Aged care boost as Horizon Living and University of Wollongong sign partnership

Feb 15, 2007

Senior Living and Aged Care provider, Horizon Living, has entered into a special partnership with the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Wollongong that will provide significant benefits for Horizon Living residents, UOW’s students – and aged care research in general.

UOW’s partnership agreement with Horizon Living is believed to be the first of its kind between two such institutions.

Under the agreement, Horizon Living will provide clinical placements at its facilities for University of Wollongong students in the areas of nursing, dietetics and nutritional science, exercise science and clinical psychology. Students from the University’s new Graduate School of Medicine are also expected to obtain clinical placements within Horizon Living.

“These clinical placements will provide students with quality training opportunities in a practical setting,” Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Professor Don Iverson said.

He said that residents of Horizon Living facilities would also benefit from the company’s close relationship with the University, with direct access to the latest research and science-based health care.

Horizon Living Managing Director, Mr Fred Ferreira said the company was committed to delivering services in its facilities that were based on the latest scientific findings and evidence-based care.

“This will enable our residents to attain the highest possible health status and overall quality of life,” he said.

“We are particularly interested in assisting in the training of health professionals, supporting research that may enhance the health and quality of life of ageing persons.”

As part of the agreement, students and university personnel conducting relevant research will have access to Horizon Living staff and residents, as well as facilities and equipment, assisting them to conduct their research in a high quality, operating facility.

“As our enduring partnership with the University continues we will be seeking and evaluating other ways to support the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, perhaps through joint research projects, conjoint appointments and scholarships,” Mr Ferreira said.

Photo/filming opportunity: A Memorandum of Understanding between Horizon Living and the University of Wollongong will be signed by Horizon Living Managing Director, Mr Fred Ferreira and University of Wollongong Vice- Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton at 9am on Monday 19 February in the office of the Vice-Chancellor (top floor of Administration Bldg). Representatives of the media are invited to attend.

Media enquiries: Horizon Living’s General Manager, Paul Myjavec on (02) 4225 8333; (02) 9232 8424; 0412 965 065 (m); or to Professor Don Iverson at the University of Wollongong on (02) 4221 4677 or 0413 685 214 (m).

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128