Australia’s oldest human-being in history has a story for aged care – Whiddon’s CEO shares a resonant reminder of what care excellence can be

Many who strive to provide the best care do so by pouring themselves into their work, into the residents they professionally and personally cherish. Whiddon’s CEO, Chris Mamarelis shares the hope-filled and person-centred story of Ken Weeks, Australia’s oldest living human in history. It is these such stories, which can be without sounding trite, a source of personal and professional hope. At the beating heart of care, of both the residents and professionals who comprise it, is the need to verify that person-centred care is neither an impossible theory nor lip-service, that it can be found grounded in the every-day story of a senior who is thriving in residential aged care.

It is neither weak, nor unprofessional, for both front-line staff and provider executives, to seek hope. It is, frankly, human. Ken Weeks’ reality, his life, is one such point of evidenced reality, centred in the routine, found in a RAC facility. Mamarelis bears witness to a possibility that may be treasured, emulated and leveraged for future reform. Aged care improvement is not a zero-sum game. Factors of a thriving facility, staff and resident should and must be emulated as far and wide as possible.

A well-known character

Mamarelis doesn’t skip a beat in affirming that Ken Weeks is a well-known character in Whiddon’s Grafton facility.

“Ken is a beloved part of the Whiddon Grafton family. He still enjoys his daily walks around the home, keeping up with what’s happening. Our care team considers him family, and they feel privileged to look after him.”

“He’s built genuine friendships with staff and residents alike.”

Now nationally recognised as Australia’s oldest living human ever at 112 years-old, the team at Whiddon have been excited to witness to Weeks’ record, “Ken officially became Australia’s oldest man ever in April, when he surpassed Dexter Kruger’s previous record. He’s held that title for about six months now and continues to make history with each passing day.”

Part of the family

More than holding a record, it has been holding relationship that has been important for Weeks and staff. It is the depth of knowing and being known, and particularly the expression of that that has buoyed both. Central to families is the time spent to know and be known, at the Grafton facility that was supported as a key point of care, “Our care team at Grafton has such genuine affection for Ken.”

“[Staff] They’re inspired by his determination and positive outlook, and caring for him has reinforced what our relationship-based care approach is really about – not just meeting needs, but fostering independence and creating genuine connections.”

“This journey has been even more rewarding for our team when you consider that Ken joined us at the tender age of 105.”

Stories gathered

Anthropologists and sociologists have long voiced that a natural expression of human connection, of maintaining relationship, is the building up of, holding space for and sharing of stories about each other.

“One of my favourite stories comes from his 110th birthday.”

“Knowing Ken’s long-time love of baked beans, our team reached out to Heinz to share his story. They created a special edition label in his honour and sent 300 commemorative ‘Ken Cans’ to Whiddon Grafton – one for every resident and team member as a keepsake.”

“That captures who Ken is – someone whose life and character inspire others to celebrate him in meaningful ways.”

Active presence

Potential residents and loved ones have consistently shared the fear that once in RAC, a senior will lose the essence of who they are, the ability to express themselves and be vibrant in their personhood. High-quality providers understand that it is in meeting residents in the make-up of their personality, of how their ‘cup’ is filled is a core element of dignified care.

“Ken maintains an active presence at Whiddon Grafton.”

“Although Ken is quite private and reserved, he still enjoys his daily walks and keeping up with what’s happening around the home. That enduring spirit is something we’ve supported since he joined us in 2018.”

Independence – providers and providing policy to thrive in the routine

Mamarelis is clear, providers pivoting in policy, in practice, in procedure, to facilitate the thriving that Weeks is able to own for himself is critical, “it’s fundamental to quality aged care.”

“Ken’s story shows what’s possible when providers genuinely support independence and choice.”

“Quality care is about nurturing independence and belonging. Ken’s vibrancy comes from being supported to remain active and engaged in ways that matter to him. Every provider should be facilitating that kind of thriving.”

RAC should not mean a loss of self, or the joy of “keeping up with what’s happening”, a core trait for many an aged care professional as well. Central to adult-hood is freedom of movement and self-sufficiency, this compulsion doesn’t abscond with each passing year.

Active and able – supporting moments shared for resident and staff

In carving out the time to understand residents, in responding to the nuance of how this plays out for them, providers may well position practice and policy, even under a highly regulated compliance framework, to see their residents thrive in the change of RAC.

“Ken’s story teaches us that ageing well is not only about longevity, but also about being surrounded by people who know you, value you, and share in the moments that make life meaningful.”

“Importantly, age really is just a number. We have a habit of stereotyping our elders, and whether you are 82 or 112, we see time and time again, that renewal, reablement and life enhancement continues throughout life’s journey, despite a person’s age.”

Tricycle triumph

Weeks has been mobile around Grafton on a tricycle, adapting for more stability without compromising on the joy of riding a bike. Mamarelis is able to provide greater insight into the origin of this active measure, that the tricycle was not a provider initiative but from Weeks himself.

“Ken actually arranged the electric tricycle himself before coming into our care at 105 – that initiative and independence is pure Ken.”

For providers, staff and wider society it is worthwhile to routinely check in on subconscious bias that may fuel restrictive ageist thinking. Initiative, problem-solving, and willingness to adapt to support freedom, activity and mobility are strong traits in many of Australia’s seniors. These traits, rather than being dismissed inadvertently, can be supported to flourish through provider approach to care.

“From what we understand, he used it to maintain his mobility and freedom around Grafton. That determination to stay active and independent is something we’ve always admired and supported in Ken.”

Reality over rhetoric – the new act cannot be theory

“Ken’s story brings the new Aged Care Act to life in a powerful way. The legislation talks about rights, dignity, independence, and choice – Ken shows us what that actually looks like.”

In balancing compliance and flexibility, in supporting genuine time for front-line staff, in valuing relationship in care, the fruits of this can be seen in Weeks’ story.

“He has maintained his mobility, stayed connected to his community and family, and lived on his terms well into his second century”, Mamarelis shares.

“That’s the result of care that genuinely respects autonomy and supports individual needs. Ken puts a human face to what quality aged care should look like. Proof that when providers authentically embrace the Act’s principles, people can truly thrive.”

Families celebrate together

A treasured practice at Whiddon is moments to celebrate the time together in care, with plaques given out at milestones of stay and age.

“We presented Ken with a commemorative plaque and his gift on his 112th birthday on 5 October, celebrating his remarkable longevity with friends and family.”

“It was a special moment for Ken, his family, and our entire Whiddon Grafton family.”

The new act lives and breathes

Aged care is not for the faint of heart. At its core is the weighty and sizable scope of looking after fragile human life. However fragile life is not devoid of vibrancy, of passion and pro-activity. Of the need for independence, for activity in ability, in the spunk that remains well past a 100 years-old.

The new act is providers supporting this in practice, in supporting a culture for meaningful connection and care by front-line staff who are as equally spunky and full of zest to engage with residents in the routine. For care excellence, both must thrive. 

Ken Weeks’ story highlights what it is to bring oxygen and meaningful moments to an act made up of static words.

Bringing a can of baked beans wouldn’t go awry either.