Meet Jim Carey, member of the Council of Elders
Jim Carey is a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. The council provides advice to the government about aged care and ageing well. Council members engage with older people about changes to aged care.
Jim's interest in aged care advocacy started when he began caring for his wife and needed to navigate the aged care system. It continues to be important to Jim today, as an aged care recipient himself.
Jim had a long career as an accountant and general manager. Now in his 90s, he decided that living in an aged care home was the right option for him. This enables him to have support, maintain his independence and live close to his children.
"What is very important to me is the feeling that I belong in the home in which I live," Jim shared. "There is no question that living in an aged care home requires some degree of accepting that life will be somewhat different."
"I am positive that life, wherever you live, is only as good as you, yourself make it. You can find ways and means to really enjoy what your life can become once you make the decision to move into an aged care home."
Jim's energy and enthusiasm for making the most of any situation has seen him become a volunteer at his home. He finds great purpose in engaging with those around him. He looks forward to his shifts at reception welcoming visitors and answering the phone, as well as helping fellow residents use technology to stay connected with loved ones.
Since joining the Council of Elders in late 2023, Jim's insights and lived experience of aged care have helped him make strong connections with older people in the broader community and other aged care homes. He brings a unique and valuable contribution to the council.
Jim wants all older people to have their say on changes to aged care. "The better aged care becomes, the more attractive it will be in the future to an increasingly ageing population," said Jim.
Watch the video to find out more about Jim and the role of the Council of Elders:
My name is Jim Carey, and I'm a member of the Council of Elders.
Aged care is important to me because I participate completely in it. Being a resident in an aged care home, I decided quite some time ago that whilst both of my sons would have liked me to have gone and lived with them, I didn't see that as a option. And I thought it best if I retained my independence and looked at the prospect of an aged care residence.
An area of aged care that is very important to me is the feeling that I have that I belong in the home in which I live. And there is no question that living in an aged care residence probably requires some degree of accepting the fact that life is somewhat different. However, I am positive that your life, wherever you live, is only as good as you yourself make it. And if you want to, you can find ways and means of really enjoying what your life can become once you leave your domestic application.
The most important aspect of what's important in aged care in the future is that the better aged care becomes, the more attractive it will be to an increasingly ageing population.
To keep up-to-date with the aged care reforms and the work of the council, visit the Aged Care Council of Elders Facebook page or webpage.
Let's change aged care, together
Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.
The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.
To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.