TWO of the city’s leading aged care providers have welcomed a Royal Commission into the aged care sector.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison last month announced the Federal Government’s decision to review the quality of care provided in residential and home aged care.
The Royal Commission will also look at young Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care settings.
Boandik chief executive Gillian McGinty said she welcomed a “detailed investigation” following a number of previous reviews into the sector with few tangible outcomes.
“This will be broader than looking at the ratio of nursing staff to residents in care,” Ms McGinty said.
“The entire aged care system will be reviewed to determine what can be improved.
“A detailed investigation will be excellent – there have been a number of reviews with nothing of great import implemented.”
Resthaven chief executive Richard Hearn said key priorities for regional and rural areas included workforce supply, sustainable funding and access to aged care services, including home care packages to support older people to continue living at home for longer.
“Across the Limestone Coast, the population is rapidly ageing,” Mr Hearn said.
“According to census data, between 2011 and 2016 there was a 21pc increase in people aged 65 years and over in the region.
“Most people who live in regional, rural and remote areas want to stay in their local area as they age, so they can be close to their families, personal history and communities, with access to aged care services when and where they are needed.
“The Commission’s inquiry includes the challenges and opportunities for delivering accessible, affordable and high quality aged care services and specifically includes these within remote, rural and regional Australia.”
Mr Hearn said he hoped the Royal Commission would recognise the “utmost importance” of the aged care sector.
“It is of utmost importance the Australian public respects and values the good work of aged care staff in order to attract people to work in this rapidly growing sector, where workforce is critical,” he said.
“The clear benefit will be the positive and tangible outcome to ensure older individuals receive quality services in their local community.”
Australian College of Nursing chief executive Professor Kylie Ward said aged care in Australia must be a priority.
“As a community, we can not ignore the issues facing the sector and hope for the best until it is ourselves or a loved one who needs residential care,” she said.
“We hope the focus of the Royal Commission will be on improving quality and control of services, increasing informed consumer choice and securing the future workforce.”
