One of the managers of the Australian Aged Care Provider IRT is visiting nine ExtraCare Care Homes in a month long visit to learn more about the philosophy of caring for the elderly. The visit is part of an exchange arrangement which was agreed last year in a mutual study of best practise when it comes to alternative care homes and the lifestyle of the residents who live within them.

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust works hard to develop inspirational villages for the over 55s. The ExtraCare care homes offer a unique alternative to traditional care homes and enable older people to enjoy a healthier, active and more independent lifestyle.

Ginny Larkin, the manager of Imperial Court in Northamptonshire visited Australia last year in order to investigate how IRT operates and now, Helen Spence of the IRT is visiting various ExtraCare care homes around the country in order the learn more about ExtraCare and its work.

On her arrival, Helen Spence commented on the warmth and enthusiasm from both staff and residents. Her visit started in Northampton where she visited St Crispin Retirement Village before travelling to Coventry to attend a resident survey in Humber Court.

In both Australia and the UK, funding for the aging population is high on government agenda. Helen Spence commented on the governmental support saying "With fewer taxes being paid in Australia. I am very interested in how ExtraCare is supported financially from the community. IRT is waiting on the Australian government's reaction to a recent commission report before deciding how future funding will develop."

Throughout the visit, Helen Spence will collate ideas which she can take back to Australia with her. To find out more about the work and communities at the ExtraCare care homes simply visit the site at ExtraCare.org.uk.