Group Homes Australia has opened 8 boutique homes since 2011 bankrolled for $3.5M by private investors. It was founded by Tamar Krebs (pictured), who has over 18 years' experience in managing nursing homes and dementia units.
Each home caters for six to 10 residents, 95% with dementia.
Prices range from $58 to $150 a day depending on location.
Based on the group home model common in the disability sector, residents can wake, nap and shower in their own time, go on accompanied outings and use the kitchen with carer assistance.
The houses themselves are designed to blend into the local community, without any signage.
Trained staff, called homemakers, are on site 24 hours a day with a care ratio of about one staff member for every three residents. Finding suitable staff has been a challenge though.
Ms Krebs now plans to roll out her model nationwide in the next year, growing the business through referral partners in the health system and online marketing.
