It’s not exactly new news that in the landscape of Australian aged care, challenges abound. From staffing shortages, calls for improving person-centred care and governance, to improving workforce conditions a sector with increasing demands on regulatory compliance, the sector has multifaceted obstacles that demand innovative solutions.

At the heart of the matter,  lies the struggle to attract and retain skilled workers. Visa limitations have made it increasingly difficult to fill staffing gaps, both in metropolitan hubs and regional areas… ( and immigation won’t fix aged care staffing issues, Emeritus Professor Hal Swerissen, Public Health La Trobe University 2022) . Aged care, unfortunately, is often viewed as an unattractive sector for younger generations, perpetuating a cycle of recruitment woes. The Royal Commission’s understandable and important expectations for heightened care standards only compound these challenges, emphasising the urgent need for capable and passionate individuals within the field.

Meanwhile, lifestyle interventions, though recognised as crucial components of holistic care, often languish in the shadows of allied health. This oversight not only diminishes the quality of care provided but also underscores a broader issue of capability and understanding across the industry. Without adequate recognition and support, lifestyle interventions risk being sidelined, depriving our loved ones living in aged care of opportunities for enhanced well-being.

In the face of these challenges, intergenerational initiatives emerge as a promising solution.

By organisational commitment to fostering connections between aged care homes and schools, kindergartens, community groups and partner organisations, organisations like Bupa Aged Care pave the way for meaningful engagement across generations. Such initiatives not only enrich the lives of aged care residents but also offer opportunities for personal growth and connection for younger participants, important for their own well-being and social development.

Alice Graham, National Lifestyle & Wellbeing Manager and Wendy Lawrence, National Lifestyle and Wellbeing Adviser are leading the charge to see intergenerational programs and partnerships increase across their 58 homes, with Bupa making significant progress in increasing the number of homes with an intergenerational connection initiative post-Covid.



A joyful moment of connection between a high school student and an aged care resident at a Bupa home


“Building champions within our organisation is crucial for sustaining our intergenerational partnerships and initiatives. We want to leave a legacy where Bupa is recognised as a leader in intergenerational connection, benefiting both our residents and the broader community.”

The journey towards intergenerational connection is not without its hurdles. Sustainability and integration into organisational culture remain paramount. It’s not enough to simply establish programs; they must become ingrained in the fabric of daily operations. This requires not only education, planning and dedication from frontline staff but also unwavering support from leadership.   In a 2022 interview around what is needed to transform aged care, CEO of Opal Healthcare, Rachel Argaman hit on the importance of what we see as at the heart of intergenerational community connection

“Clinical care is FOUNDATIONAL, that’s why people come to us, but how do we put LOVE, PURPOSE and BELONGING into the lives of people living in care…. How are we CONNECTING the people we care for, because you can live parallel lives in care – how are we connecting our people, that’s what we need, that sense of community – caring relationships.”

By embracing intergenerational initiatives and embedding them into their culture, aged care organisations have the opportunity to not only enhance the quality of care and cultivate an engaged and sustainable workforce, but also leave a lasting legacy of community and connection in a world that continues to struggle with increasing fragmentation.

We are keen to seize this moment to initiate conversations, spark collaborations, and ignite change. If you’re as passionate about the potential of community connection as we are, we invite you to reach out to Samantha Heron or Natasha Cromer as we work toward sector change . Together, let’s be the architects of a more connected, compassionate future of the care of our aged, and the role they play in a mentally heatlhier society.