Respect Welcomes Costa House to its Growing Network of Homes

Respect is excited to welcome Costa House in Lara, Victoria, to our growing network of aged care homes across the country. 

Our not-for-profit organisation will take ownership of the 120-bed home – located 16 km north-east of Geelong – in January 2024 after news of the upcoming transfer was shared with residents, families, and staff this week via an announcement from current owners genU. 

genU will transfer the home to Respect following a strategic decision to focus on growing its core businesses of disability, community aged care, training, and employment services. 

genU CEO Clare Amies said the decision acknowledged that Costa House’s future best sits within a specialist and dedicated aged care organisation rather than as a standalone service within genU.  

“The transfer means Costa House residents and families, as well as the wider Lara community, gain the benefits of an aged care provider who can deliver a greater level of expertise and knowledge of this vitally important sector.

“In seeking an operator, genU looked for a specialist provider that would not only bring sector expertise, but that also shares our community focus and commitment to high-quality services.” Ms Amies said.

Jason Binder, our Managing Director and CEO, said the move would secure Costa House’s long-term future and ensure the home’s service and support for local families across the region continues. 

“Respect looks forward to welcoming residents, families, and staff into a national organisation that has a strong reputation for compassion and significant experience in delivering quality care to older people,” Mr Binder said. 

“We pride ourselves on our regional focus and our approach to building strong community connections. So we’re excited to continue Costa House’s collaborative culture of support and care for residents, as well as the important role the home has traditionally played for families across Lara and beyond. 

“Being part of a large organisation with a great capacity to invest in systems, staffing and facilities will mean strong aged care services for the community and its surrounding regions.” 

The transfer will give current residents the security of ongoing tenure, and continuity of care and supports. Residents will also have the familiarity of existing carers, with current staff transferring employment to Respect. 

Our organisation deeply values the history and legacy of all its homes and will also retain the treasured Costa House name. 

Mr Binder said Respect will be working closely with genU in coming weeks and months to provide timely support and information to residents, families, and staff and ensure a smooth transition to handover in January 2024. 

Costa House will become the 22nd aged care home to join Respect, a 100-year-old organisation dedicated to serving older people across Australia, through its high standard of care and community involvement. 

Our organisation has grown significantly throughout its history, particularly in the last decade to include 21 homes across Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. Respect also has home care services in multiple states, and more than 700 units in different retirement villages and independent living communities.