Presbyterian Support Otago (PSO) is the new owner of Alexandra’s Castlewood home and has plans to build a boutique retirement village on site within the next few years.

PSO chief executive officer and Enliven acting director Jo Rowe said Castlewood residents have been assured a secure future in the home they have come to know. 

PSO chief executive officer and Enliven acting director Jo Rowe, also a registered nurse, said the quality of rest home care is tantamount for her organisation. PHOTO: Supplied

“We are keen to retain Castlewood’s existing staff as far as possible because we appreciate the importance of relationships and continuity of care.”

Jo said the plan, within three to five years, is to expand the Ranui care home and build about 12-20 retirement village units on the Castlewood site. 

“At that time, every Castlewood resident will have the opportunity to relocate to our Ranui home, into a spacious, well-appointed room.

“We want to support the local Alex community in growth development… we intend to have affordable accommodation for staff and workers on site as part of the Ranui development.”

She said the price of the retirement village units will continue to be below competitors’.

Jo said PSO wants to build retirement units to increase the housing options for people reaching retirement age in Central, and create an additional income

stream which can be put back into care homes and social services for the community.

Castlewood will be managed by Leigh McLeod, who is also the manager of Ranui care home. 

Jo and Leigh will both be available in person for families and residents to talk to on the first day of PSO’s operation of Castlewood on June 27. 

Castlewood has 22 beds and there are currently 19 residents living there.  

Castlewood is at 101 Tabert St, Alexandra. PHOTO: Google maps

PSO owns and runs eight other care homes in Otago, under the Enliven brand, including Ranui in Alexandra.

PSO, a separate entity to the Presbyterian Church, is a charitable organisation.