Health promotion and the early identification and reversal of frailty should be at the heart of Australia's aged care system, says the CEO of the Not For Profit provider which operates 17 aged care homes, 35 retirement villages, and delivers home care services.
"The Government provides supplements to the pension for rent assistance and carer's allowances.
"Why not provide an incentive supplement to those on the aged pension who stay in pre-frailty," David Moran, CEO of Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Inc told The SOURCE for our political wishlist series ahead of the 2025 Federal Election.
Pensioners could access World Health Organisation-recognised programs for healthy ageing, encompassing diet, exercise, strength and social wellbeing, with the aim of "pushing back on frailty" and to keep qualifying for the supplement.
Private insurance incentives could be used for self funded retirees, he suggested.
Early intervention with Support at Home
In addition, aged care assessors should be trained to identify early signs of frailty in their initial assessments for Support at Home, with improved access for participants to allied health interventions.
"On-the-spot education from aged care assessors to Support at Home recipients is also imperative," he said.
Health promotion
David believes the Government should also develop health promotion campaigns as another key to better health in the ageing population, such as those used over the years to combat smoking.
David believes any costs of these approaches would be offset by savings to the health system "in the medium term" through reduced hospital admissions and less pressure on residential aged care.
ENs up to 50% of nurse care minutes
Also on David's wishlist is "proper recognition" of Enrolled Nurses (ENs) in the care minutes equation.
This "significant sector oversight ... needs to be fixed," he said.
"The recent change allowing 10% of Registered Nurse time being taken and recognised by an EN, although a step in the right direction, does not go far enough. I believe it should be up to 50%."
Read our previous articles in this series:
Anne McCormack CEO of mecwacare wants to see greater recognition of palliative care in aged care
