SUMMARY
Many Aged Care facilities in Australia are continuing to operate in a traditional medical model, with elders being dependant, living in large institutions and living a life of mere existence. It is Australia's challenge to change the culture of ageing and the perceptions held by the community that elders are powerless and feeble. Australia needs to turn Aged Care facilities into homes, making them attractive for residents, families and staff and to create a life worth living.
In recent times some Aged Care providers have begun to research and implement new practices and philosophies such as the Eden Alternative(tm) and culture change, believing that they can create an environment filled with animals, plants and children. Australia has seen the positive results and data from the USA, and some homes in Australia are now beginning to gather base data and some comparative data, which in preliminary fashion indicate positive outcomes for staff and residents.
Australia has to continue on the culture change journey, educating and spreading the awareness and positive changes nationally. Other Aged Care operators need to be aware of these new concepts in ageing, so that they can begin to practice self-determination; person-centred work and self-directed teams and leadership. Greater knowledge, awareness and Australian proactive data and results will assist and encourage others on the journey to culture change.