ROSA expands key partnerships with aged care industry leaders

The Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA) Research Centre, based at SAHMRI, has extended its long-standing collaborations with leading aged care providers Silverchain and ECH.

Established in 2017, ROSA was founded through support from the South Australian Government, and is a collaboration between SAHMRI, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, and the University of South Australia, alongside aged care providers, policy makers, and consumer representatives.

Led by Professors Maria Inacio and Gill Caughey, the registry’s primary role is translating large-scale national datasets into evidence that informs policy and practice to improve the health and wellbeing of older Australians.

Silverchain and ECH were among the earliest contributors to ROSA’s development and continue to play a central role in its governance, research priorities and translation of evidence into practice.

Their renewed commitment builds on nearly eight years of work, which has included participation in governance committees, joint research projects, and co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications.

ROSA Director, Professor Maria Inacio, says these partnerships are vital, as the sector continues to navigate a period of significant reform.

“It’s essential our research is shaped by the experiences and expertise of those delivering care on the ground,” Prof Inacio said.

“The partnership with Silverchain and ECH helps ensure our work remains timely, impactful and aligned with the significant reforms currently transforming the aged care sector, including the new aged care act.

Silverchain is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit providers of complete health and aged care services. Adjunct Professor Karen Smith, National Director of Research and Evidence, says the collaboration is an important driver of positive change.

“By continuing to work alongside ROSA, we can deliver research that has real-world impact and helps shape a healthier future for older Australians,” Prof Smith said.

Nationally recognised for its person-centred approach, ECH supports older Australians to live independently and with confidence at home. Carolyn Dawkins, Head of Customer Experience at ECH, said the organisation welcomes the opportunity to contribute to shaping the research agenda.

“This partnership allows us to collectively identify priorities and produce high-quality insights that can be translated into meaningful improvements in quality of life for older Australians,” Ms Dawkins said.