Anthony Albanese says there must be a crackdown on ‘unscrupulous’ aged care homes
Aged care homes should be ranked by a ratings system to help families choose the best option, says Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
NSW
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Aged care homes should be ranked by a ratings system to help families choose the best option, and facilities without staff qualified to care for dementia patients should be stripped of accreditation, says Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
Mr Albanese will argue the aged care sector needs “serious investment” in the upcoming federal budget, in a major speech on Thursday foreshadowing Labor’s own health priorities.
“The aged care system … needs a crackdown on unscrupulous providers who put their financial comfort above the interests of older Australians in their care,” he will say.
Mr Albanese will say it is time for “comprehensive reform” and “ongoing transparency” including a ratings system so families can make an informed decision about where to send their loved ones for care.
“The outcome of the Royal Commission into Aged Care was a shame on our nation — a national embarrassment,” he will say.
“The idea that our most vulnerable citizens are being neglected; of maggots crawling out from underneath bandages, and our own parents and grandparents being malnourished, is incomprehensible in 21st century Australia.”
Mr Albanese will say Labor believes “dignity in our final years” is a “birthright”.
“A Labor government under my leadership will rebuild our broken aged care sector,” he will say.
“Tackling the workforce challenges will be front and centre.”
In particular Mr Albanese will highlight the need for specialised dementia care in nursing homes.
“More than half of aged care residents (suffer from dementia),” he will say.
“The condition is difficult to manage. And resources are inadequate.
“Without comprehensive reform of the way we manage dementia we face a massive and continuing impact on the productivity of women, who are primarily the carers of ageing relatives.”
Mr Albanese said “key actions needed” include requiring dementia care as part of the formal training for doctors, nurses and aged care workers, and expanding dementia carer dog programs as a way to help more older Australians say in their homes.
“Aged care providers must demonstrate they are competent and capable of caring for older Australians with dementia,” he will say.
The federal government is expected to respond to the recommendations in the Aged Care Royal Commission in next Tuesday’s Budget.
However it has already ruled out implementing an “aged care levy” to help pay for any measures.
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