Tenterfield Care’s Haddington Aged Care Community, about 670km north of Sydney, opened 28 new aged care beds this week, a development made possible with the investment of Apollo Care, which was founded in 2017 for exactly this purpose - to support struggling Not For Profit aged care homes in regional Australia.
The $11 million project increases Haddington's capacity from 82 to 110 beds.
with Deputy Mayor of Tenterfield District Council
and local Board member Greg Sauer
In attendance at the opening were the Member for New England Barnaby Joyce MP, Apollo Care CEO Stephen Becsi OAM, Residential Service Manager Sunita Sharma, and Deputy Mayor of Tenterfield District Council and local Board member Greg Sauer.
Apollo Care is also supporting Tenterfield Care's Millrace aged care home in Tenterfield.
Stephen said: “We’re thrilled to fulfil the promise we made to locals to complete this new extension when we became the Approved Provider in November 2023.
“We’ve deployed cutting-edge technology and programs to enhance resident care, staff wellbeing and operational efficiencies; spent over $1 million providing affordable housing for workers; and have plans underway to enhance Haddington’s existing rooms and Millrace’s common areas.
“We’re committed to ensuring the financial sustainability of Tenterfield Care and we’re pleased to report that the operating performance of the organisation has improved by 60% in just 12 months.”
Apollo Care has also assisted with the recruitment of 17 Registered Nurses, Internationally Qualified Nurses and personal care workers, and has helped to optimise rosters, reducing the use of agency staff from 55% to 20%.
“I’m projecting roster vacancies will be close to zero by January 2025,” says Sharma, “which is a massive reduction from 41% a year ago.”
As a mid-weight aged care provider, Apollo Care is delivering more than its fair share of aged care beds. Earlier this year, the operator opened the final six of 30 new aged care beds at PresCare Groundwater Lodge, in Maryborough, 255km north of Brisbane.
