Qld Health Dept warns on aged care bed shortages
The Queensland government has warned that dementia sufferers will increasingly be shut out of aged care as private-run homes “cherry-pick” low-cost residents, according to a report in the Courier Mail online service on 11 January.
It reports that Queensland Health says these privately run homes will begin “cherry picking” low-cost residents while dementia seniors will also spend their last days in hospital as the industry refuses to build new facilities.
The department has backed a rising chorus of voices demanding a new approach to funding for aged care amid predictions many operators are exiting the market because of its lack of profitability.
In a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Residential and Community Aged Care, Queensland Health echoes claims by the Queensland Aged Care Alliance that funding is so low operators are reluctant to build new facilities.
Queensland Health says funding to Queensland under the new model looks set to decrease from $55 million to between $45 million and $50 million.
The department predicts inadequate funding will result in service providers winding back services.
“Decreased participation could manifest in service providers not applying for additional aged care places, handing back bed licences to the Commonwealth or increasing the level of cherry picking of residents to ensure that new residents have care needs that can be met with the expected future funding provided,” the submission says.
Seniors with dementia would be the first to be rejected. “In particular, their capacity will fall in relation to caring for individuals with challenging behaviours caused by dementia … or with complex care needs,” it said.
The load of caring for the elderly will also be shifted on to the Queensland government as private enterprise loses interest.
“In the future, declines in the level of care that can be provided at a non-government facility will increase the number of people receiving care in an acute hospital setting,” the submission said.
