Inside Ageing

The government has appointed experienced public sector leader Kate Pope PSM as acting Inspector-General of Aged Care, following the departure of Natalie Siegel-Brown at the end of July. Ms Pope commenced in the role on 1 August 2026 and will lead the independent office while the government undertakes the recruitment process for a permanent Inspector-General.

Australia's home care providers have recorded a signficant decline in operating margins under the new Support at Home program, with the first full quarter of operation revealing widespread pressure on provider viability despite significant increases in service pricing.

Partner content: This case study was produced in collaboration with SilVR Adventures to showcase innovative approaches to person-centred engagement in aged care. SilVR Adventures is a previous recipient of a Future of Ageing Award - a program run by this publication. Across Australia's aged care sector, providers are searching for practical ways to deliver more personalised care while engaging residents who have become increasingly isolated.

A new free mobile app has been launched to help Australians build the confidence and practical skills needed to support people living with dementia, as the country prepares for the number of people living with the condition to more than double over coming decades. Developed by Dementia Training Australia, REMIplay™ is a game-based learning app that allows users to practise responding to realistic dementia care situations through interactive role play in a safe and supportive environment.

A new Australian study has found that intergenerational homesharing could provide a practical way to tackle two growing challenges at once: housing affordability for younger Australians and social isolation among older people.

A major new Australian research project is set to investigate one of the brain's most important defence mechanisms against dementia, with scientists hoping the findings could lead to entirely new ways of preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases.

A lack of motivation, loneliness and eating alone are emerging as some of the biggest threats to good nutrition for older Australians living independently, according to landmark national research that challenges long-held assumptions about why people struggle to eat well at home.

Proveda's Employee Wellbeing Program transformed workplace culture through flexible work, wellbeing initiatives and leadership commitment, increasing staff retention from 72% to 92% while improving employee engagement, recognition and continuity of care. It was awarded Highly Commended in the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on November 27, 2025...To view all of the results...

A Queensland aged care home is using 3D printing technology to create low-cost assistive devices that are helping residents regain independence, in what Lutheran Services says is a first for the aged care sector. At Orana Aged Care in Kingaroy, staff are designing and producing customised aids that enable residents with limited mobility to continue participating in everyday activities, from painting and writing to playing bingo.

Australia's residential aged care sector is becoming increasingly full but significantly less financially sustainable, with nearly two-thirds of aged care homes now operating at a loss despite strong occupancy and ongoing funding reforms. The latest StewartBrown Residential Aged Care Financial Performance Survey found 62% of residential aged care homes recorded an operating loss during the nine months to 31 March 2026, up sharply from 49% a year earlier.