Responsive service design and workforce strengthening: Recommendations to improve aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Objective: This study aimed to develop innovative and practical strategies and recommendations for aged care policy and practice that support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods: A research symposium was held in June 2023 on Kaurna Country at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. The symposium brought together 70 attendees including aged care consumers, Federal and State Government representatives, advocacy services, health, aged care and social service providers, and health and aged care researchers. Two roundtable sessions titled ‘Responsive Service Design’ and ‘Workforce Strengthening’ were conducted following a World Café approach. Data were analysed thematically. Results: This paper proposes recommendations relating to innovation and improvement within aged care policy and practice. Recommendations for responsive service design and workforce strengthening include the following: (1) promote genuine engagement and involvement, (2) establish partnerships between sectors, (3) ensure compliance, (4) innovative communication and feedback pathways, (5) holistic approaches to well-being, (6) prioritise cultural safety and (7) flexible recruitment and retention strategies. Conclusions: Working together and building partnerships between diverse stakeholders including community members, workforce, service providers and policymakers is required for sustainable and meaningful innovation within the aged care sector. Our recommendations, driven by community needs, provide an opportunity to ensure the innovation and implementation of ongoing aged care reforms meet the needs and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.