The aged care industry says the current funding model and more complex care needs mean rising costs are outstripping funding, even before an overhaul likely to come out of the royal commission.
Horrifying vision of elderly people being abused in aged care homes was the catalyst which sparked the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.Representatives of the not-for-profit sector say costs are outstripping funding in aged careAlready-falling shares in the listed aged care providers took a further hit when the commission was announced
"If we are to employ more staff to deliver the care that we want to deliver, that the community expects, and the workforce wants to provide, then we are going to need to see increased funding for that to occur," said Patricia Sparrow, the chief executive of Aged & Community Services Australia — a body representing not-for-profit aged care providers.Thanks to Australia's ageing population, demand for aged care is booming.
"In terms of the change to the level of complexity of the needs that people have, and also the way that the funding works, that means that costs are outstripping the funding that's provided," Ms Sparrow explained. "Looking at the package together, I think it's moved into an area where it's financially unsustainable."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Low morale, bullying' at aged care home where maggots were found in resident's head woundA former employee of an aged care facility in regional NSW has spoken about the dramatic change that took place when the facility's management was taken over by the international healthcare group, Bupa.
Read more »
'King of the surf guitar' Dick Dale dies aged 81Dick Dale, who became known as king of the surf guitar with a sound that he said recreated what he heard in his head while riding the waves, dies at the age of 81.
Read more »
Warnings of visits to aged-care homes as summer flu rates skyrocketPeople with the symptoms of flu are being urged not to visit elderly relatives following a surge of summer flu outbreaks at NSW aged-care facilities | Kaubo
Read more »
Aged care worker found guilty of bashing Adelaide dementia patient | Sky News AustraliaAn aged care worker has been found guilty of bashing a dementia patient in his care at an Adelaide nursing home. \n\nMichael Mullen, 55, claims the 77-year-old woman received the injuries from a fall.\n\nMullen is due to reappear in court in April before being sentenced.\n\n\n\n\n\n
Read more »
'I felt blackmailed': heavy-handed tactics in the aged care industryOne registered nurse managing in-home care had 120 patients, leaving her with little time for individuals.
Read more »
'Deepest and darkest depression': Aged care royal commission hears of struggles of dementia patientsA home care package provider sent untrained staff and charged soaring management fees to a woman with rare dementia, a royal commission has heard.
Read more »
Former Aussie swimmer dies aged 26Former Australian world silver medal-winning swimmer Kenneth To, has died aged 26 after becoming ill during training in Florida.
Read more »
Former Australian swimmer Kenneth To dies aged 26Swimmer Kenneth To, who won medals for Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, dies in hospital after authorities said he was began feeling unwell during a training camp in Florida.
Read more »
Mosman pool: Knox Grammar graduate and swimming instructor charged with child sexual abuseA 20-year-old swimming instructor and Knox alumni will spend at least the next week behind bars, after allegedly sexually abusing two pupils, aged six and eight, at Mosman Swim School
Read more »
Axe seized after man dies in Sydney 'car crash fight'An axe has been seized after two men, one aged in his 70s, had a fatal brawl following a car crash in Cabramatta West last night
Read more »