Rannerdale Village, a rest home and hospital aged care facility in Upper Riccarton, is closing because “it is no longer financially viable.”

The 40 residents are being offered a transfer to a facility at Aldwins House in Linwood.

Rannerdale War Veterans Home chair Jane Jackman said “Aldwins House has agreed to take as many of our residents who wish to make the transfer to their 145-bed facility. Rannerdale will also be transferring all veterans’ memorabilia, the flag, the library and photos to Aldwins House so they will be surrounded by familiar things”

“We are very upset after our long history of veterans’ care and the pride we all take in providing such good care of our residents, but at least by being able to offer alternative care at Aldwins House there will be some continuity.”

Promisia Healthcare, the owners of Aldwins House, is looking to meet with affected staff and offer them ongoing employment.

Jackman said Rannerdale was no longer able to offer aged residential care because, as a solo operator, the economies of scale were no longer sustainable.

“Additionally, a nationwide shortage of qualified nursing staff had made it difficult to keep staffing levels up.”

“Most operators, like Promisia Healthcare, run several aged care facilities. Additionally, Rannerdale Village is housed in an ageing facility that is no longer viable to run.”

A family member of one of the residents told Chris Lynch they were devastated at the thought of leaving the home which would break up special friendships with other residents.

Once the transfer and other arrangements are in place, Rannerdale Trust will focus on its veterans’ home care business currently also operating out of its Hansons Lane site. The building and site that houses Rannerdale residents will not be sold but will remain an asset of the Rannerdale Trust.