Private aged care operator Signature Care is due to open its 144-bed home in Tamworth, about 420km north of Sydney, in March 2024 - and demand for beds has been strong.

About 75 prospective residents have already expressed interest in the facility, Graeme Croft, Founder and Executive Director of Signature Care, told The SOURCE. There is "very, very, very high demand" for aged care places in Tamworth, he said.

When Tamworth opens, the group, which has a target of 2,200 operational beds by 2026, will have 1,233 beds. Further homes are in development.

Signature Care homes are generally full within six to nine months of opening, due to Signature Care's selection of "high demand areas".

In Tamworth, demand has been strongest for high-end rooms, for example, the larger rooms and those with walk-in wardrobes, however, Signature Care "by and large maintain at least a 40% supported ratio", Graeme said.

Recruitment is underway, with Graeme expecting some staff to come from overseas. Accommodation will be provided, short term, for overseas staff.

"It's just par for the course now if you want to bring [staff] in [from overseas]," he said.