Ageing Australia report released

Ageing Australia welcomes release of aged care report

Ageing Australia welcomes the release of the Community Affairs References Committee report into aged care service delivery, and its recommendations for improving access to Support at Home services.

“The recommendation to end the rationing of home care packages is particularly welcome.  People should be able to access care as they need it and when they need it,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said. “Revelations more than 200,000 older people are either waiting for home care packages, or waiting just to be assessed, were alarming. Clearing the wait list and ending the rationing of care packages is a priority,” Mr Symondson said.

The report also warned the introduction of new ICT systems continues to be a risk for both Government and providers ahead of the start of the New Aged Care Act on November one.

“We know how much work has been done since the delay of the Act. Making sure it works is a top priority for everyone, to ensure older Australians enjoy seamless care. The concept of a Single Assessment System is a positive step forward, and the sector welcomed its introduction. However, with the large waiting list just to be assessed, clearly further work is needed before it’s fit for purpose. We know that aged care reforms will not be perfect on day one of the new Act, and it's important that we keep striving for improvements to our systems,” Mr Symondson said.