$13M boost for aged care innovation and workforce development
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The Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) has secured $13 million to enhance workforce capability and foster innovation in the aged care sector. This funding will be allocated over two years to advance ARIIA’s strategy, focusing on developing innovative care models using technology and evidence-based practices, particularly in home care.
ARIIA Chief Executive Officer Reuben Jacob highlighted the organisation’s ongoing collaboration with government, industry stakeholders, research organisations, and the community to drive aged care reform. “The Australian Government’s initial $34 million investment to establish ARIIA marked the first dedicated, industry-led support for innovation in aged care, and we are delighted this funding has been extended so we can continue to drive innovation across the aged care sector,” said Jacob.
“We are proud of our achievements to date, having successfully launched a series of initiatives using translational research to enhance workforce capability through the adoption of technology and more evidence-based practices.”
Since its inception, ARIIA has funded 62 projects nationwide, investing $16.9 million into industry-identified research problems, with $7.7 million coming from sector co-contributions. Over 600 participants have joined the Innovator Training and Aged Care Partnering programs, and their online Knowledge and Implementation Hub is now accessed globally.
Jacob emphasised that the new funding will enable ARIIA to expand both local and international partnerships, implementing scalable, evidence-based solutions across the sector, including emerging technologies like AI and digital strategies.
ARIIA Founding Research Director, Professor Sue Gordon, noted the organisation’s role as a catalyst for change since 2021. “The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found we need a complete rebuild within the industry to create a system that can deliver more compassionate, person-centered care options,” Gordon said. “By 2050, there will be more people over the age of 65 than those aged under 18. The new generation of elders rightfully expect a new 21st-century model of aged care, and they want it urgently. Evidence-based innovation must be at the core of this change.”
Gordon stressed the importance of the community care sector, noting that 80% of older people prefer to age in place, necessitating an urgent upskilling of aged care workers to provide comprehensive support services at home.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling, praised ARIIA’s contributions to aged care innovation, emphasising Flinders University’s commitment to supporting the ageing population through world-class research. “Since our university’s inception of ARIIA three years ago, it has consistently delivered transformative sector-wide changes, and we eagerly anticipate its ongoing success in shaping the future of aged care,” Stirling said.
Professor Raymond Chan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Flinders University, also commended ARIIA’s collaborative efforts in delivering evidence-based improvements across the sector. “Continued federal support will enable Australia’s leading researchers to carry out projects transforming our approach to aged care and improving the quality of life of our ageing community through industry and government partnerships.”
Jacob acknowledged the dedicated team and major stakeholders, including the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care, Flinders University, and the Government of South Australia’s Department of State Development, for their continued support. He also mentioned ARIIA’s ongoing work on a commercial funding strategy to establish additional industry research, consulting opportunities, international collaborations, and philanthropic support, aiming for sustainability.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
