The future of Kyneton’s beloved not-for-profit RM Begg Aged Care facility now appears more secure thanks to a proposed federal government funding model.
The new Australian National Aged Care Classification is due to replace the Aged Care Funding Instrument from October 1, 2022.
Adopting the new funding model was one of the key recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Aged Care sector and followed a federal government review of aged care funding.
RM Begg board director Phillip Irvine said the board had resolved to suspend all efforts to amalgamate.
“Instead, the board and management’s effort will now be solely focused on RM Begg’s sustainability as a stand-alone provider,” he said.
Due to ongoing financial instability, the RM Begg Board had actively been considering all options regarding the facility’s future direction, including partnering with a larger organisation.
The local community rallied in support of the community owned 63-year-old aged care home, providing fundraising opportunities, desperately hoping it could remain in its current form.
“The full impact of the introduction of the new government funding system should become apparent through the first half of 2023, at which point the board will review the position,” Mr Irvine said.
Focused action over the past eight months has stabilised the organisation’s commercial performance while recent executive appointments include new general manager Kate Hayward and Deirdre Heath as clinical care coordinator.
“Our board and executive is firmly focused on continuing to provide the excellent care to residents that RM Begg is renowned for,” Mr Irvine said.
Mr Irvine is putting a call out to community minded people interested in joining the RM Begg Board, as there are up to four board positions becoming vacant in July.
