When the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety report was released last month it admitted its examination of systemic problems in the aged care system painted “a gloomy picture” that required “significant change”.
“Many of the people and institutions in the aged care sector want to deliver the best possible care to older people, but are overwhelmed, underfunded or out of their depth,” the report stated.
In its recommendations for a new aged care system moving forward the report called for a new Act, a new purpose and new principles that “placed people at the centre of aged care” and was based on the “entitlement” to the support and care required by each individual.
After seeing numerous reviews in her 22 years in the industry Noosa Care CEO Megan D’Elton said she felt positive this Royal Commission would bring changes to improve the industry.
“So many people have been affected by neglect and abuse,” she said.
“We want to see change. We want people to be held accountable.”
Ms D’Elton said while Noosa Care prided itself on the exceptional care it gave its residents and their facilities did not have a systemic problem, everybody in the industry was “tarred with the same brush”. “We’re all put into a category that we are all abusers,” she said.
“That’s been hard for staff to read. We have to help staff work through that. We know our community can trust in us and we have a good reputation. They are delivering care and forming special relationships.”
Ms D’Elton said the report had raised issues she had previously acknowledged that staff in aged care were generally underpaid and under-resourced.
She said while Noosa Care paid above award wages she would like to see additional funding to increase their hourly rate.
Ms D’Elton said a cultural change was needed that involved the whole community.
“It’s important we have education for the public,” she said.
The changes will not be immediate, however with the Commission indicating the recommendations be adopted through a five-year plan.
