.
- Where will residents move to – will they get multiple options to consider?
We will work with each resident and their nominated representatives to identify an alternate aged care centre and unit that meets their needs and preferences. We will organise group bus tours to various care centres in the Illawarra so that residents can view a couple of aged care centres before making a decision. Each resident will be given options to consider and we will do our best to accommodate every resident’s needs and preferences.
- If the building will no longer include an aged care centre, will the name change?
We do not intend to change the building’s name. Built in 1970, Diment Towers was IRT’s very first aged care centre and retirement village and was named after the organisation’s founder and first Chairman, Dr Max Diment. We recognise and respect the history of this building, and remain committed to retaining its name.
We will continue to keep you updated on our plans and will provide you with more information as it becomes available.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your Care Manager.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
Executive General Manager – Aged Care Centres
