Pensioners welcome aged care proposals, but see them as only a start

“CPSA welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthen the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme (CIS). However, CPSA warns against a return to the previous scheme, where complaints were merely mediated often with no resolution at all,” said Charmaine Crowe, CPSA Policy Coordinator.

“Serious complaints must be thoroughly investigated. Complainants need to know that their complaint will not simply be referred back to the home in question for internal review, which has happened in the past.”

“More importantly, action needs to be taken against homes which, and individuals who, have failed in their duties to protect the rights and wellbeing of residents.”

“CPSA notes that the handling of aged care bonds by homes will be subject to tighter regulation. While welcome, given the $9 billion of residents’ bonds held by aged care facilities, is this a move to soften the electorate for the introduction of high care bonds?”

“CPSA opposes bonds because of the financial hardship they impose on older people needing care. Commonwealth subsidies should be reviewed to make sure they cover the cost of care.”

“CPSA also welcomes moves to increase GP visits to nursing homes, which will not only reduce unnecessary trips to hospital, but hopefully improve healthcare in nursing homes.”

“Increased investment to free up hospital beds through transitional aged care places is a good move, as is provision of Consumer Directed Care places to give older people greater autonomy with regards to the care they receive.”

“Development of a single point of access for aged care information will be of great benefit to older people and their families seeking information of local aged care services.”

“CPSA supports additional funding for rural and remote community care services.”

“Whilst these reforms are important steps, CPSA calls for increased funding to Home and Community Care services, especially in NSW where current funding fails to meet demand.”

“The Australian Government should also aim to increase transparency in the way that Commonwealth subsidies to aged care providers are spent, by bringing back publication of Audited Financial Reports of homes.”

“Aged care staffing shortages and lack of pay parity for aged care nurses must be addressed by the Australian Government if we are to meet the care needs of older people.”

“CPSA calls for mandatory staff-to-resident ratios, combined with appropriate skill mixes in aged care facilities to ensure that all facilities have adequate numbers of suitably qualified staff on duty at all times.”

Media contact: 0410 612 182

Charmaine Crowe
Policy Coordinator
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010
Phone (02) 9281 3588
Mob 0410 612 182
Fax (02) 9281 9716