Neglecting older Aussies’ health
Australian Medical Association (AMA) president, Dr Steve Hambleton, believes the health needs of older Australians is “not being given top priority”. He claims the federal government’s ambitious aged care reforms will “fall short” of expectations because it neglects the medical needs of older Australians.
Australian Medical Association (AMA) president, Dr Steve Hambleton, believes the health needs of older Australians is “not being given top priority”.
He claims the federal government’s ambitious aged care reforms will “fall short” of expectations because it neglects the medical needs of older Australians.
Dr Hambleton says too much of the government’s policy focus for aged care has been on “bricks and mortar, and not enough about flesh and blood”.
“The health needs of older Australians are not being given top priority. The human dimension of aged care is an afterthought for policymakers”.
Dr Hambleton’s comments come after an AMA survey found the aged care medical workforce is ageing rapidly.
The survey of 845 GPs, consultant physicians and palliative medicine specialists found just 8% of those providing care to residents in aged care facilities were aged less than 40 years.
Dr Hambleton says the survey shows “the medical workforce in aged care is ageing and individuals are starting to cut back their visits”.
Policies supporting medical services in aged care are urgently needed, according to Dr Hambleton.
At a meeting earlier last month, the nation’s health ministers hinted at “the importance of links between aged care and the health system”.
They agreed aged care and ageing would be a standing item on the agenda of the Standing Council on Health meetings.
But Dr Hambleton claims the federal government is missing “one big idea” crucial to aged care.
“There will be no discussion about securing medical and nursing services for older Australians who are living independently or in residential aged care facilities,” he says. “The Living Longer. Living Better package gives medical care little attention.”
The AMA has released a position statement, Access to Medical Care for Older Australians, which can be viewed at http://ama.com.au/node/8119
