With politicians on the campaign trail, The Weekly SOURCE is asking CEOs across the sector what they would like to see our Federal politicians prioritising for aged care.

Anne McCormack, who was appointed CEO of the Victorian Not For Profit aged care provider in 2023, says she would like to see greater recognition of the palliative care and acute care services delivered in residential aged care.

"With the growing focus on aging in place, the profile of individuals entering residential aged care facilities has changed dramatically. Residents are older, frailer, and often living with multiple co-morbidities," she told The SOURCE.

"The average length of stay has decreased by 30% over the past three years to just nine months, highlighting that residential care is increasingly an acute and end-of-life service. This shift necessitates tailored funding and policy support to ensure aged care providers can deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

"Without this support, there is a risk of increased hospital admissions, placing additional strain on an already overburdened and costly tertiary health system and denying individuals the dignity of passing in the place they call home."

Workforce a priority for all

Like almost every CEO The Weekly SOURCE spoke to, Anne also said investment in workforce must be a priority, most notably she said workforce development must take into account the continuum of care.

Structured career pathways spanning primary, secondary (including Allied Health), community and aged care, and tertiary health systems are needed to support older Australians throughout their care journey, she said.

Finalise new Act

Anne also said the new Aged Care Act needs to be finalised. 

"Finalising the Act with comprehensive provisions that address quality, safety, and sustainability in aged care should be a priority," she said.

Last week: Ahead of the Election - LDK Seniors Living CEO Byron Cannon