ANGLICAN Care has announced it will be acquiring Great Lakes Aged Care (GLAC) following a unanimous vote by its members last month.

The 57-bed facility, which also offers six self-care villas, has served the Bulahdelah and surrounding communities for more than 25 years.

“Small independent aged care providers are finding it increasingly difficult to balance the needs of compliance with government regulations and accreditation standards whilst at the same time maintaining long term financial viability and the very best professional care of their residents,” GLAC Chairman John Ireland said.

“With this in mind, the Board of GLAC has pre-emptively sought out a larger organisation to acquire its operations with a view to ensuring the availability of contemporary aged care services for Bulahdelah and its surrounding communities now and into the future.”

Mr Ireland said the high level of care that residents of the facility receive will only be enhanced by Anglican Care.

Anglican Care CEO Colin Osborne is delighted to commence providing exceptional care to more people and seeing an increase in the footprint of Anglican Care.

“Foremost in the considerations of both organisations will be to ensure the minimal disruption of services over the next few months and that clear communication is maintained with all stakeholders in the lead up to the 1 July 2017 acquisition date,” he said.

“We are excited about the opportunity to enhance the provision of care and support to existing residents via the opportunity for them to access specialist services such as our Nurse Practitioner and our award-winning Lifestyle and Wellbeing programs, including access to our Lifestyle Resource Van.”

GLAC was originally established in 1991 with significant community fundraising to care for the frail and aged residents of Bulahdelah and its surrounding districts.

“We are mindful of the input of the community to the development of this facility and would like to thank them for their support in the past and into the future,” Mr Osborne said.