2024 ARIIA Conference, Facing the Future: Living well. Ageing well. Dying well.
On 4 & 5 July, ARIIA had the privilege of hosting the 2024 ARIIA Conference where industry leaders, workers, policymakers, advocates and elders from across the aged care ecosystem gathered to discuss the future of aged care in Australia and beyond. The conference, themed "Facing the Future: Living well. Ageing well. Dying well." provided a thought-provoking platform to explore the challenges and possibilities of ageing and the role of technology, workforce, and innovation in shaping the future of aged care.
The conference kicked off with a warm Welcome to Country by Senior Kaurna Man Mickey Kumatpi O'Brien, setting the tone for a meaningful and inclusive event. Nat Cook MP, Minister for Human Services and Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well with the South Australian Government, shared valuable insights into the importance of treating each elder as an individual with a unique story, emphasising the need for a person-centred approach in aged care.
Mark McCrindle's overview of key population trends to 2034 shed light on demographic shifts, intergenerational dynamics, and the evolving nature of work, providing a comprehensive backdrop for the subsequent discussions.
A significant focus of the conference was the role of technology in aged care. Amanda Johnstone, a technology CEO and inventor, captivated the audience with a vision of how AI could potentially reinvigorate minds through storytelling. Dr. Fiona Kerr stressed the importance of coupling technology with warm engagement and human connection, highlighting the need for a balanced and empathetic approach to technological integration in aged care.
The unveiling of the Albanese Government's new Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy by Minister Hon Anika Wells MP underscored the increasing use of data and digital technology to enhance the well-being of older people. Josh Maldon's detailed explanation of the strategy and its potential benefits offered a glimpse into the future of aged care services.
Workforce development emerged as a crucial aspect of aged care reform. Presentations by Eliza Strapp and Warren Hill delved into ongoing efforts to build a highly skilled and valued aged care workforce, addressing the skills gaps and challenges associated with the changing landscape of aged care services.
The conference also provided a platform for heartfelt and impactful insights. Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, Andrea Kelly, shared poignant stories from her consultations, shedding light on crucial barriers preventing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from accessing appropriate aged care. Bundjalung Elder Associate Professor Uncle Boe Rambaldini's impassioned call to action resonated deeply, emphasising the importance of understanding history and culture in ensuring the well-being of Indigenous elders.
An International perspective was brought to the conference from Machteld Huber (The Netherlands), Gillian Baranski and Margaret Rooney (Wales), Julie Hamel (Canada), Teddy Andrews (India) and Deb Oxley (UK) bringing insights into holistic ageing and social-based care, and successes of star ratings and the employee ownership model overseas.
Innovation in aged care was another highlight of the conference. Lisa Paulin's overview of the support provided by Primary Health Networks for aged care to utilise telehealth in a meaningful way showcased the potential of technology in expanding access to care. Petrea King's insights into self-care and well-being struck a chord, emphasising the Four Cs – Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Connection – as guiding principles for ageing well and living with purpose. With Mark Hutchinson highlighting the importance of working in genuine interdisciplinary collaboration to support new models and technological evolution in aged care.
During our concurrent "Exploring Future Ideas" sessions, delegates were invited to join panel discussions and consider key takeaways for turning ideas into action. On the first day, we discussed how to enhance community and social-based care, the ways in which social care, allied health, and prevention can help us age well, and how to support and upskill the future workforce. On the second day, we delved into new ways of living well, such as delivering better spaces, the role of food, nutrition, and oral health in living well, and how we can reshape end-of-life systems to support elders in dying well.
The 2024 ARIIA Conference reinforced the collective commitment to reimagining aged care and embracing positive change. It served as a catalyst for thought-provoking discussions, heartfelt storytelling, and a shared vision of building a more inclusive, innovative, and person-centred aged care ecosystem.
As we reflect on the conference, it was evident that the road ahead is paved with opportunities and challenges, and the insights shared will undoubtedly shape the future of aged care in profound ways. We look forward to seeing the tangible impact of the discussions and initiatives presented at the conference as we continue to embrace innovation and change in aged care.
The feedback from delegates has centered on the wide range of topics and speakers, as well as the vibrant mix of keynote presentations and panel discussions in the conference program. Delegates left with groundbreaking ideas, visionary insights, and practical tips for implementation to drive transformation.
The 2024 ARIIA Conference was a powerful testament to the collective dedication and compassion driving the evolution of aged care. Thank you to all of our speakers and delegates for contributing to the ongoing dialogue and action in reimagining ageing and aged care in our communities.
A big thank you to our generous sponsors:
Platinum
- Dementia Training Australia
- Caring Futures Institute – Flinders University
Gold
- Wolters Kluwer
Silver
- Department of Health and Aged Care
- SA Health
- City of Mandurah
- Rural LAP
- ACCPA Innovageing
Media Partner
- Hello Leaders
Finally, a big thank you to our amazing associates, we could not have done this without you:
- GOGO Events
- The Meeting People
- Celebrity Speakers
- Color on Demand
- Visualcom
- Thinking In Colour and Jessmay Gee
- Naomi Jellicoe Photography
- Pixel Video
- LAAD Creative
- Reward Inc