The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many of the usual way of doing things. The aged care sector has seen many changes in a short space of time, as the virus is known to disproportionately affect older people.

The changes have impacted residential aged care services, as visitor restrictions and social distancing in particular, highlight the need for different approaches to maintain residents' engagement and their links to their families. 

As more and more services have tried out creative solutions, the Commission has collected some early examples and is encouraging people to get in touch with even more. From the use of iPads to video calls or online streaming of live concerts to 'windows of love' or setting up pen pal schemes, services across the country are coming up with all sorts of new approaches. 

Check out some early examples of innovation here. 

If you would like to share your innovative ways to connect consumers and their families, the Commission would be pleased to hear from you and to help to share your idea more widely. Simply send an email with details of your idea, program or initiative to innovate@agedcarequality.gov.au.

You can also send any supporting videos, photos or other visual material (ensuring first that you have secured the permission of any people featured in videos and photos to share their image).