09/09/2025
Our CEO Todd Yourell has written an opinion piece entitled "A Call to Recognise Companionship as Essential Care"
The full paper can be read here https://lnkd.in/gvjwXWkG
Loneliness and social isolation have been described as the silent epidemic among older Australians. For many, the absence of meaningful connection is as harmful as chronic disease.
In 2022, more than one-third of Australians reported feeling lonely at least some of the time (AIHW, 2023). In residential aged care facilities, this risk is just as profound. Residents often face “transition shock” when leaving behind their homes, routines, and relationships, and despite being surrounded by people, many still feel deeply disconnected.
Yet we aren’t truly measuring what matters most. Current “resident experience” and “quality of life” indicators don’t capture the depth of loneliness and social isolation. Without validated measures, we risk ignoring one of the biggest contributors to poor wellbeing in aged care.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2021) was clear: emotional wellbeing must be valued alongside physical care. But under the current AN-ACC funding model, there is no dedicated allocation for structured companionship, lifestyle, or leisure services. Providers are left funding these programs from already stretched operational budgets, leading to reduced engagement opportunities and downsized roles in many facilities (Australian Recreational Therapy Association, 2024).
It’s time to act.
We need to:
✔ Fund dedicated lifestyle, leisure, and companionship programs
✔ Incorporate “activity and companionship minutes” into pricing frameworks
✔ Support innovative, relationship-based models of care
Loneliness among older Australians is not inevitable — but without targeted investment, it will persist. With the right funding, aged care providers can create environments where companionship and connection are treated as essential parts of care, not optional extras.
