The Federal Government’s decision to expand clinical care supports to include showering, dressing and continence management, corrects a problem that should never have existed, says Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia.
COTA Australia Acting CEO, Corey Irlam, welcomed the decision saying it reflects what COTA Australia, and older people have been calling for since before the program started.
“This morning’s announcement is a welcome step. Basic care like showering should never have been treated as an optional extra in aged care,” Mr Irlam said.
“Returning crucial supports like showering and dressing into clinical care, where they are fully Government funded, is a welcome ‘win’ for older people.
“It removes the price tag anxiety many older people have raised with their MPs and puts the focus back on the person and the care they need.”
Mr Irlam said COTA Australia was disappointed older people would still be footing the bill until October but was pleased that Ministers Rae and Butler listened to the concerns of older people and their families.
“As a member of the Aged Care Taskforce and at every opportunity since, we’ve called for showering to be recognised as part of clinical support, just like in hospital,” Mr Irlam said.
“We thank Ministers Butler and Rae for acting on what they’ve heard from older people. This will make a real difference to older Australians who’ve had to choose whether they could afford a shower.
Mr Irlam said today’s announcement doesn’t solve all the problems facing aged care. COTA Australia will be watching for further decisions, in Minister Butler’s national press club speech at 12:30 today and in the 12 May budget. COTA wants to understand how consumer protections such as price caps would be strengthened to ensure a fair go for older people.
“While today’s reported $1 billion budget commitment on showering, dressing and continence management is a very important change that will make a real difference to the lives of older people, there’s still more to do in aged care.
“We look forward to further details on how the government will address the growing pressures in aged care, including capping price increases, reducing administrative costs such as the requirement to bill all services through a single provider, and strengthening consumer protections so older Australians are treated fairly.
“COTA is ready to continue working constructively with the Government to improve the lives of older Australians accessing aged care services.”
Media contact: Tamara Kotoyan, 0430 291 890, [email protected] or Alana Mew, 0419 929 722