Spot checks for Victorian aged care homes from today

VICTORIAN nursing homes from today will be subjected to unannounced spot checks by Australia’s new tough aged-care cop, under a plan to unleash more than $100 million to stop the abuse of elderly Australians.

VICTORIAN nursing homes from today will be subjected to unannounced spot checks by Australia’s new tough aged-care cop, under a plan to unleash more than $100 million to stop the abuse of elderly Australians.

The crackdown comes as complaints to authorities about aged-care providers have soared by almost a quarter over the past year.

As the federal government seeks to win back the support of senior Australians, new Prime Minister Scott Morrison has already conceded more needs to be done to support the aged-care system.

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The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will immediately receive an extra $16 million to ramp up its audits and boost its specialist response teams to respond to complaints.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will today reveal the extra funding for the agency, which will conduct random checks on aged-care centres to crack down on shoddy practises.

The government will also bring forward $90 million — including $80 million this financial year — to immediately provide better facilities for older Australians.

Aged-care centres in rural and regional Victoria will be able to access grants of up to $5000 to boost their infrastructure, while $50 million will be available from next week to help aged-care centres prepare for tough new standards

“The overwhelming majority of aged-care providers do the right thing but we recognise some have not been up to scratch,” Mr Hunt said.

“Our message is clear — any organisation or person doing the wrong thing will be found.

“Sub-standard care will not be tolerated, including the option to shut down an operator doing the wrong thing.”

Victorian nursing homes from today will be subjected to unannounced spot checks by Australia’s new tough aged-care cop. Generic picture: iStock

The major reforms are being immediately rolled out to address shocking cases of abuse in aged care facilities., including in Victoria.

Last year 19 Victorian nursing homes failed to meet some of the most basic standards of care — including Marlborough Gardens Hostel, in Heathmont, which was forced to close.

A flu outbreak in Victoria also killed seven people in Wangaratta last year, forcing the federal government intervention to make flu shots compulsory for all staff.

Reports of assaults against elderly Australians rose by 32 per cent last financial year, while complaints about aged care increased by 23 per cent.

Under the reforms, $40 million will be available from today to support aged-care services in regional, rural and remote locations to improve, maintain and expand their infrastructure.

There will also be $50 million from next week to support almost 3000 residential aged-care providers and their staff improve their quality and standards.

The appointment of a new chief clinical adviser will also be brought forward immediately.

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