After more than two decades in Aged Care, Natasha Chadwick believed Australia’s aged care model needed an innovative makeover and a people first approach. A year ago, she opened the doors to NewDirection Care, the world’s first diagnosis-inclusive Microtown for Australian seniors with complex care needs including those with dementia and younger onset dementia.

Natasha Chadwick and Alasdair A MacDonald report on a new, award-winning inclusive model of residential aged care that doesn’t segregate people by physical or cognitive diagnosis. Instead, residents with a range of care needs, including advanced dementia, and with similar values and lifestyle preferences, share a home together.

For all the horror stories about aged care there are positive developments. There are new models that promote purpose and meaning. “I’d rather die.” For many – particularly in light of the horror stories that have led to a royal commission – that’s the common reaction to any suggestion about going into aged care.

Last week the Hon. Ken Wyatt AM, MP, Minister for Aged Care saw first-hand the World’s First Microtown™ NewDirection Care in Bellmere, Queensland. Minister Ken Wyatt described NewDirection Care as “Aged Care that is totally person-centred, with seven people per house with a care companion who works with each home’s resident.”

It’s a topic of discussion here this week after a Flinders University study found smaller more home-like facilities provide a better quality of life for residents, particularly for people with dementia. The researchers compared the health outcomes and costs for over 500 residents in 17 facilities across Australia – one-quarter of whom were living in…