Seniors lifestyle and care providers IRT Group and the University of Wollongong’s Australian Health Services Research Institute have entered into the new partnership. 

The research aims to address identified national aged care needs by developing person-centred models of care. “This research project is about helping to make the Australian aged care system world-class”, Jason Malone, CEO IRT Care said. 

“In collaboration with AHSRI, we will research national and international best-practice evidence and translate it into an Australian context.”

New models of care will be designed in accordance with IRT’s ‘Journey of Care’ framework, aiming to provide consistent, measurable and repeatable customer experiences, as customers move from IRT at Home to residential aged care.

Palliative care in aged care centres is one of the many issues to be addressed by the research project, with the goal of developing a more customer-centric approach.

“Research into palliative care will aim to improve the delivery of end of life care in residential aged care,” Kathy Eagar, AHSRI’s director said.  

“The result will be to both satisfy customer needs and reduce the demand on public health acute services.”

The first steering committee meeting took place at the AHSRI, at the Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong on Tuesday. 

In May, IRT Group announced its participation in a research project to design the seniors’ housing of the future.

IRT was named as one of five retirement living providers partnering with the Queensland University of Technology to deliver the Senior Living Innovation project, touted as an Australian-first. The project’s aim is to develop alternative business models to reinvent the ageing experience and support health and well-being through all life stages.

READ MORE: IRT Group participating in 'Australian-first' research project