Freemasons charity to sell its care homes in Yorkshire as it exits the sector
Care homes in Yorkshire are among those set to be sold by the Freemasons as its exits the sector citing a review of its costs and charity objectives.
The society runs 15 homes for the elderly, including York's Connaught Court, as well as Harry Priestly House in Doncaster as a home for people with a learning disability.
Now, confirming all are set to be sold, care chiefs have told The Yorkshire Post it has become a "constant" balancing act to maintain its high standards of care.
John Boyington is chairman of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company, (RMBI Care Co), a subsidiary of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).
It has become "increasingly challenging", he said, to meet the required levels of quality care.
"We have run care homes for around 150 years, although in recent years the needs of people has changed and become more significant," he said. "That becomes increasingly challenging to meet the required levels of quality care.
"We don't believe that we will be able to invest what needs to be invested to keep them to the standard that is required by the residents and families they serve," he added.
"In the best interests of the people we serve we look to new owners who have the capacity in invest in facilities."
Historically, the Freemasons have run both schools and hospitals, dating back to 1788, but these were sold at the the end of the last century. Rather than delivering direct services, the society has moved towards grants and support, rather than its own property portfolio.
A review of services now is an "opportunity" to look beyond geography in how it supports older people, leaders said. In briefings, the body said the wider sector is facing challenges over property, energy and staffing bills, with local council support also struggling.
More older people are also needing a more complex level of care, it added, something its buildings weren't built to accommodate.
Meeting demand is a "constant battle", said Mr Boyington, and there is a "constant tension" in balancing needs - a challenge evident across the whole of the care sector.
"We don't want to go down a road of blaming anybody else," he insisted. "The standards we provide are at a very high level, and we are very proud of that. Maintaining that is a challenge.”
Now Christie & Co has been appointed to manage the sale. RMBI Care Co is seeking buyers to keep the homes open for up to 958 residents - including 94 in York - and some 1,500 staff. The sale of the Doncaster home has been expected in a separate process.
Mr Boyington insists care carries on as normal: "If we can see this process through successfully, it will be like changing the name above the door. The care - the staff who provide that care - the people receiving care - hopefully will all remain the same.
"Nothing is going to happen to any resident, their care or staffing in the short term - and we hope that the long-term prospect will be better."