Residents empowered to have a say in their residential aged care home

Residents’ views and opinions are well respected in Anglicare's residential aged care homes. Read this article to learn how their input is helping to shape the way care is delivered. 

Across Anglicare's residential aged care homes, residents step into roles that give them a voice on how things are run, offering feedback and raising ideas, helping shape their residential aged care community. They report the findings back to the other residents in the home and bring those insights to Anglicare staff, who use them to inform decisions across the organisation. 

They’re called the “WElders”. It stands for Wise Elders, and they are the residents who represent their community, listen to the people around them, and help guide important changes that make day-to-day life better. 

The group meets monthly with other WElders from across Anglicare's residential aged care homes to discuss issues that affect their community. It might be what is working, what isn't and what they identify as needing to change.  

This past year, WElders have given feedback on how to make the transition into care feel less overwhelming. They’ve contributed to trials of recycling programs, helped review continence products, and shared their thoughts on how to make vaccination consent forms easier to understand. They have been consulted on the dining experience in their home, which directly contributed to staff training videos. Their suggestions are thoughtful, specific, and importantly, grounded in respect for what’s important to them. 

The WElders were formed in 2021, and today, it is made up of two-three residents from each home, plus two family representatives (who have been asked to join through an annual expression of interest process).  

Together, this group helps make sure the voices of residents are included not just in theory, but also in practice.  

A simple but impactful role  

No two WElders are the same. Some are practical, some are thinkers, and some are happiest in the garden, but they will always show up when there’s something to say. What they all share is a willingness to listen, to speak up when needed, and to pay attention to what’s happening within their homes.  

At Porter Lodge in Minto, Brian is one of the current WElders. He’s lived in the area since childhood and moved into care to support his wife, who lives with dementia. Most mornings, he’s in the garden, but you’ll also find him at WELder meetings, speaking up on behalf of other residents. 

Then there’s Peggy, who was asked by a staff member if she’d like to become a WELder soon after she moved into Porter Lodge. She was curious, but uncertain. 

“Hannah asked me to be a WELder when I first came here,” Peggy recalls. As the weeks passed and conversations were had, she found joy in listening and helping others feel heard. “It’s quite enjoyable listening to what other people have to say and try and fix things,” says Peggy. 

In her own words, the role is beautifully simple: “I just think it's a way to help others and to listen to what they've got to say.” 

Through her role, Peggy helps shape the daily rhythm of life at Porter Lodge. She listens, she speaks up, and she helps remind everyone around her that their voice matters. 

Having a say in what matters most 

WElders are given time, space and support to engage with any changes. Before key discussions, presentations are shared ahead of time so residents can read, reflect, and come ready to talk through what matters to them. 

At the May 2025 WElders meeting, the agenda included an open conversation on the upcoming Aged Care Act, led by Anglicare’s Chief Executive. It was a chance for residents to hear what’s changing, and to voice how they feel it may impact life in their home. 

The new Act, set to begin on 1 November 2025, puts a stronger focus on dignity, autonomy and rights, the same principles that sit at the heart of Anglicare’s Rhythm of Life. It includes a new Statement of Rights, more protections for residents, and a clearer voice in decisions about their care. 

For the WElders, these conversations with Anglicare staff are helping shape not just how the Act is introduced into the homes, but how care continues to evolve, together. 

The WElders input has informed service changes, improved systems and supported a stronger sense of community across all of Anglicare’s residential aged care homes.  These changes are often the result of ongoing conversations, thoughtful listening, and collaboration over time. And what makes them truly meaningful is that the people helping to shape them aren’t outsiders, they’re the ones who live in the homes, and that’s what makes all the difference. 

Curious what the WELders program looks like in real life?  

Explore Anglicare's residential aged care homes to hear real stories from residents and staff.  To stay up to date with what residents are up to, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.