Aged care makes welcome return to Health Portfolio

The AMA welcomes the Government’s decision to return responsibility for aged care to the Health portfolio.

AMA President, Professor Brian Owler, said today that aged care has been missing the public and political focus it deserves in recent times.

“It is vital that the health needs of older Australians are considered as a key component of the broader health policy debate, and it is fitting that aged care is back with the Health Minister,” Professor Owler said.

“Caring for older Australians, whether they live in residential aged care or independently in their own homes, is an integral part of medical practice.

“Most older Australians have longstanding relationships with their GP, who is best placed to determine which services will work best for their patient.

“Early medical assessment is critical to ensuring that older Australians receive the appropriate support to maintain their level of independence before their social and health situation deteriorates.

“Including the clinical opinion of a patient’s usual treating doctor in the assessment of their care needs, and formulating the care package, should be normal practice. It is currently an optional extra.

“We also need to see improved processes to allow doctors to manage the provision of straightforward care, such as wound care, for older people still living in their own home.

“The aged care sector must be able to provide the level and quality of medical, nursing, and allied health services required to meet the needs of our ageing population.

“The AMA looks forward to engaging with Health Minister Ley on aged care policy priorities at the earliest opportunity,” Professor Owler said.