A new take on aged care advertising

Group of older gentlemen catching up in the city

South Australian aged care provider ACH Group has flipped the script on aged care advertising with its new brand campaign ‘Being yourself never gets old’.

The integrated campaign is spearheaded by a 30-second film featuring the vision of older people engaging in their favourite activities including lifting weights in the gym, creating art, and on a road trip through Adelaide’s foothills.

The creative is the work of Adelaide marketing agency, Simple.

ACH Group CEO, Frank Weits, said insights from focus groups highlighted that older people wanted more contemporary and authentic depictions of themselves in the promotion of aged care services.

“They told us they don’t see themselves as ‘old’ and want to continue doing the activities they love or be inspired to learn new things,” he said.

Simple Creative Director, Pat Parisi, said, “As we get older, we value our independence above all else, yet most campaigns for aged care services show older people in submissive roles and focus on the losses they are experiencing. ‘Being yourself never gets old’ seeks to change this narrative by showing older people engaging in their favourite activities, empowering them to proudly be themselves.”

Simple Managing Director, David Stocker, observed that advertising across the aged care sector has traditionally all looked the same.

“We saw from research that aged care advertising blends in people’s minds. Consumers struggle to recall individual ads and can rarely attribute them to a corresponding brand. The aim was to produce a campaign that would positively resonate with ACH’s Group target audience and be remembered for all the right reasons,” he said.

“Music is a key aspect of the campaign; it helps the audience recall the ad and stirs emotions. The only way we could sonically express the feeling of the campaign was by crafting it ourselves, with our team writing and composing the soundtrack.”

Mr Weits said it was vital that the new campaign aligned with ACH Group’s long-standing values and purpose.
“ACH Group has a proud history of challenging ageist stereotypes, celebrating the life experiences of older people, and supporting them to stay in control of their own life,” he said.

“We wanted to create a feeling of authenticity and cast real people with rich life experiences and big personalities to help the audience connect and rewrite what aging can look like.”

The voiceover at the end ‘you do you, we’re here for the rest’ introduces the full range of ACH Group’s service offerings: home care, social, allied health, retirement living, and residential care.

“While older South Australians continue to live their chosen life, ACH Group is here for the rest,” Mr Weits said.

“This could be meeting new people on a social experience; staying active or regaining their fitness through health and wellbeing services; supporting customers to live independently in their own homes; or supporting them to live well in their new home in retirement living or residential care.”

The Being yourself never gets old campaign has launched across TV, digital, and out-of-home media.

Find out more and get involved today.

#Thanksforcaring – Recognising aged care workers

Thanks for caring - Aged Care Employee Day 2023

Sunday 7 August is Aged Care Employee Day, a day to recognise those who work in the industry, including the more than 1900 people employed with leading South Australian aged care provider ACH Group.

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said Aged Care Employee Day is an important day not only for the sector, but the wider community.

“Almost every Australian will cross paths with aged care services within their lifetime and therefore many will meet, or be cared for by, the passionate people in the sector,” he said.

“Aged Care Employee Day celebrates everyone who is involved in supporting older people who receive aged care services and recognises the incredible work they do.

“I thank all the staff at ACH Group for their care, commitment and passion.”

ACH Group will celebrate Aged Care Employee Day delivering gifts to each of its employees.

Mr Weits said due to the growing demand for aged care services and business transformation there are many job opportunities available.

“There is still the common misconception that a career in aged care is solely around healthcare, however within our organisation of more than 1900 staff there are employees from a wide range of professions from human resources to finance, procurement, property development, IT and marketing,” he said.

“Careers in aged care are rewarding, offer learning opportunities and stability,”

To learn more about working at ACH Group visit achgroup.org.au/work-with-us

Kapara residents Ride for Wishes for sick children

Rose and Mel in gym

The kilometres ticked over on the exercise bikes at ACH Group’s Kapara Residential Care Home as a group of residents took part in making wishes a reality for children with critical illness.

Sixteen residents of Kapara rode or walked to raise funds for Make-A-Wish’s fundraising campaign ‘Ride for Wishes’ held throughout March.

Mel, aged 92, rode 10 kilometres.

“In my younger years I did some competitive riding for a cycling club. I ride now to keep active,” Mel said. “I worked for local government throughout my career and therefore was very connected to my community and was also involved in charities. I like raising money for charity.”

Rose, 78, walked 20 kilometres. Markers were placed in the hallways of the Glenelg South care home for residents to record their distance.

Rose commented, “I like fundraising for children. When many people are involved in fundraising it can make a big difference.”

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said, “Ride for Wishes has supported residents to stay active and is an opportunity to give back to others, which residents are passionate about.”

The team at Kapara had a fundraising goal of $1000 and raised more than $1100. To donate to the team and support Make-A-Wish visit https://fundraise.makeawish.org.au/fundraisers/KeenKapara

Download: Media release – Kapara residents Ride for Wishes for sick children

Aged care, education, and health sectors partner to benefit the north of Adelaide

Healthia

A health and education hub developed by aged care organisation ACH Group will provide health services to Adelaide’s northern community and feature a state-of-the-art residential care home designed in line with key findings from the Royal Commission.

Healthia, a $40 million development adjacent the Lyell McEwin Hospital within the Playford Health Precinct, brings together ACH Group, Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), University of South Australia, and City of Playford.

Over more than 15,000 square meters of land, Healthia will include a 96-place residential care home comprising 8 small-scale homes, each with 12 private rooms. The design incorporates findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and best practice in dementia care.

Healthia will be Australia’s first residential care home purposely built to limit the spread of infectious viruses such as COVID-19. Infection prevention measures include mechanical systems that increase provision of fresh air to indoor areas, and minimise recirculation and the spread of air droplets. Each bedroom will have direct access to the outdoors, and living and dining areas will be more spacious for greater social distancing.

UniSA will co-locate with a general practice and student-led allied health clinic open to the public on a full-time basis on weekdays. In addition, students will undertake placement in the residential care home.

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said the aged care organisation was proud to lead the powerful partnership.
“Healthia will improve the health and lifestyle outcomes for Adelaide’s northern community and reimagine residential aged care,” Mr Weits said.

“The Royal Commission favoured the small-scale household model for residential care as the home-like design promotes better quality of life for residents especially people living with dementia.

“Healthia has been designed around a village model. Within each home there are spaces you typically see in every house, including a kitchen for residents to prepare and cook meals in, and a dining room and living area to come together in.”

Healthia

NALHN CEO Maree Geraghty said Healthia’s location within the Playford Health Precinct will complement the Lyell McEwin Hospital’s role as a major provider of acute health care in the north.

“The establishment of a vibrant health precinct will allow us to increase collaboration with other service providers such as ACH Group, which in turn, will help ease pressure on our hospitals and reduce length of stay,” Ms Geraghty said.

UniSA’s Dean of Clinical Education and Equity, Professor Esther May, said Healthia will give students vital practical learning experiences during their degrees.
“We look forward to collaborating with ACH Group and the local community on innovative models of care. UniSA’s health clinic will offer student-led services under the supervision of practicing clinicians,” Prof May said.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said he welcomed construction of Healthia, which is an important contributor to the Playford Health Precinct.
“We’re thrilled to have Healthia in the precinct to care for our older residents in a suitable home environment while creating new job opportunities in the expanding health sector,” Mayor Docherty said.

It is estimated the Healthia development will create up to 180 jobs during construction and a further 66 ongoing jobs in the City of Playford and surrounding areas.
Construction commences in early December 2021. Healthia is currently scheduled to be fully operational and welcome its first residents by June 2023.
Healthia is located on the corner of Mark and Coglin roads, Elizabeth South, adjacent the Lyell McEwin Hospital.

New inclusive soccer program kicking off

ACH group soccer program

A new walking football (soccer) program will offer opportunities for South Australians living with neurological conditions or who have had a stroke to engage with the sport.

Everybody’s Gamea first of its kind in South Australia – is run by ACH Group in collaboration with Adelaide United Football Club, Football SA and Flinders University.

The free program kicks off in November with a come ‘n’ try session on November 4, followed by regular activities at local soccer clubs across Adelaide from mid-November to autumn 2022.

The program is open to people aged 30 – 65 who have had a stroke or who live with neurological conditions such as Younger Onset Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and MND.

Participants will engage in club life and take part in weekly activities, including games and training sessions, with guest appearances from Adelaide United representatives.

ACH Group’s General Manager Service Design, Ivy Diegmann, said team sport improves physical health and wellbeing, with opportunities for social connections and friendship, however there are often barriers for people living with a disability to get involved.

“People with a disability don’t always feel comfortable to engage or play sport in a club environment. Additionally, coaches and volunteers at many grassroots clubs don’t have the right resources or understanding to run suitable programs,” she said.

“Everybody’s Game aims to tackle both barriers. To ensure the suitability of the training sessions and game rules, ACH Group is engaging with people living with neurological conditions, along with their carers, and local soccer clubs to shape the program.”

At the end of the program, a toolkit will be created and made available to soccer clubs across South Australia to increase their capacity to include people with diverse needs.

The come and try session on Thursday 4 November from 10am – 12pm will be held at the Adelaide Comets FC, located at Ellis Park on West Terrace. The program will be run at soccer clubs across metropolitan Adelaide from mid-November to autumn 2022.

If you or someone you know would like to take part in the program, attend the come and try session, or learn more about this opportunity visit achgroup.org.au/soccer for more information.

Everybody’s Game is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services

Industry accolades for ACH Group

ACH Group Award Night PHN

ACH Group has recently taken out two industry accolades being named a winner at both the ACSA SA and Adelaide PHN Awards.

ACH Group’s Integrated Student Placement Model won the Innovation in Service or Design category at the ACSA SA Awards. While the COVID-19 Resilience and Reconditioning Packages program won Outstanding Achievement in Aged Care at the Adelaide PHN Awards.

CEO Frank Weits said the award-winning initiatives showcased collaboration within the organisation and successful partnerships with external organisations.

“We are very proud to be recognised with these award wins which highlight the success of the two initiatives and congratulates ACH Group staff for their contributions,” he said.

“Most importantly both initiatives enable ACH Group to provide person-centred care and support older South Australians to live well as they age.”

ACH group awards R&R Package

The COVID-19 Resilience and Re-conditioning Packages were a highly successful partnership between ACH Group and Adelaide PHN, which provided individually tailored services to 100 older people in metropolitan Adelaide whose daily routines, social connections, and health and wellbeing had been adversely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Over six weeks they were connected with a host of ACH Group health and social services.

Following the six-week program customers reported improved balance, physical fitness and strength, new social connections, and an overall feeling they were more confident and optimistic about managing their health.

The Integrated Student Placement Model, a first in Australia, offers students studying Cert III in Individual Support experience in residential, and in-home and community care settings over four weeks.

Incorporating the two care settings in placements increases students’ knowledge and the opportunity for ACH Group to recruit graduates who can confidently work in any environment providing person-centred care which meets the needs and expectations of customers and residents.

Following the state win, ACH Group has progressed to the ACSA 2021 National Aged Care Awards with winners to be announced in December 2021.

Explore South Australia with ACH Group and AAT Kings

Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale getaway

New getaways to South Australia’s most popular destinations have been added to ACH Group’s Social Experiences thanks to a partnership with AAT Kings.

ACH Group getaways cover all corners of South Australia with various two and three-night trips to the Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Barossa and Clare valleys, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Limestone Coast, and the Murray River scheduled.

ACH Group Manager of Social Links Katey Elding said the not-for-profit community organisation is excited to come together with AAT Kings, a company with extensive expertise in holidays.

“Our getaways continue to be very popular this year with South Australians excited to discover the state and by teaming up with AAT Kings we are able to expand our offering,” she said.

“Older South Australians are looking for organised trips where they can discover their own state, in a safe and relaxed environment, while meeting new people.

“The getaways offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking to see the amazing landscapes of the Flinders Ranges, the wildlife on Kangaroo Island, or perhaps experiencing South Australia’s best food and wine is more your style.

“There are also selected getaways offered to carers and those they care for to join, and some for the South Australian Cambodian community. Carers have told us they have loved the opportunity to relax and connect with other carers.”

All getaways are accompanied by qualified staff, with transport via coach, accommodation, and most meals included.

ACH Group getaways and small group day tours are available for South Australians aged over 65 who are either supported with government funding including the Commonwealth Home Support and Home Care Package programmes, and tours can also be privately funded.

Learn more about ACH Group Social Experiences.

Research looks at adults who have fallen through the gap

Falls prevention research ACH Group

Australian-first research to prevent falls in middle-aged and younger-older adults is taking place in South Australia.

The study, supported by ACH Group, and led by physiotherapist Nicky Baker, is investigating the relationship between postural sway (body movement) and near falls.

Ms Baker, a PhD candidate at Flinders University, said while falls prevention is widely researched this project involves an unnoticed group of adults.

“Often research looks at diagnostic groups, for example, people living with Parkinson’s Disease or who have had a stroke, or studies compare fallers and non-fallers,” she said.

“This study involves people who have ‘near falls’ – stumbles, trips, and missteps. Near falls often precede falls but no one acknowledges them because they don’t get injured or are embarrassed about falling.

“We’re aiming to identify what postural sway looks like in people who have near falls and measuring the changes in their postural sway while they take part in concurrent mental tasks and after physical activity.”

Over 60 South Australians aged between 40 and 74 are currently taking part in the study, which involves:

  • An online survey,
  • An hour face-to-face balance testing, held at ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+ at Glenelg, where a sensor on the lower back is worn to track postural sway,
  • Keeping a diary for three months to note any near falls or falls.

Ms Baker said after data is collected and analysed it will determine whether increased postural sway increases the chance of near falls.

“If this is the case, which we think it is, we will then be able to inform clinical practice – what personal trainers, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists do in terms of falls prevention and balance activities,” she said.

“No one thinks they will fall until they do and then it comes as a surprise. If there are flags that identify someone is at risk of falling, we can address that early and mitigate the risk through activity or exercise.”

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said as an aged care provider ACH Group is proud to support research into a serious health event that affects tens of thousands of older South Australians every year.

“Fall-related injuries can have devastating effects on people’s long-term health and their confidence,” he said.

“This research has the potential to be implemented into our service delivery, in particularly our gym and allied health services, to benefit customers and lessen the chance falls.

“This is another great example of the Flinders University and ACH Group research partnership that helps support older South Australians to live good lives.”

The study will continue until the end of September 2021. South Australians aged 40-74 who are interested in taking part in the research are asked to contact Ms Baker via [email protected]

Ms Baker’s PhD is funded by the Australian Research Council funded Digital Enhanced Living Hub of which ACH Group is also a partner. Her PhD is supervised by Sue Gordon, Professor of Healthy Ageing, who has a co-funded position between ACH Group and Flinders University.