If you work in aged care and want to learn the knowledge and skills to implement an innovative, evidence-based change in your workplace, the free Innovator Training Program (ITP) is for you.
Individual ITP
As an Innovator in the individual ITP, you will learn alongside a cohort of peers who work in aged care across Australia. You will come to the ITP with a specific problem to solve, and the ITP will help you to:
- define the problem or opportunity;
- adapt an evidence-based solution;
- plan for implementation;
- pitch to stakeholders and,
- measure the change.
The training is delivered in ‘rounds’, via a series of self-directed learning modules, facilitated online workshops, and small group project discussions with ARIIA staff.
We offer three different delivery schedules to suit your situation. The overall time commitment is the equivalent of three weeks full time, and each delivery schedule is comprised of the same module and workshop content, with the same commitment from facilitators, but structured in different ways to suit you. Find out more about the delivery schedules at the bottom of this page.
Themed ITP
We understand that it can be difficult to identify just one problem to solve in your workplace. The Themed ITP is designed for individual Innovators who want to undertake the ITP but perhaps need guidance to identify a specific problem to solve.
In March 2023, ARIIA’s national survey identified three themes of most importance to the aged care sector.
The themes are as follows:
- Innovative approaches to retain aged care workers
- Customising tasty, nutritious and safe meals and settings for older adults
- Building reablement capabilities in aged-care workforce
In Round 10, commencing June 2024, the Themed ITP will focus on:
Innovative approaches to retain aged care workers
Workforce remains a key issue for the sector. Services and organisations are thinking about how to retain staff and ensure their ongoing engagement and capability. In this Themed ITP, the ARIIA team will facilitate an exciting exploration of issues and initiatives focused on implementing innovative strategies to retain workforce. You will have access to Australian resources and guidance round this topic to identify an evidence-based solution that will work for your staff. Take this opportunity to be part of improving the experience and skills of our aged care workforce.
Round 9 is currently underway with the Themed ITP focusing on:
Customising tasty, nutritious and safe meals and settings for older adults
In this Themed ITP, the ARIIA team will facilitate an exciting exploration of issues and initiatives relating to how we manage food and drinks in Australian aged care. The focus is on delivering food and drinks that are appetising, nutritious, and safe, and meets the needs and preferences of the older person. You will have access to Australian resources and guidance around this topic to identify an evidence-based solution that will work for your clients. Take this opportunity to be part of improving the experience and health of older people in aged care.
In Round 8, the Themed ITP focused on:
Building reablement capabilities in aged-care workforce
Reablement is an approach to care that supports ‘wellness’ by promoting independence and supporting people to achieve what they want to do. Reablement can focus on physical, cognitive, social, or psychological function as each may impact independence. It builds on people’s strengths (what they can do) to regain function. Reablement, therefore, requires a person-centred approach to care that acknowledges and supports individuals’ goals, values, and needs.
Supporting older people through reablement can occur in a range of settings with reablement care delivered by a range of staff. Within this reablement ITP, projects might centre on the older person, the workforce delivering the service, or broader organisational approaches and programs.
The Themed ITP will be delivered in the same format as the Individual ITP, however there will be only one delivery schedule available per round. The overall time commitment is the equivalent of three weeks full time.
Delivery Schedules - Individual ITP
On the ITP application form, you will select your top 2 preferences for delivery.
Visit Key Dates & How to Apply for more information about submitting your application.