ALONE has always placed a strong focus on contributing evidence to the aged care sector, and evaluating the services and supports it provides. In the past, ALONE has commissioned research and independent evaluations of its services, produced several research and evaluation reports, and supported the implementation of evidence-based practice. In the recent organisational strategy, the importance of evidence-based solutions is recognised as a critical component to providing innovative services. This document is the 2023-2024 research and evaluation strategy, which has the overall aim to: “Develop richer insights from the data gathered in ALONE, allowing us and others to deliver more effective and efficient services for older people”. The three key objectives are:
1. Prove Impact through Robust Monitoring and Evaluation: This includes developing a monitoring and evaluation framework and enhancing data management and quality.
2. Conduct Cutting-edge Research to Shape a New Ageing Paradigm: This includes influencing policy, decision-making, and services for older people, engaging with national and international stakeholders in the aged care sector and prioritising the voices of older people, their families, and volunteers.
3. Disseminate Evidence to Inform National Policy, Decision-making, and Service Provision: This includes ensuring evidence informs what works best in services for older adults. The strategy aims to deepen insights from data to improve services for older people, with implementation overseen by ALONE’s leadership and an expert advisory panel.
