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ELDERLY residents of Sunrise Supported Living in Kennington have spoken out about their “heartache” at being told to leave their homes.
The residents were told on Wednesday the retirement village was under new ownership and the 35 people renting units need to leave by March next year.
Many say they are disgusted with the way it has been handled by Sunrise and Freedom Aged Care who have taken over.
Resident June Chamberlain, who has lived there for 11 years, said they got a two-line letter saying there was a meeting the next day.
“No one knew anything about it,” she said.
“We didn’t know this man until he walked in the room and he said they want us out within 12 months.
“I have never seen so many people crying with broken hearts.”
Lauris Sloan, said the residents were shell shocked.
“It is shocking,” she said.
“We came here to end our days. It is a dreadful situation to be in.”
Laurel Goldfinch said no-one wanted to move.
“We might be elderly but we are independent. I love it here and I don’t want to go.
“The first couple of nights I was crying on the inside. I don’t know what to do.”
Russell Keck, whose mother and grandmother both live in Sunrise, said family members were concerned about how it had been handled.
“The new management didn’t even send a letter to the residents so they could have their family members here,” he said.
“It is all hit and run.
“There is nothing in writing; they could turn around and give eight weeks notice. It is disconcerting.
“My concern is that what the new owner is speaking about sounds like the same business model which has been an issue for Sunrise.
“He was indicating the investors lost money. But the residents pay 85 per cent of their pension, the investors bought into it on that basis.
"They haven’t sold the units because they are overpriced and people are uncertain about the management. This doesn’t sound much different."