Commonwealth Crack Down on Home Care Providers and Long Waiting Lists

Last night, the ABC’s 7:30 program aired a story about the long wait people needing a Home Care Package (HCP) could expect and the Government crackdown on providers who do not meet the standards of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission describes it’s role as a protector of the health and safety, well-being and quality of life for those receiving Australian Government funded aged care. The Commission also monitors and registers service providers subsidised by the Australian Government and has the power to place sanctions on providers who do not meet the Commission’’s standards. The Commision is also available to assist with any complaints you may have with your HCP provider.

According to the My Aged Care website: “A home care package is a coordinated package of care and services to help you to live independently in your own home for as long as you can.” If you do not already have a package, your first step is to register with My Aged Care who will assess your needs.

The Federal Government currently provide 23,000 packages a week and acknowledged this is not enough, while describing the situation as impossible to quickly fix. Another $1.8 billion has been committed in forward estimates to fund Home Care Packages.

If you’d like to view the 7:30 story, please follow the link and to read further reporting from the ABC on this story click here.

Other links you may find useful:

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

My Aged Care

Cooking for the Homeless: Aged Care Residents using skills to help others

ABC aired a report last night (15/8/18) on 7:30 with Leigh Sales - about the residents of Blue Mountains residential facility, Uniting Springwood, who are helping to prepare meals for their local homeless community. Some of the residents also volunteer to serve meals.

An initiative of Uniting Springwood and Mama Lana's Community Foundation, this project has given the residents a renewed purpose and welcome feelings of achievement and giving. They really enjoyed the opportunity to be the givers of care rather than the ones always receiving care. The homeless community are delighted to be eating a home cooked meal with the opportunity to meet and thank those involved.

This program shows that everybody has something to contribute, especially our elderly. The residents of Uniting Springwood, like a lot of our elderly in residential care, have decades of cooking experience and other skills which are underutilised.  

To see more of this heartwarming story, click the link below.

Source: ABC 7:30

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/the-aged-care-residents-cooking-for-the-homeless/10124714