The Whanganui District Health Board is confident that all the residents will have a new home before the residential care services in Taihape close on the 12 December 2010.

Whanganui DHB chief executive Julie Patterson said transfer arrangements were well underway and although the transfer arrangements have had to occur quickly, residents and their families have received the best outcomes possible.

“At any stage since the liquidator was appointed, he could have closed the doors. This could have potentially occurred the day he was appointed. Given the time pressure of this situation, the process of relocating residents, to ensure they continue to receive care, has had to happen very quickly” said Mrs Patterson.

“All the residents have been reassessed to ensure they are receiving the right level of care and based on the assessment outcome, families have been provided with all the options available that best meet their loved ones’ needs”.

“The majority of families have already selected their second best option and transfers have either already taken place or are scheduled to take place this week.”

Several of the residents have chosen to move closer to their family and support people out of the region.

“I am really pleased that successful arrangements have been made to ensure that the two couples who were residents of Otaihape can remain together” said Mrs Patterson.

“Throughout this process our priority has been to support the residents and their families. We have also made ongoing support available including travel assistance, social workers and counsellors.”

Mrs Patterson acknowledged that staff and the assessment and service coordination teams have worked exceptionally hard and have found good options for the residents and their families.

The home based support services and day services for older people, along with all other primary and community health services, will continue in Taihape.