News and Events

As an older person, you probably have a lot of questions about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. We hope we answered some of them in our first webinar which you can replay here.

OPAN's second webinar on Tuesday, February 23, at 11:30 AM Australian Eastern Daylight Time focuses on the process for you to provide consent, or decline, whichever you choose.

Although having the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly encouraged, the choice is ultimately yours. The panel will discuss the informed consent process and the right to have your decision making supported and respected.

OPAN is delighted to see many residential aged care facilities screening OPAN's webinars in communal spaces for residents, and would love to see more inclusion, and photos! Share photos of your screening on social media and tag OPAN!

A panel of aged care sector professionals will join OPAN for a free webinar on Tuesday, February 23, at 11.30 AM Australian Eastern Daylight Time to talk you through what informed consent means, and how you can give it. A live Q&A will follow.

We will cover

• What is informed consent and how to give it
• Supported decision making about COVID-19 immunisation
• Residential aged care vaccination preparations
• The role of medical power of attorney and enduring guardians
• Where to turn with further questions

On the panel

• Geoff Rowe, CEO Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia
• Theresa Flavin, OPAN National Older Persons Reference Group member
• Dr Melanie Wroth, Chief Clinical Advisor, Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission
• Vanda Iaconese, Chief Executive Officer, Doutta Galla Aged Services

Join us to learn more about the process of giving informed consent for a COVID-19 vaccination, and how to facilitate supported decision making around immunisation.

Have you talked to your family about end of life? It may be uncomfortable, but the practical tools in the Goodbye Guide help you collate important information, so your loved ones know where to locate it in the event of your passing.

Moving your body, improving your health and removing hazards are three vital ways to prevent falls for people over 60. Funded by the WA Department of Health, Stay on Your Feet Falls Prevention Program has helpful information and resources to keep you in balance. 

"The prevalence of elder abuse in Australian residential care is estimated to be 39.2%.” Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Permanent aged care residents can take temporary leave from their aged care home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read this helpful leaflet to learn more.