Day 1 on the Ageing Transformation stage at Australian Healthcare Week opened with a keynote panel featuring AAG President Anita Westera and AAG member and CEO of Geriatric Care, James Britton, as well as Saviour Buhagiar (Uniting NSW ACT), Craig Carter (ACH Group), and George Margelis (Ageing Australia).
The discussion focused on reimagining organisational strategies to meet shifting consumer expectations for autonomy, home-based care, and personalised services. It addressed systemic gaps causing service issues and explored adaptable service models for diverse settings.
Later, in her solo presentation, Anita emphasised the importance of research and evidence in shaping effective ageing and health policies, warning against reactive, piecemeal changes. Evidence-based approaches are vital for assessing needs, guiding decisions, identifying inequities, planning services, boosting accountability, and fostering innovation. Building a connected, equitable, and evidence-driven future for ageing and health policy in Australia is essential.
