The future
In late 2022 as the world emerged from the pandemic, the implementation of reforms brought about by the 2019 Royal Commission begins.
“Aged care in Australia is undergoing the most significant reform in a generation, especially in funding models for residential care, and the streamlining of Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme into a singular program. Aged care providers, together with the Federal Government and peak bodies, are dedicated to making meaningful improvements to the sector. I hope to look back in 10 years’ time and see that the changes our current workforce are a part of made a real difference,” Mary Patetsos, ACH Group Chair, said.
“Linked with the future are the changing needs of older people, especially as we see more Baby Boomers, who currently make up more than 20% of Australia’s population, engaging the support of aged care services. The Boomer generation will drive digitalisation of services, have a greater desire to stay at home, and place a larger emphasis on exercise opportunities, wellness support and travel excursions as they age.”
Connected Communities
2022 marks the fourth year of the Connected Communities strategy that is focussed on ACH Group partnering with people, communities, reputable like-minded organisations, businesses, and tertiary institutions to remove barriers and create opportunities and social connections for older people to improve their health and wellbeing, have real experiences, build strong relationships, take on new roles and challenges.
Connected Communities also supports ACH Group developing integrated community hubs, where health/wellbeing services, retirement living, and residential care are all within the same geographical area. This builds a supportive community where older people have a range of services on their doorstep to support them to live and age well.
Healthia, a residential care home and health and education hub which is co-located with a University of South Australia general practice and student-led health clinics, is currently being built in Elizabeth South and is due to open in mid-2023.
“Healthia features best practice small-scale household design. The Royal Commission found this design is currently the best model for residential care as it is shown to increase quality of life for residents, especially people with dementia. To further our understanding staff have travelled overseas to see the model of care in place. Furthermore, we have learnt from the COVID pandemic to implement best practice infection control measures.
“Healthia showcases a powerful cross-sector partnership between ACH Group, the University of South Australia, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, and the City of Playford. Partnerships like this, where there is not only synergy to each organisation’s individual strategy, but the collaboration enhances the services and care for older people, have been evident through our history.” Mary Patetsos
