Apollo Care Alliance CEO Stephen Becsi has told The SOURCE they are in talks with a number of struggling providers across the country, and confirmed they are in negotiations to partner with the Tenterfield Care Centre (TCC) to take over the operations of their Haddington and Millrace aged care services.
“We have been negotiating to partner with TCC for a couple of months now and we are also currently providing management services and assisting Tenterfield with the building works currently underway,” he said.
Located in the New England region of New South Wales, about 450km north of Sydney, the two aged care homes were built by the Tenterfield community 35 years ago.
“Tenterfield, like many other independent small regional Not For Profits has been struggling with a raft of changes flowing through the sector that has for a multitude of reasons seen these smaller operations face either clinical, governance or financial distress,” Stephen said.
“Tenterfield currently has significant liabilities as well as operating deficits and is in need of significant investment to upgrade the built form, ICT and trade out of its operating deficits.”
In selecting Apollo, the TCC Board conducted an EOI and due diligence process with the assistance of aged care industry accounting specialists, StewartBrown.
TCC Members will vote at a Special General Meeting on Tuesday 21 November to approve the appointment of Apollo Care as its approved Provider. The Board is recommending the TCC Members approve the proposal.
“It’s the best fit for our community,” said TCC Chair, Greg Sauer.
“TCC Ltd will continue as TCC Ltd, but under Apollo Care’s expert management. A partnership with Apollo Care will allow TCC Ltd to access capital investment, specialist expertise and the buying power needed to secure a bright future for TCC Ltd.”
With the support of Apollo Care and the Federal Government, TCC will be able to complete its expansion at Haddington which will provide another 28 more beds.
“Behind the scenes, Apollo Care will supply expert support to ensure TCC Ltd maintains full accreditation with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission,” Stephen said. “We’ll also upgrade critical IT and financial management infrastructure while developing a roadmap to complete construction, maintenance and upgrades at both facilities.”
The other communities managed by Apollo Care in its alliance network are in New South Wales – Bundaleer (Wauchope), Charingfield (Waverley), Harden Grange (Harden) and Vincent Court (Kempsey); Queensland – PresCare Alexandra Gardens (Rockhampton), PresCare Groundwater Lodge (Maryborough), PresCare Yaralla Place (Maryborough) and Nanyima Care (Mirani); and Victoria – Yackandandah Health (Yackandandah).
“If we get approval from members for Tenterfield, we will have 11 facilities plus a number of Retirement Villages, NRAS and affordable Housing, Home Care, Childcare and a medical practice,” Stephen said.
