Residents of Wellington age care facility Bellhaven are being told that moving to Maranatha House remains an option despite “fake news” suggesting otherwise.
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They have been invited to inspect aged care facility Maranatha House in Whiteley Street, Wellington, from 10.30am on Tuesday.
Last week, relatives of Bellhaven residents raised concerns that it was closing earlier and a move to Maranatha House would not be possible.
Orana Gardens Ltd, owner of Bellhaven, had previously advised that it would close “on or around” October 7.
On Friday, chairman of Maranatha House board of directors, former Wellington councillor John Trounce, contacted his equivalent at Orana Gardens Ltd, Bruce Henderson, who confirmed that the closure time frame had not changed.
“He assured me, after discussions with his CEO, that they are abiding by our agreement with them,” Mr Trounce said.
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“We are most grateful for that because it has caused a lot of stress among residents of Bellhaven and their relatives.
“I do appreciate the fact they have given that reassurance and anything else, as they say these days, is fake news.”
Mr Trounce said Tuesday’s event was an opportunity for Bellhaven residents to “review our services, staff and accommodation”.
“Then they can make a final decision about what they want to do,” he said.
“They must be given that opportunity.”
Mr Trounce said Maranatha House would be “endeavouring to make as many rooms as possible available” in the first week of October.
A new and almost-complete $6 million wing is boosting its number of licensed beds from 62 to 82.
Orana Gardens Ltd has reported of declining resident numbers and rising costs making Bellhaven “unviable”.
