Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged - ACHA

IRT is Australia’s largest not-for-profit, community-based aged care and retirement living provider*.

Established in November 1969, today IRT incorporates all-round care to over 4,500 older Australians in 30 locations throughout the Illawarra, Sydney, NSW South Coast and the ACT, and employs over 1,700 people.

IRT’s core belief is that older people deserve the best.

IRT offers:

• Self Care Residences
• Residential Care Facilities (Low Care, High Care, Dementia Specific, Respite, Extra Services)
• Community Services
• Respite Care

As we move into our 40th year of providing care and services for older Australians, IRT stands proud of the vibrant communities we have helped create.

Over our 40 years of operating IRT has developed an understanding that a community cannot be created by simply building homes close together, or promising bonds of friendship. IRT understands that the key is to create a unique structure where friendships can blossom, and much needed support between residential care and high care living makes a genuine difference to the residents’ lives.

IRT Community Services
IRT was a pioneer of the modern day community service packages in NSW. One of three organisations given the undertaking of creating a community services portfolio tailored to the exact needs of older Australians in our communities.

IRT Community Services provides invaluable services to clients in the community who want to remain living independently in their own home, however require some support or care. IRT Community Services also operates a day respite centre in a number of locations.

Assistance with Care & Housing for the Aged Program
Assistance with Care & Housing for the Aged Program (ACHA) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing to assist financially disadvantaged older people to meet both their accommodation and support needs and to allow them to remain in the community.

The ACHA Co-ordinator provides assistance to older people on low incomes who are experiencing difficulties accessing secure and affordable housing, care services and other related agencies.

The program assists in areas such as:

• Assistance and advice for people accessing housing services and related financial and legal services
• Help with removal arrangements, settling in or negotiating to improve accommodation
• Arranging services to assist with daily living and health needs
• Linking to relevant local community supports to improve quality of life
• Support with government departments
• These services are available in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government area. No fees or charges apply to this service, however occasionally a donation may be appropriate.

(*BRW Nov 2008)