Aged Care Week 2024: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Aged Care
Share
The 5th Annual Aged Care Week, held from 25-27 June 2024 at the ICC Sydney, brought together over 500 industry leaders to address the critical challenges facing Australia’s aged care sector.
With the nation’s population rapidly ageing and ongoing reforms within the aged care industry, this event couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.
The conference, themed “Shaping the future of Aged Care with a consumer-centered and sustainable operating model,” featured an impressive lineup of 80 speakers across 64 sessions, exploring four key streams. Representatives from more than 400 aged care providers gathered to gain insights and chart a path forward for the industry.
Navigating reforms and empowering the workforce
A significant focus of the conference was on navigating recent aged care reforms and their implications for providers and stakeholders. Speakers highlighted strategies to empower the aged care workforce, addressing the urgent need to attract and retain skilled staff in the face of growing demand.
PL Executive General Manager Kuda Sozinyu praised the event for offering “valuable insights and practical strategies for improving aged care services.” This sentiment was echoed by Wendy Viney from Feros Care, who emphasised the importance of face-to-face interactions in overcoming industry challenges.
Technology and innovation at the forefront
Sessions also explored how technology could improve efficiency, personalisation and care quality. Supported at Home General Manager Dan Blundell described the experience as “highly valuable for our team’s learning and development,” praising the world-class presenters and event organisers.
Mission Australia General Manager and Finance Business Partners Antonia Scorciapino highlighted the conference’s effectiveness in providing “a high-level view of technology, legislation, and other changes occurring in the Aged Care sector.”
Quality, safety and financial sustainability
Discussions also centered on cultivating a culture of quality and safety aligned with new regulatory frameworks. Experts shared strategies for managing operations, compliance costs, and revenue streams to ensure ongoing financial viability.
HammondCare Head of Risk and Regulation Alison Cameron commended the “broad range of speakers and content” that provided “valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the challenges in the Health and Aged Care sector.”
Networking and knowledge sharing
The event featured four networking functions and showcased over 30 case studies, offering real-world examples of success. For many attendees, like Veronika Rae Vejano, Finance Manager at Primary Caring Pty Ltd, it was their first aged care conference.
“It was great listening and learning from the best in the industry,” she said.
Hammondcare Head of Project Management Office Susan Said found the conference particularly valuable as a newcomer to the sector. “I took many notes to share key points with my colleagues and ideas were sparked, or potential risks or challenges mentioned that I will raise in our organisation to ensure we have in hand,” she said.
Looking to the future
As the 5th Annual Aged Care Week concluded, it was clear that the future of aged care in Australia is set to be more innovative, efficient, and person-centred than ever before. The event successfully addressed the sector’s most pressing challenges, from workforce development to technological integration and financial sustainability.
With the insights gained and connections made at this landmark event, the aged care industry is better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Australia’s ageing population. As attendees return to their organisations armed with new strategies and ideas, the impact of this conference is sure to ripple through the sector, driving positive change and improving care outcomes for years to come.
A big thank you to our sponsors, associate partners and exhibitors for making the event a success:
We are gearing up for a bigger and better Aged Care Week next year! Stay tuned here.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
