Lynda McArdle
Chief Operating Officer, ARIIA
The Asia Pacific Aged Care Hub (APACH) is a capacity building initiative aimed at improving aged care across the Asia Pacific region, through a collaboration between Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA), Flinders University College of Business, Government, and Law and the Caring Futures Institute, with funding support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. APACH brings together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights, best practices, and learnings.
During August and September 2023, APACH hosted a group of 15 aged care specialists from countries including India, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. These experts participated in workshops, guest lectures, think-tank sessions, and industry visits to aged care homes and government health departments across Australia.
Over two weeks, APACH fellows experienced Australian models of best practice in aged care firsthand. They learned about workforce capability requirements and the adoption of technology based on evidence-based practices from the Australian context. The commonality across all regions is that older people desire relationship-based, person-centered care. APACH aims to enhance this approach by sharing successful strategies and fostering regional collaboration.
There is a focus on building networks of influence and developing communication and collaboration skills to build partnerships across multiple sectors and countries. By sharing knowledge and understanding, APACH contributes to better care outcomes for older adults.
Building on the knowledge already shared, the APACH International Policy Forum was hosted at Ramaiah Medical College in Bangalore, India, on the 16th and 17th of May, 2024.
The program highlights included keynote addresses by renowned experts, interactive workshops, poster presentations, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities between students, researchers, professionals, academics, and policymakers in the aged care sector. It provided a platform for showcasing research, projects, and innovations in aged care and contributed to the development of the aged care sector in the Asia Pacific region through knowledge sharing and collaboration.
By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds to share, learn and innovate, APACH aims to elevate aged care standards and create a brighter future for older adults across the Asia Pacific.
To learn more, please visit the ARIIA website: https://www.ariia.org.au/asia-pacific-aged-care-hub-apach or the APACH International Policy Forum website: https://www.apachintlforum.net/
*The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.