Brightwater is proud to be a partner organisation in a landmark research initiative that aims to transform supported decision-making practices across the Australian aged care sector.
Led by Dr Craig Sinclair, Senior Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales and Conjoint Senior Research Scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), the project – ‘Building capacity for supported decision-making for people living with Dementia and acquired Disability’ (or ‘Buddy’) – was recently awarded funding under the 2024 Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF) Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission.
The project is a timely response to upcoming reforms in the aged care system, which will introduce a rights-based approach to decision-making under the proposed new Aged Care Act and revised quality standards.
Brightwater’s Role in Leading the Change
As a committed partner in the study, Brightwater’s Research and Innovation Centre is playing a central role in the project’s design and delivery. Rebecca Walton, member of Brightwater’s Research and Innovation team, has been appointed as a Chief Investigator, and Ed Gaudoin, Brightwater’s Clinical Lead, joins the project as an Associate Investigator.
Together with the national research team, Brightwater will help shape, test, and evaluate resources that will support aged care providers in strengthening their decision-making practices.
“This partnership highlights our organisation’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based practice and person-centred care,” said Rebecca Walton. “Through this project, we aim to build staff capability, review our own policies, and lead by example in implementing the new standards.”
A Shift Towards Empowerment and Inclusion
Currently, decision-making in aged care often relies on guardianship arrangements, where decisions are made for a person once capacity is lost. Under the new model, people will be able to appoint one or more decision supporters – trusted individuals who help them express their preferences and make informed choices, rather than taking over decision-making entirely.
“This project will assist Australian aged care services in delivering high quality supported decision-making, which is required under the new Aged Care Act and aged care quality standards,” explained Dr Sinclair.
The BUDDY project will develop a suite of practical resources – including policy review tools, multimedia training materials, and experiential learning opportunities – to support this change. A stepped wedge trial – a special kind of study, where the new tools are introduced to different teams in the organisation in a staged approach – along with interviews with aged care staff and service users will help evaluate the impact of these resources.
Making a Meaningful Difference for Clients and Families
For Brightwater clients and their families, supported decision-making represents more than just policy – it’s about dignity, inclusion, and having a voice in decisions that matter.
By giving staff the right tools and training so they can better support clients and families through these changes, Brightwater hopes to make care delivery more consistent, open, and respectful.
Community engagement is also embedded in the project’s design. A working group, led by an advocate and person with lived experience of dementia, will guide consumer and community involvement.
“This is about making aged care more inclusive and empowering,” said Rebecca Walton. “We’re proud to contribute to research that will improve the lives of people living with dementia and cognitive disability, both within Brightwater and across the country.”
