The next elected Government should fund and promote aged care innovation and establish an 'Aged Care Innovation Hub' where new ideas can be developed, says the founder of the MICRO TOWN® model of dementia care.
Natasha Chadwick, CEO of NewDirection Care, spoke to The Weekly SOURCE as part of our 'political wishlist' series, where we ask aged care leaders what they would like to the next Government prioritise for aged care.
"There are providers pioneering new models of care, workforce solutions, built environments, digital tools, and more – all designed to improve the lives of Australians," Natasha said.
"The next Government must actively spotlight positive case studies that showcase what is working.
"By amplifying these success stories, the next Government can help rebuild trust in the sector and accelerate change."
Natasha would like to see the Government establish an independent Aged Care Innovation Hub.
"Collaboration between Government, industry and society [on innovation] must be more than just a talking point; it must be a structured and well-communicated partnership with clear accountability and measurable outcomes," she said.
A Hub would identify strategically important outcomes, ensure resources and funding are directed to priority areas, and then translate the research into improvements the wider industry can adopt.
Fund successful models
Natasha supports a ‘sandbox’ approach innovation - "funding and evaluating novel ideas already being implemented in real-world settings" - which can provide a blueprint for broader industry adoption.
at NewDirection Care Bellmere
in July 2024
"We ourselves are seeking support from Government to do this," Natasha said.
NewDirection Care is looking to develop its MICRO TOWN® model, located in Bellemere, 55km north of Brisbane, to a "whole-of-community model" that integrates early learning, health and wellness, disability support and support at home into an existing residential aged care community.
"Government support for projects like ours will identify how different approaches to aged care not only benefit the immediate community they serve, but ultimately how they can be translated into practical guidance for the broader industry.
"The sector, and importantly Australians, cannot afford to wait nearly two decades for each new idea to become accepted practice.
"By backing those already leading the way, we can accelerate transformation and create a system that meets the needs of older Australians today and into the future."
Read our previous articles in this series:
Level the playing field on payroll tax: Homestyle Aged Care CEO Tim Humphries’ political wishlist
Seven years since a workforce strategy: Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell’s ‘political wishlist’
“Whining for more money won’t cut it”: IRT CEO Patrick Reid’s political wishlist
Anne McCormack CEO of mecwacare wants to see greater recognition of palliative care in aged care
