Could Micro Towns be the future of dementia care?

Key points:

• Minister Anika Wells recently visited a ‘Micro Town’ in Bellmere, Queensland and spoke to residents and care workers about their experiences in this residential setting
• Residents can access secure shopping and health care with assistance from support workers to maintain some independence
• Approximately 411,000 Australians live with dementia, according to recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Minister Anika Wells recently visited the Micro Town aged care community in Bellmere, which aims to resemble a ‘typical suburban community equipped with a grocery store, community centre, hairdressers and much more.’ 

The Micro Town located in Queensland provides a safe and enjoyable residential environment for older Australians including people with dementia or other cognitive difficulties.

Approximately 411,100 Australians currently live with dementia, as per recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. By 2058, the number of Australians with dementia is expected to double and creating appropriate aged-care solutions will be required.

According to Dementia Australia, people with dementia may ‘become overwhelmed in crowded or noisy places’ or ‘get frustrated when they’re doing a complex task.’

However, in this Micro Town model, nurses, support workers and other health professionals are available to provide support to residents in participating in everyday life. 

To create the feel of a typical suburban community, Bellmere contains facilities such as shops, cafes, a cinema, a barber, a corner store, a general practice room and a wellness centre. These facilities are not accessible to the general public to ensure the safety of residents. 

The Micro Town’s shop contains many options for residents to ‘buy’ their food. [Source: supplied]

Founder and Managing Director of NewDirection Care Natasha Chadwick commented on the importance of visits from government officials such as Minister Wells to highlight the value of Micro Towns.

“The residents and our team were delighted to have the opportunity to interact with Minister Wells and to showcase our community and explain why our model is so different to every other residential aged care,” she said.

“The minister’s visit was an important recognition of the necessity of our service. We deeply appreciate the government’s continued commitment to improve Australia’s aged care system.”

Minister Wells talks with a resident in the Micro Town wellness centre. [Source: supplied]

In one Australian study, older people living in typical aged care homes found it ‘difficult to maintain their autonomy and dignity and forge meaningful relationships.’

Instead of one residential building — as is common in many aged care homes — NewDirection Care at Bellmere is a collection of 17 houses. Seven residents live in each home with a support worker to provide care and assistance. Residents are ‘encouraged and supported to help with cooking and other household chores,’ according to the NewDirection Care website. 

Each support worker — also referred to as a house companion —  is provided with ‘intensive multi-skilled training and a five-week induction program’ that includes dementia care, nutrition and cooking skills and customer service.

Ms Chadwick conveyed the importance of improving aged care for older Australians through new methods. 

“Innovation is the future of aged care. It’s what older and vulnerable Australians want and it’s what our care system needs,” she said.

“With more and more Australians opting out of ‘traditional’ aged care, older Australians deserve innovative models that meet their growing needs and expectations.

“[…] We offer holistic care that not only meticulously attends to each residents’ physical needs but also their social, mental and spiritual well-being.”

While symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the cause and type, cognitive and psychological changes are common. 

Some cognitive changes may include memory loss, confusion or difficulties with communication. Agitation, depression or inappropriate behaviour may indicate psychological changes as a result of dementia.

What are your thoughts on this Micro Towns model?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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