The Australian Government's lack of a response to the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce, chaired by its Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells, is diminishing the final days of older people's lives, Catherine Stoddart, the CEO of Western Australian Not For Profit aged care provider Brightwater Care, has written.
In the opinion piece, Catherine says the aged care sector does not have certainty about its funding model and as a result can not build any more aged care beds.
"Until we know our funding models, the aged care sector is unable to invest in necessary infrastructure and technology, build new facilities, upgrade existing ones or support the future of home care," Catherine said.
"These solutions are all directly tied to the financial framework set by the Taskforce."
Catherine highlighted the impact the uncertainty created by the Australian Government is having on older people's lives.
"Will the government’s delay cost lives? Perhaps not directly, but it means we continue to carry a burden that profoundly impacts the quality and length of older people’s lives.
"The last 1000 days of their life are diminished.
"Without certainty, this year, 2,500 Australians will remain confined to hospitals when they should be receiving care in a facility or benefitting from a Commonwealth Home Care Package. Many will return home to inadequate care or support to stay at home."
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