Castlemaine resident Debra Nicholl has been appointed as the new CEO of Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA).
Established in 1991, Elder Rights Advocacy provides information and support to older people, their families and representatives in Victoria address issues related to Commonwealth funded aged care services. The service is free, independent and confidential.
Debra has worked with older Australians since the age of 16.
Debra told the Mail she initially started working in the kitchen of an aged care facility her mum managed in Queensland.
“I later picked up some cleaning shifts and then after completing my schooling I moved into care and it just progressed from there,” she said.
Debra has lived and worked all over Australia but always seemed to come back to working in the aged care sector.
“When I settled in Victoria I really asked myself what would be the most rewarding thing I could do and that led me to take on an intake advocate role at Elder Rights Advocacy.”
During her career with Elder Rights Advocacy spanning 17 years, Debra has worked in a range of roles including advocate, senior educator, advocacy manager, programs manager and more recently Deputy CEO.
“I was just one of three advocates when I started. Elder Rights Advocacy now has 30 advocates across Victoria working in their local communities to give older people a voice,” she said.
Debra said it seemed a natural progression to take the next step given her extensive knowledge of the organisation.
As the new CEO, Debra said her focus for Elder Rights Advocacy is clear.
“We are committed to continuing our important work of supporting the human rights of older Victorians and advocating for quality aged care services that are delivered by a professional workforce. We also want to continue to put a spotlight on ageism and the detrimental effect it has on how we value and care for older people,” she said.
Debra said it is an exciting time to be taking the reins with a new Aged Care Act being drafted, steps being taken by the Federal Government to implement the 148 recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission, and an independent Inspector General appointed to oversee the implementation of these recommendations and keep the government on track.
“As an independent human rights focused organisation its crucial that the role of the Elder Rights Advocacy as advocate is part of the new act moving forward,” she said.
Elder Rights Advocacy want to see ratios and outcomes improved for those receiving care in the private and not-for-profit centres and those working in the industry encouraged to continue to further their skills.
“Caring for our elderly is such an important job. We need to look after their clinical, emotional, psychological, cultural and spiritual needs and we should be encouraging those with the compassion and skills needed to consider a career in Personal Care or Aged Care,” she said.
Debra said there are a number of issues impacting older people in the local region from affordable housing options, accessible health and aged care services as well as transport.
“We have older people on our social support wait list who we cannot match with a Community Visitor Service (CVS) volunteer because they live on properties outside of town and volunteers can’t afford the petrol to allow for regular access,” Debra said.
“Not every older person owns their own home or if they do can afford the upkeep on retirement but there are no affordable downsize or public housing options that allow for older people to stay in community. Castlemaine is growing with housing estates being developed on what was once farmland and there has been no apparent planning that considers the needs of older community members to live in the township and benefit from supported independent living and continued social connection,” she said.
“I am strongly committed to supporting and driving the voices of older people in Victoria by creating services, programs and advocacy work that really matters. With the support from our dedicated team and board, we are committed to expanding aged care advocacy services across Victoria in order to reach more older people, their carers families and representatives,’ she said.
Debra’s advice for older people and their families is to reach out to Elder Rights Advocacy for support at the start of their care journey.
“Don’t wait until you are in crisis, we are here to help advocate for you and guide you on that journey and assist older people to get what they need from their aged care service or Home Care Package to ensure they can live their best life,” she said.