‘Apartments For Life’ innovative Dutch model lets 95 per cent of older people stay in their own homes
Minister for Ageing Mrs Justine Elliot met on 26 June with developers of an innovative Dutch housing model which allows 95 per cent of older people to live in their own homes until the end of their lives. This is known as "ageing in place".
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26 June 2008
Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot today met with Humanitas Foundation, an innovative Dutch housing model which allows 95 per cent of older people to live in their own homes until the end of their lives. This is known as “ageing in place.”
The “Apartments for Life” model was developed by renowned academic Dr Hans Becker who is currently touring Australia.
Barbara Squires, General Manager - Ageing, Benevolent Society was also at the meeting.
The Humanitas Foundation, which began in 1995, now manages 1000 apartments which are built to be “age proof” so they can accommodate wheelchairs and nursing home type care, if required – in response to the changing needs of residents.
After a meeting with Dr Becker in Canberra, Mrs Elliot said the Australian aged care industry could examine this project – which enables individual control, social support, community connection and appropriate housing design.
“It enables the great majority of its residents to stay in their homes. This is what older Australians, and especially ageing baby boomers, tell us they want,” Mrs Elliot said.
The Benevolent Society of Australia, which sponsored the study tour, will prepare a report on the outcomes.
Picture of Justine Elliot - Minister for Ageing, Barbara Squires – Benevolent Society and Dr Hans Becker - Humanitas Foundation (PDF 82 KB)
For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280
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