CareVillas Australia won the Property & Design category in the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards for their community-driven housing solutions that combine sustainable design, assistive technology, and personalised care to support people with special living needs, including dementia. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on August 29, 2024…To view all of the winners…
CareVillas Australia (CVA) is redefining how communities support people with special living needs, especially those with dementia, through the development of equitable, affordable, and fit-for-purpose housing. Officially launched in 2023, CVA has delivered two pioneering housing concepts: the Smart Care Villa and the Stevens Villa Community Cluster. These models offer practical alternatives to institutional aged care by combining innovative design, assistive technology, and community-based living.
CVA was born out of the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, which exposed major shortcomings in dignity, quality of life, and choice for older Australians. In response, a group of executive-level volunteers from aged care, health, design, and academic sectors created a sustainable solution focused on enabling people to age in place, supported by community and modern technology.
Background and purpose
CVA’s formation was driven by a volunteer-led collaboration between CareVillas Australia, Rural Care Australia, and Heathcote Dementia Alliance. The initiative sought to close a major gap in aged care, namely, the lack of accessible, home-like environments for people with cognitive and physical impairments who wish to stay within their communities.
The Smart CareVilla was the prototype, launched on World Alzheimer’s Day 2023. Its success led to the creation of the Stevens Villa Community Cluster – an interconnected village-style concept featuring private villas, shared gardens, communal facilities, and a unique care model called Bush Inspired Community Care (B.I.C.C). Both models aim to create autonomy, dignity, and a sense of belonging for their residents.
Design and implementation
The development process involved:
- Stakeholder-Led Design: Input was gathered from carers, in-home care professionals, aged care operators, dementia researchers, and families.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Key players included La Trobe University’s John Richards Centre, Sunraysia Community Health Services, Heathcote Health, and IntelliCare.
- Sustainability Planning: Villas are off-grid capable and built using Passive House principles. Classifying them as non-care facilities reduces building code expenses, supporting long-term financial viability.
- Flexible Ownership Models: Options include lease, buy-back, or purchase with retention.
Each Smart Care Villa includes essential living areas (bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, visitor’s room), integrated assistive technology (e.g., fall detection, automated alerts, medication tracking), and is designed to minimise stimuli and support cognitive ease. The Stevens Villa design adds shared amenities to enhance socialisation and access to telehealth.
Community and social integration
The Stevens Villa Community Cluster is designed around the idea of intentional community. This includes:
- Accommodation for partners and pets.
- Inclusion of familiar surroundings for stability.
- Spaces that promote spontaneous interaction: gardens, lounges, and communal zones.
- Integrated palliative care and telehealth access to support residents in place.
Implementation of both models included extensive community consultation and co-design sessions, resulting in high levels of support and local ownership.
Monitoring, evaluation, and research
La Trobe University and the University of Tasmania are engaged in continuous evaluation, focusing on health outcomes, resident engagement, and community integration. A rigorous evaluation framework ensures ongoing improvement, with data gathered through surveys, focus groups, and case studies.
The IntelliCare monitoring system provides 24/7 support by detecting risks and notifying caregivers or family members in real time. The system logs behavioural changes, fall risks, and other patterns, allowing timely and targeted responses.
“Innovative design options, looking outside aged care funding.”
2024 Future of Ageing Awards judge
Key outcomes and recognition
CVA’s early success includes:
- Environmental excellence: Costerfield House achieved the highest environmental audit score ever recorded by Dementia Australia.
- Government acknowledgement: Recognised in the Victorian Parliament as an exemplar of innovation and care.
- International spotlight: Shortlisted for the SilverEco International Awards in France.
- Expansion projects: Planning is underway for an $8.5M government-backed MicroVillage in Merbein, and the relocation of Costerfield House to Mildura’s Garden of Hope in 2024 for respite tourism use.
Community engagement events like Dinner Under the Vines have brought in over 200 participants, strengthening public buy-in and local identity. Fundraising efforts to date have raised more than $1 million, largely from grassroots donations and private investment.
Stakeholders
CVA’s board includes senior professionals across health, finance, governance, and community development:
- Sandra Slatter – Executive Director
- Caitlin Rogers – Secretary
- Daniel Pilbrow – Strategic Director & CEO of IntelliCare
- Taf Shaamano – Finance Director
- Janine Gowenlock – Marketing & Communications
- Prof Irene Blackberry – Governance & Research
Other partners include Heathcote Dementia Alliance, Coolibah Cabins, Rural Care Australia, Sunraysia Community Health, the Christie Centre, and WomenCAN Australia.
CareVillas Australia is not just a housing provider; it’s a movement reshaping aged care through compassion, innovation, and community. By integrating advanced technology with sustainable design and deep community collaboration, CVA is delivering dignified, independent, and supported living solutions. These scalable models are ready to be replicated in communities across Australia, setting a new benchmark for inclusive and intelligent housing for older Australians and individuals with complex needs.
