Need for a research centre
The Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce’s report A Matter of Care: Australia’s Aged Care Workforce Strategy, recommended establishment of an Aged Care Centre for Growth and Translational Research. The Centre was launched in August 2022 as Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA).
The Australian Government committed $34 million to create ARIIA.
ARIIA will help aged care providers and their workforce translate aged care research into best practice.
Aims of ARIIA
ARIIA is an industry-led, independent and not-for-profit organisation funded to:
- increase the aged care workforce’s capability and capacity to adopt and embed evidence-based practice across the aged care sector, and
- grow the use of products and technologies that improve aged care service delivery.
Initiatives underway include:
- building an online Knowledge and Implementation Hub
- implementing an Innovator Training Program for the aged care workforce
- establishing a Research Grants Program that provides funding of up to $160,000 (ex GST) for specific projects.
Initial research priorities developed in conjunction with the aged care sector include:
- dementia
- rehabilitation, reablement and restorative care
- mental health and wellbeing
- social isolation
- projects with urgent and critical need.
In 2023, these will be expanded to include end of life and palliative care, and
meaningful lifestyle activities.
Setting up ARIIA
Flinders University was selected through a 2-step tender process to establish and operate ARIIA. It has received funding over 3 years until 30 June 2024.
The Aged Care Workforce Industry Council supports and advises ARIIA. ARIIA has 73 partners, including research institutions, service providers and peak bodies, which assist ARIIA to access the aged care sector.
ARIIA actively engages with all industry partners including:
- researchers
- aged care providers and their workers
- people who receive aged care, their families and friends.
ARIIA operations
Over the first 3 years of operations, Flinders University will set up ARIIA as an independent organisation with an independent Board of Directors. The board will include representation from the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council and aged care workforce representatives.
From 1 July 2024, we expect ARIIA to find alternative funding sources to continue its operations.
Learn more
Find out more about Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) on their website.