Older South Australians living in aged care have an important role to play in helping governments and policy makers understand the communities of tomorrow.
For ACH Group, residents participating in the Census is more than completing a form – with older South Australians having a significant role in informing decisions that shape ageing well services, infrastructure and community connection.
Among those counted this year was Brian Newman and Fay Tozer, residents of ACH Group’s Healthia residential aged care home.
For Brian, the Census is an important part of being an active member of the community.
“Participating in the Census helps shape a better future,” Brian said.
“Census data helps shape decisions about the services and infrastructure future generations need, from schools, hospitals and roads to modern aged care homes like Healthia”.
Fay was eight years old in Adelaide when she was first counted in 1947, and only once in her lifetime has Fay missed being counted in a Census, the 1991 edition, when she and her husband Jim were living in Papua New Guinea doing missionary work.
For Fay, completing the Census brings back happy memories.
“Census night is always something I remember fondly,” she said.
“It was me and Jim sitting around the kitchen table and as the years passed the table got busier and noisier as the kids came along.
“We counted Catherine in the 1961 Census, Stephen in the 1966 Census and Janine in the 1971 Census.”
In the lead up to the Australian Census on Tuesday 11 August, ACH Group’s six residential aged care homes across metropolitan Adelaide were visited by Census staff for training in how to support residents on the night.
The training ensured Census were distributed and collected, along with support for residents who require assistance, including answering questions about the process.
ACH Group Chief Executive Officer Linda Feldt said Census participation was one way older South Australians continued to contribute to the future of their communities.
“Older South Australians have helped build the communities we live in today, and their participation in the Census helps governments and policy makers plan for the communities we need tomorrow,” Ms Feldt said.
“At ACH Group, we deeply value the insights and experience of older people. Processes such as the Census ensure the voices of older South Australians are heard and valued, with the data collated helping inform decisions that support ageing well, connection to community, independence and quality of life.”
Census data helps governments, community organisations, businesses and not-for-profit organisations like ACH Group make informed decisions when planning for the future.