As Australia’s population grows grayer, we’re facing some tough questions about how we care for our elders. The Royal Commission into Aged Care exposed serious flaws in the system, leaving many families worried about what lies ahead for their loved ones. But amid these challenges, there are passionate advocates working to transform aged care from the ground up.
What if we reimagined aged care as more than just meeting basic needs? What if our approach honoured the full lives, experiences and desires of older Australians? These are the questions that drive Judith Leeson’s work in championing evidence-based, purpose-driven care models that put dignity and autonomy at the centre.
With a diverse background spanning early childhood education, disability services and career development, Judith brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to aged care advocacy.
Now serving as a Non-Executive Director of Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA), she has dedicated her semi-retirement years to championing evidence-based practises that place older Australians at the centre of their care journey.
Attendees of the upcoming 6th Annual Aged Care Week will have the opportunity to hear Judith share her insights during her session on what person-led aged care could look like.
You’ve dedicated much of your career to empowering those facing disadvantages. What initially drew you to focus on evidence-based care for older Australians, and why does it remain such a key priority for you?
“I have always had a healthy respect for empirical evidence, and have a long history of using evidence as the basis for practice in early intervention programs, and in my more recent work as a career development practitioner. My transition to advocating for evidence-based practice in aged care came as I moved into semi-retirement at the age of 83, and looked for an area where I could continue to serve the community in a voluntary capacity, using my professional skills and experience.
As I gradually moved into the role of an independent advocate for quality in aged care, and a member of several research advisory groups as a consumer representative, I became even more involved in learning about the research that could transform the lives of older people who needed care and support. A sudden life-threatening illness and a long period of rehabilitation reinforced my desire to speak for people who are not empowered to express their choices and lack access to services that empower them. People receive services that often disempower them. I think that all services need to be viewed through this lens – does this service empower the receiver – if not, why not?
As a Director of Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) I have a strong commitment to its mission to transform the aged care sector through supporting workers to adapt, innovate, and adopt evidence from more recent research to use it as a catalyst for change.”
“Meaningful ageing” is a concept you’re known for championing. How would you define it, and why is it so critical in shaping the future of aged care?
“I have spent thirty-five years as a career development practitioner, assisting people to identify their skills, values, interests, learning style, personal preferences and resources, and a pathway to employment that had meaning for them, that mattered to them and the community in which they lived.
People who have lived lives of hope-filled engagement, full of meaning to them and the community, continue to enjoy meaningful ageing on a continuum until their death, informed by their unique history of life-roles, learning and work, values and interests. The evidence is there that people who have a strong sense of purpose, and continue to engage in those relationships, activities and practices which have meaning to them are those who continue to thrive despite some of the adverse physical aspects to ageing.
The quality and quantity of evidence relevant to better practice can guide us to new perspectives on the delivery of aged care services, either at home or in residential care, and to adopt a more holistic model of care, informed and supported by research. I am passionate about creating services which respect the dignity of our elders, their right to choose how they will live, and to be as independent as possible, utilising innovation to enable both the older people and those who care for and support them.”
In your view, what are the biggest gaps in current aged care practices, and how can stronger evidence base help fill them?
“At present there are many gaps identified by the Royal Commission, but I would like to see a unifying concept of aged care with an agreed overarching conceptual framework. Until there is a shared understanding in the aged care industry of what really constitutes quality in aged care, along with the commitment for a more holistic model of services, there will always be gaps. I think that the new Act will go a long way to change how aged care is delivered, with the older people at the centre respected, their choices and the dignity of risk endorsed.”
How have your diverse experiences influenced your perspective on delivering better care outcomes for older adults?
“In every stage of my long career, I have explored the evidence to support programs for the growth and development of the individuals and groups I served. My twenty years in the disability sector were based on stimulating development and encouraging the growth of independence of children with Autism, and later as the Director of an early intervention program for children with Down syndrome.
In career development I was working with the most disadvantaged adults who experienced multiple barriers to gaining or regaining employment. They had lost hope of a better future and appeared to be unmotivated. Once they were able to identify their sense of purpose aligned to their values and interests, they were able to explore options for education, training or employment that gave them a sense of satisfaction.
My own experience of ageing has been very positive as I have continued to manage my career, now in the voluntary sector, with support from my husband, and also through a Home Care Package. However my motivation to assist in the transformation of aged care has been strengthened by my husband’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and my concerns about the quality of support he will receive as his illness progresses.”
You’ve been involved with innovations in aged care with ARIIA and other organisations. Can you share an example of evidence-based research that transformed care for older people?
“A most significant problem in residential aged care is that over 60% of people suffer from depression, and the research clearly shows that this is partly due to the lack of purpose in their lives. Their often-empty days lack any activities connected to who they are and there is little social engagement.
I think that the groundswell of committed providers utilising sound evidence is already producing important changes in residential and community-based support and care – that each life matters, that relationships are critical to remaining engaged, that activities need to be tailored to have meaning to the individual. While the strengthened Standards will help to close some of the gaps, it is not the regulations which will create the catalyst for change, but the determination of providers to access the research to create a culture of care and respect for people as they age, and for the people who care for them.”
Many older adults struggle with loss of autonomy. How can evidence-based approaches support greater independence and a sense of purpose later in life?
“Allied health professionals are qualified and experienced to offer re-ablement programs so that people can be more physically independent, and there is compelling evidence that there is an improved sense of autonomy. However, in the psychosocial areas there appear to be fewer professionals employed to assist people, to hear their stories and to assist them to plan in the intellectual, emotional and spiritual areas of their lives. There is ample evidence for better practice, and there are wonderful examples in residential care, but overall, this is the area that the new Act seeks to redress.”
For those who want to pursue meaningful change in aged care or discover their purpose in life, what’s your advice on staying motivated and making a real impact?
“Retaining a sense of curiosity in the why, how, where and when of life, and committing to lifelong learning; identifying your values, skills, interests, personal preferences and constraints; exploring beyond the limits of your current knowledge; listening deeply; deciding what group/cohort of people you would like to help; volunteer; be brave and generous.”
What do you hope participants will learn from your session at Aged Care Week?
“The benefits of retaining a strong sense of purpose themselves, and to look at the evidence in the aged care literature to learn what can be accomplished to transform the lives of people receiving home or residential care and support, as well as the people who work in aged care.”
Judith’s perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to traditional approaches in aged care. By emphasising the critical importance of purpose, dignity and evidence-based practices, she highlights a path forward that honours the full humanity of older Australians.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Judith Leeson AM speak at the upcoming 6th Annual Aged Care Week. Register here now.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
