National Older Persons Reference group members
OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group celebrates its fifth anniversary next week.
The reference group was established on 27 March 2020 to hear directly from older people and support them to be actively involved in discussions that affect them, including aged care reform.
‘The group has given me the opportunity to discuss the issues with the aged care reforms in a free and open way with a very diverse group of people,’ says reference group member Val Fell OAM, who attended the first meeting. ‘We may not always agree, but we acknowledge and respect the views of other members.’
The reference group’s 34 members have a broad range of professional and lived experience related to aged care services. Members are from various regions across Australia and represent a diversity of older people in the Australian community. They challenge stereotypes and create a better understanding of the different experiences of ageing and living as an older Australian.
‘The membership is such a refreshing experience, where acceptance of diverse ideas is highly respected,’ reference group member Peter Willcocks says.
‘I am in awe of the diversity of professional backgrounds, skills and advocacy within the membership.’
Fighting for visitation rights during the COVID-19 pandemic
Reference group member Robyn Abrahams agrees.
‘It’s wonderful to see aged and disabled aged working together to achieve dignity, safety, respect and some trust in the industry.’
With its inauguration amid the COVID-19 crisis, there was no soft launch. Reference group members were integral to OPAN’s work in this area and the tireless lobbying that took place for visitor rights and the restoration of respect and dignity. This work culminated in the Sector Code for Visiting in Aged Care Homes, now in its 7th version, which was a collaborative effort between consumer and provider peak organisations from the shared mandate to restore basic human rights.
More recently, the reference group has focused on the new Aged Care Act along with other important aged care reforms. Their feedback has shaped OPAN submissions to government, government policy and the Bill that was passed in the Australian Parliament on 25 November 2024.
‘Though there is not a total agreement with all my views I know I am respected for my work challenging the new Aged Care Act and Rules which I espouse as a failure and abandonment of the findings and recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission,’ Peter says.
Solutions for change based on lived experience
Jude Covell joined the reference group after she encountered problems being assessed for an aged care package.
‘It is challenging at times. There have been many hours spent reading government and OPAN documents and a lot of consultation meetings in preparation for the new Aged Care Act. But I have discovered my voice and have loved my experience as a member’, say Jude.
Reference group members have also contributed to the public debate on aged care issues through the media, educational webinars, advisory groups and conference panels.
With the impending introduction of the new Aged Care Act and its focus on human rights and choice and control, the voices of older people with lived experience of the aged care system will be even more important.
‘The [reference group’s] greatest strength, I believe, is the depth and breadth of opinions and ideas that bring solutions for change,’ Robyn says.
