When the Albanese government took office, they pledged to “fix the aged care crisis.” Two years later, this crisis is not only unresolved but worsening.
The Home Care Package queue has swelled from 49,717 in June 2022 to 59,751 by March 30 this year. Waiting times have increased, particularly for higher-level packages. While those needing the lowest level (Level 1) wait less than a month, Level 2 applicants face 3-6 month waits, Level 3 applicants up to a year, and those requiring the highest care level up to nine months.
In residential care, the government’s promise to have a nurse on-site 24/7 in every home by July 1, 2023, and to ensure residents receive 215 care minutes per day (with at least 40 minutes of direct care from a registered nurse) is falling short. Recent data reveals less than half of aged care homes meet these care minute requirements.
The introduction of aged care star ratings in December 2022 aimed to enhance transparency. These ratings assess homes on resident experience, staffing, quality, and compliance. However, the reliability of these ratings is questionable, with some homes on the non-compliance register receiving high ratings.
In June 2023, the government formed the aged care taskforce to provide expert advice on funding arrangements and equitable system improvements. The taskforce’s report, submitted in December 2023, offered 23 recommendations. In March, Aged Care Minister Anika Wells acknowledged the system’s stress, emphasizing the need for change to ensure dignified, high-quality care for all Australians.
Despite bipartisan support for reform, as indicated by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in May 2023, the government has yet to announce which taskforce recommendations will be implemented. Meanwhile, industry reports from Stewart Brown highlight that half of aged care homes are operating at a loss, with projections indicating up to 75% could be financially unsustainable by FY29 without reform.
The impending introduction of a new Aged Care Act on July 1 next year leaves critical questions unanswered about funding responsibilities between the government and individuals. Achieving meaningful aged care reform involves more than just addressing fees and funding; it’s about ensuring senior Australians receive timely, quality care through fair means testing arrangements.
With the demand from an aging population rising, delays in aged care reform push us backward, exacerbating the crisis rather than maintaining the status quo.
The original article, written by principal of Aged Care Gurus, Rachel Lane, appeared in the The Canberra Times.
