Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) has welcomed the announcement of a $13M investment from the Commonwealth Government to support its drive to enhance workforce capability and the development of an innovation culture within the aged care industry.
The funding, to be spent over two years, will enable ARIIA to commence the second stage of its strategy which encourages development of innovative care models using technology and evidence-based practices, with an added focus on home care.
ARIIA Chief Executive Officer, Reuben Jacob, said the organisation continued to work closely with Government, industry and community stakeholders, peak bodies, tertiary research organisations, and elders to ensure success of the aged care reform process.
"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.
"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."
To date, ARIIA has funded 62 projects nation-wide and channelled $16.9 million into research of industry-identified problems — including $7.7 million from sector co-contributions. More than 600 participants have joined the Innovator Training and Aged Care Partnering programs and the online Knowledge and Implementation Hub is now accessed by users around the globe.
"The new round of funding will enable ARIIA to broaden our local and international partnerships and allow us to implement scalable, evidence-based solutions across the sector including a focus on emerging technologies such as AI and digital strategies," Mr Jacob said.
ARIIA Founding Research Director, Professor Sue Gordon, said the organisation had played a valuable role as a catalyst for change since 2021, bridging the gap between research and application and creating new approaches in the aged care sector.
"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.
"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, and I am pleased the Government has shown confidence in the role ARIIA can play in translating this mandate to industry.
"One of our priority areas will be the community care sector, with 80 per cent of older people indicating they wish to age in place. This means an urgent upskilling of aged care workers to broaden the range of physical, social and psychological support services that will enable elders to stay at home longer," Professor Gordon said.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said ARIIA is the pinnacle of aged care innovation and embodies Flinders University's commitment to revolutionising how Australia supports its aging population through world-class research.
"Since our university's inception of ARIIA three years ago, alongside industry partners, it has consistently delivered transformative sector-wide changes, and we eagerly anticipate its ongoing success in shaping the future of aged care," Professor Stirling said.
"As ARIIA continues its vital mission of developing solutions for aged care, continued federal funding will fuel further innovations to tackle our nation's aged care challenges head-on.
Flinders University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Raymond Chan said ARIIA has collaborated with Flinders' leading aged care researchers and industry partners to deliver meaningful 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."
Mr Jacob said ARIIA's success would not have been possible without its dedicated team and the continued support from 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.
He added ARIIA is working on a commercial funding strategy to establish additional industry research and consulting opportunities, international collaborations and philanthropic support, with a view to establishing sustainability for the organisation.
