Commission ushers in new era for quality of care

The independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission began operating yesterday, giving seniors and their families increased peace of mind.

A quality and safety website and a single contact number for local aged care concerns and queries is now operational for the independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

THE independent Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission began operating yesterday, giving Sunshine Coast seniors and their families increased peace of mind around standards of care.

Along with the launch comes a quality and safety website and a single contact number for local aged care concerns and queries.

Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien said the new commission was a landmark Liberal National Government aged care reform and would better target sub-standard care and ensure the safety and security of local seniors.

"For the first time, local seniors and their loved ones have one place to go when they need help, want to raise a concern, or access information about an aged care service.

"The new commission is particularly relevant to the Sunshine Coast, which has one of the highest concentrations of older Australians. At the last census, 20.9 per cent of the Sunshine Coast population was aged over 65, compared to just 15.2 per cent for Queensland and 15.8 per cent for the entire country.

"While the vast majority of aged care homes and their dedicated staff provide outstanding care, the new commission is about giving confidence to residents and their families and ensuring quality care is delivered at all times.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can be contacted on 1800 951 822 or by visiting agedcarequality .gov.au.