Arabic version: كبار السن في كيلكيفان يدفعون نحو مشروع تجريبي للشيخوخة في المنزل

According to ABC News, seniors in Kilkivan, about 220 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, are backing a proposed pilot program intended to help older residents remain in their community for longer rather than move away for aged care.

The Kilkivan and District Community Care Association Incorporated, led by president Rosie Fitzgerald, already operates a community hub with in-home care and transport services. It now wants to build a five-bedroom, five-bathroom interim home on vacant land designated for aged care by Gympie Regional Council, next to the hub. Rooms would be rented to provide flexibility for people leaving larger properties but not ready for an aged care facility.

John Devereux, who celebrated his 90th birthday in Kilkivan, said he and his wife Mary have lived in the district for 43 years and do not plan to leave. Ms Fitzgerald said the community-developed concept would let older people stay in their home territory longer and could demonstrate savings for government through a pilot study.

National Seniors Association founder Everald Compton, 94, said he believed the Kilkivan model could be repeated in communities of a similar size across Australia. University of Sunshine Coast associate professor Sophie Andrews said ageing in place was optimal socially, for health and economically, noting people who move away from their home and local context can decline more quickly.

Ms Fitzgerald has begun seeking funding from all levels of government, although the project cost has not been determined. A federal Health and Ageing spokesperson said grants of up to $300 million were available to eligible providers but excluded independent living projects. Queensland Seniors Minister Amanda Camm’s office said there was no funding for the proposal. An $84,000 Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant to the association will support improved disability access at the community hub.