Proposed aged care reforms welcomed
ANGLICARE Sydney today welcomed the recommendations contained in the draft report of the Productivity Commission into the aged care system.
Acting CEO, Sue King, says the report sets the stage for significant, much needed and long overdue reform in the aged care sector.
“The report’s recommendations address several key weaknesses in the current system, and lay the groundwork for what will be the most significant overhaul of the aged care system in many years.
“Importantly, it seeks to address the growing gap that sees the government funding available for the provision of residential aged care decreasing in real terms each year. This has made it increasingly difficult to operate facilities on a sustainable basis.
“In addition the reforms, if implemented, will greatly increase the choice of options available for older Australians and provide for a continuum of care that will address service users’ changing requirements over time.
“Simplifying the system and providing a single gateway for information, assessments and referrals will also contribute to streamlining current over-complication and inflexibility.”
However, given the magnitude of the reforms required, Ms King says that sustained and focussed attention from the government will be required to ensure the recommendations became a reality.
“Change on this scale will take a decade to fully implement. It is one thing for the government to adopt the recommendations when the final report is tabled in June this year, it is another to commit to the resources and the time required to fully implement them.
“It is vital now that the Federal Government commits to the long view in aged care reform. Too little has been done for too long.”
Chesalon, ANGLICARE Sydney’s Aged Care division, operates residential aged care facilities and community aged care programs throughout Sydney and the Illawarra.
