Written by Professor Jennifer Tieman, Director, RePaDD.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has highlighted the need for reform and transformation of the aged care sector. But what happens next?
Flinders University is contributing to the debate through its monthly seminar series dealing with the big questions facing society. The BRAVE Public Lecture series provides researchers with the chance to share insights on complex issues including significant issues impacting ageing and aged care.

Flinders College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a special interest in ageing and aged care and holds recognised expertise in this area. I am delighted to be part of a special event looking at different aspects of aged care needs and major considerations affecting care and care delivery.

I will be joining with Professor Julie Ratcliffe and Professor Sue Gordon to examine and explore the post-Commission possibilities and directions for aged care from three very different but critical perspectives.

• Professor Julie Ratcliffe will examine quality of life and how we must conceptualise quality and measure it so that older Australians receive the care they deserve.
• I will explore the complex issues around caring, dying, and grieving and how palliative care and care for older Australians at the end of their lives must become a core business for aged care.
• Professor Sue Gordon will address the reality of workforce change and how we can develop workforce capability, including adoption of technology, to ensure care workers, nurses and allied health professionals can deliver the care that’s needed.

The Final Report: Care, Dignity and Respect comprised five volumes covering: Summary and recommendations; The current system; The new system; Hearing overviews and case studies; and Appendices. In total, the Royal Commissioners made 148 wide-ranging recommendations.

Importantly, the report recognised that ageing inevitably associates with dying. While the report spoke to the importance of preventative, restorative, and rehabilitative approaches, it also acknowledged the reality of end of life and the need to address the care needs of older Australians.

The spotlight on palliative care and care for older Australians coming to the end of their life means there is much to consider around ageing, caring, dying, and grieving as we move forward with the changes envisaged in the final report.

I invite you to participate in this free event to be held on Tuesday, 14 September 2021 at 5:30 PM ACST. Registrations are now open.