Support for more aged care reform

Alzheimer’s Australia chief executive, Glenn Rees, AM, has called on both sides of politics to commit to building on the Living Longer. Living Better aged care reforms to achieve an equitable, sustainable and high quality aged care system.

Speaking at an Aged Care Forum at the National Press Club yesterday, Mr Rees said the implementation of the disability and aged care reforms will be one of the biggest and most exciting challenges for the new government.

“For people with dementia of all ages the reforms hold the possibility of access to quality dementia care that responds to their needs,” Mr Rees said.

“This can only be achieved if the disability and aged care reforms are well coordinated.”

Mr Rees also called on both sides of government to commit to the expansion of support for people with dementia throughout Australia.

“We need to expand the number of care packages available to people who require higher levels of care and to introduce new community care options for people who live alone,” he said.

“If people with dementia are to be able to stay longer in the community, access to flexible, high quality dementia respite services is critical. We are proposing a trial of a program which gives family carers the funding to purchase the respite services that best meets their needs and those of the person they care for.

“People with dementia of all ages should have access to a key worker to navigate the community and residential care system and get the advice, care and support they need. These workers are now only available to those living with younger onset dementia.”

Mr Rees said Alzheimer’s Australia had concerns about the quality of residential aged care.

“There must be zero tolerance for poor quality care and violation of basic human rights,” he said.

“We need better structures in place to monitor the quality of care, to advocate for consumers, to make outcomes transparent, and to provide remedial action quickly when a violation of people’s rights occurs.”

Mr Rees called for a commitment of additional investment in dementia research.

“We need an additional investment of $200 million over five years to ensure that we have hope for the future and can work towards a dementia free world.”