THE aged care industry has been in the news for months due to a slew of scandals, including claims of resident abuse, neglect, and even death.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only made the industry’s problems worse.
The Federal Government and the Opposition have been exchanging jabs over who is to blame for the problem as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety prepares to submit its final report later this year.
The Federal Government has been swiftly accused of neglecting the sector and failing to give enough financing and oversight by the Opposition.
Anthony Albanese, the leader of the Labor Party, has called for a comprehensive reform of the elderly care system, including more cash for training and staffing as well as tighter regulations.
However, the Federal Government has hit back, accusing the opposition of playing politics and failing to acknowledge the steps it has taken to address the crisis.
Aged Care Minister, Richard Colbeck, has defended the government’s record, citing the $1.6 billion in additional funding for the sector announced in the last budget.
In spite of what the government asserts, the aged care crisis is still present. More than 70% of aged care providers, many of whom struggle to hire and retain employees, are found to be operating at a loss, according to a recent survey by the Aged Care Guild.
Both political parties will need to develop specific measures to deal with the problems afflicting the elderly care industry as the release of the Royal Commission’s final report approaches.
The aged care facility occupants are not the only ones impacted by the problem; their family and the larger community are as well.
