From the CEO - sharing what we know

For almost 150 years OCAV has been a quiet achiever and champion for older Victorians in need. We have learned many lessons which we have used to improve our services for our residents, whether they are in independent or assisted living, or aged care.

As part of our Vision for 2020, OCAV has developed an industry leadership platform which will see us sharing these lessons with our colleagues, policy makers, and influencers in the aged care and retirement sectors.

As one of the longest-established providers of secure and affordable housing for older Victorians, we have much to offer the current debate about affordable housing. In particular we have many lessons that we can share with others about how we have been supporting residents previously living in insecure or inappropriate housing, and without the financial means to meet rising housing and living costs. The majority have either come from being in private rental accommodation, public housing or staying with family or friends. In short, the hidden homeless.

It was therefore a privilege to be one of 17 Australian influencers in the affordable housing sector that was asked to reflect on current challenges and consider new, big ideas for a research program prepared by Australian Futures Project for NAB. There is much to do to stop the rhetoric and short-term politics, and OCAV will do its bit to continuing enabling older Victorians in need have access to secure, affordable housing so that they can ‘age in place.’

Recently we made two submissions to the Australian Law Reform Commission on elder abuse. It was pleasing to see that many of the recommendations that we made, including a national prevalence survey, the need for more research into perpetrators’ behaviour, education for health professionals and carers have been adopted in the recent report. We will continue to share our voice to national and state debates on issues affecting older people.

One of the ways in which we intend contributing to the agenda is through Conversations for Change where we will bring interested people together to share ideas and contribute to debates about how we ensure older Victorians in need are included and respected in the future. We are in early stages of planning, and I look forward to updating you.

This winter our appeal showcases the care and support we provide to our residents. You will have read about Peter Stock who had been on home dialysis but, as his kidney disease progressed, required peritoneal dialysis every night. OCAV worked collaboratively with the Austin Hospital and his family to ensure he received the treatment he needed. This achievement was lauded by the Aged Care Quality Agency which have never seen a dialysis patient looked after in an aged care facility before.

Helping people like Peter receive the medical attention, nursing care and housing support as and when they need it more than merely providing a service. It enables older people retain dignity, pride and importantly hope. We encourage you to donate to our appeal if you can.