Expanding the empire

A major provider has announced the acquisition of a 150 bed Brisbane nursing home, the latest addition to its Queensland portfolio.

The Regis Group has acquired the Clem Jones Home from the Aged and Disabled Persons Hostel and Welfare Association.

According to a statement from the Regis Group, the acquisition of the 150-bed aged care home is due to be completed on or before 1 November 2011, subject to the approval of the Department of Health and Ageing.

Regis chief executive officer, Ross Johnston, said the company was very excited to be acquiring the Brisbane nursing home, which began its life as accommodation for dry dock workers during the Second World War, before later becoming low-cost housing.

The Aged and Disabled Persons Hostel and Welfare Association took it over in 1980 and commenced a major capital works program to upgrade the facilities for the residents, followed by subsequent upgrades “to keep pace with [residents’] changing needs and in accordance with the ‘ageing in place’ principles of the Aged Care Act 1997”, according to the facility’s website.

“We are very proud of our achievements and reputation in Queensland and the addition of the Clem Jones Home will complement our high standards of care,” Mr Johnston said. “We are proud to not only be Australian owned and operated but also a leader in the aged care industry offering security, quality aged care and choice for older Australians.”

The Aged and Disabled Association’s Executive Manager, Michael Frame, said the sale would be beneficial to both staff and residents.

“While the sale will allow for the development of new services that will serve the home well in the future, an important factor in the sale is that care is going to be maintained for existing residents and staff will have ongoing employment opportunities,” Mr Frame said.

The Regis Group has operated for over 18 years and has 11 facilities across the state, plus an additional two currently under construction.

The Clem Jones Home brings the number of aged care facilities owned and operated by the Regis Group in Queensland to 12. In Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, the group provides a further 4,200 beds and employs more than 4,600 people across 45 facilities.