Flinders University has teamed up with innovAGEING, the nation’s first innovation network for age services, in a partnership with Flinders’ Caring Futures Institute – Australia’s first fully dedicated research centre for the study of self-care and caring solutions – and the Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death & Dying.
“This is an empowering alliance which will further highlight the importance and impact of innovation in aged care,” said Merlin Kong, Head of innovAGEING.
“The act of caring is part of the heart and soul of better ageing in Australia and we are excited to be able to promote opportunities across innovAGEING’s national network to link with Flinders in commercialisation initiatives, trials and research.
“We are also thrilled that leaders from Flinders’ Caring Futures Institute and Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death & Dying will take part in innovAGEING’s Expert-in-Residence program.”
Professor Sue Gordon, Strategic Professor, Chair of Restorative Care in Ageing, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and Professor Jennifer Tieman, Director Research, Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, and CareSearch Director, Palliative and Supportive Services, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, will join the Expert-in-Residence program.
Professor Gordon says the MOU is vital.
“As an academic with a co-funded role between ACH Group, an aged care service provider, and Flinders University I welcome the opportunity to work with the experts-in-residence for positive innovation across the ageing sector,” she said.
“It is only by sharing ideas and working together that scalable and sustainable solutions can be developed for better care of all older Australians.”
Professor Tieman says she is looking forward to working together.
“As Director of a Research Centre looking at the realities of ageing, caring, dying and grieving on individuals, systems and societies, I welcome this opportunity to collaborate with innovAGEING,” Professor Tieman said.
“There is a clear need for innovation, technology, connection and interdisciplinary engagement to drive our future.”
Professor Alison Kitson, Vice President and Executive Dean of the University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Foundation Director of the Caring Futures Institute, said Flinders University was delighted to be joining the innovAGEING network.
“Through Flinders’ Caring Futures Institute and its Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death & Dying, we see the linking up of our work in the co-design and study of innovative self-care and caring solutions,” she said.
“Joining with Australia’s innovation network for age services will have huge potential for the communities we serve.”
Mr Kong said the linkages with Flinders University began almost two years ago.
“In February 2019, Flinders University and innovAGEING partnered to deliver Care Hack, a hackathon to reimagine aged care,” he said.
“From this successful event, we are determined to build on the exciting potential of partnerships to help make Australia the best place to age in the world.”
About innovAGEING
innovAGEING is the national network for the age services industry, funded by the Australian Government. We are open to all who care for and support older Australians. Our network includes providers, suppliers, researchers, consumer groups, investors and public sector agencies, coming together to: – Accelerate innovation – Translate ideas into action – Deliver better outcomes for older Australians
About Flinders University
Globally focused and locally engaged, Flinders University is making a difference through innovative research, excellence in teaching and learning, and exceptional student experience. Ranked in the top 2% of world universities, Flinders University is headquartered in South Australia with a footprint that extends through regional and remote Australia.