CEO Opinion: Interim Report into Aged Care Quality & Safety

Resthaven CEO, Richard Hearn, shares his thoughts on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Interim Report.

On Thursday 31 October, the Interim Report into Aged Care Quality and Safety by the Royal Commissioners was released.

This interim report confirms the need for significant structural, financial and workforce reform in the aged care sector.

We have been advocating for reform for years, acknowledging that appropriate resourcing is fundamental to a sustainable industry that offers best practice quality and safety in aged care.

Yes, there have been failings in the industry, and this is not acceptable. But I am incredibly proud of the great service, and support Resthaven staff provide and will continue to provide.

We have actively contributed our views and ideas to the Commission for improvement and actively participate so that we can ensure quality, sustainable aged care services into the future.

The Commission’s three urgent areas of action related to reducing the Home Care packages waitlist for high care need individuals, ensuring there is minimal reliance on chemical restraint, and finding options for younger people outside of aged care. These are all consistent with matters we see as important outcomes.

However, we continue to raise the critical need for the Government to respond to making the resources required for sustaining residential aged care services and lifting staff hours. This cannot wait until after the Commission’s final report, which is due at the end of November 2020.

At Resthaven, across all of our sites and in people’s homes, we continue to be served by dedicated and outstanding individuals in their care and support of older people and their carers each and every day. This is good and important work, making a valuable contribution to the quality of people’s lives.

Richard Hearn
Former Resthaven Chief Executive Officer