Aged care ‘needs dramatic improvements’

These points have been made in submissions to the Department of Health and Aged Care on developing A New Model for Regulating Aged Care, and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on the draft National Care and Support Economy Strategy 2023.

In the latter submission, NSA Chief Advocate Ian Henschke notes older people rely heavily on the services provided through the care and support economy, most notably via aged care services and programs.

“They expect and deserve a system of care delivering high quality, and to be able to receive these services when and where they need them,” he says.

The submission also notes that older people:

• Are likely to stay within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) because of the greater levels of support it provides in comparison to the aged care system.

• Are a critical part of the care workforce, with almost one-third of residential care workers – and more than 40% of home-care providers – aged over 50.

• Provide significant informal unpaid care to younger people as grandparents, allowing parents to engage in the workforce.

“For too long, the care of older people through the aged care sector has been substandard,” the submission says.

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