Conrad Gargett is exploring new ‘small household’ models of senior living accommodation that focus on creating homelike environments which in turn foster a greater sense of independence, social inclusion and wellbeing amongst residents. A household model of care is defined as ‘person-centred support, combining health and social care, to older people in specially designed, small, home-like environments. Some of the most common small household models of care include the De Hodeweyk model, Greenhouse model, Eden alternative and Wellspring model.A small household model typically breaks down a traditional aged care facility into smaller households featuring around 14–20 residents. Each household includes its own living room, dining room, kitchen, and laundry room with access to outdoor areas. These households can be part of the larger residential care facility but operate independently of one another, and the model encourages the residents to participate in ‘chores if and when they wish’.Research has shown numerous benefits associated with small household models; these include fewer hospitalizations, lower emergency department presentations and better quality of life.More importantly, the human scale and homelike environment of small household models are relatable and reduce the sense of displacement often associated with residential aged care. The intimate scale of having just 14–20 residents per household creates a community-based socio-spatial environment and promotes better relationships among residents and staff.Globally, the delivery of aged care has been evolving towards an environment that supports person-centred care, personalization and social inclusion. In Australia, the 2021 Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Final Report listed two items out of 148 recommendations on the environment: item 45, to improve the design of residential care accommodation, and item 46, to provide ‘small household’ models of accommodation.As Australia’s ageing population continues to grow, it is important to consider a range of senior living models that seek to improve the quality of life of residents. Through the integration of small household models in senior living accommodation, residents can feel more at home and connected to their community.
Conrad Gargett is exploring new ‘small household’ models of senior living accommodation that focus on creating homelike environments which in turn foster a greater sense of independence, social inclusion and wellbeing amongst residents. A household model of care is defined as ‘person-centred support, combining health and social care, to older people in specially designed, small, home-like environments. Some of the most common small household models of care include the De Hodeweyk model, Greenhouse model, Eden alternative and Wellspring model.A small household model typically breaks down a traditional aged care facility into smaller households featuring around 14–20 residents. Each household includes its own living room, dining room, kitchen, and laundry room with access to outdoor areas. These households can be part of the larger residential care facility but operate independently of one another, and the model encourages the residents to participate in ‘chores if and when they wish’.Research has shown numerous benefits associated with small household models; these include fewer hospitalizations, lower emergency department presentations and better quality of life.More importantly, the human scale and homelike environment of small household models are relatable and reduce the sense of displacement often associated with residential aged care. The intimate scale of having just 14–20 residents per household creates a community-based socio-spatial environment and promotes better relationships among residents and staff.Globally, the delivery of aged care has been evolving towards an environment that supports person-centred care, personalization and social inclusion. In Australia, the 2021 Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Final Report listed two items out of 148 recommendations on the environment: item 45, to improve the design of residential care accommodation, and item 46, to provide ‘small household’ models of accommodation.As Australia’s ageing population continues to grow, it is important to consider a range of senior living models that seek to improve the quality of life of residents. Through the integration of small household models in senior living accommodation, residents can feel more at home and connected to their community.
