Isabella Ross

There is no question that our seniors and older Australians within the community are some of the most vulnerable. National Seniors Australia have expressed their disappointment regarding the lack of necessary funding being directed towards aged care in Australia. The nation’s Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is still underway. While conclusive findings have not been released yet, it is evident that the Royal Commission has shed light on the importance of aged care.

But with the Royal Commission’s final report expected to be finalised by April 30th 2020, National Seniors Australia is worried that more needs to be done in the lead up.

“Older Australians can’t afford to wait for the Royal Commission’s recommendations. We can and must do better as a nation. The Royal Commission has uncovered appalling evidence of aged care failure and it is time to commit to action.” said National Seniors Chief Advocate Ian Henschke.

Thus far, the Royal Commission has heard that 16,000 people died in 2018, waiting for necessary home care packages. What is for certain is that our seniors deserve better, and with the support of the public and the Royal Commission, circumstances will hopefully begin to change.

Whilst the Royal Commission proceeds, the Morrison Government have announced a major reform package for value and security in aged care facilities across the country. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said these comprehensive reforms are designed to protect and improve the lives of senior Australians in care.

“Senior Australians must have choice and flexibility in the care they receive and it should be really easy to understand what they can expect from their aged care service. This is why our Government has delivered these new Aged Care Quality Standards. This is the first upgrade to residential aged care standards in 20 years. The new Standards will improve transparency for senior Australians and their families, as well as making regulation clearer for providers.”

 

What have we learnt so far from the Royal Commission?

  • The majority of Aussies would prefer to receive help at home than move into a nursing home, however the waiting time and lack of home-care services available hinders this preference.
  • Better quality and consistent surveillance in Nursing Homes is a necessity.
  • There are major concerns regarding the ratio between staff-to-patients.
  • A large portion of seniors are fearful when faced with the proposition of going into aged care facilities, due to the associated abuse and lack of human care.