Boutique home expands services
Driven by the belief that aged care should be personal, respectful and enriching, the boutique-style Honey Bee Homes offers an alternative to the traditional nursing home, and is now looking for its third site.
Targeting a new demand for aged care solutions that goes beyond the conventional, Honey Bee Homes in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is looking to expand to its third home.
They currently have one six-bedroom home in Coorabell that is home to five permanent residents and provides care for younger onset dementia and a house in Bangalow that is home to three permanent residents and also has a respite room.
Aiming to redefine what quality aged care looks like Honey Bee Homes offers a boutique, high-quality alternative to the traditional aged care home for seniors and its mission is to provide dignified, independent and personalised care via an intimate and homelike environment.
Co-founders Jo Dwyer and Grescha Brewer come from an aged care background and decided to step outside of the traditional model for older people looking for an alternative. They have since expanded to include people with younger onset dementia.
Honey Bee Homes operates as a private model, similar to a share house, but residents can use their Home Care Package to contribute to their daily care fee.
“We place ourselves between 24 hour nursing care and traditional aged care. This allows for a staff ratio of 1:3 so we can provide more personalised care and attention, as well as community outings,” Ms Brewer told Australian Ageing Agenda.
At Mitchelton, a Queenslander-style home, residents receive tailored support in a warm and engaging setting that prioritises independence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging.
Through innovative programs and a strong focus on community engagement, residents receive the highest level of compassionate care whilst maintaining as much independence as possible, said co-founder and chief executive officer Grescha Brewer.
“Honey Bee Homes was founded on the belief that aged care should be personal, respectful, and enriching,” Ms Brewer said.
“We are proud to provide a setting that feels like home, where residents can continue to live with dignity and joy.”
Honey Bee Homes advocates for a space that reflects real-life environments and personal histories, emphasising organic, familiar and purposeful engagement that is based on the individual rather than forcing standardised solutions.
Community involvement is also central to the model of care, and the team assists with delivering community newspapers and attendance at local events, alongside activities that are meant to be engaging – not just a means of keeping residents occupied.
“Independence isn’t just about physical capability it’s about choice, respect, and the ability to live life on your own terms. We feel it is vitally important for our residents to still participate in their community, in meaningful ways, for as long as possible. We have to make this change now. We need to get it right for our parents. We need to get it right for ourselves,” Ms Brewer told AAA.
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