Tall Trees director, Phil Usher, says the supported living model is relatively new in Australia and not fully understood by government, resulting in departments classifying residents as renters whilst other departments classify them as property owners, disqualifying them for most avenues of pensioner support. He is seeking other operators to join him in the launching of a new association, the Australian supported living Association, to build bridges with the government and the community. He states that supported living is not traditional aged care or traditional retirement village accommodation, it straddles both categories. Residents purchase a long-term lease on their own private self-contained home with expert medical care and household support delivered to their home. Tall Trees is currently building its second supported living facility. For further information contact Phil Usher on 07 5593 0588.