With the waitlist for Home Care Packages jumping by 8,000 people in just four months, the tragic case of Cyril Tooze will be the first of many stories to grab the front page of the news organisations.
Last week, The Australian dedicated a large section of Page 9 – with a pointer on the front page – to the 86-year-old man from Adelaide, who appeared with Independent Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, who has been vocal on issues impacting older Australians.
The story detailed how Cyril was approved for a Level 4 Home Care Package in January this year but has yet to be provided with any care.
His weight has dropped to 42kg and with terminal heart and lung problems and no local family support, Cyril told The Australian he has now opted for the euthanasia process under SA’s Voluntary Assisted Dying laws.
“This is no life,” he stated. “There is no dignity.”
Unsurprisingly the story was picked up by several news channels and local newspapers.
Cyril’s story is not the only one making headlines.
“Government.. don’t care about us”
ABC Radio in Hobart on Monday ran a story about a Tasmanian man with one lung and leukaemia who has waited over 12 months for a Level 3 Package and has been told he will have to wait another three to six months.
His 71-year-old sister Lee Woolley, who is acting as his carer, said she has been told of older people waiting four to five years for home care in Tasmania.
“This Government, or no matter who wins the Liberal, Labor, federal or anything, they don’t care. Far as I’m concerned, they don’t care about us,” she said.
It was appalling to listen to. The issue is only getting worse.
As we recently reported the number of people waiting for a Home Care Package increased from 68,000 in May this year to 76,000 as of 30 September 2024, a jump of 12%.
With more than 80,000 Australians turning 80 every year from now until 2050, unmet demand will only increase.
And even if you get a Package, that is no guarantee of ‘care’ – direct care hours in home care have fallen to an average of just five hours a week according to StewartBrown.
The Government has promised support for 300,000 more participants over the next 10 years under Support at Home as part of its reform package.
But with 1.6 million Australians set to be aged over 80 by 2030, that means there will be many more people like Mr Tooze who will have no dignity at the end of their lives.