Calls for greater aged care funding

The peak body for aged and community care in Victoria last week welcomed a news story highlighting pressures on the residential aged care system, and the urgent need for more funding to provide the quality care required by residents, and expected by their families and friends.

John Begg, Leading Age Services Australia – Victoria (LASA Victoria) chief executive, said the ABC TV’s Lateline program, which aired last Tuesday night, demonstrated the emerging gap between the care and services older people require and the capacity of the industry to provide them.

“Although the report cited very isolated incidents within our industry, which are certainly not the norm, it highlighted the critical need for more funding to better meet the individualised care and accommodation needs of the growing number of older Australians.”

Mr Begg added it was also important to note there were “two sides to every story”.

“Overwhelmingly, our dedicated members and their staff are committed to the provision of high quality care and standards, in a manner that serves the best interests of residents and families,” he said.

“However, providers can only do so much with so little and at present government funding does not match the true cost of providing that quality care and accommodation for older Australians.”

The Living Longer. Living Better aged care package, comprising of five Bills, is now before a Senate Committee and scheduled to be passed in next month. LASA’s submission to the Committee, along with many others, called for urgent amendments to be made before the Legislation is passed.

“LASA will continue to demand amendments to the aged care bills to ensure the Living Longer. Living Better reforms support the growth of a viable and sustainable industry, for the benefit of all older Australians,” Mr Begg said.

LASA is now running a national public awareness campaign, 3 Million Reasons, demanding government action to provide adequate funding and support for aged care workforce growth.

Mr Begg encouraged those with an elderly friend or relative to visit the 3 Million Reasons website and sign up in support of the campaign.

“It is time that aged care is placed high on the political agenda, and we plan to see this happen,” she said.

Find out more about the 3 Million Reasons campaign.