LASA Congress aims to lead the way

Running from Sunday 15 October to Wednesday 18 October, the annual conference will see a number of well known and respected speakers take to the stage as well as run workshops following the conference theme of ‘Ahead of the Game: Age Services – Strong, Bold, Brave’.

With a heavy focus on the future of the aged care sector, Gihan Perera is set to engage with members through his presentation ‘Fit for the Future’.

“I’ll be talking about global megatrends and local shifts, and what that means for aged care,” he says.

“We will be looking at things like changes to the global economy and what that means for Australia, the ageing population and how technology and demographic trends will change the what aged care services are provided, how leaders need to lead and manage differently now as well as how to involve customers and clients more in providing services.

“With the ageing population there are big changes happening for aged and health care as well as technology wise.

“This conference is a chance for leaders to come together to hear from speakers and collaborate together – it’s important for the sector.”

Also on the line up and talking about the impact of the aged care workforce in light of the predicted industry growth is Helen Kemp.

Ms Kemp, who operates in the aged care and disability sector recruiting high quality care staff, says it’s always great to come together to talk about the issues that are important to the sector.

“I have a lot of experience in placing people in the sector and with the anticipated growth of the aged care sector and the growing competition is it more important than ever to recruit, manage and retain a good workforce,” she says.

Both Ms Kemp and Mr Perera note the change in the aged care industry, which is moving to be more client driven with residents wanting to be treated like clients and have choice in their care.

“Customer service levels are becoming increasingly important,” Ms Kemp says.

“More patients do not want to be seen as patients, they want to be seen as customers and consumers,” Mr Perera adds.

“They are done with being told what to do and when, they want more choice expecting providers to give them the flexibility and freedom they are looking for in health and aged care.”

As well as Mr Perera and Ms Kemp, LASA Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney is also excited to welcome Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt, David Tune, Shadow Assistant Minister for Ageing Senator Helen Polley as well as innovative entrepreneur Tim Fung, and biomedical engineer Dr Jordan Nguyen.

“It’s only a few days until LASA’s National Congress on the Gold Coast kicks off and we are expecting over 1000 people to attend what is the largest age services conference in South East Asia,” Mr Rooney says.

As well as keynote speakers and panel discussions, he adds that there will be a number of ‘congress favourites’ over the three and a half days.

“Of course our congress favourites are back – the trade exhibition with over 130 exhibitors, four masterclasses covering themes such as business innovation and brand positioning, site tours including My Aged Care contact call centre and the back of house of the Star Hotel as well as the LASA Annual Gala Dinner,” Mr Rooney says.

“I look forward to the opportunity to speak with as many members as possible over what should be a wonderful three and a half days.”

Congress registrations are still open with a list of speakers and the full program available for download online.