The Berrington facility in Subiaco. Photo: Berrington Group

Aged care provider into administration

Thursday, 4 July, 2019 - 15:05

Administrators were today appointed to two entities in Berrington Care Group, which operates aged care facilities in Subiaco and Como.

Hayden White, Wayne Rushton and Stephen James Parbery of KPMG will be acting as administrators of Berrington, after being appointed by the group's directors.

Berrington has 211 beds at its two facilities, about half of which are high care, according to BNiQ data.

The company had reportedly charged reisdents deposits of $800,000 or more after receiving approval from the Aged Care Pricing Commissioner to exceed the regulatory cap on bonds.

Karen Gillingham and Glen Gillingham at the Como facility in 2017. Photo: Attila Csaszar

Mr White said the facilities would continue to operate as normal while an assessment of the business was undertaken.

"The continued care and support for residents and their families is our priority as we continue through this process," he said.

"We are working closely with the Commonwealth Department of Health and will update residents and their families, staff, suppliers and other creditors regularly on the progress."

Berrington's Como facility cost $60 million and was built in 2017.

The Subiaco facility was opened in 2013, with three levels and 112 private suites in a French chateau style.

Karen Gillingham and Glen Gillingham owned the business, with Mr Gillingham serving as chief executive officer and Ms Gillingham as operations director.

Both will remain on site, with other managers, completing normal employee duties during the administration, KPMG said.

Business News had been unable to reach representatives of Berrington at the time of writing.

It was unclear at the time of writing how much was owed to creditors.

The company had positioned itself as a higher end option in aged care.

The Berrington facility in Como. Photo: Attila Csaszar

“Berrington combines luxurious comfort with the care of a friend,” the company said on its website. 

“With us, your loved one is always our top priority, and we pride ourselves in offering five-star meals, breathtaking accommodations and a number of inspiring daily activities to choose from.

“We believe residents should have every opportunity to live out their golden years in a place that’s designed with their well-being and ultimate satisfaction in mind. 

“Our current residents equate life at Berrington to time on a cruise ship. 

“When you choose us, you’re selecting an exquisite lifestyle for your loved one that leaves no stone unturned.”

Creditors are set to meet on July 16, with a potential acquisition of the business one option.