COTA Australia’s submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into the Support at Home Program supports the program’s rights-based objectives, but argues it is not yet reliably delivering timely, affordable and person-centred support for older Australians.
Long waits, interim funding, higher prices, confusing contracts, restricted provider choice and inconsistent assessments are reducing access to essential services and undermining confidence. These problems are particularly serious for people with declining health, fixed or low incomes, complex needs or limited service options, and can increase pressure on carers, hospitals and residential aged care.
COTA Australia calls for faster access to care, including a 30-day waiting benchmark; stronger assessment and reassessment processes with professional judgement; enforceable pricing and consumer protections; simpler hardship assistance; genuine self-management and multiple-provider choice; better access to assistive technology and home modifications; and stronger regional and specialist service planning. We also seek a clear reform timetable for entry-level home support that protects continuity of existing services.