AUSTRALIA | Ageing Australia has called the recently-released report into aged care service delivery a warning for those in the industry.
Ageing Australia has welcomed 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,” 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.
Ageing Australia also welcomed the final passage of the amendment bills through both Houses of Parliament, which removes one of the final hurdles to successful implementation of the new Aged Care Act.
“It’s been wonderful to see all corners of the Parliament putting older Australians first with the passing of these Bills,” said Symondson.
“Bipartisan support in politics is as rare as the Tasmanian tiger, but the looming introduction of the New Aged Care Act is a wonderful example of politicians putting older Australians ahead of politics.”
Providers are now calling on the Government to ensure the release of the final rules as soon as possible, warning time is running out before the New Act commences.
“The clock is ticking loudly, with under two months to go before the start of the New Act on November one, and with these bills passed, the last missing piece of the puzzle is the finalisation of the rules,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
“These reforms are a massive undertaking. We’ve been working relentlessly for over a year to make sure we’re ready, but there are several critical things that simply cannot be done until the rules are formalised by the government. Particularly crucial is the fact that home care agreements can’t be sent out, and resident agreements can’t be finalised.”
“Everyone wants this to work, providers most of all, and with the end in sight, we need this hurdle to be passed. That is the best chance of seeing these reforms succeed.”
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