Aged care in Cairns and Far North Queensland is set for the biggest generational change in history.
The Morrison Government last night announced a $17.7 billion package of support for aged care in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
These measures will directly benefit the 20,743 senior Australians living in the Leichhardt electorate.
Five key pillars of aged care reform will be implemented over five years
1. Home care – supporting senior Australians who choose to remain in their own home.
2. Residential aged care services and sustainability – improving and simplifying residential aged care services and access.
3. Residential aged care quality and safety – improving residential aged care quality and safety.
4. Workforce – supporting and growing a better skilled care workforce.
5. Governance – new legislation and stronger governance.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said this is a turning point for senior Australians and their families, loved ones, carers and aged care workers in Cairns and Far North Queensland.
He said it is our duty and responsibility to give every Far North Queenslander the care they need in their later years.
“These aged care reforms are centred around respect, care and dignity,” Mr Entsch said.
“Aged care will be simpler to navigate, with new face-to-face services to help people access care.
“Senior Australians will benefit from more one-on-one care, better assessments to determine care needs, and support that adjusts as a persons’ care needs change.
“More Far North Queenslanders will be supported to age at home, if they choose to do so, with better connections to their community.
“Funding for home packages is being significantly increased, and a new support at home program will be designed with senior Australians and stakeholders that is responsive to the changing nature of care and the needs of senior Australians.
“The Morrison Government’s reforms will deliver improvements in residential care, with a better funding model and increased transparency, and better support for rural, regional and remote, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and vulnerable senior Australians.
Mr Entsch said senior Australians would see significant reforms as part of the multi-billion-dollar package.
“Senior Australians will see a fundamental improvement in the quality, safety, accessibility and equity of aged care services,” he said.
“Services will be delivered by better governed providers, who are subject to enhanced monitoring, enforcement and regulation.
“Senior Australians will also be empowered to have more control and choice over the care services they need.”
Mr Entsch said the reform package was positive for the aged care workforce and providers.
“The reforms will see Australia’s aged care workforce grow, while being upskilled and better supported to be the compassionate and professional carers that aged care needs,” he said.
“This will be a workforce that puts the needs, preferences and dignity of senior Australians first.
“Aged care providers and the workforce will find funding is more transparent, with better reporting back to government, to senior Australians themselves and their families.”
Further information about what the reforms mean for you or your loved ones can be found at www.health.gov.au/aged-care-reforms
