Consumer group lends support to new model

A Qld consumer representative says supported living could provide a solution to the challenge of ageing in place.

A Queensland consumer representative has lent his support to a new model of accommodation and care.

The president of the Association of Residents of Queensland Retirement Villages (ARQRV), Les Armstrong said supported living could provide a solution to the gap in suitable options for ageing in place.

Under the model, residents purchase a long-term lease on a self-contained home in a community where they can purchase care and household support as their needs increase. It does not involve any exit fees or bonds, although annual costs can be higher than conventional villages.

“The concept of ageing in place is now recognised as a beneficial way for seniors to make the transition from various stages in their lives without the physical and emotional disruptions of moving,” Mr Armstrong said.

“Far too often elderly people have to sacrifice their desire for independent living to get the right level of care or live apart because of their different health needs [but] supported living communities give seniors back their right to choose and [are] in line with the highly regarded philosophy.

“Couples can live together and manage their particular aged care requirements independently, and may never need to move from one housing arrangement to another as they presently do from a retirement home to a nursing home.”

The Tall Trees company is pioneering the supported living concept in Queensland with plans to develop more communities in NSW and Western Australia. The model was developed in the US in the 1990s.

Tags: aged-care, consumers, retirement-living, supported-living,

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