Aged care: ‘Who’s looking out for these people?’

Carer hopes to shine a light on care programs at an aged care inquiry in Mackay today

INQUIRY: A Mackay carer, pictured, hopes today's public hearing as part of the inquiry into aged care, end-of-life, palliative care and voluntary assisted dying will expose the complications being faced by those who are navigating home care packages.

A MACKAY carer hopes today's public hearing as part of the inquiry into aged care, end-of-life, palliative care and voluntary assisted dying will expose the complications being faced by those navigating home care packages.

The carer, who looks after her 99-year-old sister-in-law at home, has queried several billing charges an aged care service provider has made through the home care package program.

The Federal Government program provides a subsidy to an approved provider to co-ordinate a package of care, services and case management to meet the individual needs of older Australians.

The Mackay woman, who is a registered full-time carer with Carers Queensland, has asked not to be identified while an investigation is underway into the alleged overcharging.

This includes several visits where she claims her sister-in-law was charged for 45 minutes of care when she only received 30 minutes.

She said others receiving home care may not be in the position of being able to understand their home package statements or have family members to query charges made to their account.

"Lots of people don't understand these statements, I didn't for a while until I could see that some things just weren't right," she said.

"Who is looking out for these people receiving care at home if they don't have a family member doing that? Is there a body that checks in and asks if everything is alright?"

The Daily Mercury also contacted Carers Queensland for comment.

 

READ MORE: It's time to talk about death in Mackay

 

Today's public hearing in Mackay will be one of the last regional hearings Queensland Parliament's Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee will hold before is must report on the inquiry on March 31, 2020.

The hearing will involve representatives from the Mackay Hospital and Health Service and registered speakers including Mackay councillor Martin Bella and Dr Ciara Ross.

Committee chair Aaron Harper said aged care had huge implications for state and territory governments.

"There are people waiting in Queensland hospital beds now who can't get a place in an aged care home or can't get the home care package they need to live in their own homes," Mr Harper said.

"We have also been tasked with gauging public opinion on whether voluntary assisted dying should be allowed in Queensland.

"We are seeking the views of all Queenslanders on this important issue and look forward to hearing what the people of Mackay have to say."

The hearing will be held at Magpies Sporting Club on Tuesday, October 29 from 12pm to 3pm.

Those wishing to address the committee at this hearing or be in attendance should register here.

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