Aged-care navigator trial becalmed

A trial into aged-care system navigators has been extended by another six months, despite findings that the program is a success.

Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck says the pilot had been extended to provide support while the royal commission was under way. Picture: Gary Ramage

An online system shown to help vulnerable Australians more easily access aged-care services will not made a permanent fixture for months, despite the Morrison government finding it had boosted the confidence of its mostly elderly users.

A trial of the aged-care navigator — sparked by concerns that the My Aged Care website was too difficult to use and not suitable for older people — began in February 2019, but has since been extended until June this year.

Opposition aged-care spokeswoman Julie Collins seized on the delay in officially rolling out the navigator, saying it did not bode well for how speedily the Morrison government would act on the royal commission into aged care’s recommendations when they are delivered next month.

The Aged Care System Navigator trials involve the testing of different models designed to help elderly and vulnerable Australians to understand the aged-care system and what services are available to meet their needs.

The program is tailored towards those who face barriers to accessing aged-care services.

“The trials commenced in February 2019 and have been extended until 30 June, 2021,” a response to a question on notice said. “The majority of navigator service users surveyed reported their participation in trial activities had improved their knowledge of the aged-care system and how to access it, and felt more confident accessing services.”

Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck said the pilot had been extended to provide support while the royal commission was under way.

“The department recognises the importance of aligning any future program design with the royal commission recommen­dations, due to be handed down in February 2021,” he said.

“The extension to the pilot will allow the outcomes of the royal commission to be taken into account when making decisions on how to best support people to navigate aged care and provide additional data and service delivery options that take into account the impact of COVID-19 in ­accessing face-to-face support.”

Ms Collins on Wednesday asked why it was not being immediately rolled out across the country. “The rollout of these navigators was first recommended almost four years ago — it takes this government far too long to act on the advice of experts,” she said.

“This is deeply concerning with the aged care royal commission set to deliver its final report in just weeks.”

Four trials are being conducted by 29 different services led by the Council on the Ageing.