Major provider turns to housing

One of Australia’s biggest aged care providers has been recognised as a community housing provider by the NSW Office of Housing.

UnitingCare Ageing NSW.ACT obtained the new status after winning a grant under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) to create 167 dwellings at a number of sites.

The organisation’s commitment to the scheme comes as it launches a new strategy to deliver a more person-centred approach.

“A professional well-informed assessment of the person’s needs with professional case management plans developed around responding to these needs will form the basis of service provision,” said the group’s executive director, Gillian McFee.

The shift will see UnitingCare Ageing focusing more on community based services.

“We will have moderate growth in residential care and assertive, primary growth in community care,” said Ms McFee.

“We see housing as becoming a much larger part of our service provision. Aged care providers need far greater flexibility in meeting the changing needs of consumers.”

In an effort to establish intergenerational communities, the new rental properties will also be available to disadvantaged people of younger ages.

Rent will be set at 20 per cent below standard rates to enable greater access to housing for people in vulnerable groups.

UnitingCare Ageing is launching the new strategy at its biannual staff conference which is being held on the UN’s International Day for Older Persons.