An evaluation of a purpose-built HammondCare aged care home in the Sydney inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst for people with high care needs who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, has found that after 12 months living in the home, residents’ wellbeing, quality of life and physical function all improved significantly.

The evaluation, which has been published in BMC Geriatrics, found that one year in the unique home saves the Government approximately $32,000, mainly through a reduction in in-patient admissions.

Residents in the study had an average age of 76 years and were most likely referred from hospital with the primary referral reason being high health care needs. More than a third had been homeless at some point. The remainder were considered at risk of homelessness.

The researchers, which were led by Professor Christopher Poulos, noted there were some shortcomings with the study, but concluded, “These preliminary positive outcomes add to the growing body of evidence that supports the need for dedicated services to care for the growing numbers of older people subject to homelessness”.

HammondCare Darlinghurst opened in 2020 and provides a permanent home for up to 42 residents over four floors. One floor is specifically for older women at risk of homelessness.