IRT Group is seeking expressions of interest for participants in a pilot collaborative housing project for women over the age of 55 who are living on their own.
Jasmine Cove will be built within the Not For Profit’s Henry Brooks Estate at IRT Kanahooka south of Wollongong, which is currently under construction.
IRT says the project – which is partially funded through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions fund – will offer “independence without isolation” with eight one-bedroom self-contained villas surrounded by a communal kitchen and garden.
Residents will also receive 50 hours of integrated IRT Home Care services within the first 12 months of residency.
Co-housing was one of the models explored by the Royal Commission at its recent hearing into the future of aged care accommodation – and there was clearly support for the idea.
IRT Group CEO Patrick Reid says more options are needed for retired women living on their own that fits within their financial means while promoting friendship and social connection.
The units still come with a price tag however – the villas will start from an upfront contribution of $199,000 plus instalments with construction expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2021.
