Shifting the ageing debate
The aged care industry is entering a period of rapid growth that requires careful policy attention, according to peak aged care body, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) Victoria.
LASA Victoria chief executive, Trevor Carr, says all indicators are pointing to a massive expansion of the industry after the recent release of the Intergenerational Report (IGR).
LASA Victoria chief executive, Trevor Carr, says all indicators are pointing to a massive expansion of the industry after the recent release of the Intergenerational Report (IGR).
“Aged care is an urgent matter for the western world – demographically, economically and socially – and is not just a long term issue for a far off date like 2055,” Mr Carr says.
“The release of the IGR contains a great story for many of our elderly who will live longer and healthier lives and it is a great opportunity for the aged care industry to meet their needs,” he adds.
According to Mr Carr, it is essential that governments nurture the growth of the sector with favourable policy settings so it can adequately provide access, choice and industry sustainability for the future.
Mr Carr claims the aged care industry needs to adopt new, cost effective assistive and information technologies to adapt to a trend away from institutionalised care to a more home centred model.
“A 2014 Grattan Institute Report reveals 70% of Australians want to die at home. This will require a policy change to allow more people to spend the rest of their lives at home or similar surroundings closer to family, friends and accessible services,” he says.
There has been unfair public and political debate about the burden the ageing population is having on younger Australians, he claims.
Mr Carr says the IGR needs to shift the debate towards focusing on the economic potential of Australia’s aged care industry and addressing the stigma of ageism.
“Government needs to talk up Australia’s aged care industry, aged care career opportunities and the unpaid contribution seniors make to the economy.
“Aged care is the fastest growing health sector, with an estimated 80,000 additional residential aged care places required in the next 10 years and infrastructure investment of $30 billion creating more than 80,000 jobs.
“A significant component of the 700,000 Victorian volunteer carers are seniors, who save the government more than $40 billion every year. Increasingly, our grandparents are looking after our children while we work providing a significant unpaid contribution to the economy.”
