Over 18,000 people over the age of 55 are sleeping rough in Australia on any given night, including 2000 over the age of 75. They’re couch surfing, living in cars, staying in short term accommodation like boarding houses, or seeking shelter on the streets.
There are many reasons why some older people don’t have safe, secure housing. Relationship breakdown, loss of income, insufficient superannuation and poor health can sometimes be to blame. Whatever the reason, Age Matters is here to help.
Last year we supported hundreds of clients to find appropriate housing. They say we’ve changed their lives. We say they’ve changed ours.
Under the care finder program, we help people who are over the age of 65 and are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. Application information can be found here.
This service is provided under the care finders program and supported by funding from COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
There is a strong need for safe, sustainable housing for older people who want to live independently. Retirement villages can be a good option, offering secure homes within communities of like‑minded people. IRT retirement villages are well suited to people who can afford the ingoing contribution.
IRT does not regularly offer retirement village units as rental accommodation. However, Age Matters facilitates a small number of temporary rental units when opportunities arise, including in our small Community Housing property. These are offered to Homelessness Program clients, with Age Matters carefully matching people to affordable, appropriate housing in the right community.
Moving in can be a stressful time. We enjoy helping our clients to settle in and connect with their community. We can help link people to support services so they can live independently.
We also regularly run donation drives for household goods. Good quality kitchen appliances, bedding and cleaning products are always in demand.
Age Matters is working to increase the supply of affordable age-appropriate housing by seeking partners and investment. We are an approved Community Housing Provider and we continually explore innovative ways to partner with housing providers to develop sustainable and age-friendly accommodation options.
We also advocate to government to build more social and affordable housing that is appropriate for older people.
Donate online, or register your interest to support an Age Matters donation drive or fundraising event.
Powered by 
Enter your details below to receive the latest updates from IRT directly to your inbox
