JUST 12 short months ago we were shocked and appalled by the images we saw in the
media. Sixty-eight older people evacuated by police and ambulance from an aged-care home, whose sole purpose was to provide care for vulnerable residents.
Our shock was heightened …. it was here, right here on our doorstep. The images from Earle Haven were beyond belief. We asked ourselves how could this happen. We asked government for an explanation.
Government responded quickly. Not with one inquiry, but two. Commonwealth and state governments established inquiries.
The Aged Care Royal Commission and Joint Queensland Parliamentary Committee also expanded the scope of their inquiries to seek an answer.
Fast forward 12 months and we expect that it is all sorted.
For those at the coal face we know that this is not the case. The aged-care system is fundamentally broken. There is still much to do if we are to have an aged-care system we are proud of.
SHOCK REPORT INTO AGED CARE ABUSE REVEALS EXTENT OF ELDER ABUSE
Sadly, Earle Haven is not a fairytale story with a happily ever after ending. Inquiries found systemic failures. Families experienced significant disruption. Vulnerable older residents found themselves living in new environments, at times far away from the families who supported them.
On a positive note, what happened at Earle Haven has sharpened governments’ resolve. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission stepped up. It has become less tolerant of poor behaviour.
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With the arrival of COVID-19, reform has slowed. Focus has rightly turned to keeping vulnerable older Australians in aged care safe. The recommendations of the inquiries have been lost in the pandemic.
The findings from the Royal Commission will not be released until February 2021. Those of us supporting older people in aged care are keen to ensure that momentum for reform is not lost.
As citizens we must all demand reform. Older Australians have rights. We all want to be safe and well supported as we age.
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