Our seniors deserve better now!

West Australian care provider, Baptistcare’s chief executive officer, Dr Lucy Morris, is not happy with the current state of affairs.

“The Minister for Health and Ageing, Justine Elliott, said this morning (11 August) that she was happy to stand by her record as Minister. Not-for-profit aged care providers are not so happy,” she said.

“I think the Minister needs to pay more attention to the facts facing providers, seniors, families and staff. The reality is that the sector cannot continue as it is. After 14 reviews in the last five years, what else does the Minister need to establish the facts? 

“The facts are that in WA there is a shortfall of approximately 2,500 beds being taken on by not-for-profit providers because they cannot afford to build any more facilities at the moment,” she said.

“Wages need to be increased but there is no money to pay workers and as a consequence we are losing the skilled, professional staff we currently have and people are not choosing the sector for their career.

“The government’s indexed funding increase of 1.7% in May this year was an insult given the cost of living here in the West; and resources are stretched to breaking point. When they break, as they are doing in places, there is no one to pick up the pieces. 

“Our seniors deserve better now!”

“In addition, as a faith-based provider with a mission in this area of service, we have to deal with the increasing demand for services for the future. When the baby boomers start asking for help, we will have very little to offer to meet their high expectations. 

“Choices are going to have to be made and whether it’s for community or residential care, lack of staff, lack of accommodation and lack of resources will mean that our aged relatives will have to stay at home and fend for themselves,” continued Dr Morris.

“I think the Minister’s record is indefensible.”