Date: 5 December 2019

Whiddon has entered into a short-term partnership arrangement with Lithgow Aged Care. The partnership comes following Lithgow Aged Care’s request to work together as the two organisations explore a potential ownership transfer to Whiddon.

Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said that Whiddon is honoured to have been chosen as the organisation to partner with Lithgow Aged Care and the local community.

“We are committed to working alongside Lithgow Aged Care over the next few months to conduct due diligence and explore the potential for transfer of ownership in 2020. Like Lithgow Aged Care, we genuinely care about the services we provide and have a deep respect for the strong linkages that exist between the local community and Lithgow Aged Care.”

“In the current aged care environment, many small providers are facing challenges around financial viability. As a large provider with a long and proud history, we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey with Lithgow Aged Care.”

“As an organisation that operates in regional, rural and remote locations, we are often at the very heart of our local communities, both as an employer and provider of care services. We operate 19 aged care homes, 9 community care hubs and 12 retirement villages, including in nearby Bathurst. There is a distinct Whiddon experience that is based around the way we care for and support our residents, and how we value and continually investing in our people, communities, homes and services.”

“Should the transition of Lithgow Aged Care to Whiddon progress, we recognise that there is no one-size fits all model and from experience, we understand the support and resourcing that a successful transition requires.”

The time frame for any transfer, should both Boards approve for it to take place, is anticipated to be in May 2020.

A change of ownership would see Lithgow Aged Care residents have access to Whiddon’s award-wining model of care, and wellbeing and creative ageing programs. Lithgow Aged Care employees would have access to a number of wellbeing and professional development programs, including our scholarship and leadership programs, to encourage and enable personal growth and career development.

Whiddon partners with residents, families and their communities to achieve a highly personalised level of care built on relationships and supporting people to continue doing what matters to them. Whiddon’s offering includes a wide range of programs, some aimed at everyone’s enjoyment and others aimed as specific therapies for people with dementia and cognitive impairment.

Whiddon is committed to working closely with Lithow Aged Care’s Board and management team, along with residents, families and employees, to understand and communicate the next steps of the partnership.