Royal Commission an opportunity to shape the future
On 16 September, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced the Australian Government’s decision to establish a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and it will be based in Adelaide.
The terms of reference for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety have been released, with the announcement that ‘A key task of the Royal Commission will be to help build a national culture of respect for ageing and older Australians.’
All forms of Commonwealth funded aged care services will be considered with respect to all aspects of quality and safety and future challenges and opportunities.
Richard Hearn, Resthaven former Chief Executive Officer, says, ‘Resthaven welcomes the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. We see it as an opportunity that will ultimately contribute positively to the quality of life and safety of those individuals who receive any form of aged care support.
‘The Royal Commission provides an opportunity for reviewing where we are and where we need to be in the future to accommodate the growing ageing population.’
Across the Limestone Coast, the population is rapidly ageing. According to census data, between 2011–2016, there was a 21% increase in people aged 65 years and over in the region.
‘Most people who live in regional, rural and remote areas, tend to want to stay in their local area as they age, so that they can be close to their families, personal history, and their communities, with access to aged care services when and where they are needed,’ Richard explains.
‘The key priorities for regional and rural areas are workforce supply, sustainable funding, and access to aged care services, including Home Care Packages that aim to support older people to continue living at home longer.’
‘At the heart of this are older individuals, their families, local communities and the continued commitment of a respected, skilled and dedicated workforce.’
‘The Commission’s inquiry includes the challenges and opportunities for delivering accessible, affordable and high quality aged care services and specifically includes these within remote, rural and regional Australia.’
‘When all is considered, I hope an outcome of the Royal Commission will be an acknowledgement that it is of utmost importance the Australian public respects and values the good work of aged care staff, and the importance of this in order to attract people to work in this rapidly growing sector, where workforce is critical. The clear benefit will be the positive and tangible outcome to ensure older individuals receive quality services in their local community.’
Resthaven is a provider of Commonwealth home support services, (Home Care Packages, Commonwealth Home Support Programme services, Veterans’ Home Care, and Veterans’ Community Nursing services), retirement living options, as well as high quality residential aged care at Mount Gambier and eleven other South Australian locations.