“Transforming care in older adults: innovations from Down Under” Seminar by Dr. Irene Blackberry

January 10th 2024 at 2:30-3:30pm ET

Watch the recorded session here: https://bit.ly/3Hj8D3J

Professor Irene Blackberry is the John Richards Chair and Director of the Care Economy Research Institute at La Trobe University. She has over 20 years of research experience across the Care Economy in Australia and abroad, predominantly in healthcare, aged care, and informal care sectors. Her research examines access to care and models of care that are innovative, effective, and sustainable, building skills in individuals and greater capacity of the whole-of-community to support people from diverse backgrounds and rural communities. Most recently she focuses on addressing the care crisis by breaking down the siloing of care sectors. She is the leading force behind Australia’s Care Economy research including developing an industry-led research partnership program on the Care Economy, establishing the Care Economy Collaborative Network, and becoming the Inaugural Director of Australia’s first Care Economy Research Institute.

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Care Economy encompasses care services for people across all ages and all abilities including childcare, disability care, family care, health care and aged care. In Australia, Care Economy is the largest and fastest growing industry with over 2million people, 80% of whom are women occupying the roles. In addition, there is a significant role of informal carers and volunteers across the care sectors. This paper will explore opportunities in Care Economy among the growing ageing population in how to deliver better care for older adults. Some of the challenges and solutions will be presented.