Federal Government Recognises Aged Care Needs
The Australian Medical Association today congratulated the Federal Government for some of its Budget initiatives for aged care but stressed the need for more funding for projects associated with education and training within aged care.
AMA Chair of the Committee on Care of the Older People, Dr Gerald Segal, said the $11.7m towards residential aged care accreditation was vital.
"The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, by further developing rapid response teams and expanding the investigation of complaints with this additional funding, will now be more effective and will also ensure better accountability within Australia's aged care facilities," Dr Segal said.
"It has been clear in recent times that greater scrutiny and monitoring is needed and the Federal Government has responded accordingly and should be congratulated.
"The $30.8m for adjustment grants for rural aged care facilities would help to boost a very neglected sector in Australia.
"This funding will help to improve the quality of aged care standards in the rural sector, and ensure that older Australians can live closer to their families rather than be uprooted and distressed by moving to city facilities.
"Rural aged care facilities will also benefit from the government's subsidisation of accreditation fees for smaller facilities.
"However, it is hoped that the Federal Government will recognise the need to pilot models for Teaching Aged Care Facilities which will assist with education, training and research for carers, staff of aged care facilities and all the various health care professions associated with aged care," Dr Segal said.