Aged care in ‘jeopardy’
The future of residential aged care is now in “jeopardy”, according to Aged and Community Services WA (ACSWA). The claim came after the $500 million funding cut announcement made recently by the federal government. ACSWA last week alleged aged care providers were reportedly beginning to discuss cutting staff and services.
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The future of residential aged care is now in “jeopardy”, according to Aged and Community Services WA (ACSWA).
The claim came after the $500 million funding cut announcement made recently by the federal government.
ACSWA’s chief executive, Stephen Kobelke, last week alleged aged care providers were reportedly beginning to discuss cutting staff and services.
“The federal government’s decision to slash residential aged care funding with no proper industry consultation is nothing short of reckless, and shows a complete disregard for the impact the decision will have on providers, particularly those in regional and remote areas,” Mr Kobelke said.
The ACSWA Board is now preparing for a crisis meeting of aged care providers early next month to review the federal government’s decision, formulating a strategy to deal with the emergency.
According to figures revealed by ACSWA, in many cases aged care providers would be faced with funding cuts of more than $22,000 per resident each year, particularly for elderly people receiving high care services and those living with dementia.
“The aged care sector is not attempting to grandstand; we simply need this decision reversed.
“This ill-considered decision jeopardises our entire residential aged care sector and, as a result, the future care needs of thousands of elderly [Australians],” he said.
