There are 47 residential aged care services across Australia that deliver specialised programs to support the complex needs of residents with a history of homelessness.

In October 2024 the Australian Government set new minimum standards for the amount of direct care for older people living in residential aged care. This care can be provided by a mix of registered and enrolled nurses, assistants in nursing, and personal care workers. However, aged care providers that deliver specialised homeless programs and services may need a different staffing mix to meet the complex needs of residents with a history of homelessness.

AHA was engaged by the department to research the programs provided in specialised homeless residential aged care services, the mix of staffing skills used and the current funding arrangements to determine if they meet the care needs of people with a history of homelessness.

For this evaluation, AHA:

• interviewed and surveyed sector stakeholders, managers, staff and residents
• scanned the residential aged care environment to understand what specialised homeless services are currently being delivered
• reviewed the literature to explore evidence underpinning good practice for the care of residents with a history of homelessness
• analysed data to understand provider and resident demographics.

The final evaluation report included findings and recommendations that will inform policy and funding decisions for specialised homeless residential aged care services.