Calls for stronger ‘complaints’ system
An independent complaints system and a stronger advocacy program for older people and their families would lift the quality of care provided to Australia’s most fail and vulnerable older people, national aged and consumer advocacy body, COTA Australia, said.
An independent complaints system and a stronger advocacy program for older people and their families would lift the quality of care provided to Australia’s most fail and vulnerable older people, national aged and consumer advocacy body, COTA Australia, said.
“There is no doubt that most aged care service providers provide a high level of quality care to their residents, however, there are still cases of neglect, malnutrition, inappropriate care and abuse, which are not acceptable,” Ian Yates, COTA chief executive, said.
He called for a “zero tolerance” approach to any breaches in care for older Australians and stronger penalties applied to those services that can’t meet their duty of care obligations.
According to Mr Yates, recent changes to Australia’s aged care system are important steps in the right direction in addressing issues of quality in aged care.
While the federal government’s Living Longer Living Better reform package will start to improve the industry and providing more care for people in their homes, Mr Yates said more still needs to be done.
“In addition to better complaints and advocacy services, we need to continue to move to a funding system that gives consumers the opportunity that, if they are not being treated well, they or their families can move to a provider that does meet their needs.
“Older people have the right to be treated with the same respect and dignity in the last stages of their life as at any other time, and we need to ensure the aged care industry delivers it.”
