Celebrating aged care on National Open Day 2016

This is the third year Australia has participated in what has become an international movement to promote community understanding and involvement with the care of the elderly, and the services and community integration offered by facilities in their locality.

“The success of this initiative has been particularly heartening for me,” says Adjunct Professor John Kelly, chief executive officer of Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA).

“The National Open Day has evolved from a ‘nice idea’ to an event that has real impact with quantifiable results.”

Residential care facilities, community care providers and retirement villages provide care to 1 million Australians every year but people in the wider community are not always aware of what services are available.

“Often people who need care and support have no idea what aged care services are available in their local community,” Professor Kelly says.

On Friday 17 June 2016 people can walk through the doors of their local facility to discover what is on offer.

By opening their doors to the public, aged care providers have the opportunity to showcase their facilities to the community, from school children to people looking at their aged care options, and at the same time help to dispel many of the stereotypes associated with old age and disability.

“In 2015, there were 212 separate aged care providers registered on our Open Day website and this year looks set to easily exceed that number – we had enquiries about the 2016 event as early as November last year,” Professor Kelly says.

“Providers have listened to consumers to understand what they want in service expectations. By inviting the community into local facilities, it creates an opportunity for this conversation to continue.”

Minister for Aged Care Sussan Ley encourages Australians to visit their local aged care provider on ACSA National Open Day.

“There are significant changes occurring in aged care but the one thing that doesn't change is the commitment of staff and volunteers to provide the best possible care for our older Australians,” Minister Ley says.

“By opening their doors on National Open Day, aged care service providers will showcase what they offer to their local community.”

Many participating facilities organise activities like BBQ’s, cake stalls, fetes or invite guest speakers, health professionals and therapists to share their insights on ageing.

For more information or to find a participating site visit nationalopenday.com.au.