Coalition’s plans could sway the undecided
National Seniors Australia (NSA) has welcomed the Coalition’s plans to introduce 20,000 convalescence places and bring 3,000 currently idle aged care beds into operation, but say staffing and home care options also need urgent attention.
NSA chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said that despite critics suggesting the package is short term, older Australians and their families would not knock it.
“In this election campaign National Seniors is calling for immediate action for the families currently in a system that’s already at breaking point,” he said.
“The Productivity Commission’s Age Care inquiry isn’t scheduled to report back until April 2011, and, from there, reforms arising from the findings will take several years to roll out.”
“Our most vulnerable Australians need help now,” he said.
The seniors’ vote is 45% of the Australian electorate. Of that, 25% or 1.5 million are undecided.
“These new convalescent places will allow older patients the time to properly recover from procedures such as hip replacements before being sent home or into institutional care.
“What’s missing from the Coalition’s announcement are measures to address chronic staffing shortages. There’s no point in having extra beds without the staff.”
“We also need more home support. Home care is a win-win – it saves the public purse billions and allows us to age at home in our accommodation of choice,” he said.
NSA is calling for funding boosts in sub acute (convalescent), respite, dental and aged care.
