In what is being termed a “first-of-its-kind partnership”, Not For Profit care organisation Churches of Christ in Queensland and Toowoomba-based company Focused On Care are to give homes to NDIS clients living in residential aged care and hospitals.
64 rooms at the Churches of Christ’s Warwick Aged Care Service will be used under a 10-year licencing agreement to enable NDIS clients to move into shared living accommodation with their peer group.
“There are currently over 600 Queenslanders with a disability living in settings that are not ideally suited to their needs, including hospitals and aged care services, because accommodation that meets not just their physical, but their social and location needs, is unavailable,” Focused on Care Director Gavin Dunlop said.
“The best outcome of the partnership is we are able to support people under the age of 65 to live with peers in appropriate surrounds and a familiar environment, and for some back in the community they’re originally from. From here, they’ll be supported by the Focused on Care team to build independent living skills, which may see them one day moving into their own home in the community.”
Churches of Christ Director Seniors Living Richard de Haast said the Focused on Care clients will have their own part of the Warwick Aged Care facility, which opened in 2019.
“Our Warwick Aged Care Service residents enjoy a full range of lifestyle activities that nurture their wellbeing, keep them active and promote socialisation. Many of these same activities will be available to the Focused on Care residents so that they too can experience a full life and do the things that they like to do. They will also be able to access our innovative gym, which is specifically designed for individuals with mobility and strength limitations,” he said.
The Focused on Care clients are expected to move into the campus from 1 September.
