Anglicare’s WElders: Giving aged care residents a real say in how care is delivered

Across Anglicare’s residential aged care homes, a quiet revolution is underway – led by the people who live there.

Called WElders, short for Wise Elders, these resident leaders are helping shape how care is delivered every day. Formed in 2021, the group includes two to three residents from each home, plus two family representatives. They meet monthly to discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and how life in aged care can be made even better.

WElders aren’t just asked for their opinion – they’re listened to. Their ideas go directly to Anglicare’s leadership and have already led to real, tangible changes.

Listening to the voices that matter most

From reviewing continence products to giving feedback on the dining experience, WElders are helping guide staff training, improve communication tools like vaccination consent forms, and make transitions into care less overwhelming for new residents.

“Their suggestions are thoughtful, specific – and grounded in respect for what really matters,” says an Anglicare spokesperson.

At Porter Lodge in Minto, Brian is one of the current WElders. A local resident all his life, he moved into care to support his wife, who lives with dementia. He spends his mornings in the garden and his afternoons in WElder meetings, giving a voice to others in the home.

“It’s about speaking up – not just for yourself, but for everyone,” says Brian.

More than a meeting – a movement

Each WElder receives support to engage in the process. Before any major meeting, residents receive information packs so they can read, reflect and come prepared. It’s about giving them time and space to think – and truly be part of the conversation.

In May 2025, WElders sat down with Anglicare CEO Simon Miller to discuss the upcoming Aged Care Act, which takes effect 1 November. The new Act puts a stronger focus on dignity, autonomy, and resident rights – the same values that underpin Anglicare’s Rhythm of Life approach.

Real change, led by real residents

The results of the WElders’ work speak for themselves: better services, more inclusive systems, and stronger communities inside every Anglicare home.

And what makes it so powerful? The change is being driven by the people who live there – not for them, but with them.

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A special thanks to our contributors

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Caroline Egan

DCM Media, agedcare101

Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

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Ian Horswill

Journalist

Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

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Lauren Broomham

Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.