20 years of advocacy
The Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) service in Victoria is calling on the Government to increase resources allocated to help older people access advocacy support and advice.
On the occasion of their 20th anniversary, ERA highlighted the current Productivity Commission review and report into aged care funding and services as an excellent opportunity for the Government to match the growth in the aged care sector with increased funding.
ERA chief executive, Mary Lyttle, said “An ageing population has meant an increase in people receiving aged care services, which has become an increasingly complex system”.
She points out that access to independent advocacy is vital for consumers and ERA’s funding from the Commonwealth has not kept pace with the demand, limiting their ability to provide services to all those in need.
“Older people accessing the aged care system are clearly vulnerable, and access to independent advice and support for families to help negotiate the system has never been more vital.”
ERA focuses on promoting consumer rights, negotiating change and helping bring about improvements in service.
ERA president, Sue Healy, said “ERA has developed professional relationships with key industry providers through a strong education focus, and is well positioned to further increase its role and effectiveness.
“ERA wants to see advocacy available to follow and support older people in their journey through the maze of aged care provision.”
