BlueCross’s Ruckers Hill aged care home in Northcote, 7km north of the Melbourne CBD, which recorded a dozen COVID-19 deaths is closing its doors, leaving 40 residents looking for new accommodation.
Ruckers Hill also recorded over 130 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Residents were informed of the closure at a meeting last Tuesday, The Herald Sun reported.
In a statement to the publication, BlueCross, one of Victoria’s largest private aged care providers, said the closure was part of a “strategic plan to consolidate its service offerings”.
“The closure of the residence is part of BlueCross’ strategic plan to consolidate its service offerings to enable the company to provide the best possible care for residents into the future,” it said.
“Several key factors were taken into consideration including the residence’s current building design, potential for redevelopment, occupancy level, as well as demand for places, growth potential in the area and the recommendations from the Royal Commission.”
Residents have been given until April 23 to relocate from the aged care home but if they fail to do so in time, they will continue to receive care until they do.
