In a landmark move set to transform Australia’s approach to aged care, Flinders University has become the lead university partner of the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA).
This collaboration aims to address one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: improving the health and well-being of older Australians.
ROSA, based at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), is a pioneering aged care data platform that combines health, aged care and social welfare data to provide a comprehensive picture of the ageing pathway in Australia. The registry’s work has recently been recognised by the Office of the Inspector General of Aged Care as crucial for the sector’s improvement.
ROSA Director Professor Maria Inacio emphasised the significance of the partnership: “The synergy of the SAHMRI and Flinders University partnership comes at a critical juncture for ROSA, maturing into a crucial national ageing and aged care research centre and expanding its portfolio.”
Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute will play a pivotal role in expanding ROSA’s reach and influence. Interim Director Professor Rebecca Golley noted, “Flinders hosts the Commonwealth funded Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation (ARIIA) organisation which is driving workforce development and innovation in the sector. Our stronger partnership with the ROSA team will reinforce our Caring Futures Institute’s contributions to improving the lives and experiences of older people in our communities.”
Flinders University has already made significant contributions to the aged care sector through its Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation (ARIIA) organisation, which focuses on workforce development and innovation. With the integration of ROSA’s data-driven research, Flinders aims to further enhance the quality of care for older Australians.
ROSA was established in 2017 with the support of the South Australian Government, in collaboration with universities and aged care providers. The partnership with Flinders University is expected to accelerate ROSA’s mission to create better outcomes for older Australians by translating research into actionable improvements in aged care.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
