The final report for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has highlighted the need to do more to ensure senior Australians are treated with respect, care and dignity.
Home Caring welcomes the opportunity to review the state of our aged care system and work towards much-needed reform.
The Royal Commission has made 148 recommendations to address structural issues in funding and governance, formulated after evidence from 641 experts, residents and families over almost 100 hearing days since the Prime Minister ordered the inquiry in October 2018.
We are especially pleased to see the government immediately inject $452.2 million into the aged care budget in response to the report – a boost we have already seen evidence of with a number of our current client’s Home Care Package levels upgraded overnight. We look forward to a more comprehensive response from the Government in May 2021.
The Royal Commission has brought to light the adverse conditions faced by some of the most vulnerable people in our country. It particularly noted that in our current system, older people often wait too long to get access to care at home, risking declining function, preventable hospitalisation, carer burnout, premature entry into residential aged care and even death.
The report also recognised that more than 1,000 younger people with a disability were admitted to residential aged care in 2020 because they do not have access to the appropriate disability services they need.
As workers at the coalface of aged care and disability care, we know these are problems are unfortunately not unique, but part of a system that needs transformation if we are to provide access to high quality care.
We welcome the report’s recommendations for a new aged care act that provides entitlement to the support each individual needs to live independently. We look forward to seeing the development of a new aged care system which is responsive to individual needs and their wellbeing.
In particular, we hope to see Home Care Package waitlists dramatically reduced through increased accountability in our system. We are pleased to see increased funding for workforce training and stability, so the sector is better equipped to meet the needs of all Australians as they age.
In the final report, Commissioner Briggs wrote:
“Life is to be lived. No matter how old we are, how frail or incapacitated we might be, how rich or poor, we all have the fundamental right to wellbeing enjoyment and fulfilment as we age. In order for this aspiration to become reality, our aged care system must be founded on the principles of unfailing compassion – care, dignity and respect.”
We wholeheartedly agree and look forward to working with the Australian Government to make this a reality.
As we welcome in the Year of the Snake we embrace its powerful symbols of reflection, growth and personal transformation. Just as the snake sheds its skin to grow, this is a time to let go of the old, embrace change and look forward to new opportunities.
Home Caring is proud to celebrate this special time together with our valued clients and communities. From festive gatherings to meaningful conversations we honour the traditions and stories that make this season so special.
✨ How are you celebrating the Year of the Snake? 🐍
Let us know in the comments below!
#lunarnewyear #YearOfTheSnake #HomeCaring
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Don't miss these free cultural and unforgettable events this #AustraliaDay2025 🇦🇺
Home Caring encourages everyone to come together, reflect and commemorate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our beautiful country. While the day may hold various meanings these events focus on unity, understanding and connection.
Tag your friends and make it a weekend to remember! 💛💚
Save this post for all the details and updates ✅
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Emirates is leading the world in accessible travel! Emirates is set to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™! By training over 30,000 staff and enhancing services, they’re making travel seamless for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. 🌍🩵
We applaud their commitment to inclusion which is setting new standards for accessible journeys—because everyone deserves to travel comfortably.
Read more: lnkd.in/gyMyVYRN
#Inclusivity #AccessibleTravel
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Tennis is truly #OPEN4ALL! To celebrate diversity and inclusion this All-Abilities Day, Australian Open has inspiring matches like Wheelchair Tennis, Blind and Low Vision Tennis and more. Home Caring is one with #AO2025 in celebrating and cheering for the incredible talent of athletes with disabilities! 🏆
#allabilitiesday #Inclusivity #AustralianOpen
Image credits: ausopen.com
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