The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has begun talks with the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care to have the Department recognise the significant role and efficiencies retirement villages delivering home care. 

Its simple proposition is that retirement villages deliver better outcomes for ageing Australians; the resident is in an ecosystem of support, and with Home Care Packages added, the physical and emotional benefit is accentuated. The medium density accommodation will deliver more value out of a home care package than a recipient would receive in their single home in the suburbs.  

It has released a new document titled "Shared Care", the brainchild of Ryman Healthcare Australia CEO Cam Holland (pictured), which proposes part of a resident’s Home Care Package funding can be shared with the rest of the village to create efficiencies. An example would be part of the funds would contribute to a nurse on-site which would benefit the whole village as well as a care package recipient.

The RLC has developed three models (see above) for retirement village operators to deliver community-based care services.  

“This report paves a path for government to make the delivery of home care almost 20% more efficient, meaning that older Australians would receive more care per dollar invested,” RLC Executive Director Daniel Gannon said. 

“These efficiencies would ultimately save the commonwealth an estimated $80 to $100 million per year, which is a win-win for consumers and government alike. 

“This is because retirement villages provide scale for delivering these services efficiently and cost effectively by reducing travel costs incurred by service providers, increasing the frequency of service delivery, and enhancing the quality and suite of services by leveraging those already in place at these communities.” 

A trial of shared care at several retirement villages is being proposed. 

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