Seniors on the move
Jewish Care Victoria is supporting 30 seniors in relocating from its Mark and Dina Munzer Community Residence (Munzer) in Caulfield to nearby Gary Smorgon House, or other homes, as part of a $180+ million aged care, disability and community services capital investment program.
With one in five Jewish people older than 65, and the number of people aged 70 and older due to increase significantly in the next decade, Jewish Care Victoria is developing three senior living precincts, in Carnegie, Caulfield and St Kilda Road.
“We understand that moving house is a testing period for anyone, and particularly our seniors. That’s why we’re doing everything possible to provide people the information and support they need at this time, including individual support for residents and families,” CEO of Jewish Care Victoria, Bill Appleby, said.
The 30 seniors living at the Munzer residence will have a dedicated resource to support them through the relocation and settling into Gary Smorgon House. Jewish Care will cover the costs of packing, relocation and transport to Gary Smorgon House or other Melbourne Metro facility of their choosing to ensure that seniors are not financially disadvantaged.
“The Mark and Dina Munzer Community Residence is an ageing facility, and we have decided to bring its closure date forward in the best interests of residents, allowing them to get settled in first-class accommodation at Gary Smorgon House where they can enjoy an excellent lifestyle and high standard of accommodation at no extra cost.”
Residents, their families and staff were informed today, and the first residents are likely to begin moving within weeks as vacancies become available.
“While we hope that many of our residents will come to Gary Smorgon House, we will also support those who wish to look at other options.”
Jewish Care had initially expected that the Munzer residence would close on the commissioning of the new facility on St Kilda Rd in 2018 but the Board had brought this timeframe forward.
A structured plan is in place that allows for the transfer of residents across to Gary Smorgon House, or another facility, between now and the eventual closure of Munzer which is planned to occur by the end of January 2017.
“Jewish Care has continued to invest in staffing, amenity and promotion of Munzer, however, the facility has experienced a significant period of poor occupancy due in large part to the competitive forces of newer offerings in the area. This creates a substantive strain on scarce community resources that is unsustainable over the anticipated 2-3 year construction program of St Kilda Road.
Mr Appleby also added that demand generally for Jewish Care’s in-home and residential aged care services was strong. He expected the overwhelming majority of staff to be offered alternative positions within the organisation and very limited job loss.
“Jewish Care’s first and foremost desire is to retain our team and to continue to deliver the highest standard of care throughout our service network. We have invested heavily in people’s skills and are proud of their development. If we can retain those skills we will do so,” he said.
