Housing and Care Initiatives:

The Experience of UK and France

The primary objective of the tour was to investigate how care services are delivered to older people and senior citizens. Given the global trend of an aging population, Australia is no exception, and it is crucial to explore different approaches to meet the challenges of the future.

UK Program
The study tour first started in the UK with an introductory seminar to gain insights on UK care systems from top industry leaders.

The delegation began their journey with a visit to Wembley Park, a groundbreaking development that will become the largest single site of Build to Rent (BtR) in the UK upon completion. This estate will feature nearly 6,000 homes managed by the leading BtR operator, Quintain Living, showcasing the scale and ambition of high-quality rental accommodations designed to meet modern urban needs.

The next focus was on Southern Housing, a major UK housing association providing affordable homes primarily in London and the South East. Southern Housing offers rented properties, shared ownership opportunities, supported housing, and various community development projects.
The delegation then met with the L&Q group, another large housing association in the UK. L&Q provides affordable housing primarily in London and the South East, managing a wide range of properties, including rental homes, shared ownership, and supported housing.

Part of the study tour included a visit to Peabody, where delegates explored the facilities of this not-for-profit organization that manages affordable housing for individuals and families in need.
The delegation also visited Elephant Park in the Elephant & Castle area, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and ongoing urban revitalization efforts.

The Royal Star & Garter was another key stop, where delegates toured the home and met with residents. This charity organization, established in 1916, provides residential and nursing care to ex-servicemen and women, supporting veterans with a range of needs, including those related to aging, disability, and dementia.

The visit to Battersea Retirement Place highlighted London’s first luxury lifestyle retirement community. Consisting of two linked apartment buildings around a central courtyard on the edge of Battersea Park, this "village" offers numerous services, including a concierge, library, spa, indoor pool, gym, billiard room, private cinema, chef-led restaurant, and hairdresser.
Delegates also toured Battersea Power Station, exploring its various development phases. This iconic site is one of central London’s largest and most eagerly anticipated new developments, transforming a vast 42-acre former industrial brownfield into a vibrant community with homes, shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, offices, and over 19 acres of public space.

On their last day in the UK, the delegation visited two innovative retirement communities managed by St Monica Trust - The Chocolate Quarter and Audley Redwood Retirement Village.
St Monica Trust, a not-for-profit organization, provides high-quality accommodation and care for older people, including award-winning village accommodation, care homes, specialist short-term care facilities, domiciliary care, and dedicated dementia facilities.
Audley Redwood Retirement Village, located in Bristol, offers luxury retirement properties designed for independent living for individuals aged 55 and over, with amenities and services tailored to residents' needs and preferences.

Continuing the Journey in France
The delegation then spent five days in France, visiting the Village Landais Alzheimer, which provided valuable insights into non-medicinal and person-centered approaches to dementia care.
They explored care and support for dependent elderly people and individuals with disabilities at Partage & Vie Foundation and attended a seminar focused on the French medico-social system, and addressed challenges of aging, the role of Gérontopoles, and home services in France.
The visit to Antin Résidences "Les camélias" showcased facilities providing social housing units with senior and family homes.

On the final day, the delegation visited Résidence de l’Abbaye, a retirement home offering a comfortable and supportive environment for elderly individuals. The residence provides amenities and services tailored to seniors' needs, including assistance with daily living activities, communal spaces for socializing, and medical care. An intergenerational crèche fosters enriching exchanges and surprising discoveries between children and their elders. The visit concluded with insightful discussions and a tour of the senior residence.

This program offered an ideal platform for information sharing and education, enabling participants to explore and exchange international experiences. It was an opportunity to build enduring professional relationships, both internationally and domestically, facilitating increased dialogue among industry professionals about the future of aged care and offering new perspectives to bring back home.