aby Boomers are changing the rules of retirement. This generation isn't quietly retreating; they are cashed up, well-travelled, and eager to enjoy life to the fullest. With a passion for great food, fine wine, and active living, Baby Boomers are transforming retirement villages, prompting these communities to step up and meet their evolving expectations.
This shift marks a clear departure from the Silent Generation, born between 1928 and 1945, who typically embraced a quieter, more reserved lifestyle. Today's retirement villages, where the average entry age ranges from 75 to 80, are gradually transitioning from serving the Silent Generation to welcoming Baby Boomers, the largest and wealthiest generation to date.
Financial experts point out that Baby Boomers are the architects of consumer choice. Unlike the previous generation, they seek diversity, quality, and modernity, rejecting anything they perceive as outdated. Their emphasis on individuality and choice is reshaping what retirement living looks like, from amenities and design to activities and experiences.
Boomers are bringing their active, social lifestyles with them into retirement. Unlike the more stoic and independent Silent Generation, they thrive on community engagement and meaningful social interaction. The expectation for a vibrant lifestyle is now given, with retirement villages offering a rich calendar of events,
communal spaces, and wellness programmes designed to keep residents connected and engaged.
This cultural shift has raised the bar for retirement providers, where social connection isn't just encouraged but expected. Villages are evolving to provide everything from shared dining experiences to travel clubs, fitness programs, and creative workshops to attract and retain Baby Boomer residents.
The outlook for retirement living in 2025 is exciting. As the economy emerges from recession and the housing market strengthens, many Baby Boomers will look to cash out of their family homes and embrace village living. With a focus on lifestyle, freedom, and community, this generation is poised to reshape the sector in ways we haven't seen before.
Retirement providers who can meet the Baby Boomers' expectations will thrive in this new era. The future looks bright as villages become not just places to live but thriving, connected communities that offer residents the best years of their lives.
The Baby Boomers have spoken, and retirement living is stepping up to deliver.
Tania Walters, Publisher tania@reviewmags.com
PUBLISHER: Tania Walters
GENERAL MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Sarah Mitchell
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Caitlan Mitchell
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES: Sam Francks, Jenelle Sequeira
ADVERTISING SALES: Caroline Boe
SENIOR DESIGNER: Raymund Sarmiento
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Raymund Santos
Aged Plus Village Business is published under license to Review Publishing Co Ltd. Please direct all enquiries and corres-pondence to Review Publishing Co Ltd. The opinions and material published in this edition of Aged Plus Village Business are not necessarily those of the publishers unless specifically stated. All material in this publication is copyright and may only be reproduced with the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2024 ISSN 2815-7478 (Print) ISSN 2815-7486 (Online) THE BUSINESS OF RETIREMENT VILLAGES & AGED CARE
The Aged Care Association’s 2024 Conference has addressed the challenging issues faced by the industry.
18 Flipping the Perspective: A Vision for Welcoming Spaces
We’re not just designing for residents; we’re designing for their families and their caregivers too.
22 Review Delays
Pose Threat
Following the coalition agreement of an inquiry into the Aged Care sector, the Labour opposition has said that if a careful approach is not taken, a flawed and rushed redesign of the dementia and aged care system will leave workers and residents worse off.
Amid work conditions demands, union movements, and a growing number of residents, industry leaders are not surprised that aged care workers in New Zealand have sought employment opportunities offshore.
28 Higher Quality Respite Care
The Australian Government has funded AUD $8 million to launch the Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring Project, an attempt to improve the capability of aged care workers and enable them to deliver higher-quality, dementia-specific respite care.
30 Caring for Carers
An innovative pilot programme from Monash University’s National Centre for Healthy Ageing has provided much-needed support for the older Australian workforce within the aged care sector.
32 Funding for Essential Research
Four research teams will share over AUD 3.7 million in funding boosts under the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Targeted Call for Research to improve infection prevention and control in residential aged care homes.
34 Summerset St Johns Welcomes First Residents
Summerset St Johns, the aged care provider’s latest flagship village, has been given the finishing touches ahead of its official opening.
38 State of the Sector
The Aged and Community Care Providers Association’s inaugural ‘State of the Sector’ survey has indicated that seven out of ten aged care providers were worried about Australia’s readiness for an ageing population.
40 Streamlining for the Future
As the aged care sector faces perennial issues such as funding insecurity, inflation, staffing shortages, and an increase in residents, operating procurement has become difficult for providers to judge.
42 Faces of Kerensa Gillespie
Kerensa Gillespie’s journey with Metlifecare began unexpectedly, thanks to a family connection.
44 myRyman Strikes Gold
The myRyman resident app and supporting admin portal have both received top praise for exceptional use of technology at the recent 2024 Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards.
Palliative Care Concerns
Palliative Care on the West Coast has concerned the Aged Care Association, which has circled around the regions new Korowai programme.
The Aged Care Association (ACA) has expressed serious concerns about the future of palliative care on the West Coast following comments from palliative care doctor Wendy Pattemore regarding the region’s new Korowai programme.
Dr. Pattemore highlighted that while the programme currently focused on palliative care patients, it may be expanded to include chronic disease patients due to the lack of residential care beds on the Coast.
The ACA has urged Te Whatu Ora to engage more meaningfully with residential care providers to address these critical gaps and ensure comprehensive palliative care options are available for families in need.
“Is this a sign that Te Whatu Ora has given up on working with residential care providers on the West Coast to enhance and expand the much-needed provision?” asks ACA Chief Executive Tracey Martin. Read more here
People’s Choice for Ryman
RSL LifeCare Appoints New Chair
AUSTRALIA | RSL LifeCare has appointed a new chair, with Sangeeta Venkatesan becoming the organisation's first ever female chair.
The Board of Directors of RSL LifeCare has appointed current director Sangeeta Venkatesan as its Chair, effective this week. This has made her the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the organisation.
Venkatesan is a distinguished and highly accomplished professional, with over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector. She has been serving as Interim Chair of RSL LifeCare. She brings a wealth of expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, investment management, and large-scale corporate restructuring and turnarounds.
In addition to co-founding an award-winning superannuation fund, Venkatesan is the President of Women in Banking and Finance and a Director on the Chief Executive Women's Board, further underscoring her leadership and influence in the industry.
Read more here
Ryman Healthcare has been named Best Provider Nationwide at the 2024 Aged Advisor People’s Choice Awards for Best Retirement Village and Aged Care facilities. This is the fifth time that Ryman has secured this prestigious award, which recognises the best of the best in retirement living and aged care across New Zealand.
The awards are based on over 15,000 reviews and ratings from more than 940 retirement and aged care facilities across the country.
Ryman Healthcare Executive Chair Dean Hamilton emphasised that winning the Best Provider Nationwide award was a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the team members at Ryman’s 40 New Zealand villages, who consistently provide exceptional standards of care and retirement living.
Read more here
Voted for by the public, Ryman Healthcare has taken the top spot at the 2024 Aged Advisor People's Choice Awards.
Ryman Support Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ
Ryman Healthcare has once again supported Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand with a substantial donation to the local charity.
Ryman Healthcare has donated NZ $466,640 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand while announcing Hato Hone St John as its new charity partner.
The charity's business manager, Annabel Lush, received the cheque from Ryman’s Executive Chair Dean Hamilton at a special event held at Murray Halberg
Village in Auckland on behalf of Tim Edmonds, CEO of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.
Edmonds described the donation as ’vitally important’ to the work the charity does.
“The funds raised this year by everyone at Ryman will be invested in our support services throughout New Zealand so that no-one need face their blood cancer journey alone.
“We are extremely grateful to Ryman Healthcare for choosing LBC as their charity partner and having the shared belief that their fundraising will make a valued difference,” said Edmonds.
An estimated 21,000 people live with blood cancer or a related condition in New Zealand, and, grouped together, blood cancers were the second most commonly diagnosed cancer type.
Being a charity and receiving no government funding, donations such as this were ‘vitally important’, Edmonds said.
“LBC is the only national charity dedicated to improving the lives of patients and families impacted by blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and serious blood conditions.”
Careerforce has welcomed the extension of the Apprenticeship Boost, providing employers in critical industries with certainty.
Earlier this year, the Government announced the extension of Apprenticeship Boost through to June 2028, from its earlier scheduled finish in December 2024.
While this extension was welcome news, it remained subject to confirmation of which key occupations and qualifications would remain eligible.
The Government has now confirmed the apprenticeships that will remain covered by Apprenticeship Boost. This includes all Careerforce Apprenticeship programmes, a reflection of the workforce pressures that remain across the health; wellbeing sectors, and the importance of developing this workforce.
Upon announcing the key occupations, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds said the government had taken action.
“By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on firstyear apprentices in targeted occupations, we are providing employers in critical industries with the certainty to hire and retain first-year apprentices,” said Simmonds.
From 1 January 2025, employers can claim Apprenticeship Boost payments of $500/mth
for the first 12 months of each apprenticeship. Employers currently receiving Apprenticeship Boost for a Careerforce Apprenticeship can continue receiving payments in 2025 while the apprentice remains in the first 12 months of their training.
Careerforce, currently a work-based learning division within Te Pūkenga, supports over 2000 apprentices across New Zealand. These apprentices perform critical roles across health and wellbeing sectors, including aged care, disability, mental health, addiction, and social services.
Read more here
RSL LifeCare Launch New Veteran and Family Hub
AUSTRALIA | RSL LifeCare has released designs for a new veteran and family hub in Queanbeyan, located in south-eastern New South Wales.
RSL LifeCare has unveiled the designs for its newest Veteran and Family Hub in
Queanbeyan, marking a significant milestone in providing support to veterans and their families in the region. Scheduled to open in early 2025, the hub will be located in Queanbeyan and include a ‘mini hub’ in Canberra, a first for RSL LifeCare to expand
Age UK Report Highlights Issue
UK | Age UK has issued a report warning of the dangers that senior Brits face as their health declines, and they become more dependent.
Anew interim report from Age UK warns that the safety net that seniors expect to be there's they age, if they are living at home, has become dangerously weak, with older people living alone in declining health, with no family and friends to support them, at particularly high risk.
Age UK has estimated there are approaching half a million people (465,000) aged over 65
in England living with three or more significant health conditions who are also in need of help with at least three essential daily activities (i.e. care needs), such as getting out of bed, going to the toilet or getting dressed.
But of these half a million individuals, only about one in three receives care at home, with the remainder relying on family - or managing without. Even among those fortunate enough to have family support, nearly two in three depend on a partner who is often an
initiative, in partnership with RSL NSW, aims to provide wraparound support services to over 26,500 veterans and their families residing in the Queanbeyan and ACT region—a large and rapidly growing veteran community.
The Hub's development has been made possible with a AUD $5.45 million capital grant from the Federal Government awarded to RSL LifeCare.
access to crucial services for veterans and their families in NSW and the ACT.
The unveiling of the designs follows a period of close community consultation, ensuring the facility meets the specific needs of the local veteran community. This
"We are thrilled to be opening our first Veteran and Family hub in the ACT in early 2025. This expansion to Queanbeyan and for the first time, outside of NSW in the ACT, allows us to help more veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the support and services they deserve," said RSL LifeCare CEO, Janet Muir.
Read more here
older person themselves with their own increasing health needs.
More broadly, of all those aged over 65 in the UK, nearly a third – more than 3.6 million people - live alone, while around one in 10 (1.2 million people) are
ageing without children. All these numbers are expected to rise steeply over the coming years as our population ages, so we need to strengthen the support on offer to older people at home sooner rather than later.
Read more here
CREDIT: RSL LifeCare
Commissioner Outlines Standards Improvement
AUSTRALIA | The Commissioner for Aged Care Quality and Safety has indicated an improvement of care standards within the industry.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner has released its latest Sector Performance Report for the April to June 2024 quarter.
For the first time, the report includes performance data for the last two financial years, showing growing evidence of improvements in the quality and safety of aged care but also shining a light on areas of underperformance by providers.
In Q4 2023–2024, 81 percent of residential
care providers were fully compliant with all requirements of the Aged Care Quality Standards (Quality Standards). This is a big improvement from the 58 percent compliance at the beginning of the previous
financial year (2022 to 2023).
In Q4 2023 to 2024, 65 percent of home services providers were fully compliant with the relevant Quality Standards, compared with a 46 percent compliance
rate at the beginning of the previous financial year. While this is an improvement since last year, compliance rates for in-home services still lag well behind those for residential care.
Read more here
Exploring the Industry’s Future
The Aged Care Association’s 2024 Conference has addressed the challenging issues faced by the industry.
or three days, industry leaders, experts and politicians flocked to Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre to hear insights and trends from panel discussions, as well as view over 100 industry exhibitors.
ACA CEO Tracey Martin said the conference was integral as aged care was an essential sector that has been under extreme stress for a long period of time.
“This can be very isolating, making it crucial to bring industry members together to share information and education, fostering a sense of community. This support helps them realise they are not alone in their ongoing fight for recognition of their
vital contributions to residents and their families,” said Martin.
She added that a key highlight was Tom Symondson’s presentation, which demonstrated the effectiveness of establishing a ministerial task force.
“This is particularly noteworthy when compared to Te Whatu Ora’s ongoing Aged Care Funding and Service Models Review, which has been in progress for 12 months without completion.”
Symondson explored the big shift in the Australian aged care sector, and why recent reforms have been a good thing for the industry. He said they were just the first step of a long journey.
Critically, he said there were not enough beds, insufficient home care packages, long waiting times and that residential aged care was 95 percent full. He added that 200,000 beds were needed in the next 20 years, and that staff shortages needed to be addressed.
By bringing together sector experts, the task force was able to develop a comprehensive design and funding model within just six months, which is currently being implemented in Australia. Symondson described Aged Care Minister Anika Wells as courageous for putting together the task
Continued on page 12.
force and for including himself.
“Me, unions, economists, older peopleall around the table talking about what we should do,” he said.
Symondson believed that without the reforms, there would be no care. He said that things had improved since the royal review, but funding still has to come from somewhere. Benefits of the reforms also included the independent pricing authority, allowing providers to use evidence-based approaches to the price and cost of aged care services.
He stressed that it was important for residents who can afford to pay more to contribute to their care services.
Martin also mentioned that the conference served as an uplifting experience and a reality check, and reminded attendees from throughout the industry that they have allies, ready to champion the cause for the aged care sector.
With rising cyber threats, the need for improved security in aged care facilities was a prominent topic. Presentations noted that only half of New Zealand organisations felt prepared for cyber incidents. Best practices discussed included multi-factor authentication, password managers, and centralised reporting systems to improve detection and response capabilities.
Continued from page 11.
A panel on AI outlined the potential of technology and innovation on the sector, and how it enhanced operational convenience for staff and doctors, such as recording consultations and making suggestions of how to help patients. The panel also explored how AI will address discrimination and, because AI is datadriven, how it can input, expose, amend and control outputs to create the right positive.
Martin addressed the ongoing concern regarding supply and demand, as well as the growing pressures on the sector. She said predictions of how many beds the sector will need were worrying and how the decline in homeownership will add even more pressure and.
Financial sustainability was another priority. She highlighted the ongoing work with pay equity, pay parity, raising the profile and issues through social media.
“There are certain ways to make government take you seriously. Normally, it’s fear, and more often than not, it’s fear of the public,” she said.
The second day of the conference explored how to leverage technology to transform healthcare. Sue Thompson, CEO of McLean Care, said that co-design processes start with consumers, so there is a full understanding of what is needed.
Continued on page 14.
The panel explored the benefits of virtual assessments in hard-to-reach rural communities and solutions that allow the resident or patient to stay in that area. The discussion moved to how resistance would be inevitable, but the key was to communicate regarding the implementation of tech projects. Making sure consumers understand that technology is not necessarily replacing but supporting clinicians was also a topic of discussion.
Financial expert Cam Ansell tackled a range of challenges foreseen in the industry’s future.
“We’ll need to double the number of services over the next 10 years. Thanks, Baby Boomers. But it’s not about volume, it’s about changing needs,” said Ansell.
He added that the industry has been historically under-resourced, and that only seven percent of the budget today goes to aged care, predicted to rise to 11 percent in 2061, which is unsustainable.
Ansell added that the number of retired Kiwis will soar, and that while too many need aged care, there isn’t enough support for aged care. He said the number of nurses will continue to decline and that there will be reduced development of facilities.
“We’ve done nothing about it because a user-pay means-testing system is a poison
Continued from page 13.
chalice for politicians.”
Minister for Seniors, Casey Costello, touched on the past year since she assumed the role. Costello said she has spent time meeting people, visiting facilities, and has engaged with sector members. She added that people have talked with her about the challenges and the opportunities. She has been impressed with the commitment of great people and recognised what people have done to provide services and the need for change.
The minister told the conference that New Zealand needed to build a proper system, which required money. She acknowledged the need for reform and for a better funding model, as well as the need for a major shift in industry thinking.
Martin said one of the conference’s main objectives was to remind attendees of their “why” and the reason they do what they do.
“Despite the challenges of working under difficult financial conditions, we wanted to reinforce that their dedication stems from a genuine passion for people. This commitment to caring for others is what drives them and sustains their efforts, even in the toughest of times,” said Martin.
The conference also provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with exhibitors and explore what’s currently Continued on page 16.
Continued from page 15.
available in the market. Engaging in conversations about new technologies and products from various suppliers allowed them to stay informed and inspired about innovations that can influence their work.
“I hope that we will be able to help the Government design an evidence-based, sustainable delivery funding model – like the Australians have.”
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FLIPPING THE PERSPECTIVE: A Vision for Welcoming Spaces
We’re not just designing for residents; we’re designing for their families and their caregivers too.
hen visitors walk into an aged care facility, their first impression can set the tone and influence their interactions thereafter. This initial impression is important because it shapes their perception of the care their loved ones receive. A welcoming and comfortable environment can make visitors feel more at ease, allowing for more natural, relaxed, and organic interactions with their loved ones. In turn, this positively impacts residents, countering loneliness, enhancing their overall well-
PERSPECTIVE: Spaces
being and increasing happiness.
Consider the feelings and experiences of visitors as they enter the reception and waiting areas. Does it promote a sense of comfort and welcome, with clear wayfinding and inviting seating? Soft seating, warm colours, and thoughtful designs can help visitors feel at home, making their time at the facility more pleasant. When visitors are comfortable, they are more likely to have a positive perception of the care their loved ones receive, improving overall satisfaction, trust, and loyalty to the facility.
Beyond the reception and common
A welcoming and comfortable environment can make visitors feel more at ease, allowing for more natural, relaxed, and organic interactions with their loved ones.
DESIGN
Continued from page 19.
areas, other spaces within the facility are also important for creating welcoming environments for families. This inclusive approach should extend to dining areas, lounges, and outdoor spaces, providing a variety of settings where families can spend quality time with their loved ones. Thoughtfully designed furniture in these areas can enhance the overall experience, making visits more enjoyable and meaningful.
A positive first impression can also improve interactions with staff, fostering a sense of trust and cooperation. When the environment is designed thoughtfully, with functional and attractive furniture, it can lead to improved staff morale and productivity. A well-organized and visually appealing space can reduce clutter and chaos, allowing staff to focus more on providing quality care. Happy and motivated
staff are more likely to deliver better care, further contributing to the positive experience of residents and their families.
In the end, it’s all about creating spaces that feel like a warm hug for everyone who walks through the doors. By investing in comfort and design, we’re not just modernizing aged care facilities; we’re creating a supportive, inviting environment that benefits residents, families, and staff alike. It builds trust and loyalty, making everyone feel like they’re part of a caring community. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, fostering a true sense of community and well-being.
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In the end, it’s all about creating spaces that feel like a warm hug for everyone who walks through the doors.
tailored furniture for social interaction.
Redefining clinical comfort.
Review Delays Pose Threat
Following the coalition agreement of an inquiry into the Aged Care sector, the Labour opposition has said that if a careful approach is not taken, a flawed and rushed redesign of the dementia and aged care system will leave workers and
INGRID LEARY
Labour Spokesperson for Seniors
he Coalition Government announced its review of the Retirement Villages Act would be delayed until the next parliamentary term, earmarked for 2027, at the earliest.
Labour seniors spokesperson Ingrid Leary said nearly all the background work has been done and that leaving any changes to the Act for the next parliamentary term will see many of the current residents passed on, highlighting that time was on no one’s side.
Seniors Spokesperson Tama Potaka said the objectives of the review remain the same, including ensuring adequate consumer protection, balancing the rights and responsibilities of operators and residents, and ensuring the ongoing viability of the sector.
“The continuation of the Retirement Village Act review reflects the coalition Government’s agreement to work with the sector and safeguard the interests of the residents living in retirement villages,” said Potaka.
Leary said the Government would have squandered the opportunity to improve the lives of those who need residential care, their families, and their carers unless it paused work on redesigning the system.
“Labour members of the Health Select Committee back the call by the Aged Care Association Chief Executive Tracey Martin to pause the aged care sector redesign and undertake a process with greater transparency.”
At a recent select committee hearing, National MP Dr Vanessa Weenink said she shared Martin’s “concerns about Te Whatu Ora frankly to be able to redesign the system” in an astounding lack of confidence in an agency governed by a National minister.
Ingrid Leary added that the Government had cut NZD 1.4 billion from the health budget behind closed doors.
“We are alarmed to hear reiterated from the Aged Care Association that Te Whatu Ora has been directed to reduce hospital bed nights by 200,000 per year,” she said.
“This is driving a chaotic and short-sighted
Continued on page 24.
Labour started this review process, which now needs to be completed with haste by the Government. More than 20 years since the original Act was implemented.”
Continued from page 23.
redesign of aged care that could significantly impact how seniors access the care they need and deserve.”
Leary said the Government had the wrong priorities in mind for the future of the sector and that it was focused on cost-cutting and not providing the care that people needed.
“We have an opportunity now to review the settings comprehensively based on evidence and best practice, but what we are seeing from this Government is a closeddoor rushed approach focused on reducing hospital bed nights rather than the wellbeing of our seniors.”
Although the Labour Party acknowledged that finding sustainable ways to support seniors in living well at home or in care was a pressing and significant issue that deserved attention, it urged the Government to stop its “bulldozer approach” and allow public scrutiny.
Leary added that Retirement Village Residents Association members had asked for three priority areas they wanted action on: maintenance and repairs, dispute settlements and fairer fees, and repayments on exiting a village. She said that the timelines for the review set by the Government were
unacceptable and would leave residents in the lurch for years.
“Labour started this review process, which now needs to be completed with haste by the Government. More than 20 years since the original Act was implemented,” she said.
“Recent comments by the Executive Director for Retirement Village Association Michelle Palmer in the media indicate the industry has been encouraging its members to make changes. The time is right for this Government to act with residents and operators primed and ready to resolve these long overdue concerns.”
Minister for Seniors Casey Costello said New Zealand’s population is ageing, and it was essential that there be a range of housing options available for older people.
“Retirement villages play an important role in this mix, and around two-thirds of them also provide aged care facilities, so we need to continue the review and to get it right.”
It is estimated that more than 53,000 people currently live in retirement villages, and the industry forecasts that close to 113,000 retirees will want to live in this type of accommodation by 2048.
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Kiwis Jumping the Ditch
Amid work conditions demands, union movements, and a growing number of residents, industry leaders are not surprised that aged care workers in New Zealand have sought employment opportunities offshore.
ith more Kiwis jumping the ditch to live in Australia than ever before, the local aged care sector has seen a swift increase in staff following the trend.
Australian aged care provider Mercy Community has attracted industry attention following its employment offer in regional areas of the country. In particular, it has aimed to build a solid workforce in Rockhampton, a central Queensland city with a population of just over 80,000, seven hours north of Brisbane.
Mercy Community has strategically focused
on New Zealand workers, offering generous incentives to entice them to move, such as an AUD 5000 relocation assistance payment, free accommodation, an AUD 5000 sign-on bonus, salary packaging, novated leasing, and immigration or visa support services.
Industry leaders in New Zealand have been sceptical of the incentive, particularly due to its location. Many warned those contemplating the move that Rockhampton does not reflect the Gold Coast.
Some have argued that although it isn’t unusual for Australian employers to look to New Zealand for its workforce, there will always be movement back and forth across Tasmania as long as there is a single labour market.
Others have highlighted that Aged Care providers in New Zealand have recently dealt with challenging financial circumstances, especially as government funding hasn’t kept up with the industry’s rising costs. Such contributing costs have included advancements to offer the best care, especially in dementia or Alzheimer’s cases, which has forced additional strain on providers.
The company initially announced 70 vacancies and, additionally, 50 job opportunities were on the way as it grows its workforce in the lead-up to opening the region’s newest residential aged care facility, Mercy Haven, which is set to be completed next year.
Janet Rhodes, Mercy Community’s Executive General Manager for Residential Aged Care, said around 270 Mercy Community employees currently support 350 older people in Central Queensland through our full range of aged care services, with demand likely to increase by 50 percent over the next decade.
“As the average life expectancy continues to grow, so does demand for aged care services and people willing to work in the sector to provide the services needed, including registered nurses where we know there is a nationwide shortage,” said Rhodes.
“Australians are not only living longer but, as recent research suggests, we’re also outliving most people in English-speaking OECD countries.”
Rhodes added that with approximately 2,500 people in Rockhampton currently looking for work and more Queenslanders over the age of 65 living in the Capricorn region than any other part of the state, there had never been a better time or place to explore a career in aged care and make a difference in the community.
Mercy Community has indicated that these jobs are genuine vacancies that can offer career pathways for registered and enrolled nurses, allied health, hospitality, and personal care workers. They also support aged care workers with generous incentives and benefits.
It also outlined the company’s goal of building a world where people, families, and communities are strong in spirit, healthy, and connected.
“Through the work we do to deliver our home, community, residential, respite, palliative, dementia and other aged care options, Mercy Community makes a real and genuine difference to the lives of more than 800 older Queenslanders and their families each year.”
As the local industry continues to navigate job losses and underfunding, many providers are unsurprised that its workforce has explored employment opportunities in Australia, especially as it is a country with a highly unionised industry, higher salaries, and working conditions. It was also a matter of time before Australian employers eventually offered New Zealand workers an offer some couldn’t refuse.
Higher Quality Respite Care
The Australian Government has funded AUD $8 million to launch the Dementia Respite Education Mentoring Project, an attempt to improve the capability of aged care workers and enable them to higher-quality, dementia-specific respite care.
he project, commonly known as DREAM, was developed by the University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Centre in partnership with Dementia Support Australia. It is the first of its kind and has introduced a new way to train staff.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said that by empowering aged care workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Government had taken a significant step towards providing person-centred care that truly makes a difference.
“We want to see older people in our communities living well. This means having the care and support they deserve from staff
with the right skills and being able to do the things they enjoy in the company of others with a similar lived experience,” said Wells.
So far, DREAM has led the way in making training in dementia respite care nationally available. It is backed by research and evidence and supported in practice by a team of coaches and an online community. Its purpose has been to help enable people living with dementia to stay at home longer and improve the quality of life and experience of respite care for people living with dementia and their carers.
The Government has acknowledged that dementia has a major impact on individuals, their families and communities across the
CareEducation and to deliver
country and has been a significant and growing health issue for some time.
As a former nurse, Assistant Minister of Aged Care Ged Kearny said he was a big believer in equipping the nation’s nurses with the tools and knowledge to deliver the best quality care. He hoped the DREAM project would go a long way to enhance the dementia-specific respite care of the nursing workforce.
“Supporting a loved one living with dementia is both rewarding and challenging. This announcement will make a big difference not only to the lives of people living with dementia but also to their families and carers,” said Kearny.
Over 400,000 Australians live with dementia and have limited access to quality dementia respite care and the ability to provide valuable opportunities to connect with others and participate in experiences that can improve their well-being.
DREAM will benefit the aged care workforce and help them understand the challenges of dementia respite care and what they can do to support people’s access to quality care.
Distinguished Professor James Vickers, Director of the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, said this funding would increase the skills and capability of respite care staff to provide person-centred care and improve the respite care experience for those accessing it.
“We have worked closely with those involved in respite care and Dementia Support Australia to identify the key learning and support needs of the respite sector,” said Professor Vickers.
“Together, we have developed a suite of education to improve knowledge of dementia, plan for a successful respite experience, understand the importance of knowing the person living with dementia, build relationships and communication, and navigate behaviour in respite care.”
DREAM is a free service for workers and organisations that provide dementia respite care in community and residential settings, including regional, rural, and remote areas. By the end of the 2026 financial year, DREAM will have delivered education, training, and mentorship to 5,200 respite workers.
Caring for Carers
An innovative pilot programme from Monash University’s National Centre for Healthy Ageing has provided much-needed support for the older Australian workforce within the aged care sector.
n a first for the Australian sector, the Carer Health and Wellbeing Service, led by Monash University Rehabilitation, Ageing, and Independent Living Research Centre (RAIL) and clinical leaders from Peninsula Health, has provided support for carers aged 50 years and older who provide informal care to older people aged over 65.
The programme has also catered to the group of carers who may also face their own age-related physical or mental health issues. This is the first service of its kind to focus on carers aged 50 years or more to improve their health and wellbeing, helping them sustain their carer role in better health.
A free interdisciplinary service, which is run by Peninsula Health, will include services from social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Between them, the team has the expertise and
ability to support carers in identifying and prioritising goals and empowering them to problem-solve and address their own health needs.
Principal investigator, Dr Aislinn Lalor of Monash University’s Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, said carers of older people provide essential support for those they care for to remain at home.
Co-investigator and ageing expert Professor Keith Hill said this care saved billions of dollars of public funds every year, however, carers often do this while neglecting their own health and wellbeing.
Peninsula Health’s Director of Community and Ambulatory Services, Iain Edwards, said initial research identified a real gap in available support for carers.
“This service bridges the gap by identifying the particular needs of the carer to enable them to care more effectively. This may be
done by addressing some of the emotional and psychological impacts that can occur, as the person being cared for might now be quite different. Then, through Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy support, we are able to help with the logistics around making caring easier whilst maintaining the physical health and wellbeing of the carer,” said Edwards.
NCHA’s Director, Professor Velandai Srikanth, said supporting a loved one to age at home could be hard.
“We know that feelings of isolation and loneliness are real and that often older carers’ own health and wellbeing needs can fall by the wayside,” Professor Srikanth said.
“Our Carer Health and Wellbeing Service is the first of its kind in Australia and was established to make real and tangible inroads into addressing this inequity by giving older carers and the communities who assist them access to opportunities and support systems that will enable the carer’s health and wellbeing to also remain a priority.”
For Ivan Freer, 72, the service has provided him with invaluable support.
Freer has been a full-time carer for his wife for the last two years, and even with his own health problems that led him to be in and out of hospital for the last 18 months, he has taken on the role of being a full-time carer.
His wife, who is partially incapacitated, has three fractured vertebrae in her back and has to rely on a walker to get around.
“The Service has helped me a lot, and it is definitely needed. I am able to speak to them about a lot of things, and they have sent me in the right direction to get help or get what we need,” Freer said.
“You can call yourself a carer, but I think most people go into it with no experience. I would recommend this service to other carers because it is always good to know someone is there for you and that you can ask questions.”
In developing the project, data was integrated from multiple sources, including the Mornington Peninsula, plus elsewhere in Victoria, Western Australia and a unique carers’ clinic in Brazil. Further drawing on co-design with individuals with lived and living experience, an innovative carers’ health service model suitable for Australia has been designed. Another project hopes to implement and evaluate the resulting Australian Carer Service model at Peninsula Health, regional Victoria and New South Wales, as well as in Western Australia.
Funding for Essential Research
Four research teams will share over AUD 3.7 million in funding boosts under the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Targeted Call for Research to improve infection prevention and control in residential aged care homes.
hese targeted projects will stimulate research to understand better the factors that influence the successful implementation of infection prevention control programmes in residential aged care homes.
“Infection prevention and control practices that aim to minimise and stop the transmission of infections are critical in all environments. Residents of aged care homes are amongst those most vulnerable and at risk, stressing the need for continued improvements within these settings,” said NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh.
“Our national research efforts must be directed towards adopting an evidence-based approach to infection prevention and control – this will ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of aged care residents and the wider community.”
Effective infection prevention control measures and practices reduce the risk of transmission of infections and the development of antimicrobial resistance. When implemented within aged care settings, such programs can protect older people, healthcare providers and others from harmful infections.
Each of the four research projects funded will receive close to AUD $1 million to inform evidence-based interventions for infection prevention control programmes that meet the varying needs of public and private residential aged care homes across Australia. The projects will also inform what actions are
required for these programs to be successfully implemented.
Of those receiving funding, Professor Anton Peleg from Monash University will lead a research programme to develop optimised models and approaches for infection prevention control in residential aged care homes. Through a highly engaged co-design process with people with lived experience and end users, Professor Peleg’s programme aims to improve the lives of residents by reducing their risk of infection.
University of Technology Sydney researcher Dr Su-yin Hor will partner with people in care, their families and carers, residential aged care providers, and infection control experts to investigate how residents, staff, and the community can be kept safe from infectious diseases without compromising the rights, health, and well-being needs of older people in care.
“The outcomes of this targeted research will help to develop a solid evidence base to inform how existing measures and practices can be adapted to suit the unique environment of residential aged care homes,” said Professor Wesselingh.
A Targeted Call for Research is a one-time request for grant applications to address a specific health issue with a significant research knowledge gap or unmet need. It has been designed to stimulate research or build research capacity in a specific area of health and medical science to benefit Australians.
Over the last 30 years, we have supported tens of thousands of aged care staff to achieve life changing and nationally recognised qualifications, all via our work-based learning programmes. Employers have the confidence of knowing that their staff have demonstrated the required competencies, and ultimately deliver a better standard of care to residents. For 15 reasons why you should entrust your workforce development to Careerforce, check out careerforce.org.nz/careerforce-difference careerforce.org.nz/aged-care 0800 277 486 YEARS Celebration 1994 - 2024
Summerset St Johns Welcomes First Residents
Summerset St Johns, the aged care provider’s latest flagship village, has been given the finishing touches ahead of its official opening.
ith the first residents having moved in during October, the first stage has offered premium residences and spectacular amenities within a luxurious environment.
The Village’s official opening will be held later in the year.
The new St Johns village is the biggest in Summerset’s portfolio to date. With a price tag of NZD $350 million, the investment has included 340 units built across a 2.6-hectare site with approximately 36,500 square metres of ground floor area.
Seven multi-level buildings surround the Village, with the first now fully operational.
CEO of Summerset Holdings, Scott Scoullar, said there had been avid interest from potential residents throughout the construction phase.
“We have a database of prospective residents who were eager to see the village open and attended an exclusive database event on 16 October,” said Scoullar.
“Our first public open day event was held on 20 October and saw unprecedented interest with 2,000 attendees ably greeted and hosted through the village by our team.”
Throughout the construction of the Village, approximately 200 units were delivered across August, September, October
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and November. Up to 300 people were on site per day at the height of the construction period.
Once fully open, the Village will have approximately 80 staff, who will undergo a four-week orientation programme. The hiring and recruitment process commenced at the start of 2024, with over 4,000 applications for roles and 295 interviews to find the best staff. New roles include a Wellbeing Coordinator who will host in-person proactive health clinics and a Resident Experience Manager.
The first four buildings in the first stage release comprised 60 percent of the Village’s homes, with a third of these already sold
or under contract, with approximately NZD $90 million in sales (across care and independent homes). With the Village now open and available for viewing, the village team has expected even greater interest.
The Village features a wide range of highquality homes and floor plans, including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as premiu from enthouse options with enhanced interior design and views. Each independent living apartment also comes with its own under-cover carpark.
Units are priced from NZD $975,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, NZD $1.35 million for a two bedrooms, to NZD $6 million for premium apartments. Care offerings, including suites, serviced apartments, and
memory care apartments (which are all sold under OCRs) are within the NZD $375,000 to $1.575 million price range, comprised of some two-bedroom apartments.
Many of the St Johns apartments feature panoramic views of the established bush surroundings, the skyline of Auckland City and the adjacent Waitemata harbour.
Various amenities have been added to make the St Johns village a state-of-the-art facility, including a care centre, memory care centre, indoor swimming pool and spa, resident bar, bistro, cafe and movie theatre. Residents can also make the most of outdoor living, with a bowling and croquet green, exercise facilities, resident concierge and chauffeur booking services.
The St Johns village is unique in its offerings compared to other villages in its portfolio. A prime example of this is the bistro, which will give residents the ability to have restaurant-standard dining. This has included an Executive Chef who will run the kitchen. A Resident Experience Manager will also be on hand to assist residents with their requests.
State of the Sector
The Aged and Community Care Providers Association’s inaugural ‘State of the Sector’ survey has indicated that seven out of ten aged care providers were worried about Australia’s readiness for an ageing population.
ustralia is on a reform journey. The ACCPA report highlighted the opportunities and challenges the aged care sector in Australia has faced, including funding, workforce, reform, and what the priorities are for a better future. It has also demonstrated the confidence the Government has in the sector, following the largest investment package announcement in the country’s history.
“This is a report about our sector at a critical juncture in its transformation journey, based on feedback from those who deliver care to older Australians every day. It provides evidence-based insights about what’s happening on the ground. It is honest, and it is earnest,” said ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson.
“It comes amidst a backdrop of financial, workforce and reform challenges – all of significant magnitude.
The demand for aged care is also growing, highlighting the urgent need to create a system that delivers high-quality care now and into the future.”
Aged care providers are motivated to provide quality care and the best ageing experience
possible, but 70 percent were concerned about Australia’s readiness to support a growing ageing population.
In the survey, 97 percent were concerned about increasing costs. This almost universal concern is not unsubstantiated, given 50 percent of residential providers continue to lose money and the margins of Home Care providers continue to decline – crashing to AUD $1.80 per client per day in the first half of 2023 to 2024, from approximately AUD $3.20 in 2022 to 2023.
When asked about challenges facing the aged care sector, 92 percent of providers nominated government funding (under current policy settings, before implementation of the new Aged Care Bill currently before the parliament) as a concern.
The problems are worse in regional and rural areas or ‘thin’ markets. Worryingly, 20 percent of smaller providers were not confident in their ability to provide aged care services in the next 12 months.
“Australia’s population is ageing, and we need to be ready. It’s critical that funding is sufficient to deliver care and to attract investment so we can build for the future,” said Symondson.
“These responses from providers show even more clearly that the Australian
Government’s response to the Aged Care Taskforce as part of the new Aged Care Bill is essential to making the aged care sector more sustainable.”
Fifty-one percent believed aged care reforms were pointing the sector in the right direction. However, the pace of change is worrying providers, with 64 percent saying transition timeframes were too fast, and 84 percent believe new requirements will put a greater strain on the sector.
“Providers fully support well-designed reform, but that reform must be at a manageable pace and not exacerbate already existing problems.”
Workforce shortages and the ability to meet care minutes requirements were also major concerns.
“Providers are feeling the brunt of worker shortages, with just 36 percent confident they would be able to recruit enough staff to meet their increased care minutes. Current migration settings aren’t the answer, with 64 percent unable to access the workers required under current arrangements.”
Streamlining for the Future
As the aged care sector faces perennial issues such as funding insecurity, inflation, staffing shortages, and an increase in residents, operating procurement has become difficult for providers to judge.
he day-to-day operations of retirement environments have now become more complicated than before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by optimising processes and technology, providers have an opportunity to streamline procurement with critical effects.
One of the main ongoing challenges for procurement within the sector has been constantly innovating and rethinking operating models to ensure high industry standards are maintained and remain affordable.
In the post-COVID environment, compliance requirements have become a non-negotiable factor for procurement teams to deliver, as providers and suppliers are responsible for enforcing adequate governance that will produce greater performance and compliance.
Tania Killeen-Noy, Bupa New Zealand Procurement Manager, said that ease of use was a key consideration when choosing a new procurement platform.
“Our care teams do incredibly important work supporting the needs of older New Zealanders and their families. An intuitive tool that empowers them to purchase what they need without distracting them from that work is a priority,” said Killeen-Noy.
“Procurement solutions are easy to use,
reduce processing time through automation and allow us to introduce a single process for all of our purchasing needs.”
Aged care providers must maintain open, honest, and robust communication with supplier organisations to ensure company spending management processes are in place. This can lead to improved communication, strategy, and goal alignment.
Maintaining open, honest and robust communication with suppliers will ensure that spend management processes are in place, which can lead to strategy and goal alignment. As time can be of the essence for providers, there is a need to find a quicker, more innovative and more efficient way to get things done.
Streamlining procurement and contract management is important to the process, as it can increase providers’ ease of use and boost productivity. Ensuring the right technology is used can improve performance through a digital approach.
As cost management is a primary focus for aged care providers, specialised product consolidation will have cost-effective benefits specific to the needs of residents and individual villages. Consolidating spending will also result in the best value for money and reduce the complexity of having too many business partnerships.
Faces of Kerensa Gillespie
Sales Executive, Metlifecare
Kerensa Gillespie’s journey with Metlifecare began unexpectedly, thanks to a family connection.
riginally employed as the lawn mower at Metlifecare’s Longford Park Village during its construction phase, Gillespie eventually became a Serviced Apartment Hostess, a role she had great pride in.
In 2002, Gillespie became a full-time receptionist, which was then followed by a move into sales. Metlifecare leadership believed her genuine interactions with clients and residents made her an ideal candidate for the role.
Having held six roles throughout her time at Metlifecare, Gillespie decided to stand down after 18 years, and moved to Mangawhai with her husband for a new adventure. She worked at an exclusive golf club for eight months before receiving a call from her former boss at Metlifecare, asking if she would consider returning to take on a sales position at Hibiscus Coast Village. Though she enjoyed her time at the golf club, Gillespie missed the village lifestyle and the amazing people, so she eagerly accepted the offer to return.
The transition to a sales role came with significant challenges and more responsibilities. She quickly realised that to succeed, she needed to fully understand Occupation Right Agreements and various regulations. She read extensively and leaned on the support of her colleagues, who generously shared their knowledge and time.
Gillespie’s varied roles at Metlifecare have given her a deep appreciation for each team member’s contribution to village life.
“For me, 2023 was one of those years when
everything just seemed to come together,” Gillespie said.
“It might have looked easy, but in reality, it was the result of years of hard work, understanding my role, my buyers, my residents, and my community. Building relationships, supporting networks, and fostering trust with the village, sales, and support office teams are key — there are no shortcuts.”
She was delighted to be recognised as Sales Executive of the Year, but she has remained humble, acknowledging the incredible support from her team and peers.
Her advice to anyone considering a career change was straightforward.
“If you want something, go for it. Be prepared to put in the hard work, and you will be supported.”
Gillespie said that taking advantage of every available resource, spending time with experienced colleagues, and embracing a love for people and the industry was vital for sales.
She highlighted Metlifecare’s supportive working environment, where career progression was encouraged.
“What I love most about Metlifecare is the people,” she shared.
“I’ve had amazing opportunities to progress within the company, and I love that we help make every day better for our residents, whether it’s taking the time to listen, share a smile, or enjoy a good laugh together.”
As Gillespie entered her 25th year of service, she looked forward to many more years at Metlifecare.
myRyman Strikes Gold
The myRyman resident app and supporting admin portal have both received top praise for exceptional use of technology at the recent 2024 Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards.
aving reached the finals in three categories, myRyman won Gold in the Value of Design Award. This award is presented to industryleading initiatives that champion the power of good design to create massive impact. Recognised for its ability to enhance lives, myRyman was developed in collaboration with Ryman’s digital innovation partner, Journey Digital. It was also a finalist in the Social Good and Digital Products categories.
Since they were introduced to Ryman’s villages, the tools have transformed how residents access information about events and activities and have connected residents living in village communities. At the same time, they have improved operational efficiency for village team members.
The myRyman app has been specifically
designed for older adults, and has incorporated feedback from residents and village teams through over 270 hours of interviews and 30 sessions focused on accessibility requirements. This comprehensive engagement has informed the development of a solution that effectively caters to residents’ needs.
Designed for inclusivity and accessibility, myRyman has addressed social isolation among residents. The app features real-time village updates, an event calendar, and is supported by the admin portal for village team members, enhancing communication and community engagement. Residents are also able to access online services for medication deliveries and home care assessments, featuring user-friendly onboarding and easy input options.
Ryman Healthcare’s Chief Customer and Technology Officer, Rick Davies, said the win reflected the company’s commitment to digital innovation and user-centered design.
“This award recognises our dedication to creating technology solutions that promote freedom, connection, and well-being for our residents,” said Davies.
“By co-designing the app and admin portal with residents as well as village team members, we have developed a solution that truly helps them feel connected and stay informed. This collaborative approach enables us to better understand how our services can meet residents’ needs and how technology can enhance engagement within our communities. A huge thank you to our dedicated team for their hard work in developing and rolling out these tools.”
The judges praised myRyman for being a comprehensive digital solution designed to enhance the lives of residents in Ryman retirement villages. They highlighted how its well-executed design simplifies complex processes and offers a seamless user experience, while noting that it has succeeded in making residents’ lives better with stunning uptake, engagement and satisfaction metrics.
MyRyman’s success was reflected in its high adoption and resident satisfaction rates.
More than 76 percent of independent resident households at Ryman villages in New Zealand and Australia have an active account on the app, and 98 percent of those households with the app use it weekly.
The close partnership between Ryman’s technology team and digital innovation partner Journey Digital has been integral to the success of these tools. Journey’s expertise in app design has aligned seamlessly with Ryman’s strategic vision and product management, resulting in a user-centric approach that prioritises customer experience.
In 2023, the myRyman app won the Digital Design Apps and Software Green Tick Award at the Australian Good Design Awards. Earlier this year, it was also named ‘Innovation of the Year - Technology Social Engagement’ at the Asia-Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards.
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