Change over time

I was reminiscing with two former residential aged care managers about the changes we have seen over the past 30 years.

We reflected that many people who comment about aged care homes may not have visited one for many years, and have a stereotypical view of what a ‘nursing home’ is today.

We agreed that no one looks forward to becoming frail and dependent. It’s always been typical for people to say, “I never want to move into a nursing home”, nor have they wished someone visit their house to provide care.

Yet aged care homes are critically important, should such a significant need arise. Residential aged care is currently the government’s priority model of service for individuals needing 24 hour high level care.  Clearly, government’s priority has been, and continues to be, out of step with community expectations in that thousands of individuals could continue to remain in their home much longer if a suitable home care package was available when and where required.

Reflecting further on changes over these decades, there have been many and gradual improvements over time, such as the distinction between high and low level care being consolidated, so that individuals can ‘age in place’. Today, the frailty and acuity levels of individuals who move into an aged care home are significantly higher – as is the percentage living with dementia. Whilst staff development and clinical care have increased, a major need today is for additional resources to sustain and (hopefully) increase staffing levels as individual needs increase.

Quality of accommodation has improved in line with community expectations of care and today is substantially better, such as offering single rooms with ensuites, rather than shared wards and bathrooms. Smaller and more intimate dining and lounge areas with a focus on individual needs have also been areas of improvement. People are supported to continue to engage in the community as their interest and capability allow.

An aspect that has not changed over 30 years is the value of relationships with family, friends and neighbours, the importance of visiting and keeping in touch as an individual becomes more frail. Another is the good work and contribution of incredibly caring and skilled staff and volunteers.

A challenge is to encourage many more people to work in aged care as our population ages and service needs significantly increase. For this to occur, the community and government must give greater recognition to, and value this important work.

Opinion piece by Richard Hearn
Chief Executive Officer
Resthaven Incorporated