Residents share aged care horror stories for commission

'No explanation' for treatment to elderly submitted to royal commission by Fairfax Member.

Ted O'Brien makes public a submission to the Aged Care Royal Commission during an address at his Fairfax Seniors' Forum. Picture: Contributed

LONG waiting lists, lack of communication and inappropriate levels of care were the main issues for Sunshine Coast aged care residents submitted to the royal commission.

Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien used his annual Seniors' Forums to listen to concerned residents and compile a comprehensive list of the key issues to be submitted to the Aged Care Royal Commission.

"It was quite apparent that older Sunshine Coast residents and their families are worried about the availability and quality of aged care places and information services," he said.

"Their stories were upsetting and highlighted problems with the Aged Care system and also the fears of senior citizens about getting older and how they will be cared for in facilities."

CARE: Ted O'Brien talks with attendees at his Fairfax Seniors Forum at Bli Bli. Picture: Contributed

The 20-page submission highlighted four main concerns which included the lack of availability on service packages, difficult communication techniques and an inappropriate level of care for different types of clients.

It also included concerns of staff rations, qualifications and suitability for jobs in aged care.

Fairfax encompassed 1,768 residential aged care places, 44 short term restorative care places and 68 transition care places.

Fairfax MP, Ted O'Brien meets with Ailsa Watson and Anne Ridd at his Fairfax Seniors' Forum today. Picture: Contributed

Mr O'Brien said from the feedback he received it was prominent the aged care industry was often sought after by people trying to get back into the workforce with no desire for aged care.

He said the problems raised were systemic but, on a personal note, he said Australia also needed to undergo a "cultural shift" in the way we treat our elderly.

"There is no rational explanation for why we might treat our elderly citizens with less reverence, care and attention than we bestow on helpless newborns," he said.

Mr O'Brien said the Federal Government was proud of its legacy supporting older Australians but acknowledged there was room for improvement.