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The Future of Aged Care: Innovations Shaping Quality, Choice and Connection
FOCUS Connect • 14 July 2025
The aged care sector in Australia is undergoing a profound transformation. With a new Aged Care Act on the horizon, changing community expectations, and rapid technological progress, innovation has never been more critical for providers committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
At FOCUS Connect, our mission is to support older people and their families through culturally responsive, compassionate, and innovative services. Recently, two of our team members, Kelly (Aged Care Manager) and Mehdi (Senior Financial Accountant), attended the NSW/ACT State Conference hosted by Ageing Australia at the Hilton Sydney.
This important industry gathering brought together professionals, leaders, and innovators from across the sector to discuss the latest reforms, challenges, and emerging opportunities. The conference not only reinforced our commitment to excellence but also inspired us with the many innovations poised to reshape aged care in the years ahead.
Below, we share some of the key trends and innovations gaining momentum in aged care and how they connect to FOCUS Connect’s vision for the future.
1. Technology Enhancing Wellbeing and Engagement
Technology is no longer an optional extra in aged care; it’s becoming central to delivering meaningful, person-centred experiences.
At the conference, one of the most memorable moments was meeting Robot Daisy, a humanoid wellness facilitator designed to engage older people through music, conversation, and cognitive exercises. While Daisy is still in the early stages of adoption, she represents a much broader wave of innovation in aged care technology, including:
- Digital engagement platforms that help older people maintain social connections and reduce isolation
- Virtual reality experiences offer cognitive stimulation, reminiscence therapy, and even travel adventures
- Telehealth and remote monitoring provide easier access to specialists and proactive healthcare support
- AI-driven tools predict health risks, improve medication management, and support staff with insights to personalise care
At FOCUS Connect, we see technology as an opportunity to enhance human connection, not replace it. Digital tools, when used thoughtfully, can help older people remain independent, connected, and engaged.
2. Data-Driven, Person-Centred Care
The aged care sector is moving decisively toward data-driven personalisation. Providers are increasingly using technology and analytics to understand individual preferences, cultural backgrounds, health risks, and lifestyle factors.
Benefits of this data-driven approach include:
- Early detection of cognitive decline or health issues
- Care plans tailored to individual goals and cultural needs
- Greater transparency for families and carers about their loved one’s wellbeing
- Continuous quality improvement based on real-world feedback and trends
This shift aligns strongly with the reforms outlined in the new Aged Care Act, which places rights, dignity, and choice at the heart of service delivery. For FOCUS Connect, it means continuously improving how we deliver culturally responsive care that respects each person’s unique story.
3. Workforce Innovation and Sustainability
A thriving, skilled workforce is the backbone of quality aged care. But the sector faces significant challenges, including staff shortages, high turnover, and the complexities of delivering services across diverse urban and regional communities.
At the conference, workforce innovation was a major topic. Some of the key strategies emerging include:
- Micro-credentialing to rapidly upskill staff in specialised areas such as dementia care, palliative care, or cultural competence
- Flexible workforce models that better support regional and remote areas
- Employee wellbeing programs to reduce burnout and retain skilled professionals
- Technology to support staff, such as digital care documentation, scheduling tools, and training platforms
Our team took the opportunity at the Expo to connect with recruitment and IT providers, exploring fresh ideas to strengthen workforce sustainability. At FOCUS Connect, we’re committed to investing in our people so they can continue delivering compassionate, high-quality care.
4. Co-Design and Lived Experience
True innovation in aged care goes beyond technology and systems—it starts with listening to the people who live the experience every day.
At the conference, Kelly met with inspiring advocates, including Gwenda Darling, a dementia and aged care activist and nominee for the 2025 NSW Senior Australian of the Year. Conversations like these underscore the importance of co-design, where older people, caregivers, and families contribute to shaping services and reforms.
Key benefits of co-design include:
- Services that better reflect real-world needs and preferences
- Increased trust and engagement from clients and families
- Innovative solutions grounded in lived experience
- Greater cultural safety and responsiveness
At FOCUS Connect, co-design is part of our DNA. We believe the best solutions are built in partnership with the people we serve.
Looking Ahead
The NSW/ACT State Conference reaffirmed that the future of aged care in Australia is one of innovation, collaboration, and deep respect for the people at the heart of our services.
Whether it’s emerging technology, data-driven care, workforce sustainability, or co-design, the sector is moving toward solutions that improve quality, dignity, and connection for older Australians.
At FOCUS Connect, we’re committed to being part of this transformation. We’ll continue exploring innovative approaches that help us deliver exceptional care to the diverse communities we support today and into the future.
Learn more about FOCUS Connect, our culturally responsive aged care services by visiting our website or calling (02) 4627 1188.
FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. Additionally, we are a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.
Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?
If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.
