2026 International Dementia Conference
When we say "we create homes, not facilities," we mean it. But reimagining aged care through small-scale living isn't just about beautiful designs. It is also about navigating the unexpected operational realities that come with breaking traditional industry boxes.
At the 2026 International Dementia Conference we are presenting, "Small-scale living and the unexpected issues," Shelly Fletcher, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer will dive into what it really takes to move away from traditional institutions and establish genuine home environments.
At Honey Bee Homes, our model is built on a simple foundation: The Four C’s: Cook, Clean, Community, and Care. Turning these principles into a lived reality means directly confronting major industry dilemmas:
Not Fitting in the Box: Despite recommendations from the Royal Commission, small-scale models are still heavily advocating for acknowledgment within rigid aged care, NDIS, health sectors, and local council zoning frameworks. We need funding and planning bylaws that recognise models like ours are residential homes, not commercial facilities.
The TV & Bathroom Dilemma: There is a fundamental disconnect between wanting a "homely" feel and expecting hotel-like amenities. While private ensuites sound ideal, individual TVs and isolation from communal spaces can actually increase clinical risks and loneliness. True warmth and joy come from the structural realities of shared, communal living.
The Cost of Genuine Care: Carers who truly invest themselves emotionally are highly susceptible to burnout. Our current system funds clinical tasks and tracks "care minutes," but fails to account for emotional labor. We need funding models that formally recognise an "emotional labor" subsidy to sustain empathetic care.
Embracing Natural Friction: Families often expect a completely conflict-free environment, but close relationships naturally bring occasional friction. Part of living in a real home means helping families understand minor friction is normal, which we safely manage through relationship matching and restorative mediation.
The Palliative Care Misconception: There is a widespread misunderstanding that a homely setting cannot safely provide end-of-life care. We are advocating for a specialised Palliative Small Scale Certification to give consumers confidence in high-quality, personalised, and safe palliative care.
Small-scale living is the future of care, but only if we stop using "homely" as a marketing tool and start adapting our regulatory systems to make it a standard choice for all Australians.