She might have recently stepped down from her role, but Hunter-based Viv Allanson OAM is still determined to be a strong aged care advocate.
The “newly-retired” CEO of Waratah’s Maroba Caring Communities remains concerned some of the new reforms to Australia’s system will not help the people who need it.
Her trepidation coincided with the Commonwealth’s latest changes to the Aged Care Act in response to the Royal Commission, which came into effect on 1 November.
While Ms Allanson welcomes “the long-needed overhaul”, she said a few of the funding measures added complexity and cost for residents, families and providers.
“Aged care can and should be a trusted, vibrant, loving place where older people choose to come – and a service families can rely on,” she explained.
“With recognition of its important community role, increased funding, effective regulation rather than red tape, and by working smarter, we can make that happen.
“Older Australians deserve it.
“We need reform that facilitates more vision, innovation, compassion and love in the aged care sector.”
Ms Allanson stated the new Act’s focus on the human right of residents was appropriate.
However, there was no discussion of personal accountability.
“Both rights and responsibilities are fundamental, especially when people live together in community,” she said.
“Older people and their families welcome and need both, as do aged care providers.”
Ms Allanson, who boasts a Masters of Health Services Management from the University of Newcastle (UoN), bid Maroba “goodbye” on 26 September.
More than 145 people – staff, suppliers and health and aged care sector colleagues – attended her farewell dinner.
She will now use her knowledge and experience from her 50-year career, 34 of those in aged care, to continue to support the sector, residents and their families by reestablishing Gener8Care.
The consultancy venture seeks to improve leadership and performance through innovation and more effective cooperation.
Ms Allanson will also carry on her speaking engagements; as a founding member of the Hunter Aged Care Alliance; her associations with many ageing-related and business groups; and as a Conjoint Fellow in Nursing & Midwifery at the UoN.
Last month, she delivered the keynote address at the Aged Care Association of New Zealand’s annual conference to a standing ovation.
She encouraged delegates to be “the change you want to see”.
At the event, Meaningful Ageing Australia presented her with its Honorary Elder Award, her 35th accolade.
She also garnered an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2023 for her services to the industry.
“I’ve learned a few things in my time and am excited to share those with aged care services and other businesses through my Gener8care consultancy business, speaking engagements and working with other groups,” she added.
But, Ms Allanson is no stranger to challenging governments and her sector to do better for residents and their families either.
In 2020, she accused then Prime Minister Scott Morrison of throwing the aged-care sector “under the bus” by warning operators to stop imposing stricter visitor rules than the national coronavirus advice.
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