Future is bright for Whyalla Aged Care - Helping Hand to proceed with acquisition of Kindred Living

Leading aged care service provider Helping Hand has confirmed that both the Helping Hand and Kindred Living Boards have approved the acquisition of Kindred Living by Helping Hand.

The decision will mean that high quality aged care services remain in Whyalla and secures the employment of more than 200 local staff.

In November 2021 Helping Hand took on the management of Kindred Living aged care services, including its residential care homes and home care services. 

Helping Hand CEO, Chris Stewart said the decision was an outstanding outcome for the local Whyalla community and will ensure a bright future for aged care services in the region.

“We have worked extremely hard to create a sustainable business model that delivers a high standard of care to those most vulnerable in the Whyalla community.  This decision will also secure the employment for over 200 staff in the region,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our intention is to move ahead with the acquisition and transfer of Kindred Living to Helping Hand by 25 November 2022, coinciding with the conclusion of the existing Management Agreement.”

“Helping Hand is extremely grateful to the local community, including Kindred Living staff, residents, clients and families who have been patient and supportive over the past nine months.”

“There is much work to do over the next few months. Subject to all the necessary regulatory approvals and other key criteria being satisfied, we are confident that the integration will proceed as planned.”

Helping Hand Board Chair Prof Brenda Wilson said: “The Aged Care Royal Commission raised concerns in regards to access to aged care services in regional, rural and remote areas.  This includes older people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.  Our expansion in Whyalla will enable Helping Hand to deliver services that significantly benefit older Australians in the region.”

“We are grateful for the support provided by the Commonwealth government, federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, state Member for Giles Eddie Hughes and the Whyalla City Council, to ensure this successful outcome.”

Tim Weiss, Chairman of Kindred Living said: “We know that aged care services across regional Australia are under pressure, and so this is a great result.  We are delighted that Helping Hand has agreed to the acquisition, securing aged care services well into the future.”

Mr Stewart confirmed that it would be business as usual while the acquisition is completed and that Helping Hand would continue to work side by side with Kindred Living staff.

Helping Hand already provides home care services across the Lower North, Barossa Valley, Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula. Helping Hand also has residential care homes in Clare, Port Pirie, Jamestown and throughout Adelaide.

Established in 1953 and part of the UnitingCare Australia network, Helping Hand is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting 7,000 older people and employing 1,900 staff across South Australia.