Resources

In a world where generations are becoming increasingly segregated, researchers from Griffith University have made a groundbreaking effort to bridge the gap between the old and the young through intergenerational practice research. Professor Anneke Fitzgerald describes the work of the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice and what makes a good intergenerational program.

In this blog, Catherine Scott of Sundale Inc. explains the role of clinical governance in aged care and the benefits it brings to care recipients, their families, and the organisation’s team members.

Although the concept of healthy or successful ageing dates back to the 1960s, its goal is more realistic in today’s ageing society as a result of more effective interventions to control and reduce disability and health risks. Professor Claire Donnellan explains how healthy or successful ageing has evolved and provides an example of one theory of successful ageing with potential for use in gerontological care.

Outdoor activities can have a significant effect on our health, state of mind, and overall well-being. Sarah-Kaye Page reminds us of the benefits of engaging with nature and provides simple, practical suggestions for supporting older adults to reconnect with the outdoors.

Barbara Barbosa Neeves and researcher colleagues from Monash University sought to understand how different aged care stakeholders imagined, designed, and implemented artificial intelligence (AI) for aged care. Their research revealed ageist perceptions as well as a need for a better understanding of the complex aged care environment in designing or implementing technologies for the sector. 

A workbook is being trialled to help older Australians self-manage their health and continue to achieve their goals after the intensive support of restorative care programs ends. The workbook is part of an ARIIA research grant addressing the gap in services that many restorative care program participants experience before their ongoing home support kicks in.

More than ever the Australian aged care sector needs evidence-based innovative solutions, to deliver cost-efficient care to meet the growing needs of an ageing population with complex needs and minimise the workloads of aged care workers. Dr Stephanie Champion explains what the ARIIA Innovator Training Program is doing to meet this sector need.

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is an emerging area for aged care in Australia. With VAD operating in all Australian States by the end of November 2023, aged care providers and staff will increasingly receive questions about VAD from those they care for and their families. In this blog, Penny Neller from End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) answers common queries about VAD in aged care.

‘You cannot feel what it is like inside our minds. Without us, you only have half the story.’ Kaele Stokes from Dementia Australia describes a new free resource ‘Half the Story’ aimed at helping organisations engage in meaningful consultation with people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Staff satisfaction is a predictor of consumer satisfaction and yet the two are often addressed separately. However, staff satisfaction can be built into the pursuit of quality care using clinical governance as a bridge between the two. In these days of searching for solutions to staff retention and consumer satisfaction, addressing them together offers the potential to reap significant rewards for consumers and staff.