Looking across the ditch for inspiration

Given Australia’s aged care funding system is moving towards the New Zealand model, we should be looking at that country’s most successful built environments as inspiration for our own capital developments, writes David Cox.

A capital development project will be a major decision for any organisation, and getting it right will not only impact resident satisfaction and occupancy, but can influence short and long term project feasibility.

In the emerging user pays environment resulting from the Living Longer, Living Better reforms, residential care providers are increasingly looking to learn from international examples that provide direction around service model development and the design of the built environment.

The decision to look abroad for service model inspiration may, at times, be misdirected if there is a mismatch between the cultural and/or aged care funding systems between Australia and the country in question.

Australia is classified as having a mixed funding system, where those with higher wealth are required to contribute to their accommodation and, often, also their care services. Our system is, however, undergoing major change and care recipients are increasingly relied upon to bear the cost of care and accommodation. This will have a significant impact on the needs and preferences of our consumers and will therefore guide our built environments and models of care.

Based on Ansell Strategic’s extensive work in New Zealand, we believe that Australia’s aged care funding system is moving towards the New Zealand model. Therefore, we should be looking to New Zealand’s most successful built environments as inspiration for our own capital developments.

New Zealand Homes: Key Features

• Significant product differentiation, with built environment and services designed to meet the needs of that specific
• Integrated retirement village, serviced apartments, rest-home care (low care) and hospital care (high care).
• Flexible service models where complex care services can be delivered in the resident’s retirement village or serviced
• Residential care rooms with a bedroom and separate sitting or meals
• Increased focus on lifestyle amenities that are aimed at attracting a younger, healthier demographic.

To find out more about New Zealand and their integrated care model, you can download the full article provided at the link below.