Please Australia, we must demand better life for our elderly
A progressive country is judged on how it treats its vulnerable - in Australia, we need to do better - much better.
Opinion
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A HEARTBREAKING story out of Perth over the weekend about a couple married for 68 years forced to separate because of our country's sub-par treatment of its elderly.
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Aged care red tape is keeping this couple, both in their 80s, apart, though they are begging to be reunited.
One can only imagine how frightened and devastated they are. One look at their faces says it all.
As a wealthy and progressive country we must demand better for our elderly.
In our letters section tomorrow our political leader are derided for failing to address the financial struggles of Australia's 2.4 million aged pensioners.
It says neither major party has policies in place to care for the older generation.
What a disgrace. Of course, both parties will counter with "but we have" - but is it enough? What is their plan, exactly? The success of a nation should not be judged on the pay packets of its politicians and CEOs, but on how it treats its vulnerable.
Solid policy work needs to be done in this area. Couples should not be forced to separate. Aged care facilities should have higher minimum qualified nurses. There should be "snap" inspections more often and facilities should cop harsher penalties for not caring for their residents to a higher prescribed level.
Families not happy with their loved one's treatment should complain, be loud, go to the media and force the change in attitude that needs to happen.
Originally published as Please Australia, we must demand better life for our elderly
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