In the 50th year of her career, Viv Allanson OAM has new ways to continue advocating for and supporting aged care service providers, residents and their families by opening the doors again to Gener8Care.
The newly retired CEO of Maroba Aged Care Facility launched Gener8Care to provide a consultancy service for aged care providers and other businesses looking to work with the aged care sector. The news comes after another recent accolade bestowed to Viv at a New Zealand conference, recognising her service to aged care and community.
As she steps into this new chapter of her career, the outspoken and fearless veteran is voicing concern that some of the new reforms to Australia’s aged care system will not help the people who need it.
The Federal Government’s latest reforms in response the Royal Commission came into effect on November 1 when its new Aged Care Act 2024 became law.
Viv welcomes “the long needed overhaul” of the Act, but said some funding reforms add complexity and cost for residents, families and aged care 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,” Viv said.
“We need reform that facilitates more vision, innovation, compassion and love in the aged care sector to achieve that goal.
“With recognition of aged care’s important community role, increased funding, effective regulation rather than red tape, and by working smarter, we can make that happen. Older Australians deserve it.”
Viv retired from her 25 year role as CEO of Maroba Aged Care Facility on September 26. More than 145 people including Maroba staff and suppliers and health and aged care sector colleagues, attended her farewell dinner.
At Gener8Care, Viv will use her knowledge and experience from her 50 year career, 34 of those in aged care, to give practical support to aged care service providers, other businesses, and their current and emerging leaders.
Viv gave the keynote address at last month’s 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 conference, Meaningful Ageing Australia presented Viv with its Honorary Elder Award. This is Viv’s 35th career accolade, recognising her expertise and dedication to aged care, for transforming Maroba into a leading aged care facility, and establishing and leading its subsidiary training company Smart Training and Consulting. Other accolades include an Order of Australia Medal in 2023.
“I’ve learned a few things in my time and am excited to share those with leaders and emerging leaders in aged care service providers and businesses wanting to work with the aged care sector,” Viv said.
IMAGE | Viv Allanson OAM was keynote speaker at the Aged Care Association of New Zealand’s Annual Conference.
