Community care review, vouchers and bed numbers

Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, has written to Australia’s aged care services, to advise them of the Review of Australian Government Community Aged Care Programs, which he announced at the Aged and Community Services Australia national conference on 18 September.

He also sought to reassure providers that ‘the notion’ of consumer directed care and ‘voucher systems’ is not something that the Review will be considering ‘at this point’. “Neither is it something for which the Howard Government currently has a policy position.”

“I am keen for the aged care sector to provide greater choice for consumers, and to always remain acutely aware of their needs and preferences. I do not resile from these views, and it may be that at some stage in the future we examine possible ways to give consumers a greater say in how their care is delivered. I would welcome your views on these issues.”

“There has also been a degree of media focus in recent weeks on the issue of “bed numbers” in aged care. As those of you who understand the sector will know, the provision of aged care in the 21st century is about much more than just beds.

“This Government has significantly increased support for community-based aged care, which allows older Australians to continue living at home where possible, close to their families and friends and with their clubs and shops and churches nearby.

“I want to assure you that while some people continue to fixate on “beds” as the only measure of aged care success, I remain very committed to supporting a range of choices, including residential care, community respite care and in-home services,” he said.