Churches of Christ and Focused on Care today signed a first-of-its-kind partnership

agreement to use 64 rooms at the Churches of Christ Warwick Campus to create new homes

for NDIS clients in the region.

The 10-year licencing agreement will enable NDIS clients currently living in residential aged

care services and hospitals to move into shared living accommodation with their peer group.

Focused on Care Director, Gavin Dunlop, said the agreement represents a creative and

collaborative approach to meeting an unmet need for NDIS clients in regional Queensland.

“There are currently over 600 Queenslanders with a disability living in settings that are not

ideally suited to their needs, including hospitals and aged care services, because

accommodation that meets not just their physical, but their social and location needs, is

unavailable.”

“The best outcome of the partnership is we are able to support people under the age of 65 to

live with peers in appropriate surrounds and a familiar environment, and for some back in the

community they’re originally from. From here, they’ll be supported by the Focused on Care

team to build independent living skills, which may see them one day moving into their own

home in the community.”

Churches of Christ Director Seniors Living Richard de Haast explains the Focused on Care

clients will have their own section of the modern Warwick Aged Care facility, which opened in

2019.

“When we built Warwick Aged Care Service, it was designed to serve the Southern Downs

Region well into the future. While there is not currently the demand for residential aged care

to fill the whole service, we are excited to be able to welcome residents who will gain so

much from being there,” Mr de Haast said.

“Our Warwick Aged Care Service residents enjoy a full range of lifestyle activities that nurture

their wellbeing, keep them active and promote socialisation. Many of these same activities

will be available to the Focused on Care residents so that they too can experience a full life

and do the things that they like to do. They will also be able to access our innovative gym,

which is specifically designed for individuals with mobility and strength limitations,” Mr de

Haast said.

Mr Dunlop says the close proximity of the aged care and NDIS serviced accommodation, and

the congruent nature of their support requirements, mean there will be efficiencies in the

sharing of support services, including allied health professionals.

“Through the increased need for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other support

services by our Focused on Care clients, it is hoped that the partnership will entice more

professionals to the region, which will have great benefit for the whole community.”

The Churches of Christ Warwick Campus sits alongside a bustling community centre with

café and auditorium, and the 99-unit Regency Park Retirement Village.

Mr de Haast said, “We look forward to welcoming the new residents to our Warwick Campus

and having them as part of our thriving community, which has flourished over the past year

and become a centre for the broader Warwick community. The new residents will have

access to great facilities on offer, be able to meet with their friends and loved ones in the

café, and easily get out and visit the town,” he said.

The Focused on Care clients are expected to move into the campus from 1 September 2021.

For further information, please contact:

Jodie Curtis

Communications Coordinator

Mobile: 0400 727 264

Download a copy of the media release here.